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Conservation Commission - 02/12/2008 APPROVED MINUTES CONSERVATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008 7:00 P.M., CITY CENTER Prairie Room 8080 Mitchell Road COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Eapen Chacko, Chair; Ray Daniels, Laura Jester, Sean Katof, Geneva MacMillan, Jan Mosman COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: Rita Krocak STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Vallari Ajgaonkar, James (JP) Maslyn, Ann Wachutka COMMISSION STAFF PRESENT: Leslie A. Stovring, Staff Liaison Carol Pelzel, Recording Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chair Chacko at 7:05 p.m. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chacko proposed a modification to the agenda, since there would not be a guest speaker at this evening's meeting. Item IV would be deleted. Stovring added Item F to the Upcoming Events section. Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District will be making a presentation to the City Council on that date. Motion: Mosman moved, seconded by Jester, to approve the agenda as amended. The motion carried, 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES IV. SPEAKER/PROGRAM UPDATE—Postponed to March 11, 2008 V. REPORTS FROM STAFF A. STATUS OF CONSERVATION COMMISSIONER RENEWED TERMS AND NEW APPLICATIONS Stovring reported that Commissioners Daniels and Macmillan have indicated an interest in being reappointed to the Commission. Krocak has asked not to be reappointed. No additional applications have been received that she is aware of. B. PROPOSED NATIVE PLANT LANDSCAPING REBATE PROGRAM Stovring distributed a draft flyer explaining the Native Landscaping Rebate Program and asked for Commissioner's comments on the program. Stovring explained the requirements of the program. The project must be maintained for a minimum of four years and efficient irrigation must be used in the project area. The project must be CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES February 12, 2008 Page 2 started and completed in the current calendar year. Jester asked if the project costs $500, would they reimburse them the entire $500. Stovring suggested that they reimburse the participant for 50 percent of the project up to $500. Jester said she thought that would be a good idea because the landowner would be more invested in their project if they put in some percentage It was suggested that of the plants selected for a project, that 75 percent of them be from the Blue Thumb website. Jester said she would not be opposed to requiring 100% of the plants being native. Stovring said that may be too restrictive. Mosman said people want plants that bloom at the right time of the year such as petunias. Katof thought that this was a good program but expressed concern that it would only affect a few people. Stovring responded that this is a trial program and if it grows in popularity, funding could also grow. Mosman suggested that they contact the local nurseries to see if they would be interested in helping to promote this program. Jester suggested that they specify the plants chosen by their scientific name. She asked what the City's recourse would be if the participant removed the garden in two years. Stovring said they have no recourse but by the time a participant spends the time and money in developing this area it is unlikely they would not continue it for the required four years. MacMillan asked if there is a way they could reimburse the participant over the four year period depending on how the area looks. Stovring explained that people are more likely to do this if they receive the money right away. It would also be difficult to manage administratively. Stovring said they hope to have this flyer available for distribution at the Yard and Garden Expo. C. PROPOSED RAIN SENSOR REBATE PROGRAM Stovring distributed the flyer for the Irrigation System Rebate Program. This document has been approved and distributed. This program will also be promoted at the Yard and Garden Expo. She explained that the program offers a rebate of up to $100 or the cost of a rain sensor for installation in the current year. Katof asked how much money has been allocated to this program Stovring responded that they have no definite amount set at this time. They want to see how many applications they receive. D. DRAFT SPRING ENVIRONMENTAL TIMES Stovring distributed a copy of the spring edition of the Environmental Times. She indicated that she included some of the upcoming events and that Krocak had an article on rain barrels in the newsletter. This newsletter will be distributed with the March, April and May utility bills. E. YARD AND GARDEN EXPO/CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Stovring reviewed the proposed setup for the Expo. They also reviewed what information should be distributed at the event. Jester said she would be obtaining CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES February 12, 2008 Page 3 some canvas grocery bags for the kid's art project. The Commission agreed to meet at 3:30 p.m. on the Friday prior to set up for the event. F. STATUS OF WATER RATE STRUCTURE REVISIONS Stovring reported that staff is recommending that the $100 cap on the conservation surcharge be removed. The surcharge is $1 per 1,000 gallons of water over 36,000 gallons, or winter usage times 1.5, whichever is greater. They are also requesting the removal of exemptions for watering of new sod or landscaping. Exemptions for other reasons would be considered on a case-by-case basis. The new rate for irrigation accounts will go from $1.55 to $2.65 with the addition of the surcharge. The rate increase in general is 10 cents per thousand gallons (from $1.55 to $1.65). The revised rates will be submitted for City Council review on March 4 and to a public hearing on March 18. G. POTENTIAL RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP Stovring explained that staff is proposing a three-hour rain barrel workshop to be offered by Verde Strategies. The only opening available was Saturday June 28. An alternate City facility would be used and a Commission member would have to be in attendance. MacMillan offered to be in attendance and the Commission agreed to hold the workshop on June 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Katof asked how they would promote this workshop. Stovring said they could place something in the newsletter, the Eden Prairie News and at the Yard and Garden Expo. Jester suggested that they have some literature on rain barrels available at the Expo in case someone cannot attend the workshop. RECESS - A short recess was called after which the meeting was reconvened at 8:05 p.m. Sean Katof left during the recess. VI. REPORTS FROM CHAIR A. PAX CHRISTI ENVIRONMENTAL EXPO: POST-MORTEM AND FUTURE ACTIONS Chacko presented a report on the Pax Christi Environmental Expo. This expo is held annually and was very well attended. Commissioners Daniels, MacMillan, Krocak and Chacko attended the expo. They used a tabletop display that was designed by Daniels and MacMillan rather than handouts allowing them to conserve paper. He thanked both Commissioners for their work on the display design and materials, which effectively communicated the Commission's work and was well received. They had received many positive comments, including from the members of the Environmental Ministry. Some of the other tables included information on recycling, global warming, and composting. There was also a display entitled "What's Under Your Sink" that showed the chemicals that are kept under a person's sink and discussed the use of safer alternatives. Chacko said he learned that if the Conservation Commission CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES February 12, 2008 Page 4 advertises our events in the Eden Prairie News it doesn't reach all of the Pax Christi parishioners because many of them are from Bloomington and other surrounding cities. The Commission could advertise our events in the church bulletin. Mosman said this would be a possibility for all of the churches in the City and not just Pax Christi. Jester asked what items they would publish in their bulletin. Chacko said they could advertise our workshops, the rain barrels seminar and the Yard and Garden Expo. Jester asked if these programs are open to non-Eden Prairie residents. Stovring said they are but programs such as the rebate program are not. MacMillan said she found that young people were very interested in the Commission's display and it was interesting to find out what they know about the environment and what they have learned in school. This is more in the public eye than has been in the past. Ajgaonkar said concern for the environment is very visible in the schools and the teachers make an effort to let the students know about conservation. Wachutka said that discussion on the environment depends on the teacher. There are some teachers that bike to school. Ajgaonkar said that there is a bike to school day in the spring and fall and they also have recycling drives. Ajgaonkar said she likes the recycling facts that are included in the Environmental Times newsletter. Mosman suggested that those facts be included in the school newspaper and on Eagle's Vision. Chacko suggested a Zero Waste Event as a Commission activity. This is when you try to reduce the use of printed materials and use only compostable cups and silverware, which need to be collected after the event and taken to an industrial recycling site. Eureka Recycling has worked on many such events. This would be a great event for the schools. Wachutka explained that students have made efforts to hold various events but have been deterred by administration. The school uses Styrofoam plates, plastic forks and boxes. Students tried to organize an event where one day students would bring plates form home to protest the use of Styrofoam. It was felt that this would be in violation of the health code so they were not allowed to do this. B. PRESENTATION TO CHANHASSEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION (1/15/2008) AND DISCUSSION Chacko said he attended the January 15 meeting of the Chanhassen Environmental Commission where he discussed this Commission's work program and charter. One of their commissioners works for Carver County as an Environmental Specialist and is knowledgeable on rain barrels and recycling. Chacko said he feels it is important that they share the expertise of both Commissions and they agreed that it is a good thing to work together on projects. Chacko explained that the Chanhassen Commission is a very dynamic group and he feels they would benefit from tying in with them. Chacko said they did talk about having a recycling event and he suggested that they also talk to the schools about having some type of recycling event. This could be done at Sun Bonnet Days or at the 4th of July celebration. CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES February 12, 2008 Page 5 C. COMMUNICATION WITH CHAIR, EDINA ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION Chacko said he has been trying to connect with the Edina Energy and Environment Commission. He indicated that he may have to attend one of their meetings to find out what they are doing. D. MINNESOTA ADVISORY PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE FINAL REPORT (2/1/2008) 1. How can it Help and inform our Work Plan? Chacko suggested that Commissioners go to Minnesota Advisory Panel on Climate Change's website, www.mnclimatechange.us, to review the report. E. UPDATING OF EDEN PRAIRIE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN—ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Chacko asked how the Commission's environmental issues will fall into the update of the Comprehensive Development Plan. Stovring responded that she was not sure but a draft has gone to the Planning Commission and will be going to the City Council this evening. There is a public comment period and the Commission could present their comments during this period. Chacko said he was not aware of the updated plan until he went into the City's website. He stated that the Commission should look at this revised update and provide any comments they might have regarding it. Stovring said she would try to get copies of the document for the Commission's review. Jester said the library may also have a copy on file. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL IDEAS FOR UPCOMING BOOTHS VIII. NEW BUSINESS IX. INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS/HANDOUTS/COMMUNICATIONS A. IMAGINE: RAIN, RAIN, STORED AWAY (LOS ANGELES TIMES, JANUARY 17, 2008) B. WEB RESOURCES LIST HANDED OUT AT PAX CHRISTI ENVIRONMENT EXPO C. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, THE RECORD (1/21/2008), SPECIAL ISSUE ON CLIMATE CHANGE Chacko asked the student representatives what they are hearing about this issue at school. Wachutka said it all depends on who you are with. Ajgaonkar explained that some of her friends didn't care while others are very concerned. She indicated that her biggest concern is that there is no school recycling. Students are noticing things and are doing things to preserve the environment. Mosman encouraged the students CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES February 12, 2008 Page 6 to keep after the schools to offer environmental classes and if they get enough requests, they may eventually offer the classes. Wachutka asked if there was any information on corn burners at the expo. Chacko said they do not have anything and suggested that they search the web to see if there is any information they could hand out. X. UPCOMING EVENTS A. MANAGING YOUR WOODLAND AFTER BUCKTHORN—FEBRUARY 21, 2008—6 P.M. IN THE GARDEN ROOM B. YARD & GARDEN EXPO—MARCH 8, 2008 C. PRESENTATION AT CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 18, 2008 D. LIVING GREEN EXPO—MAY 3 & 4, 2008 E. POND AND LAKE CARE SEMINAR—MAY 17, 2008 F. RILEY-PURGATORY-BLUFF CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT PRESENTATION AT Council—March 4, 2008 Stovring explained that there will be a presentation to the City Council on March 4 by the Riley Purgatory Creek Watershed District explaining what their projects are and Commission members are invited to attend. XI. NEXT MEETING XII. ADJOURNMENT Motion: MacMillan moved, seconded by Jester, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried, 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.