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HomeMy WebLinkAboutConservation Commission - 02/14/2017 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017 7:00 PM— CITY CENTER Prairie Rooms A&B 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS: Lori Tritz (Chair), Amanda Anderson (Vice Chair), Gena Gerard, Michael Bennett, Ashley Young CITY STAFF: Senior Planner Beth Novak-Krebs, Planning Division, Leslie Stovring, Engineering, Kristin Harley, Recording Secretary STUDENT MEMBERS: Hayden Bunn, Emilie Cleveland, Zoe Pettit, Annika Quam I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Chair Tritz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Student representative Pettit was absent. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS MOTION: Bennet moved, seconded by Anderson, to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0. III. MINUTES MOTION: Bennet moved, seconded by Anderson, to approve the minutes with the change to record that Young was absent from the January commission meeting. Motion carried 5- 0. IV. REPORTS A. REPORTS FROM STAFF 1. Status of Comprehensive Plan Update Novak-Krebs reported that on January 18, 2017 there was a kickoff meeting between the city department heads and Houseal Lavigne Associates out of Chicago. The purpose of this meeting was to review the roles and responsibilities, review the scope of services, and discuss the project schedule. The group participated in a short exercise to identify issues and priorities for the Comprehensive Plan update. The consultant plans to attend the March 7, 2017 City Council work session to discuss scope of work, Conservation Commission Minutes February 14, 2017 Page 2 overall plan of approach, and other preliminary matters, in addition to four special area studies. Tritz asked why Martin Drive was one of these special study areas, and Novak-Krebs replied that this area was industrial but it is in transition and perhaps the area could be improved with different uses. Another special area study is the potential of adding commercial uses on the southwest side of the City of Eden Prairie, which is mostly residential at present. The older Crosstown industrial area near Highway 62 was another area to be assessed by the consultant. Novak-Krebs confirmed from the list that the landfill was the fourth area on the list—the consultant was exploring the idea of a solar garden or another use for the site. Anderson requested a refresher on the city's goals before the commission reviews drafts. She added that this commission did not consider resiliency as much as it could in the current comprehensive plan and in the overall environmental impact of the City's economic decisions. She noted that the "greenest" building was the one that is never built, and asked how in the comprehensive plan the commission could encourage resuse of buildings rather than demolition. Stovring agreed that reuse of materials, at least, was a possibility. Perhaps an early meeting would help the commission and the City weave these issues through the entire comprehensive plan. Tritz stated that she had attended a workshop over the last few weeks, in which different communities came together over areas of focus for climate change—in Eden Prairie, focus was on the Riley/Bluff Creek/Purgatory Watershed. These areas were more prone to flooding and other impacts of climate change. For example, the golf course on Martin Drive often floods.. Moreover, she noted that ours is a"driving society," and new development (such as the hotel) could be more pedestrian-friendly, "European-type" mixed-use commercial areas. Gerard asked if the consultant could include resiliency specifically, in addition to the four focus areas. Novak-Krebs replied that the scope of work included the capacity of communities to adapt and thrive under changing conditions,preparedness plans for climate events, solar energy potentials, design changes, etc., and was not confined to those four areas. Resiliency could be included in this discussion. Gerard stated that this more expansive scope would have implications for decision making at the policy level and would impact the City's economic decisions. Anderson added that if commissions and cities in general had included environmental cost across the board in their development and economic considerations, no one would be discussing resiliency, because there would be no climate problem. Therefore, earlier incorporation of such principles was crucial. Novak-Krebs announced that the consultant would meet with the City Council on March 7, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. 2. Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission in May Conservation Commission Minutes February 14, 2017 Page 3 Jay Lothammer, the director of Parks and Recreation, contacted Novak-Krebs with an offer of another joint meeting with the two commissions,perhaps a tour of the water treatment plant,but this had already taken place. Lothammer then offered instead a meeting at the Outdoor Center on the topics of native landscaping and water management.. Novak-Krebs had suggested May,but it could be in any month. Discussion followed on the feasibility of May with the commission's schedule. Novak-Krebs would email the commission members with the date and time when it was decided. 3. Sustainable Eden Prairie Awards (formerly Spirit of Eden Prairie Award Novak-Krebs discussed the "Spirit of Eden Prairie Awards" program which recognizes people for their significant investments in or enhancements to properties that impacted sustainability, and explained that nominations for these would close in August and would be awarded in November. The name had recently been changed to "Sustainable Eden Prairie," and could keep the same schedule (nominations through August, awards in November), and stated that this commission will review the nominations and determine award winners. Stovring added that she would attempt to get an article in the next paper. The commission members expressed enthusiasm for this renewed award process. 4. Self-Guided Tours Stovring announced that she was attempting to come up with possibilities for developing self-guided tours. The Heritage Preservation Commission did a self guided tour of historic sites which involved the participant picking up a paper ticket from a public box and getting it stamped at each site to be turned in at Rustica(the last stop on the tour) for a free coffee or tea. Stovring was developing a similar idea,perhaps with solar sites and native plantings for tour sites. Tritz suggested Fire Station#2 as another tour location. , Gerard suggested Eden Gardens, which was also near Rustica. Tritz added that Rustica itself has a rain garden. Novak-Krebs noted that there was a native restoration at the Outdoor Center Gerard asked what kind of tour this would be, and Stovring replied that it would likely be a biking tour, as the distances were too far for walking. Gerard stated that a self-guided loop would encourage biking over driving, and cut emissions and environmental impacts. Tritz reiterated that the goal would be to reinforce the commission's messages on the four areas of focus. Gerard suggested including the water treatment plant, not to visit inside,but with interpretation at each site: "Every drop of water in our homes is treated Conservation Commission Minutes February 14, 2017 Page 4 at this facility," for example. Novak-Krebs agreed that it was important to inform the public about water treatment. Stovring noted that the Community Center has such a display on solar energy. Discussion followed on this as a possible site. Tritz suggested the wetlands at Technology Drive as another site, and there was also discussion on this. She added that humans would be depending on wetlands to mitigate climate change, making them relevant. Gerard suggested brainstorming some built environment sites, such as a LEED site. Gerard asked if there were any companies breaking new ground. Novak-Krebs suggested asking David Lindahl, economic development, on including buildings and companies on the tour. Gerard suggested including a legend (purple bike, green triangle, silver star, etc.) to filter the tour for those who wished to visit the natural environment, innovations in the commercial sector, etc. Anderson asked if the use of paper could, if not be completely removed, at least reduced and suggested Eden Prairie's SEE CLICK FIX app as a paper-free solution. . Stovring replied that she would check into these possibilities. The essential question on the tour was how the commission wanted participants to demonstrate that they had visited the sites. Tritz noted that there were no suggestions for recycling tour sites, and Stovring replied that the City did not seem to have a stop that fulfilled that area of focus, though it was a possibility for the future. Tritz suggested materials at site made out of recycled materials, and added that organics recycling should be included if possible. Tritz asked for a time frame for the tour completion. Stovring stated that it would be launched in the June newsletter, with a target date in the month of September, 2017. She added that the deadline for an article is 5 weeks before publication (beginning of May). The tour would start with a limited number of sites, then expand. Bennett suggested making this a multiple-year project: in year one, the commission would craft a reasonable biking loop with a small but adequate number of sites to launch this year, to be increased in subsequent years, and partner with Rustica to pay for a complimentary drink afterward. Young stressed that this tour should be workable for children, and attract Boy and Girl Scouts, youth clubs, etc. Gerard suggested that it could work toward earning a Scout badge. Tritz agreed that the commission would start small, focus on its core messages, and create a bike route that would work for children. The messages would focus on the water and pollinators areas of Conservation Commission Minutes February 14, 2017 Page 5 focus, since energy and recycling did not lend themselves readily to a tour. Novak-Krebs agreed to put this subject on the next month's agenda. Young stated that Kowalski's reduced its food waste by donated to property services, and would be happy to educate the public about this. Tritz noted that this could be a site on the tour. Cleveland stated that she worked at Kowalski's, which was very passionate about donating to property services and donating $1000.00 each month to different charities. Gerard suggested giving Kowalski's a Hennepin County Food Waste brochure or flyer as a tie- in to publicize what they do. Cleveland added that a lot of Kowalski's customers do not know that their work to reduce waste. Stovring replied that since it was a private business she would have to check to see if this could be a tour site. Tritz noted that this tour was becoming a driving route with the inclusion of the Community Center, Kowalski's, and Eden Gardens. Stovring noted that Eden Gardens had low-mow turf. Novak-Krebs asked if there was any location on this route that had a green roof. Gerard disagreed, saying that the route was still a bike route, and could include Pioneer Park. 5. Materials for Home and Garden Expo Stovring noted that author Heather Holm was a great resource with "cheat sheets," including a printout on pollinators from which the commission could make copies. Stovring displayed for the commission illustrations of perennials for pollinators, trees and shrubs for pollinators, along with photos, information on common bees, etc. The Communication department recommended against linking directly to Holm's site, as her splash page promotes her book. Bennett suggested using the photos of common bees for the commission's display. Stovring agreed, and added that she would downsize the poster,have information on plastic types, and have a recycling handout. Tritz stated that the goal was to have the Wild Ones to camp next to us, and have the two groups side-by-side to reinforce the pollinator message, and refer visitors to them for more information. Stovring stated that the floor plan was not completed, the speakers have not yet been assigned, and the event was not yet sold out. She would broach the subject of booth assignments closer to the date of the event. Tritz stated that she had a six-page brochure from the Xerxes Society, and was not sure if that could be reproduced for the event, or turned into a one- page format. There was a link, and Stovring suggested placing it on the Related Links page at the website, Conservation Commission Minutes February 14, 2017 Page 6 Tritz displayed the"spot the neonicotinoids game," a series of enlarged, laminated ingredient labels for the public to identify as having neonicotinoids or not. The commission tested the game. Stovring stated that for prizes she had bags, water conservation hand-held sprayers, and shower nozzles. Tritz stated that she did contact the"Bee Squad" and it will spend two hours at the commission's table between 10:00 a.m. and noon. The group will have mounted bee examples and bee houses. There would be the Wad to communicate the six point that the public should come away with. The commission members and students divided up times to staff the event. Novak-Krebs announced that there would also be a short survey regarding the four focus areas, and some publicity about the comprehensive plan update. Bennet suggested making some reference materials larger and laminated, and Gerard added that these could be displayed on an easel. Tritz asked the commission members to start the discussion on the Arbor Day event now due to there being only one more commission meeting before that event. Novak-Krebs stated that due to construction the Arbor Day event to Staring Lake Park. Gerard suggested contacting schools and principals about this event, and Stovring agreed to do so. Gerard suggested that both Stovring and she both contact schools, as education often happens from children to parents. Stovring added that a solar energy company was also planning to attend, as well as Minnesota Native Landscapes, and food trucks. The food trucks were owned by the city, who charged less, and Gerard urged that any inside or outside food vendors in contract with City use compostable materials, unlike at the open house, and have organics collection at the event. Tritz asked how the commission members envisioned the event, and Stovring said that she had rebate offers and recycling brochures. Gerard suggested using the water conservation display. Anderson offered to research air quality for a tie-in at the event,possibly touching on the issue of the impact of recreational bonfires. Backyard fires generated smoke that could go into neighbors' yards, and the fine particulate matter lodged permanently in people's lungs with the same noxious chemicals as auto exhaust. She added that perhaps the commission should reassess its four focus areas to include air quality Gerard suggested that lawn watering was also a timely issue. Bennett added that the governor's initiative on clean water was a good tie-in. Young agreed, and stated that the commission needed to give more time for the air issue. Anderson added that this tied in with the theme of trees, which are huge cleaners of our water. Conservation Commission Minutes February 14, 2017 Page 7 Tritz stated that she would like to have examples of the no-mow fescue for citizens to touch and consider. She offered to contact area nurseries for samples. Stovring added that three nurseries had been invited to the event, with one definitely attending. Bennett suggested that she also invite Mustard Seed, and Gerard added that Stovring should encourage these businesses to bring in examples of different grasses. [Gerard departed at 8:30 p.m.] Stovring announced that the city newsletter was now being mailed quarterly, and had been transformed into an 8 x 12-inch publication of 8 pages, of which she controls one page. The new format featured shorter, tweet-like articles with more photographs and links. Discussion followed on the format and the timing of distribution. Tritz asked the commission for a distinct message at the event, and Bennett stressed the importance of water. Stovring suggested that the commission members concentrate on the rebates and on water conservation whereas she would concentrate on recycling and water conservation. Tritz added that grass irrigation is the number one Minnesota irrigated "crop," and that Eden Prairie's water usage went up last year. She urged that the commission get out the message out of alternatives to an irrigated lawn,rain gardens, and best times to mow as a tie in with the governor's message. She asked that Blue Thumb be invited to the event to help lead these conservations. Stovring added that water stewards were also coming. Discussion followed on how popular practices impacted the area's lakes. Anderson asked if one of the watershed districts have a display on the different layers of sand involved in water treatment. Stovring promised to research this possibility; she had some stream table trays, to which sand could be added. Discussion followed on the themes of water conservation and not having to mow one's lawn. Young suggested having visitors make a pledge: "I will water my lawn at these times," or"I will use these sprinkler settings," etc. Quam suggested conveying the message of considering the proportion of how much water the grass gets versus what the grass actually needs. Young suggesting that having water bottles as gifts made sense, especially if they were pre-filled. Stovring agreed to order some. 6. 6th Annual National Mayor's Challense for Water Conservation Bennett urged the commission to capitalize on this for the Arbor Day event, perhaps by having a copy of to display. Stovring suggested finding out how Conservation Commission Minutes February 14, 2017 Page 8 much water was conserved during the month of April. Young suggesting offering the public a little yard sign: "I signed the pledge, I don't water," etc., similar to the "bee safe" signs, as an example to others and promote awareness. Stovring displayed rough drafts of 8.5 x 11-inch yard signs saying "pollinator friendly gardens." Citizens would be able to pick out which one they wanted and the City would fabricate it for them. B. REPORTS FROM CHAIR Discuss brochure that will complement the pollinator display This topic had been covered during the discussion on the Home and Garden Expo (Item A, 1). C. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION Young stated that she had found water lawn sign designs online ("Brown is the New Green," "HzNo" "Give Dry a Try," "This lawn conserves water," etc.)which the commission could use as a template if it wished to hand out signs, similar to a garage sale sign or a sign on a fence. Stovring gave a brief update on the website redesign with the suggestions from the commission members. D. REPORTS FROM STUDENTS There were no reports. V. OTHER BUSINESS 1. New Format for City Newsletter/Education Plan Update The new format for the newsletter had already been covered (Item A, 5). Stovring stated that she had revised the education plan with the new schedule, and Novak-Krebs promised to send it to the commission members. Stovring announced that the Green Team is going dormant. Partners in Energy would hold its first meeting on March 3, 2017, 1:00—3:30 p.m. VI. UPCOMING EVENTS Home and Garden Expo —March 18, 2017 Arbor Day Green Fair— May 6, 2017 at Starring Lake Park VII. NEXT MEETING Conservation Commission Minutes February 14, 2017 Page 9 The next CC meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, 7 p.m. at City Center, Prairie Rooms A & B. VIII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Anderson moved, seconded by Young to adjourn. Motion carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m.