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

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about the land use issue that Commissioner Bentz brought up and about a past practice of picking up land at a sheriff's sale. He also spoke about a dedication fee issue that could be increased incrementally as a way of financing development. Board Member Valentine agreed with City Planner Anderson's comments on organics recycling. Commissioner Andrusko asked about emergency management/planning with regard to the oil trains running through the community. He stated that this is a significant environmental protection topic at the state legislature. City Planner Anderson stated that he didn't think this chapter addresses emergency response, but that the fire chief and the police chief are actively involved with training with the increased rail traffic. This issue could be added as a goal. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that the City does have an emergency operations manual that is regularly updated and part of that is oil safety. He pointed out the Highway 10 Access Planning Study, which has led to a request to legislature for grade-separated railroads at Ramsey Blvd., Sunfish Lake Blvd., and Armstrong Blvd. He stated that there are environmental remediation issues long after the event and that the long-term remediation role would be for this group to work on. Board Member Valentine pointed out that there is a linkage. He talked about the long term clean up and management of properties that were affected. City Planner Anderson stated that Staff will be preparing for a future public input meeting at some point. Community Development Director Gladhill asked if there were any other issues and stated that Staff would like to go out to a broader public meeting for input. He stated that they followed this process with their Land Use Vision Statement and were able to pull out areas for refinement. Commissioner Hiatt spoke about the need for a strategy on the conservation of water that includes an educational process for citizens. Commissioner Bauer stated that he is not sure how aware the community is that down the road we could run out of water. Board Member Hiatt spoke about the White Bear Lake situation. Commissioner Bauer spoke about the need to be more proactive in this area. Chairperson Stodola stated that water conservation has been talked about since he joined the board. City Planner Anderson stated he is developing a flow chart that he will be bringing to the EPB. It will be a framework to help outline how to proactively educate the community on water resources. Environmental Policy Board/April 20, 2015 Page 8 of 11