Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 04/07/2014

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City Planner Anderson stated if floodplain guidelines are followed, he did not believe the City would be liable. Board Member Valentine asked how much fill was needed for the existing homes and City Planner Anderson stated he is not aware of any fill that was needed. Councilmember LeTourneau showed a map showing the floodplain area to the Board Members. Board Member Valentine stated the concerns of the Lano property owner are appreciated. There needs to be significant effort to try to create a buffer between commercial and residential in that area. Councilmember LeTourneau would like to have a decibel reading of the area. City Planner Anderson stated to his knowledge no complaints have been received due to noise from the existing homes. Board Member Bentz stated he has seen a cut off on the street and there is no through -way into the commercial area. He stated there may be issues from diesel engines running and asked whether lighting from a parking lot, seen from the River, would be monitored. City Planner Anderson stated the critical river standards are prevailing and he is not certain if they address lighting. 5.04: Subcommittee Updates • Environmental Expo Subcommittee: Board Member Hiatt stated he has sent a request to Karel 1. He has inquired about Belinda Jensen's fee for the Expo. A sponsorship may be sought. Board Members Prendergast and Hiatt talked about an essay contest for the schools. They would like to involve children in the Expo. Awards for the contest would need to be determined. Board Member Valentine stated the only issue may be that this would occur in the summer between school years. Board Member Lewis stated he has reservations about the timing. He stated perhaps a challenge could be issued at the Expo and have it go into the school year. Board Member Hiatt thanked the other Board Members for their suggestions and comments. City Planner Anderson suggested if there is a contest of this type, the deadline be in July so submissions can be reviewed at the regular August meeting. • Tree Sale Subcommittee: City Planner Anderson stated they are working with Anoka Ramsey Farm and Garden as the location for tree pick -up. 6. BOARD / STAFF INPUT • Update on Tree Sale — City Planner Anderson stated there were more sales this year than ever before. There were 129 trees sold with 25 orders. • Spring Recycling Event — May 3, 2014 • Green Step Cities discussion on guiding principles will be on the work session agenda on April 8 in the Lake Itasca Conference Room. Environmental Policy Board / April 7, 2014 Page 7 of 8