HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Quality Committee Minutes 10-09-2019Approved Minutes Page 1 of 3 Regular Meeting of October 9, 2019
Approved Minutes
Environmental Quality Committee Meeting
October 9, 2019
Chair Prokop called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee to
order at 7:04 p.m. in the Medicine Lake Room of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on
October 9, 2019.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Marita Prokop, Marky Williamson, Paul Senne, Clark Gregor, Laura
Babcock.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Andy Polzin, Council Member Nick Roehl.
STAFF PRESENT: Interim Water Resources Manager Ben Scharenbroich, City Engineer Chris
LaBounty
Public Forum
Steve Japs, 4570 Weston Lane North, wanted information about the Environmental Quality
Committee charter, how the topics of discussion are chosen, and how to become a member of the
committee.
Approval of Agenda
Motion was made by Committee Member Williamson and seconded by Committee Member
Gregor, to approve the Agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Consent Agenda
Motion was made by Committee Member Gregor and seconded by Committee Member
Williamson, to adopt the Consent Agenda that included the following items:
(4.1) Approve July 10, 2019 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes
(4.2) Approve September 11, 2019 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes
With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
Approved Minutes Page 2 of 3 Regular Meeting of October 9, 2019
General Business
(5.1) 2020 Environmental Quality Committee Work Plan
Interim Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich presented a proposed 2020 work plan for the
Environmental Quality Committee. He explained the first seven items are standard procedures,
required to be discussed every year. The additional topics listed are for the EQC’s consideration,
and include items of interest to the committee, as well as topics suggested by city staff.
Scharenbroich asked for the committee’s feedback on the topics.
City Engineer Chris LaBounty proposed a change to keep the schedule of topics flexible.
Committee member Gregor stated he would like to add topics such as reviewing city efficiencies
and reducing carbon footprint. He also stated he would like to help the City Council form a
vision for environmental action.
Committee Member Williamson noted that certain topics have deadlines and would require
scheduling for specific dates. Interim Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich agreed that
some topics will be date specific. Williamson also talked about the Metro Environment
Commission Conference she and Committee Member Polzin attended in the spring. She said it
was very informational and she would like to see other EQC members attend the conference.
Committee Member Senne stated he would like to dig deeper on specific topics.
Committee Member Spoonheim expressed wanting to do more than just review topics, he would
like to do more involved work that will enhance the city’s operations and impact the
environment. He suggested the following topics: look at what environmental and economic
opportunities are not being achieved, CO2, and water quality concerns. He would like to pick
two or three strategic themes that align with the City Council and staff availability.
Chair Prokop was in agreement with the topics of environmental education programming and
invasive species. She also talked about CO2 emissions and stated that although that is an
important topic, it is a complicated and complex issue that should be addressed by the county
and the MPCA.
Committee Member Babcock stated she had similar feelings as committee members Senne and
Spoonheim; wanting to dig deeper into topics that can make a difference. She suggested the
following topics: water reporting, greenhouse gasses, recycling commodities and the city
recycling contract, and consistent educational messaging.
City Engineer LaBounty summarized what seems to be the topics of interest to the committee
and made a suggestion to choose specific topics that could be looked at more in depth. Through
continued discussion, the committee decided on the following proposed topics to be presented to
the Council for the EQC 2020 Work Plan: the city’s environmental education program, recycling
and solid waste, energy efficiency, and chloride.
Approved Minutes Page 3 of 3 Regular Meeting of October 9, 2019
(5.2) Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant Program Application
Interim Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich presented the grant application being
submitted to the Met Council for the 2020 Water Rebate Program. He stated that a re-cap of the
2019 Water Efficiency Grant Program will be ready to review at the November EQC meeting.
Future Meeting
November 13, 2019
Adjournment
Chair Prokop adjourned the meeting at 8:52 p.m.