City 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