HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-Sustainability Commission-June 11, 2024 6.00 PM
SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
City Hall—Shared Vision Room, 3989 Central Ave NE
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
6:00 PM
APPROVED MINUTES
1. 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, Johnson, LaPlante,
Kurek, Leoni-Helbacka
Staff present: Andrew Boucher, City Planner
Liam Genter, Urban Forestry Specialist
Sulmaan Khan, Interim City Engineer
Council Liaison: Rachel James
2. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Ahmadvand, seconded by Groseth to approve the minutes of May 14, 2024, as presented.
Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
3. Sustainable Purchasing Policy Update
The City’s existing purchasing policy was examined in relation to the proposed draft policy by city
staff as well as the Commission and it was expressed that instead of creating a new policy that the
proposed draft be incorporated into the existing policy. Interim City Engineer, Sulmaan Khan states
that he intends to solicit initial comments from City Division Heads on the proposed policy and will
incorporate those comments into the first round of wording of the document.
4. Complete Streets Policy Update
Complete Streets policy draft was discussed prior to the June meeting between Interim City
Engineer Sulmaan Khan, City Planner Andrew Boucher, and Commissioner Finkelson in preparation
for a future workshop with Nissa Tupper, Transportation and Public Health Planning Director at
MNDOT. The group achieved consensus that the policy had been discussed enough for staff to
prepare the item for a future work session after the meeting with MNDOT. Citywide transportation
safety plan and Safe Streets for All were discussed.
5. Partners in Energy Update
City Planner, Andrew Boucher provided an update on the recruitment of individuals interested in
participating on the Energy Action Team as part of Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy program. It was
City of Columbia Heights APPROVED MINUTES November 14, 2023
Sustainability Commission Page 2
desired to include a member of the City Council (Councilmemb er Buesgens as the Sustainability
Liaison) as well as members of the other boards and commissions; Planning Commission,
Sustainability Commission, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development Authority, etc.
Commissioner Leoni-Helbacka and Chair Ahmadvand expressed interest in participating on the
Energy Action Team. Other community groups and organizations such as HeightsNext, the Multi-
Cultural Advisory Committee, Columbia Heights School District, SACA, and places of worship were
identified as potential stakeholders along with homeowners, landlords, and businessowners. The
Sustainability Commission involvement in promotional and marketing material was discussed.
6. Sustainable Collaborations Sub-Committee Update and Sustainability Commission Newsletter
Submission
The City e-newsletter was discussed with a deadline of June 27, 2024 for submissions for the July
edition to be received by. The fall newsletter was mentioned and has a deadline of July 22, 2024.
NEW BUSINESS
7. Deeproot Green Infrastructure Presentation by Nicole Peterson
Urban Foresty Specialist, Liam Genter introduced former Parks and Recreation Commissioner and
licensed landscape architect Nicole Peterson to discuss the important of soil volume in fully
developed cities and present on behalf of her employer, Deeproot, in relation to their Silva Cell
product, which is designed to accommodate health, mature tree growth by allowing for greater
amounts of space beneath pavement. Examples of these products in other cities were
demonstrated including at the City of Shakopee, MN.
8. Xcel Energy Upper Midwest Energy Plan Public Meeting and Comment Period (Midwest Energy
Plan | Xcel Energy)
Commissioner Kurek informed the Commission and staff of Xcel Energy’s clean energy plan for the
Upper Midwest and encouraged people to participate in the public engagement in-person or
virtually as well as a discussed submitting written comments.
9. Round Robin
Future City events such as the Arts and Info Fair and the Jamboree were discussed as potential
opportunities for tabling if interested or desired.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ahmadvand, seconded by LaPlante to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Motion passed
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew Boucher,
City Planner