Loading...
04/24/01 LCEC AgP NOTICE Land Conservation & Environment Committee Will meet Tuesday, April 24, 2001 At 5:45 P.M. at City of Shorewood 5755 Country Club Road Shorewood, MN 55331 A G E N D A 1. Approval of Minutes of March 13, 2001 2. Presentation: Low Impact Development – Anthony Pini 3. Appoint a Representative to: Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (and Advisory Board ? Representative) Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District ? Gideon Glen Advisory Committee ? 4. Discussion regarding an open house format 5. Discussion regarding Garden Awards. (Att.- #5) 6. Set Meeting Dates and Times 7. Adjournment CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD • LAND CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL CHAMBERS COMMITTEE (LCEC) MEETING 5:45 P.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2001 MINUTES CONVENE LAND CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Chair Bruno called the meeting to order at 5:50 P.M. A. Roll Call Present: Fred Bruno, Tom Schmid, Donna Woodruff, Lucinda Kircher, Anthony Pini, Paula Berndt, and Greg Ranallo; Consultant Dan Dickel; Council Liaison Mayor Love Chair Bruno requested the agenda be amended to reflect that the presentation by Connie Fortin be proceeded by the LCEC regular meeting. He also added a presentation by Dan Dickel, City Consultant, regarding an outline for the Gideon Glen wetland restoration project. A general consensus of 7/0 revised the agenda as requested. 1. Approval of the Minutes of February 13, 2001 Woodruff moved, Kircher seconded, approving the Minutes for February 13, 2001, as presented. • Motion passed 7/0. 2. Report on Member Projects A. Compost Recycling Berndt reported that so far, Dan Ries, of Hennepin County, has received approximately 85 requests for the compost recycling bins. Berndt pointed out that of the 1800 bins available in Hennepin County, Shorewood has reserved approximately 300 of those. The bins will be available for distribution during the May 19, 2001, Spring clean-up and open house at public works between 9 A.M - 1 P.M. Kircher added that delivery of the bins will also be available for a $5.00 fee and she is currently looking for a group to deliver these as a fundraising tool for themselves. Woodruff complimented both Berndt and Kircher for introducing this program to the City and pointed to the overwhelming public response via phone feedback and requests pouring in. B. Phosphorous Lawn Fertilizer Legislation Mayor Love reported that we currently have phosphorous lawn fertilizer legislation moving ahead which restricts its use and sale. A considerable amount of support is swelling on this issue and Senator Linda Higgins, co-author of two other phosphorous lawn fertilizer limiting enactments, has committed to working with us to solicit additional sponsors from the Senate Environmental Committee. Over the past three weeks, Mayor Love shared that momentum has grown and cited other Cities adopting Shorewood's ordinance. He did however indicate that time was of the essence, in that, if the Bill has not made it out of Committee by March 30, 2001, it will be dead for this legislative session. Mayor Love indicated that this true grassroots effort coming out of municipalities addresses the problem without putting additional • burden on local municipalities and could benefit from outstate, as well as, local support. LAND CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2001 PAGE 2 OF 3 • 3. Appoint a Representative to: • Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (and Advisory Board Representative) • Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District • Gideon Glen Advisory Committee Mayor Love urged the LCEC Representatives to volunteer as liaisons to these three Committees. He pointed out that it is to our benefit to be at the table of whomever will have us and that much of the funding, support, and legislative support we currently have is a result of our involvement and establishing contacts with people. Bruno shared the position that these friendly allies are very supportive of what we are trying to do, both with Gideon Glen and the phosphorous legislation. Mayor Love asked the members to consider submitting an application to go before the Watershed districts. 4. Presentation by Dan Dickel, City Consultant, on Phase One of the Gideon Glen Wetland Preservation Project Consultant Dickel presented an outline for Gideon Glen using a conceptual design for the restoration project. Dickel based his design on old aerial photos of the area and hopes to get more specific designs once the snow has melted. He pointed out several areas of concern, first, that the apartment building and parking lot back up directly to the wetland, and in fact, are right in the middle of the wetland area; and second, that some encroachment has occurred. Dickel suggested initially planting a burm along the road using native plantings to catch runoff from the road, as well as, asking the strip mall to do the same as a repairian buffer. He also believed a series of dikes and basins could protect the area from runoff and "loading" along with the use of plants to form a rhizofiltration system. Berndt complimented Dickel on the amount of work he has put into this project. • 5. Presentation by Connie Fortin Regarding Shoreline Landscaping Woodruff introduced Fortin, a shoreline environmental landscaping consultant, who has worked on shoreline restoration projects using native plantings. Woodruff felt it would be beneficial for the City to consider her expertise on demonstration sites, as well as, offer her advice to the public this evening. Fortin explained that what people choose to do on their property really can effect water quality. She works with homeowners on their "Aquascaping" efforts to protect their shorelines from erosion. This buffer area of native plants along the water's edge will also filter runoff before it reaches the lake. During her slide presentation, Fortin explained how this buffer could deter geese from entering your lawn. Due to the long grass, geese feel threatened by predators hiding in its midst and will not enter your yard. She also shared that native plants long roots reduce shoreline erosion and can help filter the lawn chemicals and fertilizers many of us use. She identified the different types of shorelines we have, be it rip rap, natural and/or eroded, and pointed out that each site is unique. Fortin continued that when considering shoreline Aquascaping it is important to do an inventory, and consider factors such as invasive species, wave/wind/traffic at the site, animals that might disturb the site and current erosion levels. She outlined the basic steps of design, preparing the site, implementing the project, and maintaining the planting (making a three year commitment to the project), and finally, celebrating the success of the project. Fortin reminded everyone that whenever you are working below the high water line you need three permits, including one from the DNR. Kircher asked how one could go about replacing rip rap. Fortin said that, ideally, on a lake you'd like a • gentle slope into the water with plantings. In fact, Fortin mentioned that she will be teaming up with a LAND CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2001 PAGE 3 OF 3 large rip rap dealer in the area to incorporate native plantings into a lesser rip rap design. This company • has realized that rip rap alone may not be the most beneficial environmental erosion control system and by offering this softer mix of pocket plantings they will be helping to offer a better balance. Schmid asked how to get rid of weeds without using herbicide. Fortin said there are ways of covering the area to deter growth and scraping them etc. Kircher inquired how the dry summer last year and low water levels would effect the growth of plants along the waters edge this year. Fortin explained that most native plants are established enough to endure both excessive heat and moisture. The plants should be able to adjust. Bruno wondered how we could preserve the integrity of our shorelines based on the amount of wave action that is generated on Lake Minnetonka. Fortin replied that wave barriers/breaks are very effective. Once again, a permit is required to add water plantings, however, Fortin believed the DNR would be very receptive to helping restore shorelines using native plantings. Fortin pointed out that brush makes a good break, while Dickel added that old tree trunks, that also breakdown, make useful wave barriers. Fortin finished by encouraging the City to showcase a demonstration garden of their own, showing people in the community that the City endorses the concept of shoreline planting. 6. Set Meeting Dates and Times The LCEC set their next meeting for April 24, 2001, at 5:45 P.M. They also cited May 19, 2001, as the Spring Clean-up Day at public works where people will be picking up their compost bins. Discussion of an open house format will be addressed at the next meeting. Kircher suggested having the Sun Current put . together an article about the Spring Clean-up Day, as well as, the opportunity for Shorewood residents to pick up their Compost bins. 7. Adjournment Woodruff moved, Kircher seconded, adjourning the LCEC Meeting of March 13, 2001, at 7:03 P.M. Motion passed 7/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, Kristi B. Anderson Recording Secretary • 4 NOTICE Land Conservation & Environment Committee Will meet Tuesday, April 24, 2001 At 5:45 P.M. at City of Shorewood 5755 Country Club Road Shorewood, MN 55331 AGENDA 1. Approval of Minutes of March 13, 2001 2. Presentation: Low Impact Development - Anthony Pin! 3. Appoint a Representative to: ❖ Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (and Advisory Board Representative) ❖ Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District 43 Gideon Glen Advisory Committee • 4. Discussion regarding an open house format 5. Discussion regarding Garden Awards. (Att.- #5) 6. Set Meeting Dates and Times 7. Adjournment • CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD LAND CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL CHAMBER-9 • COMMITTEE (LCEC) MEETING 5:45 P.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2001 coo MINUTES CONVENE LAND CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE Mk Chair Bruno called the meeting to order at 5:50 P.M. A. Roll Call Present: Fred Bruno, Tom Schmid, Donna Woodruff, Lucinda Kircher, Anthony Pini, Paula Berndt, and Greg Ranallo; Consultant Dan Dickel; Council Liaison Mayor Love Chair Bruno requested the agenda be amended to reflect that the presentation by Connie Fortin be proceeded by the LCEC regular meeting. He also added a presentation by Dan Dickel, City Consultant, regarding an outline for the Gideon Glen wetland restoration project. A general consensus of 7/0 revised the agenda as requested. 1. Approval of the Minutes of February 13, 2001 Woodruff moved, Kircher seconded, approving the Minutes for February 13, 2001, as presented. Motion passed 7/0. • 2. Report on Member Projects A. Compost Recycling Berndt reported that so far, Dan Ries, of Hennepin County, has received approximately 85 requests for the compost recycling bins. Berndt pointed out that of the 1800 bins available in Hennepin County, Shorewood has reserved approximately 300 of those. The bins will be available for distribution during the May 19, 2001, Spring clean-up and open house at public works between 9 A.M - 1 P.M. Kircher added that delivery of the bins will also be available for a $5.00 fee and she is currently looking for a group to deliver these as a fundraising tool for themselves. Woodruff complimented both Berndt and Kircher for introducing this program to the City and pointed to the overwhelming public response via phone feedback and requests pouring in. B. Phosphorous Lawn Fertilizer Legislation Mayor Love reported that we currently have phosphorous lawn fertilizer legislation moving ahead which restricts its use and sale. A considerable amount of support is swelling on this issue and Senator Linda Higgins, co-author of two other phosphorous lawn fertilizer limiting enactments, has committed to working with us to solicit additional sponsors from the Senate Environmental Committee. Over the past three weeks, Mayor Love shared that momentum has grown and cited other Cities adopting Shorewood's ordinance. He did however indicate that time was of the essence, in that, if the Bill has not made it out of Committee by March 30, 2001, it will be dead for this legislative session. Mayor Love indicated that this true grassroots effort coming out of municipalities addresses the problem without putting additional burden on local municipalities and could benefit from outstate, as well as, local support. • LAND CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2001 PAGE 3 OF 3 large rip rap dealer in the area to incorporate native plantings into a lesser rip rap design. This company has realized that rip rap alone may not be the most beneficial environmental erosion control system and • by offering this softer mix of pocket plantings they will be helping to offer a better balance. Schmid asked how to get rid of weeds without using herbicide. Fortin said there are ways of covering the area to deter growth and scraping them etc. Kircher inquired how the dry summer last year and low water levels would effect the growth of plants along the waters edge this year. Fortin explained that most native plants are established enough to endure both excessive heat and moisture. The plants should be able to adjust.. Bruno wondered how we could preserve the integrity of our shorelines based on the amount of wave action that is generated on Lake Minnetonka. Fortin replied that wave barriers/breaks are very effective. Once again, a permit is required to add water plantings, however, Fortin believed the DNR would be very receptive to helping restore shorelines using native plantings. Fortin pointed out that brush makes a good break, while Dickel added that old tree trunks, that also breakdown, make useful wave barriers. Fortin finished by encouraging the City to showcase a demonstration garden of their own, showing people in the community that the City endorses the concept of shoreline planting. 6. Set Meeting Dates and Times The LCEC set their next meeting for April 24, 2001, at 5:45 P.M. They also cited May 19, 2001, as the Spring Clean-up Day at public works where people will be picking up their compost bins. Discussion of an open house format will be addressed at the next meeting. Kircher suggested having the Sun Current put together an article about the Spring Clean-up Day, as well as, the opportunity for Shorewood residents to pick up their Compost bins. • 7. Adjournment Woodruff moved, Kircher seconded, adjourning the LCEC Meeting of March 13, 2001, at 7:03 P.M. Motion passed 7/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED Kristi B. Anderson Recording Secretary • r Shorewood Garden Awards Beginning this year, the City of Shorewood will be sponsoring a "Shorewood Garden Award" to residents (and businesses) who improve the beauty of their yards with gardens. Nominations by Shorewood residents will be accepted through July 18 for gardens meeting the following criteria: • The property must be in Shorewood . • The garden must be along the street side of the home or business or easily visible from the street. • The garden must be weed-free and well maintained. • The property must positively contribute to the beauty of the street by being litter-free, weed-free and neat. If your garden is nominated, you will be notified by mail. If you give permission, your address will be added to the list of gardens recognized in the September Shore Report. Questions about award: Nominations made via Shoreline or in writing? Nominated gardens will be judged by volunteers from the tC r Park Commission)? Awards? certificates of recognition, recognition by the council, gift certificate (drawing?)... certain recognition awards: perennial garden, native garden.... or just generic gardens? Any criteria other than those listed above to judge by or will everyone nominated receive a recognition award?