Laserfiche WebLink
5.01: Consider Draft 2013 -2014 Work Plan <br />Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson presented the staff report. He stated <br />that in reviewing the information, the tree sale is trending in the wrong direction and did not <br />believe that it would be beneficial for the Board to continue with that event. He stated that if the <br />Board wishes to continue with the event, changes would need to be made and more participation <br />from the Board would be required, but stated that the percentage of sales to Ramsey residents <br />does not appear to merit continuing. <br />Chairperson Max stated that although he understood the merit behind discontinuing the tree sale, <br />he thought it a bit ironic that the tree sale would be discontinued at the same time the Board is <br />expressing the intent for the City to lead by example and be more environmentally proactive. <br />Board Member Bentz suggested selling trees in the fall during the Expo rather than holding it in <br />the spring. <br />Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that the logistics of having the <br />trees onsite at Happy Days would prevent that from occurring. He noted that perhaps a local <br />nursery would want to sell trees with a voucher system during the Business Expo. He stated that <br />if the Board would like to further discuss the tree sale the language should be included in the <br />Work Plan. <br />Board Member Valentine stated that he understood the irony but suggested that the program be <br />reviewed under the overall context and noted that energy may be better served in another area. <br />Chairperson Max stated that perhaps it would be best to not hold the tree sale for the next year or <br />two and focus efforts on other areas that could then create a demand for a future tree sale. <br />Board Member Lewis commented that while he would not rule out the tree sale as dead, he <br />would postpone discussions until early winter. <br />Community Development Manager Gladhill discussed the Housing Assistance Policy and the <br />process of review by the Planning Commission and City Council prior to tonight. He asked that <br />the Board review the best management practices and provide input. He stated that the intent <br />tonight was simply to request that the Board add the item to their Work Plan. He noted that <br />additional guidance would be provided in the future. He also provided an update on the Strategic <br />Plan and noted that a presentation should be forthcoming. <br />Chairperson Max questioned the difference between this and overall landscape issues. <br />Community Development Manager Gladhill provided examples and noted that the policy would <br />apply citywide but would also address projects that exceed the minimum standards in return for <br />financial assistance from the City. He stated that the City does not have a large pool of money to <br />assist in housing developments and noted that the funds that are there should be used to assist in <br />the creation of a shining star of the type of development the City would like to see. He estimated <br />that work would begin by the Board in one to two months and noted that this should be a quality <br />project. He referenced the Strategic Plan and commented that the City Administrator and Mayor <br />Environmental Policy Board / July 1, 2013 <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />