Minutes Environ Steward 9 3 02MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ADVISORY COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 3, 2002
4:00 P.M.
CITY HALL ANNEX, 1300 MAIN, CONFERENCE ROOM
Mike Buelow celled the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Buelow, John Nemmers, Bill Niemann, Michael Hirsch
MEMBERS ABSENT: Andrea Bixler
STAFF PRESENT:
Mary Rose Corrigan, Paul Horsfall, Don Vogt
Michael Buelow completed the Certificetion of Compliance with the Iowa Open
Meetings Law.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Bill Niemann moved to approve the Minutes of the May 7, 2002 ESAC meeting.
John Nemmers seconded the motion. There were no changes or additions and
the Minutes were approved as distributed.
TESTAGENDA:
Paul Horsfall requested that the field tdp to observe waste sludge treatment be
added to the agenda. Mike Buelow added this to New Business from Staff.
John Nemmers moved to accept the agenda with those changes. Bill Niemann
seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Radon.
John Nemmers asked about the radon issue with the City Council back in May.
Bill Niemann explained that the Council defeated the recommendation for
requiring radon-resistant construction in new residential homes. Bill Niemann
said he didn't think this should be brought up again, and the Council made it
clear that they were not going to approve it. He stated the Commission should,
therefore, move on from this issue.
NEW' BUSINESS:
Bill Niemann inquired about the status of the Commission's membership. Mary
Rose Corrigan explained there are now two openings since Art Sunleaf would be
submitting his letter of resignation and so did Dave Czarnecki. It is appropriate
to seek out applicants. Applicents can obtain an application from the City Clerk's
Office at City Hall.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Geothermal and Stormwater Management.
Mary Rose Corrigan explained that a few Commission members who showed up
for the meeting that was not held in August discussed the geothermal issue with
Deron Muehdng, Engineering Division. Staff wanted the Commission to be
aware of this issue and is still reseamhing possible ordinances or policies for the
City. Bill Niemann suggested that the ESAC should be concerned with water
quality issues, and let the Engineers worry about quantity. Mary Rose explained
that Leslee Spraggin's concern dealt with using as much natural absorption of
stormwater as possible. Since Dave Czarnecki and Art Sunleaf were the
representatives to the Citizens Stormwater Utility Advisory Group, the
Commission needs new representation. Bill Niemann agreed to be that
representative since he has already attended an August meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Solid Waste Management Plan.
Don Vogt explained the planning process and that the plan is really a template
provided by Iowa DNR for local landfills to fill out. It does not allow for a lot of
community input. John Nemmers expressed his concern that the wording on the
letter of cooperation suggests that the Commission was involved in the
development of the plan. Bill Niemann stated that he needed a chance to review
the document. Don stated that he needs the letter of recommendation by
October 1, 2002. In lieu of that, Mary Rose will poll the Commission via e-mail
on whether or not they concur with the plan. John Nemmem moved that the
Commission sign the letter of cooperation after the opinion poll was taken of the
Commission by September 20, 2002. Bill Niemann seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. Wastewater Sludge Treatment Field Trip.
Paul Horsfall is looking at a date in October for the field trip, possibly after
October 9. When he has a date, he will e-mail it to the Commissioners. Paul will
also be requesting one or two representat'n/es from the ESAC to serve on the
engineer selection and evaluation for the wastewater treatment plant. John
Nemmers agreed to be on that committee.
ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC:
There was no one present to address the Commission.
CLARIFICATION OF TASKS:
Mary Rose Corrigan will let Michael Van Milligen know that the Commission will
be available to comment on geothermal and stormwater management issues.
Mary Rose will send an e-mail regarding the solid waste comprehensive plan.
Paul Horsfall wilt e-mail potential field tdp dates.
NEXT MEETING DATE:
The next meeting date is October 1, 2002.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Storrnwater management, geothermal, wastewater treatment plant sludge
ADJOURNMENT:
Bill Niemann moved to adjourn the meeting. John Nemmers seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
MRC/cj