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Home My WebLink About2026/01/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - Environment & Sustainability Commission - Regular Environment & sustainability commission meeting January 7, 2026 6:30 p.m. Official minutes Environment & sustainability commission Members present: Chair Jessie Hendrix, Vice Chair Bennett Myhran, Shaina Ashare, Marisa Bayer, Ryan Griffin, Tatiana Giraldo, Ethan Kehrberg, Avital Krebs, Adam Oien, Sasha Shahidi, Natalie Wagner Members absent: Kati Helseth, Avery Kuehl Staff present: Emily Ziring, sustainability manager Guests: Benjamin Lester, Bryn Mawr (Minneapolis) Neighborhood Association Active Transportation Committee, with additional committee members; Michael Hennen, St. Louis Park resident; Sylvie Hyman, Planning Commission member 1. Call to order a. Roll call b. Introduction of guests 2. Approval of minutes Moved by Commissioner Bayer, seconded by Commissioner Shahidi, to approve the December meeting minutes. The motion passed 7-0, with Commissioners Griffin and Ashare abstaining. 3. Business a. Presentations i. None b. New business i. Discuss Vision 4.0 final report Commissioner Bayer brought up concerns regarding the Vision 4.0 final report, specifically about how financial sustainability was addressed in the environmental sustainability theme. She noted that financial stewardship appeared to be shoehorned into the sustainability section, making it seem as though financial considerations only mattered for climate change initiatives rather than being relevant to all themes. Commissioner Shahidi expressed concern that the sustainability theme focused heavily on environmental aspects like parks and natural spaces while underemphasizing climate change mitigation, building efficiency, and renewable energy. The commission discussed drafting an advisory communication to the city council with two main recommendations:  Reconsider the placement of financial sustainability, suggesting either integrating it throughout all themes or creating a standalone Environment & sustainability commission meeting January 7, 2026 statement about fiscal responsibility that would apply to all strategic priorities.  Broaden the definition of sustainability in the strategic priorities to include climate resiliency and mitigation strategies, building efficiency, and increasing renewables within St. Louis Park. The commission also emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, noting that 2040 (the city’s carbon neutrality goal) was only 14 years away, making this council's last opportunity to adopt strategic priorities that would help achieve that goal. It was moved by Commissioner Ashare, seconded by Commissioner Bayer, to approve the comments to council regarding the Vision 4.0 report. The motion passed unanimously. ii. 2026 ESC workplan brainstorming The commission broke into small groups to brainstorm ideas for the 2026 work plan. Ms. Ziring noted that five to six work plan items would be ideal, with the Climate Action Plan update already being carried over from 2025. Chair Hendrix agreed to compile the ideas and stated the commission will select the top priorities at the February meeting. c. Unfinished business i. None 4. Staff reports Ms. Ziring provided updates on the sustainability division’s activities:  She has been working to hire a consultant for the EPA Thriving Communities grant project for community engagement in the Aquila-Texa Tonka neighborhood.  Work continues on the Climate Action Plan amendment, coordinating with other departments including engineering and solid waste.  The Climate Champions for Homes program had 138 applicants in 2025, with 72 completed projects including 32 cold climate air source heat pumps, 35 insulation projects, and 4 heat pump water heaters.  Only two multifamily buildings applied for the Climate Champions program, highlighting the challenge of incentivizing property owners to make energy improvements in rental properties.  A communication campaign for solar and battery storage is being developed as the federal investment tax credit concludes. The city is increasing solar rebates to partially compensate for the loss of the federal tax credit, and adding a new battery storage incentive when paired with solar.  An electric vehicle roadmap is being developed to increase EV adoption and plan for charging infrastructure in St. Louis Park. 5. Sustainability issues a. Group share-out Environment & sustainability commission meeting January 7, 2026 Commissioner Giraldo shared that PSI is partnering with Great River Greening and the city to restore and manage the wooded area north of PSI. The area is in the process of being rezoned as a park, and there are discussions about removing buckthorn, planting native species, creating natural trails, and using the space for educational purposes. A portion of the property owned by MnDOT may be affected by plans to expand Highway 169 in the future. Commissioner Ashare recommended a podcast episode from “The Daily” called “50 States, 50 Fixes” that highlighted unique climate initiatives from each state. Commissioner Wagner mentioned her involvement in a Humphrey School policy fellowship project on data centers, seeking stakeholder input on balancing economic growth with natural resource protection. Ms. Ziring referenced a New York Times article comparing accident rates between Waymo self-driving cars and human drivers, with Commissioner Shahidi noting the importance of public transit as a safer and more sustainable option than individual autonomous vehicles. 6. Items to discuss at a future meeting The commission will discuss parking reform at the February meeting. Commissioner Shahidi explained that City Council is revisiting parking requirements for new construction and additions, and the commission may consider writing a letter of support for the measures being proposed. Ms. Ziring will re-send information about the zoning code update phase 2 that was previously emailed in December. 7. Upcoming/proposed events a. None 8. Adjournment a. The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. These minutes were created with the assistance of a generative AI transcript service, then edited and finalized by a staff person. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Emily Ziring, liaison Jessie Hendrix, chair member