Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 03/19/2018

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explained that the City could possibly use that framework with any topic of interest to communicate and educate. He stated that the information regarding the corridor is not only important for the homeowners along the river, but throughout the community and beyond. 5.03: Review Landscape and Tree Preservation Plans for Basalt Industrial(Project No. 18-105) City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the purpose of the case is to review the Landscape and Tree Preservation Plans associated with a Site Plan for a new industrial building project. He noted that the project is located at the northeast corner of Basalt Street and 141' Avenue NW and is currently owned by the City. He noted that there is an active purchase agreement in place with the developer, Sharp and Associates. He provided additional details on the Landscape and Tree Preservations plans for this Site Plan. Chairperson Stodola stated that this seems pretty straightforward and confirmed the consensus of the Board that there is nothing that needs to be added. Motion by Board Member Valentine and seconded by Board Member Hiatt to recommend approval of the Landscape and Tree Preservation Plans contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Stodola, Board Member Valentine, Hiatt, Anderson, Bernard, and Trossen. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Member Covart. 6. BOARD/STAFF INPUT • Volunteer Opportunity City Planner Anderson asked for members of the Board and community at large that would be interested in volunteering. He explained that one of the student groups involved in the Resilient Communities Project program is working on conducting a public tree survey and needs assistance from the residents. He noted that there would be two training sessions, one night in a classroom session and a one day field session to learn how to collect data accurately. He stated that the survey will be immensely helpful to better prepare the City for the future in dealing with whatever comes along (Emerald Ash Borer, etc.). He stated that this is a great opportunity for people that like to be outside and would like to participate or give back to the community. He stated he welcomes phone calls or emails from those in the community that would be interested in participating. Board Member Anderson asked if the dates for the training and data collection are known. City Planner Anderson replied that the original dates for training were slated for April 13th and 14th but noted that the student group determined that it would perhaps make sense to determine the number of volunteers that will be available and then work to find a date that would work best for those involved. He believed that the training would occur before the end of April. He stated that the survey work would continue throughout the summer during leaf-on conditions, in shorter segments of a few hours per session, with two or three people per team, which helps to alleviate questions and safety concerns. He noted that the data will then be compiled at the University of Minnesota. He stated that the training will help to provide volunteers with a good base of Environmental Policy Board/March 19, 2018 Page 4 of 5