Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 02/26/2018

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the regular Park and Recreation Commission meeting with a back up date set for the date of the regular EPB meeting. Board Member Bernard stated that he is involved in youth athletics and could find a baseball team or two that could volunteer their services in planting. Board Member Hiatt stated that the Anoka High School football team is always looking for projects and perhaps that would be an option. City Planner Anderson confirmed that the parks department already works in collaboration with the football team on spring volunteer projects. He commented that it would be great to have the involvement of the youth athletics. He noted that ideally, he would also like participation from the Board, especially if there will be a number of children assisting in the plantings. Chairperson Stodola stated to his recollection the Board has not officially been involved in a project in a while. City Planner Anderson replied that the Board was invited to the planting event that took place in 2016 and advised of some smaller projects that the Board was invited to be a part of going back further into the past. He stated that with the addition of a new city planner in the planning department, he should have additional time to assist with these types of events and to put more effort towards the Board's workplan. Councilmember LeTourneau asked the scale of the distance and width of plantings and asked if one packet would be enough. He stated that he would want to ensure that the density is sufficient to cover factors like loss. City Planner Anderson stated that there is sufficient width to make this work, even as the plants grow, without encroaching on private property. He agreed that there will be some mortality due to lack of precipitation and deer. He stated that the pollinator packet is 500 while the seedlings come in packets of 100. He stated that if the Board is in agreement with this,he would work more on the calculations to ensure the proper amount is gained. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if there is some commitment from City staff to ensure maintenance of the plantings for perhaps a period of one year. City Planner Anderson stated that he would feel safe stating that the parks staff could water if the conditions are dry. He noted that while the watering would not be a daily activity, he was hopeful he could ensure some level of commitment. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that a level of commitment from the parks staff for ongoing maintenance would help to secure a buy-in from the community in this project. City Planner Anderson noted that he will have a conversation with the parks staff. He stated that staff would not want this to turn into an eyesore either with dead plantings lining the trail. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that if this project is a success,it would be nice to continue the effort along other trails in the City in the future. Environmental Policy Board/February 26, 2018 Page 4 of 7