Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 08/17/2015

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Board Member Bentz inquired if dates had been set up for the discussion of the Comp Plan. City Planner Anderson replied there are no public dates set yet. Some of the other chapters will likely not move forward until 2016. The Comp Plan Update is not actually due until 2018. Our discussions are ahead of the game. 5.02: Discuss Erosion Concerns Along Both Rivers and Consider Potential Prevention/Mitigation Resources City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He noted both the Rum and the Mississippi Rivers are considered waters of the state. He explained any work conducted below the Ordinary High Water elevation would require review by and a permit from the DNR. Any work above the Ordinary High Water elevation is subject to review by the city. Staff is looking for a motion or direction to reach out to the Conservation District to determine what may be needed to extend the shoreline inventory that the ACD completed along the Mississippi River to Ramsey's western limits. Board Member Bentz questioned why the previous inventory was stopped at Ramsey's eastern border. City Planner Anderson replied it was dependent on the pool that is created above the dam. The purpose of that study was to assess the condition of the recreational pool of the dam, and that geographically ended before Ramsey. Board Member Bentz asked if the Army Corps of Engineers could do the work. City Planner Anderson responded that that may be a possibility, depending on their staff and the funds available to them. He said that is another entity or agency to reach out to, or bring into the conversation. Councilmember LeTourneau clarified the discussion is not about spending any money yet. It is to discuss the choices available. City Planner Anderson confirmed this discussion is not to authorize anything. Board Member Valentine thanked City Planner Anderson for putting the information together to begin a discussion on possible remedies. This discussion is a great need. He also mentioned he just learned about Minnesota Erosion Control Association. He said it seems to be more involved in stormwater management. City Planner Anderson responded he is aware of MECA. While they do work with stormwater, he said they could be a possible source of funding. Board Member Valentine mentioned it is quite a task to be involved in anything with waters in Minnesota since there are so many agencies and organization involved. Environmental Policy Board / August 17, 2015 Page 4 of 11