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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.