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