HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014/05/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - Environment & Sustainability Commission - RegularMINUTES
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION: SUSTAINABLE SLP
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
May 7, 2014
Community Room, City Hall
MEMBERS PRESENT: Terry Gips, Rachel Harris, Whitney Thesing, Mark Eilers, Ryan Griffin,
Chris Anderson, Tom Hillstrom, Renee McGarvey, Cindy Larson O’Neil, Judy Voigt
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mary Karius (excused), Caitlin Glennon (excused), Alex Sundvall
(excused)
STAFF PRESENT: Bridget Gothberg
CONSULTANTS: Mike Lamb, Barr Engineering Company
GUEST: Chris Velasco, President of PLACE
1. The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m.
2. Roll Call was taken
3. April meeting minutes were moved by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by
Commissioner Eilers and unanimously approved.
4. Communications:
a. Commissioner Glennon sent her thanks for support on the loss of their friend
Evan.
b. Commissioners Glennon and Sundvall invite all of the Commissioners to attend
the High School Band concert.
c. Commissioner McGarvey shared information on Form Based Zoning and the
SWLRT.
d. Commissioner Eilers shared information on Health in the Park (HIP) and would
like it if the commissioners can get an update at a future time.
5. Unfinished Business
The Chart sent by Phil Elkin was discussed. Commissioner Gips requested updates from
the Green Cities as the staff moves forward. He would like all of the commissioners to
learn from each staff work group. He requested that we have a baseline of information
from staff who work on areas that match the work plan. He indicated that it is necessary
to know what is happening with staff so the commissioners can assist.
It was moved by Commissioner Gips and seconded by Commissioner Griffin to request
that City staff update the Commission on the current state of the City’s progress on Green
Steps and other areas that match the Commission Work Plan, sharing plans, goals and
how the Commission can support the efforts of staff. The review with staff will be
completed by the end of the summer. The motion was unanimously approved.
As time goes on, they would also like a “Meet and Greet” time prior to the meeting to
connect with staff and build relationships.
6. New Business: Each Work Group reported on the area it is working on:
Reduce Carbon Emissions – No report. It was suggested that they would like to unite
with the Energy Group. The Commissioners thought this was a good idea.
Environmentally Preferred Purchasing – They are still researching and are active.
Commissioner Griffin will be doing some of the research.
Energy – They were setting their next meeting after the Commission meeting. The
Carbon Emissions group will be joining them.
Sustainable SLP – The have plans to meet with Jamie Zwilling.
Solid Waste – Mary Karius is the only one in this group. Nothing more has happened.
Water Resources – Whitney is working on a plan and some brainstorming.
Education and Behavior Change – They are looking at doing an ECO Fair for
Parktacular; looking at workshops for this fall; working to move forward the MN Energy
Challenge; talking with someone from Hamline University; looking at videos; some are
doing STEP TO IT.
7. Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 8:35.