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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/03/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - Environment & Sustainability Commission - Regular Official minutes Environment & sustainability commission St. Louis Park, Minnesota 3/6/2024 1. Call to order – 6:30 p.m. 1a. Roll call Members present: Chair Shaina Ashare, Vice Chair Tatiana Giraldo, Marisa Bayer, Ryan Griffin, Abigail Oppegaard, Sasha Shahidi, Eric Zweber Members absent: Ramil Goonetilleke, Andrew Willette, Dave Wilsey, Paul Zeigle Staff present: Emily Ziring, Sustainability Manager, Annie Pottorff, Sustainability Specialist Guests: Nancy Rose, Michael Hennen, Debbie Dukatz, Kevin Dwyer – residents of St. Louis Park The guests introduced themselves and their interests in the environment and sustainability. 2. Approval of minutes – Feb. 7, 2023 – The minutes were approved unanimously as presented, with 1 abstention. 3. Business 4a. April meeting cancellation The commission decided to cancel the April meeting due to scheduling conflicts. Commissioner Bayer moved, seconded by Commissioner Griffin, to cancel the April ESC meeting. The motion passed unanimously. 4b. Review proposed Environmentally Preferred Purchasing policy (EP3) revisions Ms. Ziring presented the revised and simplified draft of the Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy, noting that she worked on the draft with a number of staff members to get their input. Ms. Ziring noted that although the original 2015 policy that the ESC authored has a lot of good details and is comprehensive, unfortunately the complexity and length of it make it difficult for staff to adhere to. Commissioner Griffin asked why the policy was not followed in the last few years, and will it be followed in the future especially since it has now been updated. Ms. Ziring stated over time it started to not be adhered to, and also explained that focus had shifted since it was first written. She noted some items were implemented such as Windsource purchasing and green cleaning products, however, annual check ins and accountability did wane, and then the Climate Action Plan was written, and focus shifted to greenhouse gas emissions. She stated this ended up being a lower priority. Environmental & Sustainability Commission Mar. 6, 2024 Commissioner Griffin asked how this can change in the future. Ms. Ziring stated she now has a much closer working relationship with those whose work is influenced by the policy, and she is also going to work more directly on source reduction. Mr. Dwyer asked if this project were properly funded, would it be adhered to more and to support this work more. Ms. Ziring stated many strides have been made with purchased energy and retrofits of street lighting and solar. She added it is difficult for outside corporations to assist here. She added it is also a question of what we want our solid waste staff to devote their time to (such as checking Office Depot materials for sustainability). Commissioner Bayer asked if these policies are all on the commission to be reviewed and implemented. Ms. Ziring stated it is up to staff to implement these policies and could be put into the workplan of the commission as well. Ms. Ziring noted details of the policy changes. She noted the city fleet vehicle EV policy is from the climate action plan and is not new. She also noted the new section on HVAC electrification. Commissioner Shahidi asked related to fleet if there is any consideration to eliminating some vehicles completely. Ms. Ziring stated that was not in the climate action plan but can be looked into. She added that generally happens organically, and not in the policy. Commissioner Bayer also asked that this be looked into and the steps that would then need to be taken in order to reduce the number of fleet vehicles. Ms. Ziring noted compost is often utilized and put back into the soil during sidewalk and street construction projects. She noted St. Louis Park is also one of the only communities in the state doing this. Ms. Ziring noted with information technology, products will be recycled and repurposed or donated. She also noted all food and catering materials must be recyclable as well. She added all appliances and powered items purchased for installation must meet Energy Star requirement. Commissioner Shahidi asked about appliances that use the cleanest times on the energy grid and thermostats. Ms. Ziring stated she will look into this. Commissioner Bayer asked if a statement could be added related to source reduction and if items need to be purchased. Commissioner Griffin asked about going paperless when possible for internal meetings. Ms. Ziring stated the sourcing area covers this, but noted staff prints as little as possible. Commissioner Shahidi asked if there could be something in there about the city not using water when not needed, especially after a large rain for several days. Ms. Ziring stated she will check with public works on this. Environmental & Sustainability Commission Mar. 6, 2024 Commissioner Shahidi also asked if there is something added about repairing city items and equipment as a priority item. Ms. Ziring stated she will check with facilities on this. Chair Ashare asked if this policy will need to be approved by council. Ms. Ziring stated no, they will be implemented by staff and council will be notified of the update. Commissioner Shahidi asked if language could be included related to priorities and impacts. Ms. Ziring stated that each bucket is managed by different divisions within the city. She noted she will also point this out when she meets with the staff department directors. Commissioner Shahidi asked about contractors’ purchases and how the city can do better on this. Ms. Ziring stated she has pushed this issue, and it is a question for the city attorney. She noted this needs to be written into the contract and the bidding process, and she noted she will talk to the parks superintendent and those on staff who work on contracting. Commissioner Griffin noted contracted purchases was included in the original policy and added he agrees with Commissioner Shahidi. He stated green cleaning is a small purchase and prioritizing is important and things are not all equal, and also looking at where the city is spending money should be looked at. Mr. Hennen asked if the need for more electric blowers and mowers is included in this policy. Commissioner Shahidi stated yes and noted the ESC has had many conversations about this and will continue. Ms. Ziring stated she will refine this draft. Commissioner Bayer asked if the ESC could be included on the final report as giving their endorsement of the policy. Ms. Ziring stated yes, she can include this, and the ESC can review the final version at the May meeting. 4. Staff updates Ms. Ziring updated the commission on the following items: • Energy efficiency block grant application - $114,000 in funds available and grants application being worked on • Managing details of a new climate champions program for large commercial and industrial properties that involves an audit and buying it down to $100 for property owners • EP3 policy revisions • Electrify communities earmark project • Submitted comments to public utilities commission regarding Centerpoint Energy’s plan to increase their furnace rebates, but not their air source heat pump rebates • Climate champions for homes and multifamily homes applicants and Bridgewalk condominiums • Special assessment program has new interested applicant Environmental & Sustainability Commission Mar. 6, 2024 • Environmental Stewardship dashboard is almost ready for council review • Annie is filling in for the legislative coordinator and is attending National League of Cities Conference Commissioner Zweber asked if the city is monitoring all the Dept of Commerce rulemaking for solar on public buildings. Ms. Ziring stated yes, this is being monitored. 5. Work plan update 5a. Expand our outreach – Commissioner Shahidi noted they have not had any meetings recently, but there are opportunities to do outreach and the sign-up genius will be available. She added the group will meet related to events planning. 5b. Share our voice – Legislative session – Chair Ashare stated she is not able to update the document any longer. Ms. Ziring stated she will share her “My Bills” account link with the ESC for tracking bills on climate and energy. Ms. Ziring walked through several legislative bills she is tracking: • E-waste recycling bill – to collect electronic waste • Extended producer responsibility bill – way to force producer of goods to make sure their products are recyclable or reusable • Community tree planting grants and funding • Prohibiting lead ammunition and lead fishing tackle • Missing middle bill • Consumption-based greenhouse gas reporting – MPCA tracking all goods and services used and consumed in MN • Local climate planning hub for technical assistance – MPCA to set up • State building code standards for residential buildings 5c. Measure our progress – Staff and volunteer reports – normally in April, will hold until May Commissioner Zweber asked that the commission workplan be added to the May meeting agenda. 6. Environmental justice and current events open discussion 6a. Monday workshop debrief Commissioner Zweber gave details on the council workshop about commissions and noted Ms. Ziring, Commissioners Griffin, Commissioner Willette and Commissioner Zweber were in attendance as well as commissioners from the other boards and commissions and several residents. The council participated in the workshop and others were only observing. Environmental & Sustainability Commission Mar. 6, 2024 He stated the workshop was run by Yellow Umbrella, and the consultants asked for answers to several questions. He added that staff will summarize the findings and it will go to a council study session at the end of March. Commissioner Zweber noted the city attorney had some concerns around several points related to compensation and open meeting laws. He noted there was discussion about time commitment for meetings. He noted nothing really new was brought up. Commissioner Griffin added that 3 council members wanted to slow down this process and 2-3 others were ready to move forward, so council seems to be split on the resolution of the issue. He added they are concerned about lack of community representation on boards and commissions. Commissioner Zweber added there was discussion about how to do better recruitment, onboarding and retention of members. Commissioner Griffin stated the council has heard from the community on this and that folks are upset and many of the current commissions are opposed to this whole change. Commissioner Zweber stated the council feels the membership of commissions do not represent the residents of the city. Commissioner Griffin stated it would be helpful to have data on this and where the gap is. He also noted the time commitment piece was discussed. Commissioner Griffin noted the Council’s March 25 study session where this will be further discussed, and all are invited to attend the session. Ms. Ziring added her staff perspective on the workshop. She noted having commissions created for each of the strategic priorities sounds logical but does not really work in practice. She noted it works for environmental stewardship but for various reasons it does not work for the other strategic priorities including transportation, community engagement, race equity, and housing. Also, she noted the strategic priorities change every 10 years, so commissions would need to change every 10 years. Ms. Ziring added that she believes not everyone on council has agreed yet on the purpose of boards and commissions. Last year council agreed that the purpose should be leadership development and community engagement, yet at the workshop a few council members asked whether boards and commissions should continue to be advisory. A few also noted their inability to add more time or meetings to devote to commissions, which would mean if commissions remained advisory but continued to not have a means to advise council the purpose problem would just continue indefinitely. 6b. Trees Commissioner Shahidi noted the Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue project and the removal of trees. She noted this is a vague email on trees related to this project, and she Environmental & Sustainability Commission Mar. 6, 2024 was under the assumption there would be no need to remove trees based on the project that was chosen. Commissioner Bayer noted the trees that will be removed are along the boulevard to allow a multi-modal route to be constructed. She stated it is disappointing there will be tree loss, however, it is dangerous to bike along with vehicles so having a separated area for biking will help with safety all along one side of the street. Commissioner Zweber asked if litter clean up should be added to the work plan discussion. Ms. Ziring stated there are actually two events for litter clean up on April 21 at Westwood Hills Nature Center and in park locations, as well as programs for adopting a park or garden to clean up. Ms. Ziring added she has made recommendations for the process of litter clean up going forward. Ms. Dukatz asked if there are any efforts for litter clean up on a monthly basis within the city, adding she would like to see this done on a more consistent basis. She added she and her husband are avid trash picker uppers, and noted this is an ongoing issue. Ms. Ziring stated she has given input on this and there will be an internal group to address this process. Because litter clean-up is handled by administrative staff, parks staff, and public works staff, it must be addressed by a wide group. Ms. Ziring added for those interested in planting trees there is a sign up on the Tree Trust website, and residents can also just show up on Arbor Day – May 11 -- to celebrate. 7. Upcoming/proposed events • Arbor Day celebration, May 11, 9 a.m. – 12 noon, Birchwood Park 8. Adjournment – 8:23 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Emily Ziring, liaison Shaina Ashare, chair member Environmental & Sustainability Commission Mar. 6, 2024