Agenda - Public Works Committee - 12/18/2007 - No Meeting

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Environmental Coordinator Anderson asked for consensus from the EPB and direction for staff. Chairperson McDilda stated that the topsoil requirement cannot be a complete solve. Ultimately, on the projective growth curve, that becomes substantial over time. It doesn't do anything in the near term for the commercial or multi-development. They are already regulated. What really needs to be considered is how to impact the private residential usage. Board Member Bentz asked if the City has a. brochure to educate people with garden sprinklers, new irrigation systems, and backyard garden recommendations or organic , gardens. Environmental Coordinator Anderson clarified that this is one part of the puzzle. The larger makeup is the education factor, xeric landscaping, backyard gardening, organic fractioning, recycling, rain gardens, and other concepts. Mr. Bruce Bacon suggested a new Engineering direction for storm water management might be to learn. how to engineer the storm surface water by pond mitigation.. He suggested that perhaps that is a way for the private developer to excavate dirt from wetlands in order to create a pond to surface water the lawns. Chairperson McDilda stated that part of the issue is the invasive species.. Excavation will deepen the water, and that impacts the ecosystem in other ways. In looking at the type of topsoil used, pro-activity is necessary to determine where the topsoil will be coming from in order to alleviate reintroducing another component to the ecosystem. OLD BUSINESS Board Member Max stated that Environmental Coordinator Anderson intended to address placement of markers for the wetlands with the Park and Recreation Board. Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that he communicated this to Mr. Mark Riverblood. He stated that the green carsonite posts will be used similar to the ones in conservation easements along Trott Brook. Mr. Riverblood said that he could apprise the Park and Rec Board about this more as an FYI but did not anticipate any direction in terms of location. He expressed hesitation that the sign wouldn't be in a buffer area, but the intent would be to educate. Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that if there are particular areas that the EPB would prefer the signs are placed, to let him know. Board Member Sibilski stated he met with Councilmember Strommen;to discuss direction on the open space referendum. Consensus was that she ,will bring this up at a work session, requesting direction from Council for the EPB to put together a proposal. She wanted to bring it to the Council at a work session to get ideas from others. Board Environmental Policy Board/July 23, 2007 'Page 14 of 16 , 24