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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Quality Committee Packet 11-18-2020 CITY OF PLYMOUTH AGENDA Environmental Quality Committee November 18, 2020, 7:00 PM Virtual Meeting 1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 Instructions to participate in virtual Environmental Quality Committee Meeting 2. PUBLIC FORUM – Individuals may address the Committee about any item not contained on the regular agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the Forum. If the full 15 minutes are not needed for the Forum, the Committee will continue with the agenda. The Commission will take no official action on items discussed at the Forum, with the exception of referral to staff for future report. 3. APPROVE AGENDA – Environmental Quality Committee members may add items to the agenda for discussion purposes or staff direction only. The Environmental Quality Committee will not normally take official action on items added to the agenda. 4. CONSENT AGENDA – These items are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Committee member or citizen so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed elsewhere on the agenda. 4.1 Approve October 14, 2020 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes 5. GENERAL BUSINESS 5.1 2021 Environmental Quality Committee Workplan (Scharenbroich) 6. REPORTS AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS 6.1 2020 – 2022 Water Efficiency Rebate Program (Scharenbroich) 7. FUTURE MEETINGS 7.1 December 9, 2020 8. ADJOURNMENT Proposed Minutes Page 1 of 2 Regular Meeting of October 14, 2020 Proposed Minutes Environmental Quality Committee Meeting October 14, 2020 Chair Gregor called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee to order at 7:01 p.m. on October 14, 2020. All present participated remotely, per State Statute 13D.021. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Gregor, Vice Chair Babcock, Committee members Polzin, Neidermeier, Senne, Prokop, and Spoonheim COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Council member Roehl, City Engineer LaBounty, Water Resources Supervisor Scharenbroich, Plymouth Forum Resident Hildania Kristensen 15725 48th Avenue N., addressed the committee about erosion damage on her property. Presentations and Public Information Announcements There were no presentations or public information announcements. Approval of Agenda Motion was made by Committee member Polzin, and seconded by Committee member Senne to approve the agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Consent Agenda Motion was made by Committee member Babcock, and seconded by Committee member Niedermaier to approve the consent agenda that included the following items: 4.1) Approve August 12, 2020 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. General Business 5.1) Chloride Education Plan Proposed Minutes Page 2 of 2 Regular Meeting of October 14, 2020 Water Resources Supervisor Scharenbroich presented the 2020-2021 education plan to review with the committee; this will be presented to homeowners, business owners, property managers, and snow/ice control contractors. Scharenbroich highlighted the Smart Salt workshop as a valuable education event. Committee member Babcock inquired about licensing of the vendors that are Smart Salt trained. City Engineer LaBounty indicated the Watersheds are currently discussing this as part of the MS4 permit. Committee member Niedermaier inquired about offering a recorded presentation of the Smart Salt workshop for residents. Scharenbroich said that may be possible to post a video on the City website. 5.2) 2021 Environmental Quality Committee Work Plan Water Resources Supervisor discussed the potential for developing an environmental citizen’s academy, similar in model to the Plymouth Citizen Academy of the Public Safety Department. He asked the Committee to provide feedback at the next EQC meeting. The Committee briefly discussed several potential topics including gardening, lawn maintenance and fertilizing, water conservation, recycling and composting, etc. Scharenbroich indicated this will be discussed by on the EQC agenda in early 2021. Reports and Staff Recommendations 6.1) 2020-2022 Water Efficiency Rebate Program Water Resources Supervisor gave the most current update of the program: $14,000 of the funds have been granted; 160 devices have been purchased, with a majority being irrigation controllers. Scharenbroich indicates that about 1/3 of the grants have been funded. Future Meetings November 18, 2020 Adjournment Chair Gregor adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE November 18, 2020 Agenda Number: 5.1 To: Environmental Quality Committee Prepared by: Ben Scharenbroich, Water Resources Supervisor Reviewed by: Chris LaBounty, City Engineer Item: 2021 Environmental Quality Committee Work plan 1. ACTION REQUESTED: Review and provide feedback on the 2021 Environmental Quality Committee Work plan 2. BACKGROUND: The City Council established the Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) in 1994 and refined its objectives in 2002 and 2007 through a mission/organization statement. Currently the EQC’s concentration is on familiarity and compliance with federal, state, regional, and local regulations, the review of city policies and ordinances, and recommendations of environmentally related actions to the City Council. The EQC has topics that are required to be discussed each year. The topics for 2021 include: - EQC Refresher & Orientation - Election of Committee Chair and Vice Chair - Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Update - Drop off Day Annual Report - Source Separated Organics Education At their October 14, 2020 meeting, the EQC discussed developing an Environmental Citizens Academy for implementation in 2021. Attached is a draft copy of the work plan based on feedback received by Committee Members at that meeting. 3. BUDGET IMPACT: N/A 4. ATTACHMENTS: City of Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee 2020 Annual Report & 2021 Work Plan CITY OF PLYMOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE 2020 ANNUAL REPORT & 2021 WORK PLAN Approved by EQC: December 9, 2020 Accepted by City Council: ____, 2021 Page 1 of 5 2020 EQC Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2020 2020 ANNUAL REPORT I. INTRODUCTION The City Council established an Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) in 1994 and in 2002 adopted a Mission and Organization Statement to provide guidance for the review, consideration, initiation and recommendation to the City Council such policies, plans or projects which will enhance and preserve the natural environment of the City. The EQC’s scope includes but is not limited to matters of water quality, wetland preservation, ground water protection, solid waste collection and disposal, recycling and reuse programs, ecological preservation, erosion control, and air, noise, and light pollution. The EQC serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council. The Council Coordinating Representative (CCR) is Councilmember Nick Roehl. EQC regular meetings were scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM. Additionally, some members also attended and/or volunteered at special events such as Music in Plymouth and Drop-Off Day. II. POLICY The City Council on January 9, 2007, adopted the following resolution outlining the EQCs objectives, composition, and areas of concentration: POLICY ESTABLISHING PLYMOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MISSION/ORGANIZATION STATEMENT Resolution 2007-028 January 9, 2007 (Supersedes Resolution 2003-317, July 22, 2003; Resolution 2003- 260, May 27, 2003; Resolution 2002-216, January 8, 2002; Resolution 94-4, January 24, 1994; Resolution 95-140, February 21, 1995) Objective The Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee shall review, consider, initiate and recommend to the City Council such policies, plans or projects which will enhance and preserve the natural environment of the City. The Committee's scope shall include, but not necessarily be limited to matters of water quality, wetland preservation, ground water protection, solid waste collection and disposal, recycling and reuse programs, ecological preservation, control of soil erosion and air, noise and light pollution. The Committee shall also review upon request environmental assessment worksheets and environmental impact statements referred to from time by the Planning Commission or City Council. Composition The Committee shall consist of seven members, with one member from each of the city's four wards, and three members at-large. Members shall serve three-year terms, commencing on February 1, subject to a six-year maximum as set forth in Council policy. The Chair shall be selected by the membership. The City Engineer or designee shall provide staff assistance to the Committee. Page 2 of 5 2020 EQC Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2020 Areas of Concentration: To accomplish their objective, the Committee will: 1. Become familiar with state statutes, federal regulations, agency rules, and city ordinances on the subject of issues. Receive information regarding role of Watershed Management Organizations, municipalities, Department of Natural Resources, Army Corps of Engineers and other regulatory agencies on environmental issues. Review related data. 2. Review environmentally related city policies and ordinances and recommend appropriate revisions to the City Council. 3. Recommend actions to the Council for consideration in the city budget to preserve and enhance environmental quality throughout Plymouth. III. 2020 MEMBERSHIP In 2020, the EQC was made up of seven voting representatives. One member represents each city ward (4) and three members served as at-large. Each member is appointed for a three-year term by the City Council. The committee chair and vice-chair are elected annually by the committee members. Committee members for 2020 were: Members Area Member Since Term Expires 1 Marita Prokop Ward 1 12/08/15 1/31/22 2 Andy Polzin Ward 2 12/14/10 1/31/22 3 Joel Spoonheim Ward 3 01/08/19 1/31/23 4 Paul Senne Ward 4 11/09/14 1/31/21 5 Danielle Niedermaier At-Large 12/10/19 1/31/23 6 Clark Gregor¹ At-Large 12/12/17 1/31/21 7 Laura Babcock² At-Large 01/08/19 1/31/21 1. Chair 2. Vice-Chair IV. ACCOMPLISHMENTS In 2020, the EQC continued to concentrate on meeting the objectives set forth in the EQC Mission/Organization statement. The EQC provided oversight and recommendations on the Water Efficiency Rebate Program with funding from the City of Plymouth Water Resource Fund and the Metropolitan Council. As of November 2020, one hundred sixty eight devices served 381 residents and provided assistance with 40 toilets, 34 washing machines and 94 irrigation system upgrades. The estimated amount of water conserved by this program is 2.4 million gallons annually. Additionally the EQC reviewed and recommended the West Medicine Lake Boat launch be permanently closed to the public due to aquatic invasive species concerns. The EQC is committed to leadership in the community. Members pick up trash along Dunkirk Lane from County Road 6 to County Road 24 twice a year through the City’s Adopt-a-Street Program. This year the EQC also adopted and cleaned the storm drains along this stretch of roadway. The EQC also held the City’s annual public hearing around the City’s storm sewer system (MS4) and reviewed staffs progress on activities like chloride management and the completion of a draft ordinance updates on sole source organics. Page 3 of 5 2020 EQC Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2020 Listed below are the areas of concentration for the EQC and activities undertaken in 2020 to accomplish the EQC objectives: AREA OF CONCENTRATION ACTIVITY Familiarity with federal, state, regional, and local regulations 1. The EQC reviewed the City’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program. 2. The EQC review updates to the Hennepin County recycling ordinance. Review of environmentally related city policies and ordinances 1. The EQC participated a public works tour of the City maintenance facility and reviewed the City’s chloride management strategies. 2. The EQC received updates on the Water Efficiency Grant Program through the Metropolitan Council. Recommended actions to the City Council 1. The EQC approved the 2019 Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). 2. The EQC reviewed and made a recommendation to Permanently Close the West Medicine Lake Boat Launch 3. The EQC reviewed and made recommendations on changes to the City’s Trash Refuse Ordinances related to sole source organics recycling. 2020 Public Works Tour on Chloride Management 2019 Music in Plymouth Environmental Education Page 4 of 5 2020 EQC Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2020 2021 ANNUAL PLAN I. 2021 MEMBERSHIP Members Area Member Since Term Expires 1 Marita Prokop Ward 1 12/08/15 1/31/22 2 Andy Polzin Ward 2 12/14/10 1/31/22 3 Joel Spoonheim Ward 3 01/08/19 1/31/23 4 Paul Senne Ward 4 11/09/14 1/31/21 5 Danielle Niedermaier At-Large 12/10/19 1/31/23 6 Clark Gregor¹ At-Large 12/12/17 1/31/21 7 Laura Babcock² At-Large 01/08/19 1/31/21 The EQC encourages students to participate as non-voting guests. The committee will be supported by Councilmember Nick Roehl, and the City Engineer or designee. The Engineering Division will also provide support staff as committee’s recording secretary when necessary. II. 2021 ACTIVITIES In 2021 the EQC will continue to participate in community events and organizational activities that meet the objectives of the EQC Mission/Organization statement. These include: continued participation in Adopt-a-Street, staffing a booth at Music in Plymouth & City Sampler, holding a public hearing on the City’s Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit Reissuance and review of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved TMDL’s as they become available. Additionally, for the year 2021 the EQC has proposed to plan for and establish an environmental citizens academy along with following goals: First, make recommendations on organics and textile collection and support the development of the City’s 2021 education and outreach program around the topic. Second, learn about the City’s current efforts around chloride reduction in street maintenance activities, review and provide recommendations on the City and Watershed education program around reduce salt usage, and support outreach to lake associations on the topic. Third, begin review of drop-off day and recycling program effectiveness and provide recommendations on future efficiency of these programs. A schedule of activities is provided on the following page. Page 5 of 5 2020 EQC Annual Report and 2021 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2020 2021 EQC Schedule of Activities. Meetings will be held in the Medicine Lake Room and will start at 7:00 P.M., unless noted otherwise. Unless specifically noted, all meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month. The following is an anticipated schedule of activities: Month Date Key Topics / Issues January 13 • Environmental Citizens Academy Planning Meeting 1 February 10 • EQC Refresher, Orientation and Organization1 − Open Meeting Law • Election of Committee Chair and Vice Chair • Environmental Citizens Academy Planning Meeting 2 March 10 • Environmental Citizens Academy Planning Meeting 3 April 14 • SWPPP Public Information Meeting² • Environmental Citizens Academy Planning Meeting 4 May 12 • Spring Adopt-a-Street Pick-up Day • Evaluate Drop-off Day 2021 June 9 • Review Draft Education Material on Source Separated Organics July 14 • NO MEETING August 11 • Environmental Citizens Academy Meeting 1 – Topic TBD September 8 • Fall Adopt-a-Street Pick-up Day • Environmental Citizens Academy Meeting 2 – Topic TBD October 13 • Environmental Citizens Academy Meeting 3 – Topic TBD November 10 • 2021 Annual Report & 2022 Work Plan • Environmental Citizens Academy Meeting 4 – Topic TBD December 8 • Approve 2021 Annual Report & 2022 Work Plan TBD OTHER ACTIVITIES: • TMDL & MS4 Permit Review as Applicable • Music in Plymouth, TBD, at the Hilde Amphitheater • Special Collection Day 1. EQC Orientation – Orientation will familiarize the members of the EQC with City policies, practices, member responsibility, and the Annual Plan. 2. SWPPP Update – The EQC will review and comment on the City’s SWPPP including the required incorporation of TMDL goals if approved by EPA.