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HomeMy WebLinkAboutConservation Commission - 07/25/2006 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE CONSERVATION COMMISSION TUESDAY,JULY 25, 2006 7:00 PM, 8080 Mitchell Road Prairie Room COMMISSION MEMBERS: Eapen Chacko (Chair), Jan Mosman (Vice Chair), Ray Daniels, Rita Krocak, Geneva MacMillan, David Seymour GUESTS: Bill Droessler, Minnesota Environmental Initiative; Kristen Johnson, Eden Prairie School District; and John Skranka, Eden Prairie School District COMMISSION STAFF: Leslie A. Stovring, Staff Liaison Allison Burr, Recording Secretary I. ROLL CALL Chair Chacko called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Seymour was absent. Daniels arrived at 7:15 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Project Green Roof was removed from the Agenda due to Seymour's absence. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JUNE 13, 2006 Stovring noted the misspelling of wind "turbines" under Approval of Minutes. MOTION: Chacko moved, seconded by MacMillan, to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion carried 3-0-1, with Chacko abstaining. IV. REPORTS OF STAFF A. STUDENT COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENTS Stovring announced the following student commission member appointments and their terms: Casey Russell and Jennifer Brown will serve in the fall only; Alesia Casanova and Mark Muston will serve in the winter/spring only; and Lauren Mosman will serve in both fall and winter/spring terms. V. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION CHAIR A. PROJECT GREEN FLEET UPDATE Chacko introduced Bill Droessler from Clean Air Minnesota and John Skranka from the Eden Prairie School District. Skranka also introduced Kristen Johnson, a Eden Prairie Conservation Commission July 25, 2006 Page 2 colleague from the School District. Chacko thanked them for accepting his invitation to speak to the Commission about a project that could directly benefit children in the School District. Droessler introduced himself as the director of Project Green Fleet for the State of Minnesota. Clean Air Minnesota, a program of the Minnesota Environmental Initiative, launched Project Green Fleet three years ago when the Twin Cities, Rochester, and Duluth began to approach limits established for the federal air standards, which would have been a violation of federal air quality limits. He explained the standards for soot are scheduled to become tighter in the next two to three years; at that point the standards may be exceeded in the Twin Cities area. If the metro area exceeds federal air pollution standards, they may be designated as a "non attainment" area according to Clean Air Minnesota. Droessler explained there are emission reduction projects ongoing throughout the state, noting they are voluntary and are primarily located in the metropolitan areas of Rochester, Duluth and Twin Cities. They are voluntary because current standards are not being violated and therefore no federal money has been available. As a result, the money for any air emission reduction projects has been raised through foundations and corporations as well as state and local entities. Droessler provided an overview of Project Green Fleet, noting the technology used is "verified" by the EPA. The project does not incorporate an entire school bus fleet; buses are selected based on their age and condition. Those included are built between the mid-1990s and 2004/2005. He noted there will be a new type of diesel fuel on the market nationwide at the end of this year in which the content of sulfur will decrease. There are also new diesel engine standards which will add cost to every school bus from 2007 on, and the emission standards for those new buses will also be much stricter. Droessler explained the smaller the diesel engine, the quicker the emission standards take effect. The new standards will be phased in entirely by 2020. Mosman asked whether cars and buses manufactured within the last couple of years have improved efficiency and are cleaner for the environment. Droessler responded some of them are; however, some of the newer engines have higher levels of emissions with finer particulate matter, which is actually has more harmful health effects. Droessler explained what the newer ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels are and noted the EPA is putting money into diesel fleets because they want to clean up as many of them as they can as quickly as they can. Therefore, in the last six months Minnesota has been able to apply for federal funding for the first time, although they have not yet received any funds. Daniels arrived at 7:15 p.m. Droessler explained Project Green Fleet offers a phased approach: 9 Phase I includes school buses Eden Prairie Conservation Commission July 25, 2006 Page 3 • Phase II includes construction equipment and transit buses • Phase III includes larger construction equipment Droessler stated Project Green Fleet also requires the school buses participate in an idle reduction program to reduce emissions and conserve fuel. Skranka noted that the School District already has an idle reduction program in place. The second component involves more extensive training of employees, such as fleet managers and mechanics. Droessler added the school district will have to replace a filter on each bus after approximately one year. Three filters are provided initially, but future filter replacement would be the responsibility of the school district. Droessler stated Project Green Fleet has additional money available for 2006 and is looking to partner with one or two additional bus fleets. Typically, approximately 40 to 50 percent of an entire fleet will be retrofitted. Droessler asked if Eden Prairie Schools own their own buses. Johnson responded affirmatively. Droessler added that this made implementation of Project Green Fleet simpler. Droessler explained the process of partnering with Project Green Fleet, noting the intention is to make the program as simple as possible and to fund the vast majority of expenses. Chacko asked how long the program takes to roll out. Droessler responded six to eight weeks. The first step is to get approval from the School Board and then the district turns in the order to Donaldson, filling the order takes four to six weeks. Skranka stated Eden Prairie Schools has approximately 100 buses, and there are three types of engines. He added this program will help the health of children in the end, and that outcome is what is important. Droessler added there is equipment available that is far more expensive with 85 to 90 percent emission reductions. However, the temperature of the engine has to reach a certain level before it works, so the bus routes have to be a certain length. The filter also has to be cleaned with a solvent regularly. Mosman asked if there would be any negatives raised that could be addressed preemptively. Johnson responded the only thing is the cost of the filters. Droessler added one component of using "verified" equipment is participation in the program will not impact the warranty of the school bus and the engine. The only negative they have received is the purchase of a filter, which costs about$30 or $40. Skranka asked if there is a mechanism to determine when the filter needs to be replaced. Droessler responded the filter change simply has to be logged in as part of routine maintenance. Eden Prairie Conservation Commission July 25, 2006 Page 4 Droessler noted hybrid garbage and utility trucks companies have been tested that do not pollute as much and less noisy. However, there is nothing on the market currently. Stovring asked how to facilitate Eden Prairie schools and Green Fleet coming together on this issue. Stovring suggested a letter of support be written from the Commission to the superintendent, Dr. Melissa Krull. Johnson noted she will also follow up with Dr. Krull. Chacko offered to prepare a draft letter for the next meeting. Droessler, Johnson and Skranka departed the meeting at 7:42 p.m. VI. REPORTS FROM COMMISION MEMBERS OR SUBCOMMITTEES A. ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPION AWARD —JON MOSMAN Stovring recalled the previous Environmental Commission gave awards to businesses in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce, but it was difficult to get applicants. Mosman suggested using the schools and offering different categories - such as business, homeowner, classroom, and clubs — to increase participation. The student commissioners will be vital in getting the word out. Mosman will prepare an outline for the August meeting, and it will be put on the agenda for September. B. RILEY CREEK—RITA KROCAK AND RAY DANIELS Daniels discussed the road going across Prospect Drive, a scenic area with a number of springs which provide habitat for fish. Daniels provided an overview of the Planning Commission's recent discussion of the proposed road. He believes this is a unique ecological area and was disappointed the Planning Commission did not seem to focus on the fact that this is a unique watershed and corridor for wildlife. Daniels suggested the Commission needs to send a clear message to the City Council that the first thing to be considered is the ecological value of that particular location, and the lower Riley Creek watershed should be preserved. Krocak concurred. She stated there are 72 acres to remain undeveloped, and viable alternatives for the road have been presented. Stovring stated she generally supports the idea of the road going through. The City has worked with the developer to minimize the impacts of the road and newest Eden Prairie Conservation Commission July 25, 2006 Page 5 development proposal, and a large swath of property, within the creek corridor, will be donated to the City as part of this development. The developer has enhanced the amount of stormwater infiltration on top of the bluff as well as within the creek valley for water quality treatment. Rain gardens, extended infiltration and other infiltration areas were added to the plans. In addition, the ponding areas will not be lined to encourage additional infiltration. The concept plan for this development was approved about five years ago, and the road was part of the concept plan. She added there is a large development on top of the bluff that currently has only one entrance, the road connection across the creek was included for safety and to provide an alternative access. Daniels asked if this ecological area would be destroyed during construction of the road. Stovring responded that the City is exploring design alternatives to maintain water flow and that the Creek would not be destroyed as a result of this construction. The creek has already been partly filled within this area for a golf cart path for the golf course. A trail corridor will be constructed with the road crossing so wildlife and people can go through this area. Daniels asked if this is a unique ecological area. Stovring responded partially yes as it is currently undeveloped. However, it is not the only creek corridor within the City that is scenic or maintained as a natural area. Daniels asked about the cold water springs. Stovring responded the road will not stop the springs. Chacko agreed there is a need for safe access to the development. Stovring stated she is not sure that commenting on a development project fits into the Commission's charter. The roadway and associated creek valley are part of a development application. By commenting on the creek crossing, the Commission is commenting on a development application. Stovring stated she will have to talk to her supervisor to discuss the ability of the Commission to submit such a letter. Daniels stated the question is whether there are alternatives. The majority of the development is not on the east side of Eden Prairie Road; the majority is on the west side of Eden Prairie Road. What needs to be decided is the best way to get those people out of that area, and there are several alternatives, including extension of Beverly Drive down to 212 or to extend Turnbull Road. Mosman noted there will be 350 total homes for the area. Daniels stated he was shocked by the number of homes. He stated this is a good opportunity to bring in some green roofs or improvements of the golf club house rather than spending the $900,000 on a road that may or not be needed. He restated that consideration needs to be given to the unique ecological situation. Mosman suggested there should be a way to express support for the most environmentally sound way to handle the situation. Eden Prairie Conservation Commission July 25, 2006 Page 6 Stovring stated again she needs to discuss this with her supervisor as she is not comfortable with passing a resolution on this issue. Mosman suggested that it not be made difficult for this Commission and Stovring to do something formal like a letter. Mosman also noted that the Commissioners would be able to contact the Planning Commission and City Council as private citizens. Mosman added that the Planning Commission did not just put this decision off; they moved to have the developer, City staff, consulting engineers, Jeff Strate, and Mike Boland explore other options and research the project alternatives before the next Planning Commission meeting. There are still options for what could happen. Daniels stated the opinion he has expressed regarding the road is his personal opinion. MOTION: Daniels moved, seconded by Krocak, that the Conservation Commission recognize the Lower Riley Creek Watershed as a unique ecological area that should be preserved for future generations of Eden Prairie citizens. The Commission should ask the City Council to discuss and debate the merits of preserving the lower Riley Creek watershed before discussing the extension of Prospect Drive. Stovring again questioned whether this is an appropriate resolution for the Commission to make. Krocak asked why the Commission cannot issue an opinion about this issue. Mosman suggested including only the first sentence of the motion. Stovring responded that this direction is not included in the original outline of the Commission's roles and responsibilities. Chacko suggested that the motion consisting only of the first sentence, as proposed by Mosman, is not off base because it is commenting only on the importance of preserving the ecological aspect of the road project. MOTION: Mosman moved, seconded by Daniels, to amend the motion by striking the second sentence. Chacko stated he is sensitive to the fact that the Commission should come at it from the right direction. He understands Stovring's explanation that the road was included in the original application and that it might not be appropriate to comment on a development application per se. Stovring stated the overall concept plan was approved five years ago, and the building plans are presented in phases to the City. The development was built with Eden Prairie Conservation Commission July 25, 2006 Page 7 the idea that the road was going to be there. Mosman noted there have been myriad changes to Hennepin Village. Mosman stated that the first sentence of the motion does not challenge an approved plan; it voices the Conservation Commission's feeling that it is an important site and efforts should be made to preserve it. Chacko suggested all Commission members who have not visited the site participate in the tour on July 29"'. There will still be time before the next Planning Commission meeting to make a statement. He asked if this area has had an environmental review. Stovring stated an AUAR (alternative urban area-wide review) was completed for the entire project area prior to completion of the concept plan. Chacko asked if there is a process for reviewing this. Stovring responded this was already done. She clarified the AUAR reviewed the full development, traffic impacts, et cetera. It did not look at specific road alignments, but it did look at environmental impacts including the creek valley. She noted that AUAR is in the Planning Department's file and is open for viewing by the public. Chacko asked if the state DNR has commented on the project. Stovring responded all the comments received are in that file. Motion carried on the amendment, 4-0-1, with Chacko abstaining. MOTION: Daniels moved, Krocak seconded, to table the amended motion until the next Commission meeting. Motion carried 5-0. VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS/INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS A. WIND ENERGY—RAY DANIELS Daniels distributed a newsletter, "Hydrogen Fuel Society of Minnesota," and discussed the "Wind Energy Session Weekly" portion. He explained Xcel's agreement regarding purchasing wind power. Stovring noted Xcel has a program that promotes wind energy with a voluntary contribution. Mosman explained a larger portion of the resident's energy is coming from wind-driven electricity. The extra charge on the resident's bill also helps in the overall picture to increase funding for research of wind energy. Daniels noted he participates in Xcel's program as well, even though to date only 15 turbines have been developed, which supply about 300 homes. Eden Prairie Conservation Commission July 25, 2006 Page 8 Chacko stated there are subsidies for construction of wind farms, but the connection to the grid is the challenge. He noted Xcel is often cited nationally as a progressive energy company. Daniels added Xcel is under a state mandate to have 10 percent of its energy generated by wind by 2015. B. NEW YORK TIMES EDITORIAL— GREEN ROOFS Mosman stated the Commission decided to do a letter to the Parks Commission recommending that a green roof be considered for the community center addition. She will have David Seymour assist with some facts and figures, followed by a review by Stovring. Stovring noted in the meantime Lambert decided to go ahead with the green roof. The addition is being designed so that some day a second story can be added. Therefore, the design is strong enough to support a green roof. Stormwater utility funds will be used to construct the green roof. The only question unanswered is whether a Commission member should attend the next Park Commission meeting to discuss the roof. Mosman suggested sending the letter to the Council to explain the Commission's support of the green roof, and that the Commission is very pleased the City has decided to do a study project on the community center addition. Furthermore, the Commission would encourage the City and private businesses to take the challenge and consider future projects. C. IOGEN COMPANY—EAPEN CHACKO Chacko stated a group from the University of Minnesota published a document about the different types of bio fuels, and it discusses the potential for bio-diesel, which provides better gas mileage and lower emissions. Stovring noted the City is looking at bio fuel. She suggested the Commission speak to the fleet manager about the topic as well. Daniels recalled some trucks are required to use bio-diesel and that there were problems in the past with below freezing temperatures. Chacko noted some companies are discussing building plants to use switch grass rather than corn. Corn has to have high-quality agricultural land, whereas switch grass can be grown on marginal land and be harvested for gasoline. The energy balance is potentially a lot better. Minnesota may be a site for this kind of activity. Eden Prairie Conservation Commission July 25, 2006 Page 9 VIII. FUTURE EVENTS A. ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR- JANUARY 2007 (ENERGY CONSERVATION) Stovring asked Commission members to think of speakers and ideas for exhibitors. She noted previous fairs have focused on native landscaping. She explained there will be time for two speakers who will be allotted approximately 45 minutes each. IX. NEXT MEETING A. AUGUST 8, 2006 X. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Mosman moved, seconded by Chacko, to adjourn the meeting at 8:56 p.m. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.