Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 07/16/2018

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focus of the EPB would be on the potential impact to the Scenic Overlay District, tree removal, and bank stabilization. Board Member Hiatt commented that it appears that the property owner is more concerned with visibility from the road while the policy addresses the view from the river. He believed that the Board should support protection of the scenic view from the river and therefore would support the first or second alternatives proposed in the staff report. Chairperson Valentine agreed and noted that it appears that the Board would like to help preserve/restore the property landscaping in an attempt to prevent erosion. City Planner Anderson stated that moving the structure forward on the property would provide additional space for infiltration before stormwater enters the river. He stated that the concern is with the existing natural vegetation which plays a role in maintaining the bank integrity. He noted that there will be soil disturbance and removal of plants. He stated that there are other open space areas on the property that would not require removal of vegetation and that would provide sufficient space for infiltration. He stated that this would add impervious surface and therefore there is an opportunity to provide a condition that a number of plantings accompany the request. He stated that the use of gutters and rain barrels would also help to prevent erosion. He believed that moving the structure forward would minimize disturbance. Motion by Board Member Hiatt and seconded by Board Member Fetterley to recommend approval of the requested variance conditioned upon the applicant moving the location of the shed so that it is no closer to the OHW than the rear wall of the home on the subject property. Further discussion: Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated that in his observation the homeowner appears to have a high level of concern of their property and has done a good job maintaining the natural state. He stated that the homeowner has also asked for the opinion of the City in this matter, which he appreciates. He noted that this recommendation supports the least amount of environmental impact and protection of the scenic viewshed of the river. City Planner Anderson clarified the motion that was made via alternative two in the staff report. Board Member Hiatt stated that his intention was to support alternative one. Board Member Hiatt rescinded the motion, seconded by Board Member Fetterley. Motion by Board Member Hiatt and seconded by Board Member Fetterley to recommend approval of the requested variance conditioned upon the applicant moving the location of the shed so that it is in line with the front wall of the home on the subject property. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Valentine, Board Member Hiatt, Fetterley, Bernard, Madison, and Moore. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Member Covart. 5.02: Update on Cooperative Weed Management Partnership City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that City staff has been attending meetings coordinated by the Anoka County Conservation District (ACD) regarding a Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) Partnership to address invasive and noxious weeds within the county. He stated that there are several points of emphasis for this partnership including mapping Environmental Policy Board / June 18, 2018 Page 3 of 5