Agenda - Council - 01/24/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Strommen asked if we can require an Environmental Work Sheet. She felt it did not seem like something we have a right to request. She stated she would expect some restoration from the power company. Councilmember McGlone stated that maybe anything they touch they would have to restore. Consensus of the Council was to delete e) for large -scale tree clearance operations an environmental worksheet be completed. Mr. Ulrich noted we cannot maintain that as a City. Consensus was to revise g) restore all habitat within the right -of -way /easement to a level consistent with surrounding habitat. Mr. Ulrich noted it would instead state that they restore anything they touch to at least the previous condition. Mr. Ulrich noted there is also information included in this topic report about the new transmission line that will be going through a part of Ramsey. He presented a brief description of the line. Mayor Ramsey commented that with the new line, they will cut a swath 150 feet wide. Senior Planner Gladhill stated that he thought they are looking at the potential for 75 feet. There will be an impact — and staff will keep Council updated. Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that going back to the letter g) on the resolution; maybe we should include some provision that says restoring the area to the preexisting condition or with consultation with the property owner. John Enstrom, resident on 181 Avenue, stated we should have some control about the type of plantings they replace. For example, blue grass has zero value — trees have value. Councilmember Strommen agreed native species requirement should be added — when applicable. Councilmember Tossey stated he understands the concern but added you are bolstering their 150 -foot right -of -way. Consensus of the Council was that the resolution g) be amended to if they are doing a restoration; make it a native planting — no invasive species. Staff will make amendments to the resolution and bring it to a subsequent Council meeting for formal adoption. 2.3 2012 General Fund Levy & Budget Finance Officer Lund presented a brief summary of the proposed levy. She noted we received the County numbers — we proposed a tax rate of 44.64 — it came in at 44.32. She noted on page 2 of the handout — the rate for 2012 is 113.119 — it was 110.413 for 2011. The school levy goes into effect for the 2013 levy. What is proposed in 2012 — 8,445,483, which represents City Council Work Session / November 1, 2011 Page 6 of 10