Environmental Management Commission

Name: Environmental Management Commission — Oakdale, MN
Start: 2021-02-08
End: 2021-02-08
Location: Oakdale, MN

Regular Meeting

Oakdale, MN · February 8, 2021

Agenda Minutes

Minutes

REGULAR MEETING OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION February 8, 2021 CALL TO ORDER The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a virtual meeting on Monday, February 8, 2021. The meeting began at 7:00PM with the Pledge of Allegiance. CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: Chairperson: Keith Miller, Chairperson Commissioners: Noah Gerding, Vice Chair Connor Brown Gretel Drainville Nick Kantola Bonnie Wilson Also Present: Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist Kevin Zabel, City Council Liaison Absent: Karen Jackson Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐ APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMISSIONER KANTOLA MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 11, 2021, AS WRITTEN. 6 AYES MANAGEMENT REPORTS a. 2020 Washington County Recycling Grant report Chair Miller opened the discussion by noting every year the City receives a grant from Washington County to promote recycling in Oakdale. Over the years, the City has had education, events stressing recycling, and visited multi-family housing to conduct surveys on recycling. Ms. Reidlinger provided a summary of the four projects supported by the 2020 Recycling Grant. She prefaced this discussion by noting that COVID-19 had a significant impact on what was achieved in 2020. Environmental Management Commission Minutes February 8, 2021 Page Two 1. Promote the Environmental Center Ads went out in the three 2020 Oakdale Update Newsletters to 12,983 households. 2. Promote BizRecycling to business community Ad emailed out to 52 businesses eligible for COVID programs and postcard mailed to 393 eligible businesses. 3. Promote recycling resources in multi-family housing development Postcard mailed out to six eligible apartment buildings, two social media posts with over 2,300 users reached. 4. Promote organics drop-off program Social media posts that reached 979 users and two EMC members interviewed regarding personal experience with the organics program. Commissioner Gerding offered himself for more testimonials as this worked very well in his home. Commissioner Drainville suggested doing a Facebook live with questions and answers. Ms. Reidlinger questioned the commissioners regarding what priorities should be focused on when re-applying for this grant. She reminded the commission of the Oakdale Comprehensive Plan, specifically Chapter Eight, Goal Two, Policy Seven, where the City wants to reduce waste and increase recycling and also noted that there are five themed months in the editorial calendar that reference recycling, composting and beautification. She suggested carrying forward the 2020 goals into 2021. Ms. Reidlinger has consulted with Communications Specialist Alyssa MacLeod and would be building out social media. In response to a question from Commissioner Drainville, Ms. Reidlinger reminded the commission that whatever is promoted has to be within Washington County as it is their grant. She acknowledged that application and ease of use is key and would utilize Mc. MacLeod to promote composting. Commissioner Wilson suggested partnering with the Washington County Horticultural Society perhaps asking them to assist in mentioning the Washington County Environmental Center. In response to a question from Commissioner Wilson, Commissioner Drainville shared that the environmental center does accept organics, and there is a large, no contact, organics dumpster bin. In response to a question from Commissioner Drainville, Ms. Reidlinger stated she will research to see if there are metrics from previous years. Commissioners made suggestions surrounding how to make sure residents understand what is and what is not recyclable. Environmental Management Commission Minutes February 8, 2021 Page Three Ms. Reidlinger summarized by sharing three buckets to address regarding the 2021 Washington county Recycling Grant: a. Organics drop-off and building this idea out more with Ms. MacLeod. b. Continuing to promote recycling practices in residential and multi-family could be an option if we can track behavior changes. c. General education on recycling behavior. Ms. Reidlinger shared that she was wrapping up reporting for the 2020 grant cycle. The 2021 grant cycle is open and she would be working with Ms. MacLeod to prepare for 2021. In response to a written question from Councilmember Zabel, Ms. Reidlinger shared that her goal is to understand how many multi-family complexes currently recycle, and how many more we can add, is a goal of this project. She will verify the actual number currently participating. Commissioner Wilson mentioned that there will be a number of multi-family units built in the Willowbrooke development and now would be a good time to contact the developer to make a good recycling goal. OTHER ITEMS a. Editorial Calendar review The Commission discussed best practices for using the Editorial Calendar. It was noted that Global Recycling Day is coming up on March 17 and discussion was held on when and how to highlight this date. Ms. Reidlinger asked the commission to send her ideas and she will pass along to Ms. MacLeod who manages this calendar. Chair Miller reminded all that this is a living document and will be revisited each month. Chair Miller mentioned that he will reach out to Midwest Renewable Energy Association regarding the Solar Twin Cities 2021 program. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE Council Member Kevin Zabel shared two updates: a) City Council reviewed the new Public Works preliminary site plans, West side of 32nd Street and Granada Ave North, which would include a brush drop off site. Staff and consultants recommended to Council after the move, the current PW site, 19th Street North and Hadley Avenue North, would add an organic drop off site. b) The Council would like the EMC to think about their ‘budgetary asks’, the commission’s priorities, and bring them to the meeting that will be scheduled with all 5 commissions on one night in late spring. Environmental Management Commission Minutes February 8, 2021 Page Four NEXT MEETING DATE Chair Miller reminded the Commission the next meeting would be Monday, March 15, 2021. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, TO ADJOURN THE FEBRUARY 08, 2021 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AT 7:53 P.M. 6 AYES. Respectfully submitted, Jackie Knutson Recording Secretary

Agenda

AGENDA Environmental Management Commission February 8, 2021 – 7PM Zoom meeting Click the link below to join the Zoom meeting. https://zoom.us/j/95261690543?pwd=SlBTTnhQcDUvN3Y1RFYwVGx5RjNGdz09 Meeting ID: 952 6169 0543 Passcode: 690115 Dial in: 1-312-626-6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 952 6169 0543 Passcode: 690115 Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aD0Pnso7 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. January 11, 2021 4. MANAGEMENT REPORTS a. 2020 Washington County Recycling Grant report 5. ALL OTHER ITEMS a. Editorial calendar review 6. NEXT MEETING DATE a. March 15, 2021 7. ADJOURNMENT The next regular Environmental Management Commission meeting will be held March 15, 2021 @ 7PM via Zoom. REGULAR MEETING OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION January 11, 2021 CALL TO ORDER The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a virtual meeting on Monday, January 11, 2021. The meeting began at 7:00PM with the Pledge of Allegiance. CALL OF ROLL On a call of roll, the following were present: Chairperson: Keith Miller, Chairperson Commissioners: Nick Kantola, Vice Chair Connor Brown Gretel Drainville Noah Gerding Bonnie Wilson Also Present: Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist Alyssa MacLeod, Communication Specialist Kevin Zabel, City Council Liaison Absent: Karen Jackson Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐ APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMISSIONER GERDING MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER DRAINVILLE, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 16, 2020, AS WRITTEN. 6 AYES. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE Council Member Kevin Zabel has joined the Environmental Management Commission as Council Liaison for 2021-2022. ELECTION OF COMMISSION CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR Chair Miller explained the annual nomination procedure for Chair and Vice Chair. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KANTOLA, TO NOMINATE COMMISSIONER MILLER FOR THE POSITION OF CHAIR. Environmental Management Commission Minutes January 11, 2021 Page Two A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, TO NOMINATE COMMISSIONER GERDING FOR THE POSITION OF VICE CHAIR. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KANTOLA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, TO CLOSE THE NOMINATIONS FOR THE POSITIONS OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KANTOLA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, TO ELECT COMMISSIONER MILLER AS CHAIR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) CALENDAR YEAR, COMMENCING WITH THE JANUARY 11, 2021 MEETING. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KANTOLA, SECONDED COMMISSIONER DRAINVILLE, TO ELECT COMMISSIONER GERDING TO THE POSITION OF VICE CHAIR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) CALENDAR YEAR, COMMENCING WITH THE JANUARY 11, 2021 MEETING. 6 AYES. MANAGEMENT REPORTS a. Environmental Communication Strategy Update and editorial calendar update with Alyssa MacLeod, Communication Specialist Ms. MacLeod shared that she and Ms. Reidlinger have been working together with the 2021 work plan and put it into an editorial calendar. Ms. MacLeod shared the EMC draft communications plan and the editorial calendar and discussed with the commission both of these in detail. Chair Miller asked all Commissioners to review the editorial calendar and communications plan and offer any suggestions. Ms. MacLeod asked that she receive assistance with Commission priorities. Commissioners discussed the possibilities. Action Items:  Commissioners will review the resource list and the draft communications plan.  Commissioners will review the editorial calendar and provide feedback.  Staff will forward updated copies to Commissioners. Environmental Management Commission Minutes January 11, 2021 Page Three OTHER ITEMS a. MPCA Electric Vehicle Level 2 charging station grant update. Ms. Reidlinger went to an information sharing session, regarding the MPCA EV Level 2 charging station, part of the VW Settlement, and discovered that this particular grant is very comprehensive, with 22 charging stations that will come out of this grant. Each municipality must apply for two charging stations. In addition, there is a long list of requirements prior to application, some of which include: a map of each location with ADA Compliant specifics, electric and transformer box placements, signage, an outline of equipment needed, make & model of charging station, charging capacity, electric conduit placement, name of electrician’s company, and to show that matching funds are available. After group discussion it was determined that the City is not yet at this stage. Ms. Reidlinger has noted that more money will be made available with Phase Two. Staff will work on Phase Two requirements and will report back initial findings within next two months. In response to a question from Commissioner Drainville, Chair Miller stated that the EMC will gather with the City Council during the Annual Meeting next month, to obtain further feedback and to discuss issues relating to the matching funds requirement for MPCA EV Level Two charging station grant. Chair Miller asked that the following be added to the calendar and have a communications go out regarding Promotion of Xcel Wind Sourcing, which could occur at a Utility Bill Clinic. The UBCs are available virtually through the Citizens Utility Board. Staff noted. In response to a question from Chair Miller, Councilmember Zabel stated that the EMC should bring projects with rough estimate costs to the annual meeting in February, 2021. NEXT MEETING DATE Chair Miller reminded the Commission the next meeting would be Monday, February 8, 2021. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, TO ADJOURN THE JANUARY 11, 2021 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AT 7:53 P.M. 6 AYES. Respectfully submitted, Jackie Knutson, Recording Secretary TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: February 5, 2021 SUBJ: 2020 Washington County Recycling Grant report Grant overview Chapter Eight, Goal One, Policy Seven of Oakdale’s Comprehensive Plan commits the City to promoting and encouraging strategies that reduce waste generation and increase options for reuse, recycling, and composting of items in City operations, residential, and commercial developments. Implementation of this policy is supported by a grant administered through Washington County. The purpose of the grant is to assist municipalities with recycling program expenses. 2020 Recycling Grant summary The City applied for grant funding to support four projects in 2020. 1. Promote Washington County’s Environmental Center through a featured ad. a. Promotional medium: Oakdale Update newsletter b. Project deliverable: A featured ad for the Environmental Center was included in the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, and Fall/Winter 2020 Oakdale Update newsletters. 2. Promote Washington County’s BizRecycling program. a. Promotional medium: Email and traditional paper mail b. Project deliverable: An ad for the BizRecycling program was included in an email sent to Oakdale businesses eligible for the City’s COVID Recovery Business Loan Program. In addition, a postcard advertising the program was sent to eligible Oakdale businesses. 3. Encourage recycling resources in multi-family housing developments and educate their residents on recycling options. a. Promotional medium: Social media and traditional paper mail b. Project deliverable: Recycling education was pushed via Facebook and Twitter on America Recycles Day (November 15, 2020). In addition, a link to a recycling survey administered by Washington County was included in a September 22, 2020 Facebook post. Finally, a postcard advertising the BizRecycling Program was sent to eligible Oakdale apartment buildings. 4. Promote Washington County’s organics composting program. a. Promotional medium: Social media b. Project deliverable: The organics program was promoted via Facebook and Twitter posts on November 9, 2020. Additionally, two commission members of the Environmental Management Commission were interviewed regarding their personal experience with the program. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: February 5, 2021 SUBJ: Editorial calendar review The environmental management communication priorities for the months of February and March are outlined in the following table. 2021 EMC Editorial Calendar February – Winter Environmental Topics  Outdoor salt use  Weatherization March - Recycling Global Recycling Day – Mar 18  Washington County World Water Day – Mar 22 Environmental Center Earth Hour – last Saturday  BizRecycling National Groundwater Awareness Week – first full week Fix a Leak Week – third Monday

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