Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 05/05/2014

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City Planner Anderson believed the last revision completed in 2011 created the existing topsoil provisions, noting that the previous provision required the same soil but six inches. He explained that prior to that requirement the City had a "Ramsey spec" which was difficult for developers to create and/or find. Councilmember LeTourneau questioned if there has been pushback from developers. City Planner Anderson stated that a builders networking event was held in January or February and topsoil had been a topic from those that attended. He explained that other cities have requirements but may not be as stringent in terms of specification and inspection. Board Member Bentz stated that he believed that the soils vary from community to community in terms of sand and clay mix and therefore did not think it would be equal to compare Ramsey to Andover or Blaine. City Planner Anderson stated that those communities are also in the Anoka Sand Plain and therefore would likely be similar, noting that Ramsey has areas of clay as well. Parks and Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Riverblood noted that staff will continue to investigate additional alternatives such as water moisture sensors. City Planner Anderson stated that staff is going to present the results of the study to the Council via a Worksession to further discuss the issue and options for the future. Motion by Board Member Valentine and seconded by Board Member Hiatt to reaffirm the recommendation to consider the Common Topsoil Borrow specification an acceptable equal to the current topsoil standard until such time that City Code is amended. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Stodola, Board Member Valentine, Hiatt, Bentz, Pendergast, and Lewis. Voting No: None. Absent: None. 5.02: Consider Ordinance #14 -04 Amending City Code to Establish Minimum Standards for Alternative Energy Systems City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He reported that the Planning Commission held a public hearing at their meeting the previous week to consider Ordinance #14-04. He provided additional information on the types of standards that are proposed within the Ordinance including requirements for setbacks and height for both ground and building mounted systems as well as standards for ground source systems. He reviewed alternative considerations that were discussed by the Planning Commission and/or staff. He reviewed the comments made at the review by the Planning Commission, which included correlation to accessory building standards in regard to height and setback. He advised that these recommendations from the Planning Commission would apply to residential properties. He advised that Connexus did provide a presentation at the Planning Commission public hearing and also believed they would be present when the Council considers the issue. He stated that staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance as proposed and asked that the Board also make a motion in support. He noted that additional information is going to be gathered regarding possible glare from ground mounted systems. Environmental Policy Board / May 5, 2014 Page 3 of 6