City Council - 10/16/2018 - Workshop APPROVED MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP & OPEN PODIUM
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2018 CITY CENTER
5:00—6:25 PM, HERITAGE ROOMS
6:30—7:00 PM, COUNCIL CHAMBER
CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens, Council Members Brad Aho, Sherry Butcher
Wickstrom, Kathy Nelson, and Ron Case
CITY STAFF: City Manager Rick Getschow, Police Chief Greg Weber, Fire Chief George
Esbensen, Public Works Director Robert Ellis, Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah,
Parks and Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer, Communications Manager Joyce Lorenz, City
Attorney Ric Rosow, and Recorder Katie O'Connor
Workshop - Heritage Rooms I and H(5:30)
I. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN (5:30-6:20)
Public Works Director Ellis introduced Dan Krivit, Senior Project Manager of Foth, who
spoke about the high level recommendations for the Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP).
Krivit stated the 10 year plan includes trash,recycling, yard waste, and bulky materials. The
Conservation Commission has reviewed drafts of the SWMP. The plan incorporates citizen
feedback as well as feedback derived from City Connect, social media, a community survey,
and from haulers. The plan objects are to improve recycling participation, improve quality of
materials, and increase efficiency of the overall solid waste management system.
Mayor Tyra-Lukens inquired of the definition of quality of materials. Krivit responded
quality of materials refers to the materials allowed in recycling. Council Member Nelson
added not all haulers allow the same items which is problematic. Environmental Coordinator
Stovring stated adjustments have been made for items no longer considered recyclable.
Krivit stated one of the plan content focuses was the requirements of the City for recycling
and waste. Of the 52 strategies, there are nine strategies that are considered high priority. One
of the high priority strategies is to continue to evaluate the success of and new opportunities
for the City's Community Drop-Off Day. Tyra-Lukens noted it was mentioned this event
may not continue due to haulers capacity. Stovring stated currently Republic is the only
company that submits a bid, and that may change since the company has been acquired.
Krivit stated strategy 19 is to evaluate the Minnesota Recycling Education Committee (REC)
guidelines. Plastic bags and shredded paper are still accepted by some haulers. Tyra-Lukens
stated shredded paper has been allowed in recycling if contained in a paper bag. Stovring
responded this has been problematic because it jams the recycling equipment.
Krivit stated strategy 20 is to evaluate current multifamily requirements and establish an
inspection program. This will require a relationship between the City and the County for
enforcement. Strategy 26 is to evaluate what resources and site improvements would be
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October 16, 2018
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required for the City to develop yard waste drop-off site(s). Strategy 27 is to conduct a cost
analysis for development of a drop off site for tree branches, garden waste and leaves.
Council Member Aho noted he has received a lot of feedback about interest in leaf pick up
incorporated with street sweeping. Stovring noted she would be concerned about the
contaminants collected with the leaves. Ellis noted this may not be cost effective but he
would like to do more research on the topic. Aho noted residents would likely be willing to
pay for this service. Council Member Case stated there are benefits to mulching leaves.
Nelson noted leaf pick up in the street may be problematic for street parking.
Krivit stated strategy 29 is to promote the use of existing, non-City owned facilities that
allow residents and haulers to bring in yard waste, grass clippings, and brush. Strategy 31 is
to evaluate current residential curbside yard waste collection services. Aho inquired what
would be done with the yard waste if a drop-off site was created in Eden Prairie. Krivit stated
it could be transferred to a commercial compost site or contracted for services to compost on
site. Ellis stated the City is currently in the design phase for a yard waste drop off site. The
City currently contracts for tree disposal and mulching to be turned into fiber energy. This
would be utilized for the yard waste site. Staff is still evaluating the uses for leaves. Aho
inquired if the old dump site could be utilized. Ellis stated they have begun conversations
with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) about appropriate uses for the landfill.
Krivit stated strategy 33 is to adopt an implementation plan that complies with the new
County requirements for residential curbside organics recycling. This will be required by
January 2022 for units ranging from single family to four plex. The County has left some of
the requirements up to the City to define. There are options to use a durable compostable bag
(DCB), organics cart, or to incorporate organics with yard waste. Ellis noted the open hauling
system has been beneficial for the City, and there are few licensed haulers. Krivit noted the
City could retain the open hauling system and allow haulers to determine which method to
use or the City could require a specific organics method. City Manager Getschow added a
large number of licensed haulers has prompted organized collection in other cities.
Krivit stated grants for recycling have decreased and organics have increased. Strategy 39 is
to evaluate barriers and constraints for outside container placement related to commercial
requirements for organics or recycling. The County will not require organics recycling for
multi-family properties five plex plus. The County will enforce organics recycling
requirements for commercial. The strategies matrix determines who has the primary role for
each strategy. It outlines strategy priorities, timing, and ordinance amendments needed.
Tyra-Lukens inquired if it's anticipated the County's draft plan will have minor edits.
Stovring replied yes. Ellis stated there is still time for review and input. This broad level plan
would be presented to Council for adoption around the end or beginning of the year. Stovring
noted staff would like to distribute the draft to haulers for input and gain more public input.
Aho inquired what the financial implications are to residents and the City. Stovring stated the
cost would likely be spread throughout the City. Ellis noted the cost of disposal for organics
is much less than refuse.
II. TOBACCO 21 INITIATIVE (6:20-6:30)
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Getschow stated staff researched statistics and reviewed neighboring city ordinances. Chief
Weber presented statistics on youth tobacco use prevention. Raising the tobacco age would
result in 25 percent reduction in smoking initiation in youth. 95 percent of addicted smokers
started prior to age 21. Youth tobacco use increased in Minnesota for the first time since
2000. Nationally, 75 percent of adults are in favor of increasing tobacco sales to age 21. Five
states require age 21 tobacco sales. Eden Prairie has 23 licensed tobacco establishments. 15
of these establishments are also located in other cities that have age 21 tobacco sales in place.
Case inquired if other city ordinances are consistently similar. Weber stated there are minor
differences with the requirement of identification. Aho inquired if this includes vaping.
Weber responded it would be included in the definition of tobacco. Tyra-Lukens stated the
City is no longer alone in considering this ordinance.
Open Podium - Council Chamber (6:30)
III. OPEN PODIUM
A. CHERI WHITE—KOPESKY DEVELOPMENT TRAIL
Steve Davies, 18290 Dove Court, stated the proposed trail is not necessary. On
Dove Court, six of the seven households are against the trail being installed. They
asked for no trail and the escrow funds be returned to the developer.
B. STEVEN WAGNER—CREEKWOOD PARK
Steve Wagner, 9325 Wilderness Cove, stated a number of trees have been down
in Creekwood Park near his property line. City staff has discontinued mowing.
The park needs maintenance on the west side. He is representing other neighbors
as well. There should also be some consideration given to managing the coyote
population.
IV. ADJOURNMENT