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Commission seeks clearer steps on stormwater, parks and SolSmart in 2026 work plan; plans January work session
Summary
The Environmental Advisory Commission discussed the draft 2026 work plan, asked staff to research ways to increase EAC input on parks and housing development, prioritized stormwater/smart-salting education, and agreed to hold a work session in early January to set measurable actions.
The Inver Grove Heights Environmental Advisory Commission reviewed a draft 2026 work plan and agreed to schedule a work session in early January to develop measurable steps for the plan’s priorities, including stormwater, parks involvement, and renewable-energy outreach.
Liz, the city staff member presenting the draft, said the work plan was developed to align with the EAC’s duties under city code and to be achievable by December 2026 with full staffing and external assistance. She told commissioners the work plan would be edited to make section 1.1A reflect active work on the Partners in Energy MOU rather than merely extending it.
Commissioners pressed for clearer roles and processes for providing environmental input on parks and housing developments. One commissioner said the EAC currently feels piecemeal and asked staff to research where the commission can weigh in on stormwater design, rain gardens and pervious-surface options. Liz agreed to meet with planning staff to identify statutory limits and possible points for EAC involvement.
Stormwater and salt-use reduction were a recurring focus. Commissioner Reese summarized a regional Zoom meeting about limiting road salt and monitoring chloride levels, noting alternatives discussed (brine, beet-based products, sand for friction) and the need for surface and bottom water sampling because chloride accumulates in water bodies. "Chloride is forever," the commissioner said, urging education and training; Liz confirmed city plans for smart-salting education this winter and upcoming free trainings for commissioners.
Commissioners also recommended reinstating or refining the Sustainable IGH awards program and suggested the EAC use the community center and e-news to amplify environmental outreach. A commissioner asked whether paper-towel organics collection could be added at the community center; staff said they would check where collection already exists and report back.
On timing, commissioners agreed January (early 2026) was preferable for a work session to allow holiday scheduling. Commissioner Mikulski said work sessions are needed to move goals from aspirational to measurable: "We do need a work session because these are all nice goals, but we don't have any 'how' attached to them." Liz said she would return with a revised draft that incorporates the commission's edits and proposed a loose framework for the January session.
Next steps: staff will revise the 2026 work plan to add a line item on increased involvement in parks and development, edit the MOU-related language in section 1.1A, and schedule a January work session to develop metrics and an implementation timeline.
