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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014/04/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - Environment & Sustainability Commission - RegularMINUTES ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION: SUSTAINABLE SLP ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA April 2, 2014 Banquet Room, Recreation Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Terry Gips, Caitlin Glennon, Rachel Harris, Alex Sundvall, Whitney Thesing, Mark Eilers, Ryan Griffin MEMBERS ABSENT: Chris Anderson, Tom Hillstrom, Renee McGarvey, Cindy Larson O’Neil, Judy Voigt, Mary Karius STAFF PRESENT: Cindy Walsh, Phil Elkin, Jamie Zwilling CONSULTANTS: Mike Lamb, Barr Engineering Company GUEST: Matt Stanaszek, resident and college student 1. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. Ryan Griffin shared his background and interest in serving on the Commission. Jamie Zwilling, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, summarized his position at the City and what his department can do to support the Commission. He anticipates attending future meetings. Matt Stanaszek introduced himself. He is a college student studying politics and was attending as part of a class project. 2. March meeting minutes were approved with one clarification – that The Natural Step training concluded at 9:19pm rather than 9:10pm. 3. a. Chair Harris handed out results from the small group exercise and asked Commissioner Gips how to reach a conclusion on The Natural Step training. Commissioner Gips explained that the small groups were meant to provide an “experience” of the process. He said the process would have to be more broad and inclusive with the larger community (residents, Council, other commissions, businesses and other stakeholders). He began by summarizing the survey he handed out last time and asked for feedback or questions. Comments were made, and a general discussion included facilitating a larger community-based process; engaging all of the city departments; and utilizing Green Step Cities data that has been implemented so far. A good point was made by Commissioner Thesing that 40% of the city’s population is renters and that a visioning process should also strive to include this population. Director of Operations and Recreation Cindy Walsh shared that they have very up-to-date information about City operations if needed. For example, they can monitor via real-time data where snow plows are, when and how much salt is being dispensed. Chair Harris reminded the Commission that a sustainable community vision is a major goal of the work plan that has been approved by the City Council. b. Chair confirmed the remaining Commission meeting dates, times and locations for 2014. 4. a. Chair Harris introduced a review of the work groups and that there would be a standing agenda item each meeting for work group reports. As the City Liaison to the Commission, Phil Elkin is a resource for questions. Chair Harris also reminded the Commission about the technicalities of the open meeting law. Phil E. and Jamie Z further clarified. There were also questions about how the various work groups could stay in touch with one another or communicate. Jamie Z suggested a once a month summary report as an initial way to stay connected and share progress among the groups and that this could evolve over time. b. The priorities matrix will be the common tool for all the work groups when reporting back to the Commission. Chair Harris passed around a sample of the priorities matrix and summarized some ideas about moving forward with work groups. The following work groups provided progress or updates. • Green Step Cities – has not met but anticipate meeting with Jim Vaughan and with Phil Muessig, Green Steps Cities State Coordinator. Suggest meeting with Sustainability Associates and with other cities. • Reduce Carbon Emissions – no report; members not present • Environmentally Preferred Purchasing – has met 3 times over the past month; reviewed policies in Maplewood and Matomehdi. Also referenced City of Minneapolis; Alameda County, CA; King County, WA; Dakota County, MN; and State of Minnesota policy • Energy – have met once. Some potential about combining with Reduce Carbon Emissions work group. Anticipate meeting with Jim Vaughan and Brian Hoffman • Sustainable SLP – have not met • Solid Waste – report tabled until next meeting • Water Resources – have not met. Exchanged some emails • Education and Behavior Change – have met once and considered a variety of initiatives 5. Chair Harris provided a reminder about the upcoming SW LRT Form-Based Codes meetings coming up in May. Chair Harris asked for Commissioner Glennon to give a brief report on the High School Science Fair at the May meeting. Chair Harris also provided a reminder about Health in the Park. 6. Commissioner Eilers made a motion to adjourn; Commissioner Thesing seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:31pm.