Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 02/02/2009

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... Chairperson McDilda advised that traditionally the EPB is the only advisory Board that operates with a work plan, and still remains the only Board with a work plan. He advised that the other Boards, such as Planning and Zoning or Parks and Recreation, have always operated without a work plan and continue to do so. He thought that it was good to have a work plan, as it gives the Board, the public, and the Council a method to determine what is being worked on. He stated that the Board has already approved the work plan, and thought that until the Board has heard differently, they should continue to work on the items on the adopted work plan, although it has not yet been approved by the Council. He thought that the Board should adopt the work plan, as a Board, and continue to work off of that item. Environmental Coordinator Anderson encouraged the Board to keep the focus on the items that seem to be of concern to City Council, such as water conservation and top soil regulations, as well as the Environmental Expo, until such time that the Council approves their work plan. Chairperson McDilda agreed that a few items could be focused on for the time being, such as the Environmental Expo, which could take up the next few meetings itself. He questioned if Councilmember McGlone mentioned to the Council that he attended and participated in the previous EPB meeting. Chairperson McDilda recognized that the work plan was not approved by the Council, and thought that a motion should be made in the interim explaining what the Board would work on during this period. Motion by Board Member Max and seconded by Board Member Freeburg, that in recognition of the Council tabling the work plan for the EPB, the Board will continue to focus on certain aspects of the proposed work plan, including time sensitive tasks, such as the Environmental Expo. Motion carried. V oting Yes: Chairperson McDilda, Board Members Bentz, Freeburg, Stodola and Max. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Member Sibilski. Case #2 Update on Declining Red Pines Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that many red pines in the area are in a state of decline. This is occurring in both Ramsey and Andover. There are a couple factors that have triggered this including less than normal rainfall; European pine sawfly attacks, and the hail storm last May. These factors have weakened the trees' defense system, allowing some weaker pathogens to wreak havoc on these trees. He advised that what they are finding are trees that are over 50 percent dead, or completely dead. He advised that a flyover of the two communities, courtesy of the DNR, was done last week, which provided a very good view of the area. He was pleasantly surprised that this issue was not as widespread as he had initially thought. He advised that there were several areas that the trees were decimated, including the boy scout camp and a stretch along Armstrong blvd near Central Park. He advised that there is a joint effort between Ramsey, Andover and the DNR to strategize how to manage this situation. He advised that they are hoping to develop some options for land owners that are being seriously impacted by this. He advised that they are looking to hold a joint community workshop with the public in the upcoming month or so, and would also be sending invitations to certain landowners. Chairperson McDilda asked if anything could be done with these infected trees. Environmental Policy Board / February 2, 2009 Page 3 of8