Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 04/20/2015 - Joint with Planning Commission

Home

Commissioner Bauer stated that if the EBP makes a recommendation for modification, the applicant may be blindsided and that possibly applicants should meet with the EPB on anything controversial. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that he and City Planner Anderson are relatively good at anticipating issues and if they believe there will be an issue, they will strongly encourage the applicant to come before the EPB. He pointed out recent cases where applicants were made aware of the EBP feedback before going to the Planning Commission. He stated that he was interested in feedback on applicants going before the EPB. Board Member Lewis asked if the Planning Commission reviewed feedback from the last EPB meeting. Commission Brauer stated that they had and it was great and a lot of help to have the background while reviewing the cases. He spoke about a recent position taken by the EPB on a park placement. Chairperson Levine agreed that it was very helpful and that the Planning Commission could miss some things and the EBP are the experts. Commissioner Andrusko asked if EPB meetings are open to the public. Chairperson Stodola replied affirmatively. Commissioner Brauer brought up setback cases that involve the Mississippi and Rum Rivers and wondered what the EPB's role was in terms of the scenic river issue and if they felt it was important to take a position on development with regard to the scenic issue. Community Development Director Gladhill stated the environmental overlay districts are important for the EPB to see. He stated that the overlay districts along with shoreline areas are not Ramsey developed rules so there is a limitation on influence on the policies. He stated that it will be good to get feedback from the EPB as the City continues to work with the DNR. Chairperson Levine stated that he has learned that the area along the Mississippi River is designated as a national park. Board Member Bentz asked if people that owned property along the river can put fill in to address erosion issues. City Planner Anderson stated that there is a permitting process in terms of bank stabilization that is reviewed by the City and the DNR. He thinks the DNR would prefer to see techniques such as cedar revetments or other more natural appearing techniques for stabilization, but he has seen examples where rip rap has been approved for stabilizing the bank. He stated that the DNR would like residents to explore alternatives to rip rap and they would like to see that offset with native plantings to give a naturalized appearance and to help with sediment control. Environmental Policy Board/April 20, 2015 Page 5 of 11