Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 12/21/2015

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Rum River Land Surveyors & Engineers, dated October 29, 2015, and Resolutions #16-01-007 and #16-01-008 granting a variance to the minimum side yard setback for the existing deck at 14500 Bowers Dr NW. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Vice Chairperson Valentine, Board Member Lewis, Hiatt, Bentz, Bernard, and Covart. Voting No: None. Absent: Chairperson Stodola. 5.02: Consider Potential 2016 Landscape, Rain Garden, and Tree Planting Demonstration Projects in the Brookfield Subdivision City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. Board Member Bentz inquired if these plants would be able to handle salt and antifreeze, and all the types of substances that would be present with traffic. City Planner Anderson responded Staff is working with Prairie Restorations to solidify the best suited plants for the situation. He pointed out that sometimes the public perception is that these landscape areas can look like weed gardens, but not all. They can be an attractively planned area. He suggested staff let the neighborhood know that this is a purposeful project and explain what the plan is. Board Member Lewis suggested adding additional aesthetics and possibly adding some kind of signage for the rain garden. City Planner Anderson said he wasn't sure signage could be added on the boulevard. He suggested any signage be added on the backside of the boulevard. He said he will send this idea on to the Parks Supervisor. Board Member Bentz inquired whether there will be parking along this garden, or if all that is allowed is an emergency pull off. He also questioned if milkweed would be supported for butterflies. City Planner Anderson answered this is a public road, and parking is allowed on both sides. This is just an interior trail with sidewalk in front and bituminous trail centered on the lot with a native landscape on each side of it. He said in terms of the pollinator or butterfly way station, this is a possibility. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if there was a funding source for this. City Planner Anderson explained that Staff is considering funding options. Board Member Bernard commented regardless of which option is chosen, there will be costs associated with each. City Planner Anderson agreed and said with renewable or sustainable landscape, once it is done, maintenance costs typically are reduced. There will, however, be maintenance from time to time. Environmental Policy Board / December 21, 2015 Page 4 of 6