HomeMy Public PortalAbout20101028eqcminutesEnvironmental Quality Commission Meeting Minutes
October 28, 2010
Present: Pam Barkhaus, Kristen Hilty, Rob Didriksen, Kesha Nelson; Sister
Camilla Verret
Staff: Melva Fast, Lauren Hershey, Nathan Nickolas
Called to order at 6:30 p.m.; a quorum was present.
Appointments
Melva Fast discussed members who were up for reappointment and members
who have not been present for over a year. Rob Didriksen said he would be
willing to be reappointed. Carol Davit will be asked if she is interested in being
reappointed. Nsalambi NKongolo has not attended a meeting in over a year,
and the commission considers replacing with J oseph Winkelmann who has filled
out a volunteer profile.
Rob Didriksen had asked to be refreshed on the role of the EQC. A copy of the
Ordinance that created the EQC will be sent to all via email. A list of current
members will also be sent.
Endorsement of Glass Recycling Program
Lauren Hershey gave an update of the glass recycling program and had
reviewed a letter for the EQC to endorse the program as presented. Sister
Camille made a motion to endorse and the motion was seconded by Pam
Burkhaus.
Presentation by Law Department regarding limitations of campaigning
City Attorney, Nathan Nickolas explained to the EQC what they could do in
regards to campaigning to the trash contract. Mr. Nickolas stated they could
“educate, not advocate”. The members of the EQC can only give facts and
cannot sway people to vote one way or the other. Also stated that an
affirmative vote for the trash contract would be a breach of contract and Allied
Waste could sue the City or terminate the contract.
Electronic Sign Ordinance Review
City Attorney, Nathan Nickolas also presented on the Electronic Sign Ordinance.
He passed out two different flyers and asked the EQC to distinguish the
difference. Government cannot interfere with free speech and can only
regulate signs based on time, place, and manner, not related to content. The
EQC suggested increasing the time variable of how often the sign changes;
increasing from 4 seconds to the industry standard of 8 seconds. The EQC also
suggested putting a cap on the size of signs and recommended taking out their
ability to show public service announcements.
Other Business
It was suggested the November meeting be moved to the 18th of November and
the January meeting to the 20th of January and no meeting in December
because of the Holidays.
Next meeting will be on November 18 at 6:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.