HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Quality Committee Packet 11-13-2019
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
AGENDA
Environmental Quality Committee
November 13, 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 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 9, 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 None
7. FUTURE MEETINGS
7.1 December 11, 2019
8. ADJOURNMENT
Proposed Minutes Page 1 of 3 Regular Meeting of October 9, 2019
Proposed 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.
Proposed 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.
Proposed 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.
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Work Plan Agenda Report.docx
Agenda Number 5.1
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: November 11, 2019
TO: Environmental Quality Committee (EQC)
FROM: Ben Scharenbroich, Interim Water Resources Manager
SUBJECT: 2020 Draft Environmental Quality Committee Work Plan
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.
At their October 9, 2019 committee meeting, the EQC reviewed potential topics to be included
in the 2020 EQC Work Plan. Attached is a draft copy of the work plan based on feedback received
by Committee Members at that meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no direct budget impact associated with this item
RECOMMENDATIONS: Review and provide comment on the Draft 2020 EQC Work Plan.
CITY OF PLYMOUTH
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE
2019 ANNUAL REPORT
&
2020 WORK PLAN
Approved by EQC: November ___, 2019
Accepted by City Council: ____, 2020
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2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan
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2019 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
2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan
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Report and 2020 plan.docx
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. 2019 MEMBERSHIP
In 2019, 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 2019 were:
Members Area Member Since Term
Expires
1 Marita Prokop¹ Ward 1 12/08/15 1/31/22
2 Andy Polzin Ward 2 12/14/10 1/31/21
3 Joel Spoonheim Ward 3 01/08/19 1/31/20
4 Paul Senne Ward 4 11/09/14 1/31/21
5 Marky Williamson At-Large 12/08/15 1/31/20
6 Clark Gregor² At-Large 12/12/17 1/31/21
7 Laura Babcock At-Large 01/08/19 1/31/21
1. Chair
2. Vice-Chair
IV. ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In 2019, 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 Resources
Fund and reviewed a grant application for 2020 and 2021 funding through the Metropolitan
Council. One hundred forty two devices served 414 residents and provided assistance in 115
irrigation system upgrades. The estimated amount of water conserved by this program is 2.1
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 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. Additionally, the EQC continued to participate in Plymouth’s annual Music in
Plymouth, Drop off Day and City Sampler.
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 drop-off day and the completion of the
City’s new surface water management plan (SWMP) and respective ordinance updates.
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2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan
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Report and 2020 plan.docx
Listed below are the areas of concentration for the EQC and activities undertaken in 2019 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 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, Drop-Off Day and Music in Plymouth.
2. The EQC reviewed and approved the application for the 2019 Water
Efficiency Grant Program through the Metropolitan Council.
3. The EQC reviewed changes to the Wetland and Shoreland
Ordinances related to the approved SWMP.
Recommended actions to
the City Council
1. The EQC approved the 2018 Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Program (SWPPP).
2. The EQC reviewed and made recommendations on changes to the
City’s Wetland and Shoreland Ordinances related to the SWMP.
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2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan
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Report and 2020 plan.docx
2020 ANNUAL PLAN
I. 2020 MEMBERSHIP
Members Area Member Since Term
Expires
1 Marita Prokop¹ Ward 1 12/08/15 1/31/22
2 Andy Polzin Ward 2 12/14/10 1/31/21
3 Joel Spoonheim Ward 3 01/08/19 1/31/20
4 Paul Senne Ward 4 11/09/14 1/31/21
5 Marky Williamson At-Large 12/08/15 1/31/20
6 Clark Gregor² At-Large 12/12/17 1/31/21
7 Laura Babcock 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. 2020 ACTIVITIES
In 2020 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,
advising on the water conservation program, 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 2020 the EQC has proposed to review and provide feedback on three
primary topics. 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.
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2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan
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Report and 2020 plan.docx
2020 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 8
• EQC Refresher, Orientation and Organization1
− Open Meeting Law
• Election of Committee Chair and Vice Chair
• Choose Adopt a Street Collection Days
February 12 • Review Chloride Management Practices
• Review Existing Education Material on Chlorides March 11
April 8
• Continue Chloride Discussion*
• Review 2020 Drop-off Day Schedule
• SWPPP Public Information Meeting²
May 13 • Evaluate Drop-off Day 2020
• Review Standard, Organic, & Textile Recycling
June 10 • Continue Review of Recycling
• Review Existing Education Material on Recycling
July 8
August 12
September 9 • Continue Chloride Discussion
October 14 • Begin Outreach to Lake Associations on Chlorides
• DRAFT 2020 Annual Report & 2021 Work Plan
November 11 • 2020 Annual Report & 2021 Work Plan
December 9
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.
* Discussion items will be on an as-needed basis