Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 04/01/2013

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5.03: Prairie Establishment in Utility Corridor Associate Planner /Environmental Coordinator Anderson presented the staff report. He provided an update on conversations he has had with the Parks Supervisor and noted that the Board would need to determine the species they would like to add to the raingarden, the number of plantings to be included and signage. He noted that perhaps the signage could tie into the signage that is already installed in the park and could explain the types of plantings and why there were chosen. He advised that additional signage could be placed further down which explains the prairie establishment in the utility corridor. He ask that Board Members begin to consider the number and type of plants they would like to use and he could then determine if grant funds would be available to assist in the process. Board Member Hiatt questioned if the Agreement includes language regarding the cost and long- term maintenance. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that the cost will be covered by GRE and maintenance is included for the first three years but believed that this would ultimately be the responsibility of the City. He explained that once a prairie is established there is not much maintenance required. Board Member Bentz questioned if anyone has been out taking pictures so the transformation of the utility corridor and raingarden could be documented. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson clarified that the focus should remain on the raingarden and the species and signage for that project. He stated that it should remain simple as this is supposed to be an example of what residents could construct and maintain on their own property. He stated that the example in the Board packet simply showed an example but noted that he would not recommend including more than six to eight species. He clarified that he would recommend larger signs, similar to those used in Sunfish Park that could help visitors identify species. He confirmed that the Board would still like to reach out to the Garden Club and the local Eagle Scouts to determine their interest in participating in the project. He advised that a blurb could be included in the City newsletter as well asking for volunteers that would like to assist at the park on specific dates. He confirmed that he could develop a plan and timeline for the project for the Board to review and provide input. He explained that the raingarden is a separate project from the GRE utility corridor plantings. Board Member Bentz noted that Anoka Technical College has a landscaping class and stated that perhaps one of those students would like to participate in the project as they would have more experience than an Eagle Scout. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson noted that prior to the next Board meeting he would attempt to develop a timeline and gather information for the project. 6. BOARD / STAFF INPUT • Recycling Event (May 4) Environmental Policy Board / April 1, 2013 Page 5 of 7