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locations of noxious weeds, better coordination of public education efforts, and potential access to <br /> grant funds by private property owners for noxious weed control. He stated that participation in <br /> the CWMA does require execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which is a non- <br /> binding agreement that outlines the five main goals: information exchange, education,prevention, <br /> noxious weed control, and cooperation. He recommended that the Board recommend that the City <br /> Council authorize execution of the MOU for Ramsey to officially join the Anoka County Weed <br /> Management Area Partnership. The MOU does not obligate the City to do anything and provides <br /> Ramsey residents with potential access to grant funds to address noxious weeds on private land. <br /> The ACD would act as the grant administrator,thus this does not add any additional responsibility <br /> on City staff. He noted that the spirit of the partnership is to encourage information sharing,public <br /> education, and enhanced control of noxious weeds, which can have detrimental health impacts. <br /> Chairperson Valentine asked for an update on the additional resources that this may require of <br /> staff. <br /> City Planner Anderson replied that perhaps .25 FTE but noted that he already acts in this role and <br /> therefore this will not be additional work as he already completes this work. He stated that the <br /> additional activity would be for him to forward the information to the Conservation District, who <br /> would then visit the site, map the information, and conduct treatment. <br /> Chairperson Valentine commented that this is a terrific program and just wanted to make sure that <br /> this would not be additional work for staff. <br /> Acting Mayor LeTourneau asked for additional information comparing the current process today <br /> and the process that would occur under the MOU. <br /> City Planner Anderson explained that this would open the door for the potential access to grant <br /> funds. He noted that the total grant is$20,000 and therefore will not solve all the issues. He stated <br /> that property owners would have an opportunity to apply in a competitive atmosphere to address <br /> noxious weed on their property. He stated that otherwise the process would not be different. He <br /> explained that the grant would be for a cost-share where the homeowner would pay for the removal <br /> and then could potentially be reimbursed for a portion of the cost. He stated that this would also <br /> bring in cooperation and information sharing between the communities, as plants do not know <br /> municipal boundaries. <br /> Motion by Chairperson Valentine and seconded by Board Member Hiatt to recommend that City <br /> Council authorize execution of the MOU to participate in the Anoka County Cooperative Weed <br /> Management Area Partnership. <br /> Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Valentine, Board Member Hiatt, Bernard, Fetterley, <br /> Madison, and Moore. Voting No:None. Absent: Board Member Covart. <br /> 6. BOARD/STAFF INPUT <br /> Chairperson Valentine welcomed the newest member of the EPB and asked the new member to <br /> introduce himself. <br /> Environmental Policy Board/June 18, 2018 <br /> Page 4 of 5 <br />