Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 09/10/2012

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Board Member Lewis commented that it would be beneficial to have a few articles stockpiled to use. Chairperson Max confirmed that because the next EPB article for the Ramsey newsletter will focus on holiday recycling, another community within the LRRWMO could print the article before Ramsey does. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that he would be comfortable drafting the holiday recycling article, as he is proficient in the knowledge of the City program. He noted that the Board may not be able to review the article prior to the deadline for the article but advised that the Board would be able to review the article at the next meeting, prior to resident receipt. 6. BOARD / STAFF INPUT • Community Parks Map Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that he was asked to draft a map, which identifies the larger community parks and has done so and distributed a copy to each Board Member. • Fall Recycling Day Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson reported that the Fall Recycling Day will take place on September 29 He noted that mattresses and box springs will be accepted for a charge of $15 each, but advised that no other furniture will be accepted. He noted that the day of the event they will also be taking in used motor oil and antifreeze. • Shoreland Ordinance Amendment Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised of an overlap in regulations, which identified the Mississippi River along Ramsey's border as part of both the Wild and Scenic and Critical Area Overlay Districts. He advised that there were legislative changes this year that exempts the Mississippi River from the Wild and Scenic regulations. He explained that the ordinance amendment would bring all the shoreland regulations into one spot within the City Code, as well as make it clear that the Wild and Scenic regulations would apply to the Rum River while the Critical River regulations would apply to the Mississippi River. He referenced a State Supreme Court ruling which stated that the DNR had overstepped their boundaries in regard to certification of variances and other land use applications and so the amendment will also clarify that the DNR only has certification authority for ordinance amendments. He provided further clarification and noted that once staff clarifies additional information within the ordinance to address these changes, he would be happy to draft something to update residents of the changes. He reviewed the timeline for these changes and hoped to bring this item forward at the October meeting of the Planning Commission. Environmental Policy Board / September 10, 2012 Page 4 of 6