The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutEnvironmental Quality Committee Packet 10-09-2019 CITY OF PLYMOUTH AGENDA Environmental Quality Committee October 9, 2019, 7:00 PM Plymouth City Hall – Medicine Lake Room 1. CALL TO ORDER 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 offic ial 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 4.2 Approve July 10, 2019 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes Approve September 11, 2019 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes 5. GENERAL BUSINESS 5.1 2020 Environmental Quality Committee Work Plan (Scharenbroich) 6. REPORTS AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS 6.1 Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant Program Application (Scharenbroich) 7. FUTURE MEETINGS 7.1 November 13, 2019 8. ADJOURNMENT Proposed Minutes Page 1 of 3 Regular Meeting of August 13, 2019 Proposed Minutes Environmental Quality Committee Meeting July 10, 2019 Chair Prokop called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Medicine Lake Room of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on July 10, 2019. MEMBERS PRESENT: Marita Prokop, Marky Williamson, Paul Senne, Andy Polzin, Clark Gregor, Joel Spoonheim, Laura Babcock. MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: City Engineer Chris LaBounty, Senior Engineering Technician Ben Scharenbroich, Council Member Nick Roehl, Council Member Jim Prom. Public Forum Steve Japs, 4570 Weston Lane North, wanted to express his support for the GreenSteps Cities Program. He also wanted to inquire if the EQC would be interested in co-sponsoring an event to bring in speakers for either the City Council or for other community leaders to discuss impacts resulting from climate change. He would be able to arrange for speakers for such an event. The committee indicated they will have a discussion about hosting an event at a future meeting. Council Member Prom was present to explain to the Environmental Quality Committee why the City Council did not approve participation in the GreenStep Program at the June 25, 2019 City Council meeting, and to answer any questions the committee may have. Committee Member Williamson asked if the Council would have a problem if the ECQ pursued some of the projects that GreenStep recommends. Council Member Prom explained that Plymouth already is doing a lot of the steps in the program and Plymouth is a leader in that field. Committee Member Babcock felt an important factor that the GreenStep program offers is benchmarking how the City is doing. She feels the City should measure the impacts of the investments and provide results to the residents. Prom responded that the City is already reporting it to the regulatory forces. He furthered that the City can participate without actually joining the program. He also said this should this be pursued it should be without using more staff time or adding personnel Committee Member Spoonheim stated that the GreenStep program is beneficial for benchmarking and comparing collective data across cities in a consistent manner, and that Plymouth could benefit from a program that provides external benchmarking. Proposed Minutes Page 2 of 3 Regular Meeting of August 13, 2019 Council Member Roehl said the City could be better at benchmarking but each item should be looked at individually to choose what works best for Plymouth. Approval of Agenda Motion was made by Committee Member Gregor, and seconded by Committee Member Williamson, to approve the agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Consent Agenda Motion was made by Committee Member Polzin, and seconded by Committee Member Williamson, to adopt the Consent Agenda that included the following items: (1.) Approve June 12, 2019 Environmental Quality Committee Meeting Minutes With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. General Business (1.) MS4 Annual Public Hearing – Accept Public Comments on the 2019 Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) Senior Engineering Tech Scharenbroich explained this was an Open Hearing for the public to comment on the document, but asked the EQC if they had any questions on the plan. Chair Prokop inquired if training should be required before issuing a permit, to be sure best practices are being followed. Scharenbroich explained that there is a program in place that requires erosion and sediment control for new construction projects in the city. He also talked about education programs the city hosts at the elementary schools for third and fourth graders. Committee Member Williamson questioned if developers should be required to meet with Master Gardeners to be advised on plantings and landscaping in new developments. Scharenbroich shared that is a great idea worth exploring. He also shared that currently the City Forester, the Planning Department, and the Water Resources Department all have input with new developments. Committee Member Spoonheim questioned if there is room in the plan to identify broader chloride management. City Engineer La Bounty shared information about current efforts with the Bassett Creek water shed for aggressive education tactics for the highest salt applicators. He indicated that this is being tracked by the water shed. Committee Member Babcock questioned if a license was required for salt application at businesses. Senior Engineering Technician Scharenbroich said that was not a requirement. Proposed Minutes Page 3 of 3 Regular Meeting of August 13, 2019 Babcock also asked if training of vendors is required. Scharenbroich said the city hosted a training event, and invited all landscaping and snow removal companies in the area. Only one contractor of a few hundred attended. The Public Hearing to accept comments was opened at 8:17 p.m. With no public present for comment, the hearing was closed at 8:18 p.m. Reports and Staff Recommendations (1.) Water Efficiency Rebate Program Update Senior Engineering Technician Scharenbroich provided the latest update: 250 residents have applied for the program and received a rebate, and 190 devices have been purchased, all of which were irrigation controllers and sprinkler heads. The MN Tap intern, Sam Mader, has compiled the data and has conservatively estimated the gallons of water saved per household at 25,000 – 30,000. Mader will be at the August meeting to present his report on water conservation efforts the City can apply. (2.) GreenStep Cities Program Update City Engineer LaBounty reported that at the June 25, 2019 City Council meeting, staff presented a Resolution to participate in the GreenStep Cities Program. The Mayor and Council voted not to take action on the item, but would discuss it at a future study session. Adjournment Chair Prokop adjourned the meeting at 8:41 p.m. Proposed Minutes Page 1 of 3 Regular Meeting of September 11, 2019 Proposed Minutes Environmental Quality Committee Meeting September 11, 2019 Chair Prokop called a Regular Meeting of the Plymouth Environmental Quality Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Medicine Lake Room of City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on September 11, 2019. MEMBERS PRESENT: Marita Prokop, Marky Williamson, Paul Senne, Andy Polzin, Clark Gregor, Laura Babcock. MEMBERS ABSENT: Joel Spoonheim. STAFF PRESENT: Interim Water Resources Manager Ben Scharenbroich, Council Member Nick Roehl. Public Forum There was no one present to address the Committee. Committee Member Gregor shared that he attended the Climate Reality Forum Training. He received some good tips on communicating the EQC’s mission and is willing to be a resource for the committee. Approval of Agenda Motion was made by Committee Member Williamson and seconded by Committee Member Polzin, to approve the agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Consent Agenda There were no items on the Consent Agenda. General Business (5.1) Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant Program Application Interim Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich presented an overview of the grant program application and funds that would be requested from the Met Council and the City. The program would be similar to the 2016-2017 Water Efficiency Rebate Program. If staff receives grant Proposed Minutes Page 2 of 3 Regular Meeting of September 11, 2019 money from the Met Council a proposed rebate program would be presented to the EQC in early 2020. Motion was made by Committee Member Spoonheim and seconded by Committee Member Williamson recommending an Application to the Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant Program. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. (5.2) Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) City of Plymouth Water Audit Interim Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich presented information from the Plymouth Water Audit conducted by MnTAP Intern Sam Mader. The audit focused on three areas to improve water efficiencies: 1. The City water system (by review of the American Water Works Association audit.) 2. City irrigation systems. 3. The two Housing and Redevelopment Authority city-owned and managed properties, Vicksburg Commons and Plymouth Town Square. Mader had three primary recommendations for water optimization: 1. Conduct a water audit annually or bi-annually to assess and compare data. 2. Calibrate source meters. 3. Determine accuracy of residential water meters. (5.3) Approve Adopt-a-Street Collection Day Interim Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich suggested October 12, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. for the Adopt-a-Street Collection Day event. Motion by Committee Member Polzin and seconded by Committee Member Williamson recommending approval of the Adopt-a-Street Day event. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. Reports and Staff Recommendations (6.1) Water Efficiency Rebate Program Update Interim Water Resources Manager Scharenbroich said the program has now closed but the final numbers were not yet compiled; the projected amount of water saved is anticipated to be approximately 2,000,000 gallons. Scharenbroich will compile a comprehensive report of the program for 2016-2019. Proposed Minutes Page 3 of 3 Regular Meeting of September 11, 2019 Future Meeting October 9, 2019 – 2020 Environmental Quality Committee Work Plan Adjournment Chair Prokop adjourned the meeting at 8:41 p.m. O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2019\Oct Packet EQC 2019\2020 Work Plan Topics.docx Agenda Number 5.1 CITY OF PLYMOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT DATE: October 4, 2019 TO: Environmental Quality Committee (EQC) FROM: Ben Scharenbroich, Interim Water Resources Manager SUBJECT: 2020 Environmental Quality Committee Work Plan Topics 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 2020 include: - EQC Refresher & Orientation - Election of Committee Chair and Vice Chair - Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Update - Drop off Day Annual Report - MPCA MS4 Permit Reissuance - Review of organics recycling options - Participation in City sponsored events The EQC also has the opportunity to discuss topics of importance to the committee. Topics for consideration in 2020 could include: - Review optional textile recycling options - Review City’s environmental education programming - Review irrigation education & reduction efforts - Watershed Management Organization education and collaboration - Lake Association education and collaboration - Education on invasive species in the city BUDGET IMPACT: There is no direct budget impact associated with this item RECOMMENDATIONS: I recommend the EQC review and comment on the 2020 Work Plan Topics. Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant Application Form Applicant Information: Municipality: _________________________________________________________________ Municipal Utility: ______________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________ Primary Contact Information: Municipality primary authorized representative (all correspondence regarding the Water Efficiency Grant Program should be addressed to individual named below): NAME: _________________________________________________________________ TITLE: _________________________________________________________________ STREET: _________________________________________________________________ CITY, ZIP: _________________________________________________________________ PHONE: _________________________________________________________________ EMAIL: _________________________________________________________________ Secondary Contact Information: Municipality secondary authorized representative: NAME: _________________________________________________________________ TITLE: _________________________________________________________________ STREET: _________________________________________________________________ CITY, ZIP: _________________________________________________________________ PHONE: _________________________________________________________________ EMAIL: _________________________________________________________________ Municipal Total Per Capita Water Use (2018): _________________ (gallons per person-day) Municipal Residential Per Capita Water Use (2018): _________________ (gallons per person-day) Municipal Ratio of Peak Month to Winter Month Water Use (2018): ________________ Municipality’s estimated annual water savings from proposed program: _______________ (gallons) Municipal Utility Grant or Rebate Program Design: Requested Grant Amount (must equal 75% of total program budget): $_____________________ Required Utility Matching Amount (must equal 25% of total program budget): $______________ Will your program be a grant program or rebate program? _______________________________ Estimated Number of Items: Item Estimated Number Toilets Irrigation Controllers Clothes Washing Machines Irrigation Spray Sprinkler Bodies Irrigation System Audits 2 Project Work Plan and Schedule:* Task Description Responsible Person Start Date Completion Date * Municipal utility may create own project plan and schedule form 3 Communications to Property Owners: How will your program be advertised (check all that apply): Newsletter ____ Print Media ____ Email ____ Twitter ____ Website____ Radio ____ Television ____ Facebook ____ Nextdoor ____ Other Social Media ____ Please attach examples of proposed newsletter, print media, or email communications Critical Points to Remember: • The applying municipality must be a water supplier • New construction and new developments are not eligible • Funds are for rebates or grants only; consulting and city staff time are ineligible • Combined Council and municipality funds cannot pay for 100% of an eligible activity’s cost • A portion of each eligible activity’s cost must be paid by the property owner • Grant recipients must display the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment logo and the Metropolitan Council logo on program-related web pages and paper communications 4