Agenda - Planning Commission - 05/03/2018

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2030 Plan Accomplishments Before looking forward to what Ramsey will strive to accomplish within the timeframe of this Comprehensive Plan, it is always good to pause and look back to what it was able to accomplish over during the course of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The last plan was adopted in 2010. While a number of factors have changed since the adoption of the last plan, the City can celebrate a number of successes as it relates to natural resources. Subsequent chapters of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan will celebrate their own successes. • Relied on the Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) to inform recommendations on subdivision design and areas of focused protection/preservation where feasible. • Purchased two (2) Weed Wrenches to assist property owners with managing and eradicating certain invasive species, specifically Buckthorn. • Protected Ramsey's rural character in many areas of the community, representing the largest land area category in the community. • Mitigated City's financial risks associated by new developments by encouraging new development to focus near existing infrastructure. • Ensured new development protected natural resources, made trail connections, and blended in with surrounding development. • Employed conservation subdivision practices intended to protect existing neighborhoods and natural resources. • Struck a balance between land use planning, policy development, natural resource protection, and private property rights. • Refined the Tree Preservation Ordinance to establish a reforestation standard and proactively began working with developers to establish street trees rather than just front yard trees. • Encouraged stormwater management systems/plans that incorporate rain harvesting techniques (reducing the demand on and use of groundwater for irrigation) and rain gardens (to promote infiltration and groundwater recharge). • Employed new strategies to help residents recycle additional materials and divert more materials from landfills • Implemented an organics recycling drop-off program for residents. • Secured grant funds to establish a 'mini -arboretum' of tree species native to Minnesota in North Commons. • Continued to maintain the Tree City USA designation (twenty-five [25] years and counting). • Updated the Floodplain Ordinance and adopted new Flood Insurance Rate Maps to remain compliant with the National Flood Insurance Program. • Adopted an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Plan. City of Ramsey 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Natural Resources Plan Page 3 of 21