Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 08/05/2013

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Board Member Lewis questioned if the lemonade stand could be held under the umbrella of the Environmental Expo. Associate Planner /Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that there would be available space and noted that he would verify the possibility. The Troop leader thanked the Board for their generosity and noted that she would follow up with Associate Planner /Environmental Coordinator Anderson. 5.02: Receive Update on Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Rulemaking for Mississippi River Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson presented the staff report. Development Services Manager Gladhill provided a brief update on the State /DNR review of the rulemaking for the Mississippi Critical area. He stated that at this time he does not have much information as only one meeting has been held on this issue but noted that he wanted to advise the Board of this action early in the process. He stated that staff is unsure what the implications to the City will be. He noted that staff is optimistic to see what will develop during this process and whether that will be beneficial to the City. He stated that the City will continue to review the draft standards as they come before the City and continue to communicate the information to the Boards and Commissions. He was unsure if the process will begin at square one or whether the process will continue from the 2009 session. Board Member Lewis questioned if anything has come out that has been a concern to the City. Development Services Manager Gladhill noted that within the critical area the City had planned for one or two acre parcels in some areas, whereas the DNR had planned for rural residential along the corridor. He advised that the City did work with the DNR at that time in order to develop a compromise. He noted that was a factor in the last rulemaking process but was unsure what will come before the City in this round. He explained that the DNR is attempting to make the application across the corridor more consistent, acknowledging that what works in Minneapolis may not work in Ramsey. Chairperson Max questioned the difference in elevation along the river within Ramsey. Development Services Manager Gladhill noted that as a part of the 2009 process a preliminary bluff map was developed which could be shared throughout this process. He acknowledged that there is quite some difference in some areas. The Board briefly discussed the Mississippi Critical Area and the rulemaking process specific to Ramsey. 5.03: Discuss Environmentally Related Best Management Practices for Inclusion in City's Housing Assistance Policy Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson presented the staff report. Environmental Policy Board / August 5, 2013 Page 4 of 9