The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2024/02/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - Environment & Sustainability Commission - Regular Official minutes Environment & sustainability commission St. Louis Park, Minnesota 2/7/2024 1. Call to order – 6:30 p.m. 1a. Roll call Members present: Chair Shaina Ashare, Vice Chair Tatiana Giraldo, Marisa Bayer, Ryan Griffin, Ramil Goonetilleke, Abigail Oppegaard, Sasha Shahidi, Andrew Willette, Dave Wilsey Members absent: Paul Zeigle, Eric Zweber Staff present: Emily Ziring, Sustainability Manager Guests: Michael Hennen, resident; Rafi Geretz, resident 2. Approval of minutes – Jan. 3, 2024 – The minutes were approved unanimously as presented with 3 abstentions. 3. Business 3a. Discussion of draft memo from ESC to city council re: proposed boards & commissions restructuring Commissioner Griffin stated the memo was written by the ESC work group. He stated the following points make the current structure of the ESC effective: • Ability to directly engage council • Dedicated sustainability staff • Regular meeting times scheduled months in advance • Good group size that allows everyone to have a voice • Smaller work groups • Annual work plan What would be lost if the structure were to change: • Directly advise city council • Ability to bring sustainability priorities to the council • Loss of sense of urgency to address the climate crisis which is a strategic priority of the city and the ESC’s biggest priority • Loss of knowledge of expertise Commissioner Shahidi added that the Police Advisory Commission was going to write a letter to council, and the ESC felt if they did not address this with their own letter to council they would miss the opportunity to do everything possible to give a voice to their concerns. Commissioner Willette stated directly engaging council is an issue and although it may be in their duties he added he does not feel the ESC has an opportunity to do this. He Environmental & Sustainability Commission Feb. 7, 2024 stated the direct engagement model might be a step backwards, but it seems like something should change. Commissioner Shahidi stated the ESC will need to address council directly, and with the single-body model, direct meetings with the council will happen even less. She added there are parts of the existing model that still need to be addressed too, but the single- body model is not the solution. Commissioner Wilsey is in agreement with the document, but stated better articulation related to commission member expertise could be added as it is a unique alignment because there are experts within the ESC that differentiate it from other commissions and the community itself. He added this is one of the most compelling points. Commissioner Shahidi stated interest and/or passion and commitment are also characteristics that could be included instead of expertise. Commissioner Bayer added with the single-body model, staff would bring ideas forward to council and the single body, but in retaining the current model, the boards and commissions would bring ideas forward to council. She added the new proposal would be staff priorities vs. commission priorities. Commissioner Willette added that while there is value and passion on issues discussed by the ESC, it creates a homogenous approach and he has concerns about how to address this. Commissioner Shahidi suggested including the importance of diversifying membership of the commission or the single-body commission model. Commissioner Oppegaard suggested this letter should tell the council the ESC provides valuable input on sustainability to the city council while also acknowledging we are open to change within the current structure vs. moving towards the single-body model. Commissioner Bayer made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Griffin to approve and send the memo related to proposed boards and commissions restructuring as presented. The motion passed unanimously. 3b. Discussion of sustainability and expanding neighborhood housing options Ms. Ziring gave background on this topic, which was brought forward by Commissioner Griffin via email. Commissioner Griffin stated he wanted to bring this up due to a current lawsuit in Minneapolis. He noted he hopes the ESC could have a voice and weigh in on sustainability issues when zoning changes are discussed in St. Louis Park. Commissioner Griffin noted that adding density within a city can create a more walkable environment, making public transit more feasible as well. Environmental & Sustainability Commission Feb. 7, 2024 Commissioner Bayer added more density in a commercial area helps vs. adding it to a predominantly single-family residential area. Commissioner Griffin added affordable housing should be included above commercial buildings. He also stressed tree preservation, particularly the preservation of heritage trees. Commissioner Bayer noted the ESC would like to have a seat at the table regarding environmental concerns when discussions about density and developments occur, as well as during considerations of the sustainable building policy. Commissioner Wilsey added he also has concerns with increased density creating incentives for corporations to come in and start buying up properties. Chair Ashare noted the planning commission had a zoning discussion tonight. She added staying on top of their discussions would assist the ESC in learning more. Ms. Ziring added that staff will also begin community engagement in April on this topic and will likely go to council in June. She encouraged the ESC to subscribe to the information that comes from staff and discuss it again at the March ESC meeting. She will also discuss a possible joint meeting with the planning commission prior to the public engagement meeting. 4. Staff updates Ms. Ziring updated the commission on the following items: • Gas leaf blowers – councilmembers are interested in regulating gas leaf blowers • EECBG applications – submitting project idea for formula funds • Updating the environmentally preferred purchasing policy • Electrify Communities project with Dept. of Energy • Updating 2024 rebates for Climate Champions for Homes • Climate Champions for Homes year in review video • Presenting to multi-family properties re: sustainability, composting, recycling, etc. • Rooftop solar project at Fire Station #1 Commissioner Griffin noted an email conversation about fleet electric vehicles and would like the response to be shared with the ESC, as well as more information on the environmentally preferred purchasing policy. 5. Work plan update - none 6. Environmental justice and current events open discussion Ms. Ziring stated Hennepin County environmental staff took comments from cities regarding energy and consolidated them into a report presented last week to the Hennepin County Board. Environmental & Sustainability Commission Feb. 7, 2024 Ms. Ziring said staff took a tour of the recycling plant in Shakopee recently to see where recycling goes, and it was very interesting. She added another tour for St. Louis Park residents will be scheduled soon. 7. Upcoming/proposed events • Arbor Day: May 11, 9 am – 12 noon – will be bigger and better this year and at Birchwood Park. The link to sign up to plant a tree is forthcoming. 8. Adjournment – 8 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Emily Ziring, liaison Shaina Ashare, chair member