HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013/08/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - Environment & Sustainability Commission - RegularMINUTES
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSIONS: SUSTAINABLE SLP
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
AUGUST 7, 2013
BRICK HOUSE
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chris Anderson, Tim Brausen, Mark Eilers, Terry Gipps, Caitlin
Glennon, Rachel Harris, Tom Hillstrom, Mary Karius, Cindy
Larson O’Neil, Renee McGarvey, Alex Sundvall, Judy Voigt
MEMBERS ABSENT: Whitney Thesing
STAFF PRESENT: Cindy Walsh and Bridget Gothberg
CONSULTANTS: Mike Lamb, Fred Rozumalski Barr Engineering Company
1. The meeting was called to order at 5:05 p.m. by Ms. Gothberg.
2. Approval of July 17, 2013 Meeting Minutes
It was moved by Chris Anderson and seconded by Tom Hillstrom to approve the minutes as
presented. Motion passed 12-0
3. Unfinished Business
a. By-laws
It was moved by Chris Anderson and seconded by Tom Hillstrom to approve the by-laws.
Motion passed 12-0.
b. Norms and Guidelines
A sample of “Norms and Guidelines” was shared with the Commission. Commissioners
agreed to review the sample and be prepared to finalize the norms at the next meeting.
c. Election of Officers
It was moved by Tom Hillstrom and seconded by Mary Karius to accept the slate of Tim
Brausen as Chair and Renee McGarvey as Vice Chair. Motion passed 12-0.
The new officers will fill their terms from September, 2013, until the first or second
meeting in 2014, at which time the new officers will be selected.
4. New Business
a. Mike Lamb and Fred Rozumalski facilitated an exercise with the Commissioners to start
gathering ideas for a work plan and direction for the Commission. The following three
statements were worked on:
o I see a sustainable St. Louis Park that is______________________________
o The direction of the Commission is to_______________________________
o How can we make St. Louis Park more sustainable?
Two small groups worked on these questions. Following the small groups, a large group
reported the findings. There were collective ideas. Mr. Lamb and Mr. Rozumalski will
take all of the findings, analyze them, look at commonalities and bring them back for the
next meeting.
5. Communications
• September 4, 2013, 5:00-6:30 pm is the next meeting. Ms. Walsh will see if the Brick
House is available and will include the meeting site in the agenda packet for the next
meeting.
• The Commissioners discussed the possibility of having longer meetings.
• There was some concern over getting the work plan done and not knowing the depth and
breadth of what the City of St. Louis Park is doing and what other cities are doing. There
were also questions about Green Step and what areas have been done in SLP. Ms.
Walsh shared with the Commission that learning about SLP and other cities could be a
part of their work plan. This is a normal way for a new commission to start. Ms. Walsh
said that she would send out the latest Green Step information to the Commission.
6. Miscellaneous
• Homework before the September Meeting
o Study the “Norms and Guidelines” Sample and come prepared to finalize norms
for the Commission
o Come prepared to talk about having longer meetings (i.e., 2-3 hours)
o Read the Green Step information
7. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Bridget Gothberg
Organizational Development Coordinator & Staff Liaison