Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 03/19/2018

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way and explained that the County simply does not want additional trees planted in the right-of- way. Chairperson Stodola noted that there may be some impact to the roots upon construction. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if there are additional trees on the property that could be preserved. City Planner Anderson replied that he does not believe that there are additional trees on the property that would meet the City definition of significant trees. He stated that much of the land within The COR has a number of smaller Siberian Elm trees, which is an invasive species, and therefore he would not put the same emphasis on preservation of those trees. He stated that a tree inventory will be done as part of the initial submittal and then the Board will have a better understanding of the mature trees that exist. He explained that the removal of invasive species is excluded from the calculations done for the tree preservation plan. Motion by Board Member Valentine and seconded by Board Member Hiatt to encourage the developer to preserve the existing stand of evergreen trees to the extent possible. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Stodola, Board Member Valentine, Hiatt, Anderson, Bernard, Covart, and Trossen. Voting No: None. Absent: None. 5.02: Consider Arbor Day Project(s) City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the City has yet to receive confirmation but noted that the necessary documentation was submitted to be recognized once again as a Tree City USA. He stated that this will be Ramsey's 26th consecutive year being recognized. He noted that one of the aspects of being a Tree City USA involves an observance of Arbor Day. He stated that when the City stopped hosting the Environmental Expo event, the Board expressed a desire to see a broader effort put toward observing and celebrating Arbor Day. He advised that there are a couple opportunities available to recognize and observe Arbor Day. He noted that the purpose of this case is to summarize the opportunities to the Board and gauge the interest of the Board in participating. Board Member Bernard stated that he likes both ideas, specifically mentioning the pollinator packet idea. City Planner Anderson stated that there was a small-scale planting event along the Lake Itasca Trail as part of the Mayors for Monarchs program which included removal of invasive species, a prescribed burn, and will conclude with pollinator friendly plantings. Chairperson Stodola asked if both projects would be an option or whether a decision would have to be made. City Planner Anderson clarified that this would not be an either/or decision and advised that both projects could occur. He noted that he would also welcome additional activities. He advised that the City could obtain the packets at no cost to the City. He provided additional details on a previous planting event that took place two years ago. He noted that the event was scheduled on a night of Environmental Policy Board / February 26, 2018 Page 3 of 7