Agenda - Council Work Session - 10/07/2008

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Point Source Pollution The conditional use permit process will be the polley tool ysed to regulate the asphalt plant. If new polluting sources are prClposed to bl! locllted within the City, It Is likely that a conditional yse permit would need to be granted to allow such a use, The exact requirements of that permit woyld be determined at the time of the application. This threshold (as well as Major Roads), was the source of some discussion du'rlng the analysis process, It should. be noted that the elh;,inatlon or restriction of pollution point-sources may result In Ramsey being at a competitive disadvantage with neighboring cities. It may be desirable from an economic development standpoint to allow a new pollution point-source to be opened in Ramsey In the future. Also, the simple demands of an increasing population may result in the need for additional pollution point-sources. For examples, energy generation arid waste disposal may result In additional point- source pollution, and yet may be necessary for the broader community health and benefit. The ultimate ~oal of eliminating human contact with ha<:ardou$ polh.ltlon may be something th~t Is best regulated <It the state and/or federal IElvel to filllmlnata the Infh,Jence of hyper.local influences and to share the economic cost of addltlonfll regulation across a broader population. Air Quality Mitigation The Comprehensive Plan could be used to promote the introduction of tree canopy along Highway 10. However, a more effective method would be using an overlay zone or other specific zoning requirement to stipulate tree planting that must occur whenever development or redevelopment takes place on parcels adjacent to Highway 10. The City could pursue an active street tree- planting polley In addition to encouraging street trees within proposed developments. A continuous line of trees along Highway 10 may be possible, although breaks would be needed for Intersections and other access points. The pace and type of development and redevelopment will also have an effect on how l3ddltlonallam:l$caplng occurs adjacent to the rOCldway. The goal may be ac:hlevad most quickly by,imply requiring planting whenever development or redevelopment occ:unll but the policy may be more polltil;:ally palatable If planting Is Incentlvlzed rather than rElqulred. Penalty bonuses or anelCpedlted approval process ire examples of incentives used to encourage higher quality development in other zoning codes. R.amsey's tree protection ordrnance could also be used to identify this specific area and require or encourage additional tree planting. 8 -110-