Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 06/01/2009

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Case #2: Lower Rum River Water Management Organization's 3rd Generation Plan and Citizen Survey Results. Environmental Coordinator Anderson presented the staff report. Assistant City Engineer Jankowski reviewed some background information on the Water Management Organization such as its purpose, how it was formed and some of its earlier plans. He stated that the WMO is looking for individuals and/or groups with an interest in environmental issues to review the survey results and provide additional feedback. Furthermore, the WMO is interested in hosting a joint meeting with the EPB, Andover's Open Space Committee and other representatives from Anoka and Coon Rapids for input on their 3rd Generation Plan. There is also an interest in potentially relying on these advisory groups in the long-term for involvement with watershed issues. Board Member Enstrom stated that he has faithfully attended the WMO meetings for the past seven years and suggested that a member of the EPB attend these meetings monthly. The Board agreed that this was a good idea and that the representative can than update the EPB about any pertinent discussions and/or actions of the WMO. Consensus of the Board was that the EPB would be interested in attending the joint meeting hosted by the WMO. Board Member Stodola stated that it was interesting to see that many of the survey responses seemed to reflect an interest and/or concern for a need for wetland protection, whether through buffers or other means. Case #3: Topsoil Ordinance and Education Environmental Coordinator Anderson presented the staff report. Board Member Enstrom stated that if seeding is done correctly, it can result in much better yard than sod. He also stated that highly organic soil can hold thirteen times the amount of water than sand. He continued by stating that the inspection should look next to driveways and walkways where contractors will often just smooth out a very thin layer of topsoil and that is why you always see dead grass in these areas. He stated that there are also different types of sod. Much of the sod used in this area is grown on peat and that is why is does not perform well. High country sod could be utilized, which is much less dependent on water. Chairperson Max stated that he appreciates the EPB being charged with developing this educational piece but that he believes it should not be limited to topsoil. Rather, topsoil should just be one chapter of a broader water conservation booklet. He continued by stating in the past the Board has put together the Ramsey Tree Book and the Wetlands Guidebook, and that individual members worked on parts of those booklets to streamline the process. He stated that this should be an e-booklet to save both money and resources. Environmental Policy Board / June 1, 2009 Page 3 of6