Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 02/22/2017

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Chairperson Stodola stated that perhaps the second item could be broader to state explore rebates and incentives for water conservation initiatives which could include retrofitting and native plantings, among other things. City Planner Anderson stated that the intention tonight is not to draft the Work Plan to present to the Council next week, but simply be able to discuss some potential ideas that can be mentioned with the Council. Board Member Anderson stated that perhaps some alternative grasses could be planted in the parks with educational signage. She explained that would lower the maintenance responsibilities and educate visitors as a demonstration. It was the consensus of the Board that the pollinator initiative could include a bullet that states to work with the Parks and Recreation Commission to identify areas within existing parks to convert to sustainable pollinator friendly landscaping. City Planner Anderson stated that he wanted to encourage any ideas that come forward as the Work Plan could span more than the course of one year but suggested that the plan not span more than three years. Board Member Valentine stated that it is hard to predict the plans the Board will need to review and consider and therefore he would not want to see the plan contain too many items. City Planner Anderson stated that he would still welcome any ideas and staff could then vet out the type of resources that would be necessary to accomplish the items. He recognized that some items on the plan will be delayed depending on the amount of regular work that comes in for the Board to consider. It was the consensus of the Board for the Work Plan to include the following objectives: explore pollinator initiatives, develop rebates and incentives for water conservation initiatives, and prioritization of the shoreline inventory along the Mississippi. City Planner Anderson noted that water resources could cover the water conservation initiatives and other items such as discovering the relationship between ground water, surface water, and aquifers. He stated that water supply continues to be a high priority for the City and confirmed the consensus of the Board to include that item on the plan. Board Member Anderson stated that she recently received a flyer from Anoka County regarding organics recycling and asked for more information on that topic. City Planner Anderson stated that is a great question, noting that he met with Ace Solid Waste today to discuss a pilot program that could provide organics recycling within Ramsey. He noted that topic could be added to the Work Plan as well. Board Member Anderson noted that education would be a vital component as some people want to do the right thing but are unsure of the category items would fall into. It was the consensus of the Board to add organics recycling to the Work Plan. Environmental Policy Board / February 22, 2017 Page 5 of 6