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Home My WebLink About2018-06-11 Community Health Commission AgendaAgenda Community Health Commission City Of Edina, Minnesota Community Room, Edina City Hall - 4801 West 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 Monday, June 11, 2018 6:30 PM I.Call To Order II.Roll Call III.Approval Of Meeting Agenda IV.Approval Of Meeting Minutes A.May 14, 2018 Draft Minutes V.Community Comment During "Community Comment," the Board/Commission will invite residents to share relevant issues or concerns. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking, items that are elsewhere on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment. Individuals should not expect the Chair or Board/Commission Members to respond to their comments tonight. Instead, the Board/Commission might refer the matter to sta% for consideration at a future meeting. VI.Reports/Recommendations A.Advisory Communication - Cell Tower Concern B.Joint Work Session Review C.Comprehensive Plan Update/Planning VII.Chair And Member Comments VIII.Sta0 Comments IX.Adjournment The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli4cation, an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 72 hours in advance of the meeting. DRAFT MINUTES Community Health Commission May 14, 2018 at 6:30 PM City Hall, Community Room I.Call To Order II.Roll Call Present: Amanda Herr, Christy Zilka, Britta Orr, Andrew Johnson-Cowley, Greg Wright, Julia Selleys, Dena Soukup. Absent: Steve Sarles, Alison Pence, Om Jahagirdar, Marnie Pardo A.New Commission Member Introduction III.Approval Of Meeting Agenda Motion by Greg Wright to approve meeting agenda.. Seconded by Julia Selleys. Motion Carried. IV.Approval Of Meeting Minutes Edit to April 9, 2018 meeting minutes, member comment section; change to 'prohibit cell tower placement for environmental reasons.' Motion by Amanda Herr to approve meeting minutes as amended.. Seconded by Andrew Johnson-Cowley. Motion Carried. A.April 9, 2018 Minutes V.Community Comment VI.Reports/Recommendations A.Comprehensive Plan Chapter Discussion Discussion: Chair Orr to work with comprehensive plan consultants to incorporate available data into current draft of chapter. Staff to research health related Quality of Life Survey questions and available data, confirm accuracy of data provided by Bloomington Public Health, check on status of Multi-Unit Housing Survey work. VII.Chair And Member Comments Member Johnson-Cowley: Saturday, June 9th conference at the University of Minnesota regarding opioid addiction, link sent to members. VIII.Staff Comments A.Council Work Session - June 5, 2018 Reminder regarding request for strategic planning participation with Bloomington Public Health. Discussion of June 5th, 2018 joint work session with City Council. Staff requested 15 minutes of Community Health Commission allotted time to update Council on rental housing licensing program planning progress. IX.Adjournment Date: June 11, 2018 Agenda Item #: VI.A. To:Community Health Commission Item Type: From: Item Activity: Subject:Advisory Communication - Cell Tower Concern Action CITY OF EDINA 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: Approve Advisory Communication drafted by Member Greg Wright regarding cell phone tower concern. INTRODUCTION: Concern raised by resident regarding cell tower placement near schools. Member Wright researched issue and provided summary. ATTACHMENTS: Description Advisory Communication: CHC Cell Tower Concern Date: 6/4/2018 To: Mayor and Council From: Community Health Commission, Drafted by Member Greg Wright Subject: Cell Tower Health Effects Situation: Resident contacted City with concern regarding negative health effects of cellular towers located near schools. Action Requested: Receive Report Background and Assessment: The letter writer expresses concerns about placement of cell towers near schools. The writer notes that “…many experts do agree that there are negative health effects, especially on children.” The letter suggests that a private firm should measure EMF field strength in close proximity to the cell towers in question. There are three issues embedded within the writer’s request. First, measurement of electromagnetic field strength near schools. This is probably not a wise use of resources, as field strengths near towers are uniformly far below US governmental limits. Those limits are based on the ability of a radiofrequency emission to cause tissue warming (as with a microwave oven), but do not account for any presumptive effects of low intensity EMF generated in proximity to cell towers. Without doubt, the field strengths near schools will be less than 1%, or even 0.1%, of the strengths that would place them in violation of governmental limits. Second, and most relevantly, the writer implicitly raises concerns about the effects of long term exposure of schoolchildren to continuous, low intensity EMF. The literature is vast and conflicting, but the writer is correct that some apparently well-conducted studies have found a variety of health effects on people living in close proximity (within 400 meters) of cell towers. The most-quoted study seems to be that of Santini et al., who found increased effects such as headache, fatigue, and sleep and memory disruptions in 530 French individuals living within 400 meters of cell towers.1 The conclusion of Santini’s paper is succinct:” From these results and in applying the precautionary principle, it is advisable that mobile phone base stations not be sited closer than 300 meters to populations…” One critique of the study is that the subjects may have been trying to find answers to problems that would have existed regardless, and identified proximity to the cell tower as the culprit. This is considered in a nice discussion of the cumulative results of a large number of studies on cell tower-related health effects found in the paper by Levitt and Blake (especially Section 10, page 380).2 With regard to schoolchildren, who become heavy users of cell phones by ages 10-12, the question arises whether the brief and episodic exposure to high intensity EMF during cell phone calls generates more risk than the unknown and debated effects of chronic, continuous exposure to the fields sent out by cell towers. In summary, it is an open question as to whether the children, or anyone else living or working close to cell towers, are at incremental risk for negative health effects. If, as Santini suggests, we follow Page 2 the precautionary principle, and not accept unknown risks if some evidence supports the existence of those risks, we as a community would be wise to locate cell towers so as to minimize proximity to schools or other areas of significant congregation of people. Third, however, federal law throws up a major obstacle to any municipal attempt to limit placement of cell towers in areas away from schools or other densely populated areas. At the behest of the telecommunications industry, the 1996 Telecommunications Act, Section 704a (II-iv) contains the following provision: Section 704(a) of the 1996 Act expressly preempts state and local government regulation of the placement, construction, and modification of personal wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply with the FCC's regulations concerning such emissions. 47 U.S.C. §332(c)(7)(B)(iv). One might argue that health effects are not environmental effects, but the general consensus among the legal and public health communities is that health effects are, indeed, a subset of environmental effects (see Bhatia’s paper, for example).3 Thus, regardless of our community’s concerns about placement of cell phone towers, the City of Edina is enjoined from preventing placement of cell towers near schools or other densely populated locations. The writer of the letter raises reasonable concerns for which there are no clear remedies due to the provisions of Section 704a of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Those concerns would require action at the federal level, and it is to federal officials that the writer may wish to turn. References: (All readily available on line) 1. Santini R, Santini P, Danze JM et al. Survey study of people living in the vicinity of cellular phone base stations. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine 2003;22(1):41-49 2. Levitt BB, Lai H. Biological effects from exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell tower base stations and other antenna arrays. Environmental Reviews 2010; 18:369-395 3. Bhatia R. Health using an environmental impact assessment: A case study of San Francisco land use decisionmaking. Am J Public Health 2007;97(3):406-413 Another useful bibliography is contained in the website of the Environmental Health Trust: https://ehtrust.org/science/cell-towers-and-cell-antennae/ Date: June 11, 2018 Agenda Item #: VI.B. To:Community Health Commission Item Type: From: Item Activity: Subject:Joint Work Session Review CITY OF EDINA 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: INTRODUCTION: Review of joint work session with City Council on June 5, 2018. Date: June 11, 2018 Agenda Item #: VI.C. To:Community Health Commission Item Type: From: Item Activity: Subject:Comprehensive Plan Update/Planning CITY OF EDINA 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: INTRODUCTION: Update on comprehensive plan chapter update. Discussion of schedule and topics moving forward. August goal for completion. ATTACHMENTS: Description DRAFT Public Health Chapter - 2018 Comp Plan 11.4 PUBLIC HEALTH Introduction1 Public health is the art, practice and science of protecting and improving the health of the population. Public health is about what makes us healthy, what makes us sick, and what we can do together about it. When we think about health, what often comes to mind is the individual and ways he or she can stay healthy. Public health shifts the focus to the population – from me to all of us. There are a number of principles underlying public health:  Public health is about prevention. This means intervening early and keeping people from getting sick or injured.  Public health is about populations. This means focusing on groups of people rather than single individuals.  Public health is about health. This means the broadest possible view of what makes and keeps us healthy including our mental health, everyday health choices, and our surroundings – not just health care services.  Public health is about local needs. This means identifying what a community needs to improve health and assuring effective action which uses local assets to solve unique challenges. The City of Edina is designated as a Community Health Board (CHB) by Minnesota Statute 145A. The City Council acts as the CHB governing body and is responsible for fulfilling the statutory duties of a CHB, which are to2: 1. Assure an adequate local public health infrastructure by maintaining the basic foundational capacities of a well-functioning public health system that include:  Data analysis and utilization  Health planning  Partnership development and community mobilization  Policy development, analysis and decision support  Communication  Public health research, evaluation and quality improvement Example: Assess health priorities with community input; develop community health improvement plans to address identified needs and monitor progress. 2. Promote healthy communities and healthy behavior through activities that improve health in a population, such as:  Investing in healthy families 1 Cite to LPHA fact sheet - http://www.lpha-mn.org/FactSheets/Public%20Health%20Basics_Facts.pdf 2 Cite to LPHA fact sheet – http://www.lpha- mn.org/FactSheets/Overview%20of%20LPH%20System_01292018.pdf  Engaging communities to change policies, systems or environments to promote positive health or prevent adverse health  Providing information and education about healthy communities or population health status  Addressing issues of health equity, health disparities, and the social determinants of health Example: Minimize tobacco use and exposure among residents through policy change such as raising the purchasing age to 21 years (“Tobacco 21 Ordinance”). 3. Prevent the spread of communicable disease by preventing diseases that are caused by infectious agents through:  Detecting acute infectious diseases  Ensuring the reporting of infectious diseases  Preventing the transmission of infectious diseases  Implementing control measures during infectious disease outbreaks Example: Monitor immunization levels and perform outreach to high-risk groups; run immunization clinics; investigate outbreaks and conduct contact interviews with exposed individuals. 4. Protect against environmental health hazards by addressing aspects of the environment that pose risks to human health, such as:  Monitoring air and water quality  Developing policies and programs to reduce exposure to environmental health risks and promote healthy environments  Identifying and mitigating environmental risks such as food and waterborne diseases, radiation, occupational health hazards, and public health nuisances Example: Conduct restaurant and swimming pool inspections, respond to reports of unsanitary and uninhabitable housing conditions, and inspect indoor air quality of parking garages in multi-unit dwellings. 5. Prepare and respond to emergencies by engaging in activities that prepare public health departments to respond to events and incidents and assist communities in recovery, such as:  Providing leadership for public health preparedness activities within a community  Developing, exercising and periodically reviewing response plans for public health threats  Developing and maintaining a system of public health workforce readiness, deployment and response Example: Share resources with Bloomington and Richfield for Public Health Emergency Preparedness activities; hold events simulating natural disasters or mass dispensing of medication in response to an outbreak or other threat. 6. Assure health services by engaging in activities such as:  Assessing the availability of health-related services and health care providers in local communities  Identifying gaps and barriers in services  Convening community partners to improve community health systems  Providing services identified as priorities by the local assessment and planning process Example: Identify barriers to health care service and gaps in service; implement strategies to increase access to health care. Current Conditions The Edina Community Health Commission (CHC) is comprised of volunteer residents serving in an advisory capacity to the Edina CHB (City Council). A representative of the CHB is appointed annually to represent the City on the State Community Health Services Advisory Committee (SCHSAC). A CHC member has filled the SCHSAC seat in recent years. The Health Division of the Edina Police Department provides Environmental Public Health services to residents, such as regulation of food, pool, lodging, body art, and massage establishments, housing and code enforcement inspections, noise complaint response, and public health nuisance investigations. Additional Public Health services such as health education and promotion, communicable disease prevention programs, public health nursing services, home health visits, maternal and child health services, health assessments and public health emergency preparedness are provided to Edina residents through a contract with Bloomington Public Health. [Do we need to add foundational data on community health outcomes vs. just service delivery models?] Trends and Challenges Many factors combine together to affect the health of individuals and communities. At the time this plan was developed, the following factors were considered to be emerging or priority issues over the next ten years: [Add more to all sections below to build out concepts and add specific data where possible.] Health, Economic, and Racial Disparities Disparities exist across many factors in the City including health, economics and race. Structural inequities occur when structures or systems of society—such as finance, housing, transportation, education, social opportunities, etc.—are designed in such a way that they benefit one population unfairly (whether intended or not). Transportation & Mobility Transportation is an integral component of an individual’s health, from utilizing transportation to access healthy foods and healthcare, to walking and biking for exercise as well as travel. The City will consider the health benefits of an active transportation system when development and road construction projects are designed and constructed. Aging Population The average age of an Edina resident is increasing, see the growth in the 18-64 age group and decrease in the under 18 age group. Edina is close to reaching more residents over 65 than under 18. The aging population will require adjustments in many areas, from expansion of care facilities to adding senior-focused recreational opportunities. % Under 5 % Under 18 % 18-64 % 65 and Over 2010 Census 5.4 24.2 55.2 20.7 2016 ACS Estimates 5.7 18.1 59.3 16.9 Mental Health and Social Connectedness There is an increasing need for mental health services for all ages in the City, from elementary and middle school children to seniors. Social connectedness contributes to improved mental and physical health in people of all ages. In older adults, social conditions like loneliness and isolation have a significant negative impact on long-term health and wellbeing. As Edina continues to age and the number of adults living alone continues to increase, strategies to address social isolation will become important to improve community health. Housing Safe and affordable housing is one of the most basic and powerful social determinants of health. Quality housing improves the health of vulnerable populations and is a cornerstone of a strong and healthy community. The City will continuously evaluate housing policies and regulations to provide safe and affordable housing for residents of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and social demographics. Goals and Policies To effectively address the trends and challenges identified above, it is recommended that Edina commit to the following goals and policy improvements: Enhance Data Collection Collection of quality health-related data, especially at the City level, is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive. Traditional survey methods like mail or landline telephone use are typically answered by only certain demographics which results in poor quality data that does not represent the community as a whole. The City will research and invest in collection methods for quality, City-specific health data to better inform local decisions. Address Social Determinants of Health Health is a critical aspect of planning. In fact, a community’s plan for housing, transportation, land use, parks, and economic development encompasses the largest factors that determine one’s health. “Social determinants of health” are structural factors and conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age. Most premature deaths are connected to these determinants, like air and water quality or access to physical activity and healthy food. Since the practice of community planning plays a significant role in shaping the built environment, local planning can have real and significant impacts on community health. The comprehensive plan is a tool to strategically increase health and reduce health disparities for all. Use a Health in All Policies Approach “Health in All Policies” is a collaborative approach to improve health by incorporating health considerations into decision-making across all policy areas. A Health in All Policies approach will be embedded in decision-making across all policy areas within the City. Question to be incorporated include: a. Does it empower those that live and work in Edina to support their physical, mental and social well-being? b. How does this decision affect social determinants of health? c. How will this decision reduce health disparities and improve health equity? i. Health Disparity – When a health outcome is seen to a greater or lesser extent between populations, there is a health disparity. Populations may be defined by race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or location. ii. Health Equity – Achieving the conditions in which all people have the opportunity to realize their health potential – the highest level of health possible for that person- without limits imposed by structural inequities. [Figures below are included for consideration by consultants as supplemental data supporting the sections above.] 39.11% USA, 26.58% MN, 28.84% Hennepin, 32.69% MSA, 29.07% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 0 0 0 Percentage of Adults Over 65 Living Alone, 2015 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2011-2015 67.59% 0.00% 12.50% 6.41% All Edina Seniors, 7.13% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% Black or African American Alone Hispanic or Latino Asian Alone White Alone - Not Hispanic or Latino Percent of Adults (65+ within race/ethnicity) living in Poverty Edina 2015 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2011-2015 40.66% 0.00%0.00%2.39% All Edina Children, 3.25% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% Black or African American Alone Hispanic or Latino Asian Alone White Alone - Not Hispanic or Latino Child Poverty by Race & Ethnicity in Edina-2015 Comprehensive Plan Chapter Recommendations The following are chapter-specific recommendations or considerations prepared by CHC members after reviewing the 2008 version of the Comprehensive Plan. Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Review of 2008 Comprehensive Plan: - Like/suggest to keep the following: o Support quality maintenance and replacement of equipment o Water quality goals o Do not sell City property that has potential for use as park Considerations to improve upon or include in 2018: - Consider parks/open space in all development proposals - Obesity concerns are mentioned, but should be more prominent o Update ‘Get Fit’ program mention with general language vs. calling out by name as grant-based initiatives change frequently - Equity considerations must be included in terms of parks access, programming, etc - Connectedness mentioned, but should be expanded o Are trails and parks within walkable distance to all residents? Should a different standard be used than acres/population (e.g., all residents within ½ mile of a park)? - Utilize more City-owned empty grass areas for community gardens - Population is aging, leading to many considerations such as: o Limited mobility – how to provide access/accommodation o Do we have a standard for including restrooms in parks? o Lighting for safety o Benches along trails/parks for residents to rest when needed 0.00 10.00 20.00 30.00 40.00 50.00 60.00 70.00 80.00 90.00 Black/African American Hispanic/Latino White Non Hispanic Own Vs Rent in Edina % Ownership % Rental - How do we integrate mental health considerations as access to green space, open space, and natural surroundings can have a positive effect on mental health? - Do we have a process for redesign of parks? Do we have standards? Who decides? Is there public involvement? o What if there is a new product proposed that may have adverse health effects (e.g., crumb rubber)? How do we assess its potential health effects and decide whether to use it? - Should the City ‘Healthy Concessions’ approach expand to all parks? - Does the City’s chemical/fertilizer use consider residents’ health? - How do we increase the use of the Senior Center? How do we solve the parking issue? Land Use and Community Design Recommendations for 2018: - Further develop public transit access/land use section as it relates to community health, which is discussed only on large scale in current comprehensive plan - Can we mitigate the health impact of highways and major roadways, which typically affect multi-family structures and lower-priced single family housing? - Develop language regarding chosen locations for civic buildings and access for all residents, including those with limited transportation options - Encourage walking/biking safely to school - Decrease traffic, emissions, etc - Food access and production Housing Review of 2008: - Data is very outdated – provide as current as possible - Livable Communities Act – review and incorporate ‘like’ legislation o Goal: 43% of rental units ‘affordable’ o Need 3x current units to meet goal (2,100) – update numbers to 2018 - Aging in place considerations - Need for affordable housing and updated City definition of what’s ‘affordable’. City’s role and capacity in developing affordable single family home units. o Recommend including review of programs (Edina Housing Foundation, West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust, and Livable Communities Act Funding) Recommendations for 2018: - Significantly expand the community land trust model (WHAHLT) to increase affordable homeownership opportunities - Require affordable unit offsets that meet or exceed minimum goals for affordable housing stock when considering redevelopment or new construction plans - Create distance metrics for quality food access (grocery stores or food cooperatives) - Review setback space requirements in zoning code for gardening, recreation, etc - Require outdoor open (preferably green) space for new multi-unit housing - Prohibit smoking in and around (<25 feet) all new multi-unit housing - Heavily incentivize existing multiunit housing to become smoke free through aggressive tax relief or violation enforcement measures - Require multi-unit housing owners to inform prospective residents of smoking policies and the location of smoking and non-smoking units (Smoking Disclosure Ordinance) - Require radon level testing as part of all single family unit housing sales - Require radon level testing in the lower and main level of all multi-unit housing Transportation Recommendations for 2018: - Include strategies for transportation needs in the underserved/elderly population as they relate to community health (food, exercise, safety) - Increase visibility of strategies to encourage walking and bicycling as healthy alternatives to driving - Increase support facilities for walkers and bicyclers – water, directions, distance markers, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, etc - Recognize that lighting is an important aspect to a transportation plan as a way to provide security and safety for walkers and bicyclers - Require a health assessment to major redevelopment areas to include benefits of the redevelopment plan to community health strategies