Sustainability Commission

SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE Tuesday, November 14, 2023 6:00 PM APPROVED MINUTES CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Ahmadvand at 6:03 p.m. Members present: Commissioners Ahmadvand, Evenson, Finkelson, Groseth, Jensen Christen, Johnson, LaPlante, Leoni-Helbacka Members absent: Commissioner Kurek Staff present: Andrew Boucher, City Planner Liam Genter, Urban Forestry Specialist Sue Chapman, Administrative Assistant Staff absent: Sulmaan Khan, Interim City Engineer Council Liaison: Connie Buesgens (absent) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Ahmadvand, seconded by LaPlante to approve the minutes of October 10, 2023 as presented. Motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS 1. GreenStep Cities Profile Follow Up Commissioners briefly reviewed the GreenStep Cities profile. Discussion centered around Buildings and Lighting. Boucher would like to see the Bylaws by the next meeting and Section 9 BMP’s in January or February. 2. Complete Streets Proposal Follow Up Commissioners reviewed the ordinance establishing a Complete Streets Policy. Under Section II, Item 2, Finkelson would like to see a checklist at the beginning of projects. This will provide documentation that all required factors were considered. Boucher will discuss this with the Interim City Engineer. Under Item 4, LaPlante would like to include that the policy may be amended—there are currently too many cars on the street. Right-size parking was discussed. Motion by Johnson, seconded by Finkelson to approve an ordinance establishing a Complete Streets Policy. Motion passed unanimously. City of Columbia Heights APPROVED MINUTES November 14, 2023 Sustainability Commission Page 2 Boucher advised commissioners that if they have any redlines to the ordinance they can send them to him. This will then go to the next work session and then the council meeting. Ahmadvand and Finkelson volunteered to assist with the work session. Boucher also advised commissioners that written comments are still being accepted for the 40th Avenue Corridor Study. NEW BUSINESS 3. Potential Grant Opportunities Discussion (LEAP, HUD Green Retrofit Programs, Climate Pollution Reduction, etc.) This item was tabled by Ahmadvand and will be discussed at the next meeting. 4. Hosting Sustainability Commission Table at Upcoming SnowBLAST Event (February 3, 2024 from 4 – 7 pm) Commissioners are interested. Boucher will get them a calendar of events. 5. Other LaPlante suggested a joint meeting with the Park & Recreation Committee. Commissioners also discussed creating a Sustainability Commission mission statement. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ahmadvand, seconded by Jensen-Christen to adjourn the meeting at 7:13 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Sue Chapman Administrative Assistant