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Board Member Hiatt inquired whether the elevation gets any higher. He noted it goes up as it gets <br /> closer to the private road. The drainage and flooding concern is almost eliminated by building the <br /> structure closer to the private road. The grade change is gradual toward the bottom of the plat. <br /> Board Member Valentine asked what utilities are planned for that area. He noted if septic is going <br /> in, it will complicate issues if there is a flooding problem. <br /> City Planner Anderson answered only electricity is planned to his knowledge. It cannot be on a <br /> septic system, based on zoning. He added there are provisions in place that would prevent this <br /> from being an accessory dwelling structure. <br /> Board Member Lewis pointed out an area on the map that appears to be open and devoid of trees <br /> closer to the house. He suggested it could be a place to consider adding this structure, though it <br /> looks like it could block off the view from the house. <br /> Board Member Valentine noted there seems to be other open areas down the road. <br /> City Planner Anderson suggested the homeowner could be trying to be courteous to the neighbors <br /> by keeping the structure fairly screened. He said when Staff gets on-site,they may find things that <br /> make certain areas more feasible. Along the area of the proposed structure,there are 100-year-old <br /> trees. Any construction this close to the trees will likely cause trauma to the trees. Some of the <br /> possible ways it could affect the trees are in the severing of roots,possible disease, etc. This could <br /> negate the idea of trying to save the trees. The trees may not die with the construction, but the <br /> damage may not show up for three to five years. <br /> Board Member Lewis pointed out if there is some kind of machine shop or workshop, there could <br /> be chemicals in there which will affect the water. <br /> Motion by Board Member Lewis, and seconded by Board Member Hiatt,to recommend that Staff <br /> continue to work with the applicant to find an alternative location further from the OHW mark and <br /> with a greater elevation difference from the OHW elevation; if that fails, the recommendation <br /> would be to deny the requested variance for the proposed location. <br /> Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Stodola, Board Member Lewis, Hiatt, Bernard, Covart, <br /> Trossen, and Valentine. Voting No: None. Absent: None. <br /> 5.02: Mayors for Monarchs Program <br /> City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He noted he has not had a chance to put together <br /> how this program might look. He wanted to inform the EPB that the Council directed Staff to <br /> explore with program with the EPB and the Parks and Recreation Commission. He noted the <br /> different types of initiatives the City is involved in. One is the trail connection in the Brookfield <br /> neighborhood. This is being coupled with a sustainable landscape, including milkweed. Another <br /> is the City is working with Ramsey Elementary presently on a potential peace garden planting with <br /> the Ramsey Rangers. He explained there is a citizen science aspect as well that can help engage <br /> residents too. The thought was not just the City leading by example,but rather to engage the public <br /> to take action on private property also. Some of the regulatory barriers have been removed,to help <br /> make it easier for residents to follow suit. The need and ability to add prairie and natural plants to <br /> Environmental Policy Board/May 16, 2016 <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br />