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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 02-17 CONCMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA • REGULAR SESSION FEBRUARY 17, 1977 LIBRARY CONFERENCE ROOM Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Conservation Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Vetter at 7:50 p.m. Roll Call Chairman Vetter, Commissioners Dorff, Jensen and Livingston. Also present were Councilman Maurice Britts, Chairman Gerry Johnson and Commissioner Margaret Whittaker of the Park and Recreation Commis- sion and Administrative Assistant Ronald Warren. Chairman Vetter reported that Commissioners Price and Winkelman would be late for this evenings meeting. Chairman Vetter requested that consideration of the minutes from the December 16 and January 20 Conserva- tion Commission meetings be deferred until later in the meeting. • Energy, Conservation and The Secretary introduced the next item of business, that Environmental Legislation of a report on the status of energy, conservation and environmental legislation being considered by the State legislature during the current session. He stated that State Senators Bill Luther and Skip Humphrey had been invited to this evenings meeting to review such legisla- tion. He explained that Senator Humphrey had another committment this evening and was unsure whether or not he would be able to attend the meeting. The Secretary then introduced State Senator Bill Luther. Senator Luther thanked the Conservation Commission for inviting him to this evening's meeting to discuss energy, conservation and environmental legislation being con- sidered by the State Legislature. He explained that his duties in the State Senate include serving on the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and that he serves as the Environmental Protection Subcommittee Chairman. He reported that the Senate has an Energy and Housing Committee which also deals with a number of energy, conservation and environmental issues. He pointed out that he does not serve on this Energy and Housing Com- mittee but is somewhat familiar with the legislation that is being revidwed by that Committee. He reported that the State's budget will occupy a great portion of his time during this current session and that it is anticipated -1- 2-17-77 that the State's budget will be approximately 6.3 billion dollars. Regarding environmental legislation, Senator Luther stated that the Dutch elm disease problem is of major conern during this session and that the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will be considering a number of shade tree disease control bills. He stated that the Committee intends to get to this legislation as soon as possible in order to make funds available by this spring when the disease will again emerge. He further reported that one of the bills being considered calls for a 50/50 state and local match for removing diseased elm trees. He also reported that there is a proposal for a per capita allocation to municipal govern- ments for controlling the spread of Dutch elm disease. He stated that the Committee is considering a $6.00 per capita allocation for that purpose. He explained some of the problems relating to a Dutch elm disease subsidy program such as the administration of the program, the establish- ment of maximum limits for allocating funds, and the red tape involved with the program. A brief discussion ensued relative to Dutch elm disease legis- lation and the possibility that local appropriations for Dutch elm disease control and removal might be subject to levy limitations. Senator Luther stated that there have been extensive dis- cussions regarding energy legislation in the Senate and that although he is not on the Energy and Housing Committee he is somewhat aware of the issues. He further stated that he is sure that there will be an energy policy at least in some areas relating to energy such as minimum standard requirements for appliances. He added that it is also being suggested that there be minimum insulation standards for homes and also the possibility of tax credits for persons insulating or making other repairs to their homes that are energy related. He pointed out that the State, for the most part, is looking for leadership from the Federal Government in terms of an overall energy policy. Regarding the area of electrical utilities, Senator Luther stated that there are legislative attempts to discourage high levels of electrical energy consumption. He added that utility regulation has been discussed quite a bit in terms of the objective to eliminate volume discounts whereby large users of electricity get a better rate. He stated that the objective is to discourage high levels of energy consumption. He added that the Public Service Commission needs some flex- ibility so that certain persons, particularly those on fixed incomes, are not penalized nor are the "energy fugal" persons that do not waste energy. • 0 2-17-77 -2- Senator Luther briefly reviewed the Reserve Mining issue and stated that the legislature must wait for a Supreme Court decision before it can take further action. He pointed out.that he favors the "mile post 20 site" and • that the matter is a very tough and frustrating issue. Commissioner Winkelman arrived at 8:40 p.m-. Senator Luther next addressed the mandatory deposit on containers bill and stated that surveys and polls have shown that a majority of the people want some type of legislation that would require a mandatory deposit on various containers. He stated that he felt there would be some type of legislation regarding this problem but pointed out that there are very heavy lobbying efforts against this type of legislation.. , He reported that Senate file #1 requires a 10~ deposit on all beer and soft drink containers and is one such piece of legislation that is being reviewed presently by the Senate. Chairman Vetter inquired what citizens can do that support such legislation. Senator Luther responded that people favoring such legislation should attempt to con- tact the Governor and various legislators and express their opinions. Margaret Whittaker inquired as to why- such bills, that seem to have a lot of general public • support, sometimes fail in the Legislature. Senator Luther responded that in this case there are very heavy lobbying interests that have stated that such legislation would mean the loss of jobs and that the costs for retooling their businesses would be very high. Further discussion ensued relative to legislation regarding a mandatory deposit on beer and pop containers. Commissioner Dorff left the meeting at 8:57 p.m. Senator Luther reported that Senate file #2 would ban the use of nonreturnable plastic milk containers and that he favors such legislation and in fact co-authored the bill. Commissioner Jensen stated that there is a water resource problem and inquired if the State Legislature would attempt to address this problem during the current session. Senator Luther responded that many are concerned about the use of water and that there will be a bill introduced in this session of the legislature that would require big water users to pay higher rates. Commissioner Jensen also inquired about water treatment legislation. Senator Luther responded that the State is somewhat behind • other areas of the country in wa ter treatment legislation but that we are making some headway in this area. -3- 2-17-77 Senator Luther also reviewed legislation dealing with a ` waterfall stamp for maintaining state owned wetlands and briefly discussed the timberwolf issue. He stated that the timberwolf issue is a very difficult issue °in-that he gen- erally favors protection of the timberwolf but will keep an • open mind and intends to hear both sides of the issue be- fore making any decision. Chairman Vetter, on behalf of the Conservation Commission, thanked Senator Luther for his presentation. The Brooklyn Center Conservation Commission recessed Recess at 9:45 p.m. and resumed at 10:12 p.m. Motion by Commissioner Jensen and seconded by Commis= Approval of Minutes sioner Livingston to approve the minutes of the December 16, 12-16-76 1976 Conservation Commission meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Livingston and seconded by Approval of Minutes Chairman Vetter to approve the minutes of the January 20, 1-20-77 1977 Conservation Commission meeting as submitted. Voting in favor: Chairman Vetter: Commissioners Winkel- man and Livingston. Voting against: none. The motion passed. Commissioner Jensen abstained as she was not at that meeting. Chairman Vetter reported that the Conservation Commission Winter Hike • winter hike will be held on Sunday, February 27, 1977 at West Palmer Lake Park from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. She stated that everyone is invited and that posters and fliers have been distributed at Palmer Lake School, Willow Lane School, Evergreen School and St. Alphonsus School. She reported that it might be possible that a nature activity film would be presented. Connissioner Jensen suggested that information also be sent to Garden City School. Chairman Vetter also reported that there are plans for a bird hike in the environmental preserve on Saturday, May 7, 1977 to begin at 6:45 a.m. She added that advertisement for this bird hike would appear in the upcoming Park and Recreation brochure. Commissioner Price arrived at the meeting at 10:25 p.m. Commissioner Price showed a film entitled "Energy in Film Presentation Prospective" to the Conservation Commission and stated that he will attempt to get this- film for a showing at the upcoming Kaleidoscope event. A brief discussion ensued relative to the Conservation Kaleidoscope Commission's plans for its Kaleidoscope booth. It was 2-17-77 -4- decided that the theme of the booth should be energy. Further discussion ensued relative to booth displays and various brochures and informational items which could be presented on energy at the booth. Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Price and seconded by Com- missioner Livingston to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Conservation Commission adjourned at 11:30 p.m. Chairman -5- 2-17-77