Citizen's Environmental Quality Committee

CITIZENS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES DATE: Thursday Sept. 3, 2020 TIME: Scheduled for 4:30 pm (Virtual Zoom Meeting) PRESENT: Dan Hall, Lynette Power, Nicole Ciulla, Julie Fassbender, and David Ruff GUESTS: STAFF: John Howard 1. Call to Order: Call to order at 4:35 PM. 2. Review and Approval of June and August 2020 Meeting Minutes: Motion by Julie, approval unanimous. 3. Lake Winona: John reviewed a presentation given by Barr Engineering to the City Council this summer regarding phosphorus issues in Lake Winona. John reported that the study showed much of the phosphorus entering the lakes come from areas within the City. Lynette asked why the west lake showed improvement in phosphorus? The consultants and John are not sure – it may be a quality control issue. Dan mentioned the weed harvesting. Lynette asked about lake aeration and whether than could play a role? John believes it would be minimal, but it is possible. Dan noted that internal load seems to be a big contributor. John relayed that it is a big piece of the improvement plan. Alum is a solution for internal loading that the CEQC discussed at the August meeting. A lengthy discussion of carp control ensued. Dan discussed how alum is the most cost effective based on the menu of options. John described the other options. Dan asked about funding the projects, and if the grants or the City Council would address. John said grants could do a piece, but the City would need to put forward significant dollars. Lynette expressed her concerns about potential health impacts of aluminum. 4. August Meeting Follow Up Items: John provided an update on two items discussed at the August meeting.  Bradford Development: Based on the discussion in August, John prepared a summary of the CEQC items. The statement reads: “Given the public comments and interest in the proposed Bradford Senior Housing development, specifically regarding the environmental dimension of the project, the CEQC asks that the Planning Commission seek CEQC input on the project’s site plan. The CEQC understands that it has no regulatory or approval power, but believes its members can provide constructive feedback to improve the project. The CEQC would appreciate being consulted for similar projects in the future.” Julie moved, Nikki second, unanimously approved.   Community Garden: John sent a communication to the Park & Recreation department following the August meeting regarding the CEQC’s opinion that gardens are as valuable as any other park use. The department clarified that the Park Plan would allow community gardens at West Lake Park. John also described the current plan for the new community center at the site of the East Rec, which would have 10 gardens. Julie stated the need to replace those gardens lost as part of the redevelopment. Lynette had long conversation with Pam Eyden. Julie requests that City staff come to an upcoming CEQC meeting with a plan for where gardens would be replaced and expanded rather than reasons why some locations would not be good. Consensus among the CEQC that there are many benefits to community gardens. 5. Boulevard Planting Policy: The City has been asked by some residents to reconsider the restrictions of our boulevard planting policy. John asked if this is a topic the CEQC would like to consider? CEQC is interested in further discussion at the next meeting. Dan was surprised by summary document of other cities’ policies regarding pollinator planting. The CEQC discussed some general points such as easing restrictions on vegetable growing in the boulevard. Lynette noted that visibility to the street is very important, Dan concurred. David noted that plant height can be variable, and some interpretation is needed regarding visibility. 6. Other Business: None discussed. 7. Adjournment: Motion for adjournment by Julie, seconded by Lynette. Unanimous adjourned at 5:39 pm. Notes prepared by John Howard.