Resolution - #15-02-046 - 02/24/2015

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The EPB’s role in land use application review will be conducted for a trial period of one (1) year without amending City Code. At the conclusion of the trial period, the process will be reviewed by the Board (and City Council) for effectiveness and efficiency. If found to add value to the overall land use application review process, an ordinance amendment will be prepared for consideration by City Council. Comprehensive Plan Review The City has begun preparations for an update to its Comprehensive Plan and has noted a significant role the EPB will have in this process. This document will lay out the vision for the community through 2040 and sets the foundation for how the community will develop over time. Once adopted, the Comprehensive Plan likely will set in motion certain updates or amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and should any amendment or updates relate to natural resources, the EPB will be directly involved with that process as well. The EPB will have a role in reviewing various portions of the Comprehensive Plan and will take the lead on the Natural Resources Chapter. While the update is not due until 2018, the EPB will begin a review of the existing Natural Resources Chapter early in 2015 and subsequently establish guiding principles and a framework for updating this Chapter. In 2016 (or early 2017), the EPB will complete a draft update to the Natural Resources Chapter. Involvement with the Comprehensive Plan update, potential ordinance amendments, and review of land use applications will provide the EPB the opportunity to review existing standards to determine whether they are accomplishing their intended outcome. In essence, the EPB will be involved with establishing the vision and goals for natural resources, drafting standards to accomplish those goals, and applying those standards to proposed projects. This ‘full circle’ approach should provide the EPB with invaluable insight regarding natural resources standards and identify areas where improvement or amendments are necessary. It will be the goal of the EPB to regularly (annually) review the relevant chapters of the Comprehensive Plan and the zoning tools in place to determine whether current policies and/or standards are adequate to accomplish the vision of the community. Education Ensuring that the residents of Ramsey are well informed on emerging and current issues is critical. Thus, education and community awareness have been identified as a key function of the EPB. The EPB will strive to keep the public informed of new and existing issues as well as what actions the City is taking to address those issues. The intent will not only be to keep the citizenry well informed but also to provide explanation and/or clarification on why certain standards are in place and how they are intended to address a specific issue. This will primarily be accomplished through mediums such as the newsletter and website, but may also include other outlets such as QCTV. Emerging Issues Staying informed on emerging issues and ‘hot’ topics is another critical role for the EPB. As the City’s primary advisory board on natural resources, the EPB’s role, at least in part, is to stay ahead RESOLUTION #14-07-140 Page 3 of 4