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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 02/17/2009 - Workshop APPROVED MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP WITH THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION & OPEN PODIUM TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2009 CITY CENTER 5:00—6:25 PM, HERITAGE ROOM II 6:30—7:00 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBER CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Phil Young, Council Members Brad Aho, Ron Case, Jon Duckstad, and Kathy Nelson CITY STAFF: City Manager Scott Neal, Police Chief Rob Reynolds, Fire Chief George Esbensen, Public Works Director Eugene Dietz, Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah, Parks and Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer, Communications Manager Joyce Lorenz, Assistant to the City Manager Michael Barone, City Attorney Ric Rosow, and Recorder Lorene McWaters CONSERVATION COMMISSION: Eapen Chacko—Chair, Laura Jester—Vice-Chair, Ray Daniels, Sean Katof, Geneva McMillan, Jan Mosman, Leslie Stovring —Staff Liaison Heritage Room H Acting Mayor Aho called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. He said Mayor Young was delayed due to a work commitment and would join the meeting as soon as possible. I. 2008 ACCOMPLISHMENTS Conservation Commission Vice-Chair Laura Jester reviewed the commission's 2008 activities. The commission undertook several education and outreach initiatives. They provided articles for the Environmental Times newsletter, participated in the Chamber of Commerce's Yard and Garden Expo, sponsored a workshop on pond and lake care, and conducted a Community Education workshop on the construction and use of rain barrels. The commission also supported and participated in outreach and education efforts of neighboring communities. The Conservation Commission reviewed and provided input on the City's Goose Management Plan, which was adopted by the City Council in June. The commission also promoted the Change-a-Light campaign to encourage residents to switch out older light bulbs with newer, energy efficient light bulbs. Forty-six Eden Prairie residents took the Change-a-Light pledge and replaced 592 bulbs for an energy savings of 166,944 kWh. The commission also expanded the water conservation rebate program. The program now also provides rebates for residents who upgrade existing irrigation systems to include a rain sensor or smart controller system. The commission met with the City's environmental consultant, McKinstry, to review Phase I and II 20-40-15 energy conservation projects. II. CHARTER REVISION Conservation Commission Chair Eapen Chacko said the commission reviewed its charter last year and is proposing revisions, particularly in the area of roles and responsibilities. He said the expanded charter statement discusses the broader context of the commission's mission, then moves into specifics. He said there is consensus among the commission members on the revisions. Council Member Case said he likes the revisions. City Manager Scott Neal said the revised charter will be brought to the City Council for action at a future meeting. II. 2009 WORK PLAN Public Works Director Gene Dietz brought the Council's attention to the Conservation Commission's proposal for an expanded energy conservation program. Proposed expenditures for the program for 2010 are $18,500, and include expansion of the programmable thermostat rebate program, rebates for energy audits, sponsorship of two workshops, and development of educational materials. This amount will be proposed with the 2010 budget submittal for consideration. III. DISCUSSION Case said he would like to discourage lawn watering and encourage cultivation of prairie grass areas. He would like to see the City model this type of area on its properties. Chacko said the Conservation Commission has started a modest grant program for shoreland restoration and rain water gardens. More detailed guidelines for rain water gardens would be helpful. Conservation Commission Member Jan Mosman said she recently attended a seminar that discussed how holding competitions can help build momentum for environmental programs like rain water gardens and shoreland restoration. Council Member Nelson said she would like to see a "green" city building code considered. Chacko said the Conservation Commission has discussed how it can help ensure that conservation values are part of development projects,both public and private. Dietz said staff has, to an extent, discouraged adding another step to the development review process. Aho said it would be acceptable for the City to recommend that developers consider conservation aspects of projects, but he does not want to legislate it. Nelson said the City could devise a "short list" of things developers could be asked to consider. She also suggested providing conservation training to the Planning Commission so they are able to ask pertinent questions during the approval process. She said a joint meeting of the Conservation and Planning Commissions might be advantageous. Neal said that when the Conservation Commission was formed, it was not envisioned as a regulatory body. He said staff has not led the commission in that direction, and is sensitive to placing another burden on developers. Mayor Young said he does not want to add additional steps to the approval process. Duckstad said it is important not to over-regulate. The Council Members thanked the Conservation Commission for its work and input. Council Chamber IV. OPEN PODIUM V. ADJOURNMENT