HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Quality Committee Packet 01-09-2019
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
AGENDA
January 9, 2019
WHERE: Council Chambers
Plymouth City Hall
3400 Plymouth Boulevard
Plymouth, MN 55447
CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed on the consent agenda* are considered to be routine by the Environmental Quality
Committee 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 considered in normal sequence on the agenda.
1. 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER
2. 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC FORUM – Individuals may address the Committee about any item
not contained in the regular agenda. A maximum of 15 minutes is allotted for the Forum.
3. 7:20 P.M APPROVAL OF AGENDA - EQC members may add items to the agenda for
discussion purposes or staff direction only. The EQC will not normally take official action
on items added to the agenda.
4. 7:25 P.M. CONSENT AGENDA*
A.
B.
Approve November 14, 2018 EQC Meeting Minutes
Approve December 12, 2018 EQC Meeting Minutes
5. 7:30 P.M. GENERAL BUSINESS
A.
B.
Approve 2018 Annual Report and 2019 Work Plan
Discuss Environmental Extra Topics
6. REPORTS AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Water Efficiency Grant Program Update
7. FUTURE MEETINGS:
February 13, 2019
8. 8:00 P.M. ADJOURNMENT
Reception to recognize 21 years of service for outgoing committee member Osborne.
DRAFT Minutes
Environmental Quality Committee (EQC)
November 14, 2018
MEMBERS PRESENT: Committee Members Paul Senne, Marky Williamson, Andy Polzin,
Kathy Osborne, Marita Prokop
MEMBERS ABSENT: Clark Gregor
STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Director Michael Thompson, Senior Engineering
Technician Ben Scharenbroich, Council Liaison Jim Prom
1. Call to Order – 7:00 P.M.
2. Public Forum
At 7:15 p.m. resident Hildania Kristensen asked to address the EQC about drainage issues on her
property at 15725 48th Avenue N. After explaining her situation, Councilmember Prom informed
her that the EQC is not able to address individual resident disputes and can only make
recommendations on programs and policies. He instructed her to reach out to the appropriate city
staff to address her concerns. Prom also offered to talk to staff and he hopes to find some way to
help address the problem. (Hildania left the meeting at 7:55 p.m.)
3. Approval of Agenda
Motion by Committee Member Osborne, seconded by Committee Member Williamson,
recommending approval of the November 14, 2018 Environmental Quality Committee meeting
agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
4. Consent Agenda
A. Approve October 10, 2018 EQC Meeting Minutes
Motion by Committee Member Polzin seconded by Committee Member Osborne recommending
approval of the Consent Agenda. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
5. General Business
A. Surface Water Management Plan Update
Senior Engineering Technician Scharenbroich stated he has been working on the comments he has
received through the deadline on November 9th. He received only one residential comment from a
resident on Schmidt Lake; the resident had many comments that involved lengthy discussion. He
will continue to work on compiling all the comments, responding to them, and updating the plan
for presentation to the City Council at the December 12 meeting. Scharenbroich will provide the
final Plan for the EQC to review at the December meeting.
6. Reports and Staff Recommendations
A. Water Efficiency Grant Program Update
Environmental Quality Committee Minutes
November 14, 2018
Page 2
Senior Engineering Technician Scharenbroich informed the committee that the funds are about
60% used, which is about $30,000 of rebates granted. He indicated that a few businesses had
upgraded their irrigation systems to the new Wi-Fi enabled controllers in the fall.
7. Future Meetings
• December 12, 2018
8. Adjournment
Environmental Quality Committee adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
DRAFT Minutes
Environmental Quality Committee (EQC)
December 12, 2018
MEMBERS PRESENT: Committee Members Paul Senne, Marky Williamson, Andy Polzin,
Kathy Osborne, Marita Prokop, Clark Gregor
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Director Michael Thompson, Senior Engineering
Technician Ben Scharenbroich, Council Liaison Jim Prom
1. Call to Order – 7:00 P.M.
2. Public Forum
Council Member Prom announced the newly appointed members for the EQC, Joel Spoonheim
and Laura Babcock. Current member Kathy Osborne has decided to leave her position after 21
years of service. Prom also announced that he will be leaving his position as council liaison and
the incoming liaison is newly appointed council member Nick Roehl.
3. Approval of Agenda
Chair Senne noted that the November 14 meeting minutes were not included in the packet. Senior
Engineering Technician Scharenbroich said it can be removed from the Consent Agenda and the
minutes will be included in the January packet for the committee to approve at the January
meeting. Motion by Committee Member Osborne, seconded by Committee Member Polzin
recommending approval of the November 14, 2018 Environmental Quality Committee meeting
agenda as amended. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.
4. Consent Agenda
5. General Business
A. Draft 2018 Annual Report and 2019 Work Plan
Senior Engineering Technician Scharenbroich reviewed the highlights of 2018 Annual Report and
discussed the proposed 2019 Work Plan with the committee. The following comments were
provided by the EQC:
a. Review membership of Committee member Dick Kobussen and correct the dates of his
2018 membership.
b. Re-name the Buckthorn update topic/issue to an Invasive Species discussion and
include other terrestrial invasive species such as Garlic Mustard, Kudzu, etc.
c. Add an update on the Bass Lake and Pomerleau Lake Alum treatments.
d. Invite the City Attorney to speak at the EQC Refresher and Orientation.
e. Tour an organics separation or compost processing facility.
Other suggestions offered by the committee:
a. Update the city website to better highlight the accomplishments of the EQC.
b. Include the EQC on discussion of BMPs in new developments.
Environmental Quality Committee Minutes
December 12, 2018
Page 2
c. Discuss integrated pest management.
6. Reports and Staff Recommendations
A. Water Efficiency Grant Program Update
Senior Engineering Technician Scharenbroich will have a report to present at a future meeting with
a summary of the program to date, including information on the impacts to the community and
city infrastructure.
Public Works Director announced the new Water Resources Manager, Vanessa Strong, will be
starting with the city on January 7, 2019.
7. Future Meetings
• January 9, 2019
8. Adjournment
Environmental Quality Committee adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
&
2019 WORK PLAN
Page 1 of 5
2018 EQC Annual Report and 2019 Work Plan
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2018 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 Jim Prom. 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.
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.
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2018 EQC Annual Report and 2019 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 W atershed 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. 2018 MEMBERSHIP
In 2018, 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 chairperson is elected annually by the
committee members. Committee members for 2018 were:
Members Area Member Since Term
Expires
1 Marita Prokop, Vice Chair Ward 1 12/8/15 1/31/19
2 Clay Hoes1,3 Ward 2 12/10/13 1/31/18
3 Kathleen Osborne Ward 3 6/18/97 1/31/20
4 Paul Senne3, Chair Ward 4 12/09/14 1/31/18
5 Marky Williamson At-Large 12/08/15 1/31/20
6 Andy Polzin3 At-Large 12/14/10 1/31/19
7 Clark Gregor At-Large 12/12/17 1/31/21
8 Dick Kobussen2 Ward 4 12/09/14 1/31/18
1 Committee Member Clay Hoes officially resigned from the Environmental Quality Committee on
September 12, 2018.
2 Committee Member Term Expired January 31, 2018.
3 Committee Member was reappointed by the City Council for 2018.
IV. ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In 2018, the EQC continued to concentrate on meeting the objectives set forth in the EQC
Mission/Organization statement. Listed below are the areas of concentration for the EQC
and activities undertaken in 2018 to accomplish the EQC objectives:
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2018 EQC Annual Report and 2019 Work Plan
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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 began to review updates to the City of Plymouth Surface
Water Management Plan.
Review of
environmentally related
city policies and
ordinances
1. The EQC participated in educational programs including Adopt-a-
Street and Music in Plymouth.
2. The EQC reviewed and approved the Water Efficiency Grant
Program.
3. The EQC reviewed the City of Plymouth Surface Water
Management Plan
Recommended actions to
the City Council
1. The EQC approved the 2017 Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Program (SWPPP).
2. The EQC reviewed and made recommendations on textile recycling
programming.
3. The EQC reviewed and made recommendations on organics
recycling programming.
In 2018, the EQC provided oversight and
recommendations on the Water
Efficiency Grant Program with funding
from the City of Plymouth Water
Resource Fund. 168 devices served
1,610 residents and provided assistance
in replacing 148 irrigation controller
upgrades and 20 irrigation sprinkler
head upgrades. The estimated amount
of water conserved by this program is
9.6 million gallons annually.
The EQC is committed to leadership in
the community. Members pick up trash
along Dunkirk Lane from County Road 6
to County Road 24 through the City’s
Adopt-a-Street Program. EQC
scheduled two Adopt-a-Street collection
days in 2018. Those days were May 5th
and October 13th, 2018.
The EQC continued to participate in
Plymouth’s annual Music in Plymouth.
Additionally, members of the EQC toured the Republic Services Materials Recovery Facility
in Minneapolis in June. The members were able to gain a better understanding of the sorting
process to prepare the recyclables for marketing.
Adopt a Street Volunteers take to the streets.
Above: EQC participation at Music in Plymouth.
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2018 EQC Annual Report and 2019 Work Plan
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2019 ANNUAL PLAN
I. 2019 MEMBERSHIP
Members Area Member Since Term
Expires
1 Marita Prokop Ward 1 12/8/15 1/31/22
2 Andy Polzin Ward 2 12/14/10 1/31/22
3 Joel Spoonheim Ward 3 1/8/19 1/31/20
4 Paul Senne Ward 4 12/09/14 1/31/21
5 Marky Williamson At-Large 2/8/15 1/31/20
6 Laura Babcock At-Large 1/8/19 1/31/21
7 Clark Gregor At-Large 12/12/17 1/31/21
8 Kathy Osborne1 Ward 3 6/18/97 1/31/20
* Chair and Vice Chair will be appointed by the Committee at the February 2019 Meeting.
1 Committee Member relinquished position effective January 31, 2019.
The EQC encourages students to participate as non-voting guests. The committee will be
supported by Councilmember Nick Roehl and the Water Resources Manager or designee.
The Engineering Division will also provide support staff as committee’s recording secretary
when necessary.
II. 2019 ACTIVITIES
Some of the key topics and issues for
consideration by the EQC in 2019 include
continued participation in Adopt a Street,
water conservation, updates to the City’s
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
(SWPPP), review of Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer System (MS4) Permit updates,
review of Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) approved TMDL’s as they
become available and the Minnesota
GreenStep Cities Program. In addition, the
EQC proposes to receive presentations on
buckthorn and living streets.
Additionally, the EQC has proposed to
review and provide feedback on organics
and textile collection and continue water
conservation education and grants. A
schedule of activities is provided on the
following page.
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2018 EQC Annual Report and 2019 Work Plan
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2019 EQC Schedule of Activities.
Meetings will be held in the Medicine Lake Room and will start at 7:00 P.M., unless noted otherwise.
Month Date Key Topics / Issues
January 9 • Approve 2018 Annual Report and 2019 Work Plan
• 2019 Environmental Extra Topics
February 13
• EQC Refresher, Orientation and Organization1
− Open Meeting Law
• Election of Committee Chair and Vice Chair
• 2018 Water Efficiency Rebate Program Report
• 2019 Water Efficiency Rebate Program Draft
March 13 • Minnesota GreenStep Cities3
• Choose Adopt a Street Collection Day for April
April 10 • Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Update2
• SWPPP Public Information Meeting
May 8 • Solid Waste Annual Report for 2018
• Drop Off Day Summary
June 12 • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency MS4 Permit Reissuance
• Choose Adopt a Street Collection Day for July
July 10 • Terrestrial Invasive Species
August 14 • Textile Recycling
• Goose Management
September 11 • Bass & Pomerleau Lake Alum Treatment Project Update
• Choose Adopt a Street Collection Day for October
October 9 • DRAFT 2019 Annual Report & 2020 Work Plan
November 13 • Textile Recycling Update
• Organics Recycling Update
December 11 • 2019 Annual Report & 2020 Work Plan
TBD
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
• TMDL Review
• Music in Plymouth, July 2, 2019, at the Hilde Amphitheater
• Tour Organics Recycling Facility, TBD
• Eagle Scout presentations for projects where there was City Assistance
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.
3. Minnesota GreenStep Cities discussion will look at how many of the GreenStep best practices
(https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/bestPractices.cfm) the City of Plymouth is currently meeting. The EQC will discuss the
steps
Committee Member Kathy Osborne participates in an Environmental Quality event.
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Extra Topics.docx
Agenda Number
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: January 3, 2019 for the EQC Meeting of January 9, 2019
TO: Environmental Quality Committee (EQC)
FROM: Ben Scharenbroich, Senior Engineering Technician
SUBJECT: Potential 2019 Environmental Extra Newsletter Topics
ACTION REQUESTED: To review and provide comments to staff on the list of potential topics to be
discussed in the 2019 Environmental Extra Newsletter.
BACKGROUND: The Environmental Extra Newsletter has been distributed to property owners since the
1990’s and has been critical in assisting water resources, solid waste and forestry staff in educating the
public on environmental topics. Articles in the newsletter have included topics on water quality, invasive
species, native plantings, lake management, water conservation, city capital improvement projects,
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permitting, Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) and
other environmentally related topics.
The 2019 Environmental Extra Newsletter is scheduled to be distributed to property owners in the
March/April edition of the City Newsletter. A list of proposed topics to be included in the newsletter are
listed below for discussion.
- 2019 Water Efficiency Rebate Program
- Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
- EAB Tree Replacement Program
- Recycling Educational Information
- Plymouth Recycling Drop-Off Center
Information
- Drop Off Day Information
- May 4th, 2019
- Storm Drain Marking Program
- Blue Thumb Workshops
- Resilient Yard Workshop
- Healthy Soils Workshop
- Surface Water Management Plan
Summary
- 2019 Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Sale
- 2019 Tree & Shrub Sale
- Water Resources Capital Improvement
Project Highlight
The list above is for discussion purposes only and the final topics to be included will be determined by
staff in late January or early February 2019.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no direct budget impact to review and comment on the 2019 Environmental
Extra Newsletter topic list.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends the EQC review and comment on the proposed 2019
Environmental Extra Newsletter topic list.
Attachments: 2018 Plymouth Environmental Extra
March/April 2018 • page 1Ewww.plymouthmn.gov
When the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency identified Elm Creek,
Bass Creek, Plymouth Creek, Bassett
Creek and Parkers Lake as having
a chloride impairment, the City of
Plymouth set out to make some
changes to help improve its water
resources. For these efforts – and for
reducing its chloride use by more than
50 percent – the city recently received
an Environmental Leadership Award
from the Freshwater Society and
Fortin Consulting.
A main cause of chloride impairment
in Minnesota water bodies is winter
runoff, which typically contains large
amounts of salt. According to the
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, the chloride in one
teaspoon of road salt can pollute five gallons of water. While
salt usage may be necessary for safety during the winter, too
much chloride can disrupt aquatic environments and kill
birds and plants.
In 2010, the City of Plymouth began implementing best
management practices for its winter operations to reduce the
amount of chloride entering its water resources.
While implementing change takes time, the city has
significantly reduced its salt usage. During the 2009-2010
winter season, city staff averaged 188 tons of salt per snow
event. During the 2016-2017 winter season, city staff
averaged 81.25 tons of salt per snow event.
With four years of chloride monitoring data for Parkers
Lake and Plymouth Creek, city staff has found that the
practices implemented have had a positive impact on the
water quality leading into these two bodies of water.
The city recently began using anti-icing units to pretreat all
roads with speeds over 35 miles per hour. These units have
allowed city staff to use half the amount of salt per lane mile.
To increase efficiency, the city purchased an automated
brine maker. City staff was previously able to make about
4,000 gallons of brine per day, but the new system is able
to produce approximately 5,000 gallons per hour.
Plymouth has also equipped all city plows with prewetting
systems, which has led to a 30 percent decrease in salt use.
The process is more efficient because the solution clings
to the surface of the road, whereas dry salt granules may
bounce off or be swept away by traffic.
Other ways the city has improved its winter maintenance
operations include calibrating truck spreaders and anti-ice
Plymouth recognized for chloride
reduction in winter operations
City of Plymouth recently received an Environmental Leadership Award from the Freshwater
Society and Fortin Consulting for reducing its chloride use by more than 50 percent.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for curbside organics
recycling and use available tools to help reduce food waste.
In Hennepin County, more than 25 percent of trash by
weight is comprised of organics – including food scraps
and food-soiled paper products. Some waste haulers now
offer curbside organics recycling in Plymouth, and, to help
reduce waste, residents are encouraged to sign up.
Organics recycling is a great way to reduce trash, manage
waste responsibly and conserve resources. It involves
separately collecting food scraps, nonrecyclable paper and
other compostable products to turn into compost.
Help Reduce Food Waste
The best option is food waste reduction. It's more
beneficial to the environment than recycling because
it conserves resources such as the water, labor and fuel
needed to grow, produce and distribute food.
According to Save the Food, a partnership between Ad
Council and Natural Resources Defense Council, an
average American family of four spends more than $1,500
per year on food it doesn't eat. Across the food production
and consumption chain, up to 40 percent of food in the
United States never gets eaten.
For resources to help prevent waste – such as meal
planners, storage tips and recipes – as well as haulers that
offer organics recycling, visit plymouthmn.gov/organics.
Defining Organics
All food
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, fish and bones
• Dairy products
• Eggs and egg shells
• Pasta, beans and rice
• Bread and cereal
• Nuts and shells
Certified compostable products
• Compostable paper and plastic
cups, plates, bowls, utensils and
containers (must be labeled BPI
or Cedar Grove Compostable)
Food-soiled paper
• Pizza boxes from delivery
• Napkins and paper towels
• Paper egg cartons
Other compostable household items
• Coffee grounds and filters
• Hair and nail clippings
• Cotton balls, swabs with paper stems
• Houseplants and flowers
• Wooden items, such as chopsticks,
popsicle sticks and toothpicks
The list may vary depending upon the hauler. Residents
should contact their waste hauler for a list of accepted items.
Some haulers offer
organics recycling
Plymouth city staff is asking residents to keep an eye out
for the invasive garlic mustard plant – and help remove it.
The plant monopolizes light, moisture, nutrients, soil and
space – and outcompetes many native plants that provide
food and habitat for pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Plant and Pull Day Set for May 19
Residents are asked to volunteer to help remove the
invasive species during a citywide Plant and Pull Day set
for Saturday, May 19. Participants may plant flowering
annuals near city parks and facilities, as well as pull garlic
mustard in woodland areas.
To volunteer for the event, call 763-509-5230 or email
volunteer@plymouthmn.gov.
Residents asked to pull invasive garlic mustard
units twice annually, promptly sweeping spills, storing road
salt in a covered building to prevent runoff, sending staff to
chloride trainings and GPS tracking salt application rates.
Help Put Plymouth on a Low-Salt Diet
While the city continues to improve its practices, residents
can also help by using salt more efficiently.
MCWD recommends using no more than one pound of
salt per 250 square feet (a typical parking space is about
150 square feet). One pound of salt fills a 12-ounce coffee
mug. Using more salt does not melt ice faster – instead,
excess salt washes away and becomes a pollutant. Other
best practices tips include:
• Shovel regularly to minimize ice buildup.
• Sweep up salt that’s visible on dry pavement for reuse.
• Break up ice with a scraper before deciding if salt or
sand is necessary for traction.
• Keep in mind that salt won’t work if the temperature
is below 15 degrees – use a small amount of sand for
traction instead.
Garlic mustard is a
biennial herb with
stalked, triangular
to heart-shaped,
coarsely toothed
leaves that give off
an odor of garlic
when crushed.
Flowering plants
are 2 to 3 1/2 feet
tall and produce
clusters of small
white flowers, each with four petals.
The plant’s entire root system must be removed to prevent
new plants from sprouting.
Garlic mustard
Interim Streets Manager Torrey Keith accepts the award on
behalf of the City of Plymouth.
Get rid of appliances, electronics, tires, bicycles and more at
Drop-Off Day, set for Saturday, April 21.
March/April 2018 • page 2Ewww.plymouthmn.gov
Plymouth's annual low-cost Tree and Shrub
Sale runs Thursday, March 1 through
Tuesday, May 1 at plymouthmn.gov/treesale.
City staff selects trees, shrubs and fruit-
bearing plants each year that are well
adapted to local growing conditions and
resistant to pests and diseases.
Most trees are bare root and 5-6 feet tall
at time of purchase. Orders are available
for pickup May 11-12 at the Plymouth
Maintenance Facility, 14900 23rd Ave. N.
Get Help Choosing Plants
Before placing an order online, residents may
ask questions and gather advice in selecting
plants at the Plymouth City Sampler
9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 28 at the
Plymouth Maintenance Facility.
City sells low-cost trees, shrubs
The northern red oak is one of the 20 varieties of plants featured in this year's
Tree and Shrub Sale. Orders are accepted March 1 through May 1.
Drop-Off Day is April 21
Drop-Off Day is set for 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 21 at the Plymouth Maintenance
Facility, 14900 23rd Ave. N. Plymouth residents
only; bring identification. Drop-Off Day features two
lines – one for recycling and donation items, and one
for disposal items. Cost for the disposal line is $20 per
vehicle, per trip, while the recycle and donate line is
free. Some vehicles may need to move through both
lines. For details and a list of accepted items for each
line, visit plymouthmn.gov/dropoff.
Plymouth Recycling Guide
Residents are encouraged to recycle the following:
Paper
• Mail, office and school papers
• Magazines and catalogs
• Newspapers and inserts
• Phone books
• Envelopes with window
Boxes
• Cardboard (inside cart only)
• Cereal and cracker boxes
• Shoe boxes, gift boxes and electronic boxes
• Toothpaste, medication and other toiletry boxes
Cartons
• Milk cartons
• Juice boxes
• Soup, broth and wine cartons
Metal
Food and beverage cans
Plastic
Please leave plastic lids on containers
Bottles and Jugs
• Water, soda and juice bottles
• Milk and juice jugs
• Ketchup and salad dressing bottles
• Dishwashing liquid bottles and detergent jugs
• Shampoo, soap and
lotion bottles
Cups and Containers
• Up to 9 inches in diameter
• Yogurt, pudding and
fruit cups
• Disposable cups and bowls
• Margarine, cottage cheese and other containers
• Produce, deli, take out and baby wipe containers
Packaging
• Clear packaging from toys and
electronics
Glass
Food and beverage bottles and jars
Do Not Recycle
Plastic bags or wrap, polystyrene, cords
or holiday lights, garden hoses or edging,
batteries, scrap metal, toys, frozen food containers,
tissue paper, dry cleaner bags, light bulbs, electronics,
hazardous waste, aerosol cans, microwavable food
trays, paper soiled with food, paper cups and plates,
paper towels, hardcover books, drinking glasses,
window glass, dishes, hangers, mirrors and containers
that held hazardous products. For more information,
visit plymouthmn.gov/recycling, call 763-509-5906
or email recycling@plymouthmn.gov.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Free Shredding – 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 21, Plymouth Maintenance Facility,
14900 23rd Ave. N. Free paper shredding at
Drop-Off Day. Plymouth residents only. For
details, visit plymouthmn.gov/dropoff.
Plant Swap – 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, June 4,
Plymouth Maintenance Facility, 14900 23rd Ave.
Free. Bring perennials or gardening wares, such
as seeds, pots, tools and books, and swap them for
new plants.
Creating Resilient Yards
Workshop – 6-8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 17, St. Barnabas
Church, 15600 Old Rockford
Road. Free for residents. Learn
to create a resilient yard at this
Metro Blooms workshop. Receive recommendations for
establishing mowable, native alternatives to turf from
landscape designers and Master Gardeners. Register:
651-699-2426 or metroblooms.org/workshops.
The City of Plymouth has partnered with the Recycling
Association of Minnesota to offer low-cost rain barrels and
compost bins to residents.
Orders must be placed online at recycleminnesota.org by
Thursday, May 10. Orders must be picked up between
8 a.m. and noon Saturday, May 12 at the Plymouth
Maintenance Facility, 14900 23rd Ave. N.
Cost to purchase a compost bin through this sale is $64.
Cost to purchase a 45-gallon rain barrel is $79.
Rain barrels can help conserve water and save money by
capturing and reusing rain water for landscaping and other
purposes. They also help reduce storm water runoff, which
can add pollutants to lakes
and streams.
Using a compost bin can
help reduce household
waste by more than 25
percent and prevent it
from being dumped into a
landfill. Using the material
generated by composting is
also a natural way to fertilize
and add nutrients to gardens
and landscaping. For more
information, visit plymouthmn.gov.
Low-cost rain barrels, compost bins available
Volunteers from Peace Lutheran Church in Plymouth set out on a mission last spring to mark 47 storm drains in one day. The
message – "no dumping, drains to lake" – is meant to remind residents about storm drains and their relationship to water
quality. To borrow a storm drain marking kit, call 763-509-5527 or email bscharenbroich@plymouthmn.gov.
N.
Storm Drain Marking Continues in Plymouth