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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. O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2019\11_Nov Packet EQC 2019\2020 Draft 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 Page 1 of 5 2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2019\11_Nov Packet EQC 2019\EQC DRAFT 2019 Report and 2020 plan.docx 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 O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2019\11_Nov Packet EQC 2019\EQC DRAFT 2019 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. Page 3 of 5 2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2019\11_Nov Packet EQC 2019\EQC DRAFT 2019 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. Page 4 of 5 2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2019\11_Nov Packet EQC 2019\EQC DRAFT 2019 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. Page 5 of 5 2019 EQC Annual Report and 2020 Work Plan O:\Utilities\Storm Sewer and Water Resources\Environmental Quality Committee\Packets\2019\11_Nov Packet EQC 2019\EQC DRAFT 2019 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