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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainability Commission - 09/08/2020APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 7:00 P.M., Virtual Meeting 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS: Cindy Hoffman (Chair), Aaron Poock (Vice Chair), Jeanne DeSanctis, Debjyoti Dwivedy, Daniel Katzenberger, JoAnn McGuire, Bruce Schaepe, Priya Senthilkumar CITY STAFF: Jennifer Hassebroek, Sustainability Coordinator, Kristin Harley, Recording Secretary STUDENT MEMBERS: Ellianne Retzlaff, Amanda Schlampp Anisha Singhatwadia, Pranav Vadhul I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Chair Hoffman called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Joan Palmquist joined the meeting. Absent was Commissioner Senthilkumar. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Schaepe moved, seconded by Poock to approve the agenda. Motion carried 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JUNE 10 MEETING MOTION: Poock moved, seconded by Schaepe to approve the minutes of August 4, 2020 Conservation Commission. Motion carried 6-0. IV. REPORTS A. REPORTS FROM STAFF 1. STUDENT COMMISSIONER INTRODUCTIONS [Dwivedy arrived at 7:08 p.m.] Hassebroek had the students introduce themselves to the commission. The commission members then each introduced themselves to the student Sustainability Commission Minutes September 8, 2020 Page 2 commissioners. Hassebroek described what information she had already given the student commissioners. Hoffman summarized the commission’s role and expectations and asked for their input and suggestions. 2. UPDATE ON CURBSIDE AND DROP OFF RECYCLING EVENTS Hassebroek announced two different recycling events: A curbside pickup event on Monday, October 5 through Friday, October 16. There was a $30.00 trip charge plus item fees. Also, there would be an electronics only drop-off on Saturday, October 17 at the Yard Waste Site. Poock asked if there was help needed at the electronics drop-off, and Hassebroek replied staff would be on hand to help. Schaepe asked how the commission members could help publicize these autumn events, such as utilizing a mailer. Hassebroek replied there was an email list, and a postcard could be explored in the future. Managing the logistics and avoiding previous long waits were preferable for this first “soft open.” Discussion followed on the logistics of the events for the future. Hoffman suggested handing out brochures on sustainability, recycling versus wishcycling, et cetera, at these events. Hassebroek replied this could be explored. Poock stated he liked this idea, although it might be difficult in the first year. Joan Palmquist stated she had spoken with Hassebroek about having the Fix It Clinic supplying a couple of billboards for people to read while waiting, and also setting up a narrow band radio broadcast. Singhatwadia suggested using QR codes to spread the word. Poock replied all smartphones allowed the user to read a QR code by taking a photo. Hoffman commended the idea. Discussion followed on the details of this. Poock suggested a hashtag. 3. UPDATE ON HENNEPIN COUNTY STOP FOOD WASTE CHALLENGE AND MASTER RECYCLER PROGRAMS Hassebroek announced the Hennepin County food waste challenge September 14 through October 11. Registration was open. There would also be a zero-waste challenge. The County would offer a fall Master Recycler Program, and Hassebroek offered to send out this information via email. Joan Palmquist stated the Master Recycler Program was worth the time and highly recommended it. 4. REVIEW NOMINATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE EDEN PRAIRIE AWARDS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS Hassebroek stated there was nothing submitted that came under the Energy focus. She presented each nomination and the commission members discussed them. Sustainability Commission Minutes September 8, 2020 Page 3 Discussion followed on a possible sign or other visual for winners to display to show their intent to create a sustainable space. Hassebroek replied the winners had a choice between a plaque and a landscaping stone. Hoffman noted neither was very visible. Hassebroek replied she would look into the possibility. Discussion followed on the importance or not of business model based on sustainability as opposed to individual efforts. Landscape winner: Cheri Nehl Landscape winner: The Preserve Association Water winner: Fairway Woods Condominium Association Waste winner: Once Upon a Child Waste winner: Girl Scout Troup #17913 Discussion followed on better publicizing and recognizing the winners. DeSanctis suggested posting photos and bios of each winner on the Eden Prairie Facebook page. B. REPORTS FROM CHAIR C. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION 1. WATER UPDATE 2. WASTE UPDATE 3. LANDSCAPE/POLLINATOR UPDATE 4. ENERGY UPDATE Katzenberger stated the effort to put together a Minnetonka Sustainability Commission was continuing with over twenty members meeting monthly. D. REPORTS FROM STUDENTS V. OTHER BUSINESS VI. UPCOMING EVENTS Hoffman and Hassebroek announced a fall clean-up at Round Lake Park, Saturday, September 19, 9:00 a.m. to noon, meeting at the park building. Participants were asked to bring gloves, and breakfast items would be provided. Sustainability Commission Minutes September 8, 2020 Page 4 Hassebroek stated the Landscape Arboretum 2020 Series next week would offer multiple sessions per day, some free and some involving a $10.00 fee. Information was available on its webpage. VII. NEXT MEETING The next Sustainability Commission meeting will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2020, virtually. VIII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Poock moved, seconded by Dwivedy to adjourn the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m.