Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 06/04/2012

Home

Chairperson Max suggested just using an area by a major road and creating a small prairie area to use for demonstration. Board Member Valentine stated that he has several connections at Great River Energy and he suggested getting them involved to help spur the project along. He asked for the contact name so he can help out with the communication. Board Member Enstrom commented that he is quite upset about the number of trees taken down with the power lines. He stated that there was no incentive to plant additional trees. He also added that Canada Thistle is supposed to be controlled according to State Statute. He commented that it is growing wildly and not being addressed. He stated that the Mayor is supposed to act as the Weed Inspector according to the statute. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson confirmed that the Board is comfortable with the wording and items added to the draft work plan. He commented that once the draft plan is finalized, it will go to City Council for discussion and consideration. Typically, this is done through a Work Session and he encouraged the Board to attend if possible. He stated that after the City Council has reviewed the draft work plan and are comfortable with it, the work plan would be added to a regular City Council meeting agenda for formal approval. He noted that the Environmental Policy Board is an advisory Board to City Council, so any revisions to the plan made by City Council do not need to be approved by the EPB at a subsequent meeting. Motion by Board Member Stodola and seconded by Board Member Valentine to forward a draft of the 2012/2013 Work Plan to Council Member Backous and direct staff to schedule this topic for a City Council Work Session. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Max, Board Members Stodola, Valentine, Bentz, and Enstrom. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Members Hiatt and Lewis. Board Member Bentz asked if a timeline can be assigned to this as it took many months to approve previously. Associate Planner /Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that last year it was in place in July. He stated that he will communicate that it is a requirement of the EPB to have the work plan approved by City Council and that the current work plan runs through June. 6. BOARD / STAFF INPUT • Used Motor Oil Collection Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that the City is looking into offering collection of used motor oil through East Side Oil Companies. This program would provide an opportunity for residents to drop off used oil, filters and antifreeze at no cost. He stated that he and the city attorney are working through some of the issues that were raised at the City Council meeting. He stated that East Side Oil Companies has agreed to participate in the city recycling events as well. He stated that he has spoken with Elk River and Sherburne County and they all had positive remarks about East Side Oil Companies and their program. Environmental Policy Board / June 4, 2012 Page 5 of 7