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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-21 Packet Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Energy and Environment Commission Edina City Hall Community Room Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 7:00 P.M. Members In Attendance and Roll Call: Raymond O’Connell, M. Germana Paterlini, Bill Sierks, Surya Iyer, Julie Risser, Dianne Plunkett Latham, Hailey Lee Absent: John Owens, Paul Thompson Staff Present: Heather Worthington, Jane Timm Public: None Presenter: Richard Fursman, Global Synergy Group 1. Welcome & Roll Call 2. Discussion and Approval of Agenda. Commissioner O’Connell made a motion to approve the meeting agenda. Commissioner Latham seconded. Motion carried. 3. Approval of the December 17, 2008 meeting minutes with amendments. Commissioner Sierks made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 17, 2008 meeting with amendments. Commissioner Paterlini seconded. Motion carried. 4. No Public Comment 5. Consultant Presentation Richard Fursman from Global Synergy Group gave a presentation. He explained that he would act as a facilitator and establish a work plan for the Energy and Environment Commission. He gave his background and talked about seeking input for goals and objectives from Commissioner members and perhaps Council members. The Commissioners asked Mr. Fursman questions. Commissioner O’Connell made a motion to approve Mr. Richard Fursman as a facilitator to establish a Work Plan for the Commission. Commissioner Sierks seconded. Motion carried. 6. Work Group Updates Education and Outreach Work Group Commissioner Risser spoke at the Grandmothers for Peace meeting at Grandview Library about energy topics. Commissioner Lee talked about the Edina High School Project Earth meeting. They had an idea about a monthly cartoon in the Sun Current. The Work Group will continue to pursue this. Climate Change Work Group Commissioner Paterlini gave an update of the Working Group meeting. She told the Commission about a tip sheet the Work Group has prepared for transportation and idling of vehicles. Commissioner Paterlini talked about the clean air video that was produced by the City of Edina Recycling and Solid Waste Work Group Commissioner Latham gave an update of the Work Group meeting and some projects they would like to do in 2009. They would like to send out a survey to residents about residential services for recycling and solid waste. She showed the Commission a sample of White Bear Lake’s survey. Assistant City Manager, Heather Worthington, suggested other city services be involved on the survey. She also suggested a phone survey. Commissioner Latham talked about the modifications made in the RFP that was sent by email that afternoon to all Commissioners. She explained an ad would be sent to the Sun Current tomorrow if approved. Commissioner Latham explained the changes were made by Solvei Wilmot, City of Edina Recycling Coordinator and Dan Krivit, Consultant. Commissioner Sierks indicated that he had not seen the email and would like to review the modifications before voting to approve the RFP, but due to the length of the RFP it was not possible to do so before voting. Commissioner Risser made a motion to approve the modifications to the Recycling RFP. Commissioner Paterlini seconded. Abstain: Commissioner Sierks. Motion carried. 7. Commission Business There was a discussion about making environment videos and tips available on the cities website. Commissioner Thompson and Commissioner Risser will set up an appointment with Jennifer Bennerotte, Director of Communications and report back to the Commission about the meeting. Commissioner Paterlini brought up the 70th Street project and the fact that a bike path is not a consideration. She feels the Commission should take a stand for alternative transportation and it should begin with the 70th Street project. Commissioner Iyer also believes that a stand should be taken. Commissioner Latham made a motion to promote alternative modes of transportation in the City of Edina. Commissioner O’Connell seconded. Motion carried. Heather Worthington will prepare a resolution on alternative modes of transportation. Volunteer Recognition is April 22, 2009. Commissioner Latham had some suggestions for individual recognition awards. Chair Iyer asked that the Commissioners bring suggestions to the February 2009 meeting and stated a vote would be taken at that meeting. The Commission discussed the upcoming Commission appointment. There are approximately 28 applicants to fill one position. Commissioner Latham asked that some of the applicants become members of the Working Groups. The Mayor will be in touch with Chair Iyer. The appointment will be completed in February. Staff Report Assistant City Manager, Heather Worthington gave the Commission information on the Rotary Bike Parade, May 16, 2009. The City of Edina is working on the Edina Seniors Intern program. Commissioner Sierks suggested an intern do a study on recycling at school events. Applications are due January 23, 2009. 8. Adjournment Commissioner Sierks made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Lee seconded. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. The next meeting will be the regularly scheduled meeting at 7:00 p.m. February 18, 2009 in the Community Room. Respectfully submitted, Jane M. Timm, Secretary