Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/10/2020

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Board Member Hiatt stated that this money will greatly help with the cost for the devices, but the homeowner would also be responsible for labor costs to install the new devices. He commented that the $500 maximum per household would help to serve the intent desired by Councilmember Musgrove. He noted that half of the City would not be eligible for the program as they are not connected to municipal water services. He hoped that the City could also investigate options for those residents that are not connected to City services in the future. Board Member Fetterley stated that she would suspect that the majority of devices purchased will be irrigation upgrades, which will cost significantly more than $200. She stated that this information will all be distributed to the public and did not see the purpose of a waiting period as it will already take time for residents to complete research and find the appropriate devices and contractors. Councilmember Musgrove stated that Councilmembers, Commissioners, Board Members, and City staff have a head start on the availability of grant funds from the program, which would put them at advantage so to speak. She explained that her thinking was perhaps to provide the same amount of notice to residents. City Planner Anderson stated that as the structure of the rebate program is finalized there will be a number of public promotions completed to notify the public. He stated that staff could incorporate a start date for applications if desired. Chairperson Valentine agreed that it would be fair to have public notice. He noted that there would also be a seasonal concern with irrigation uses. Board Member Covart asked if a public notice stating that the grant funds would be available in 30 days from the publication would suffice the intent of Councilmember Musgrove. She referenced audit services, which would not be covered under this grant, but noted that service would be available to those on private wells as well and is something the City could look at for a future program. Motion by Board Member Hiatt and seconded by Board Member Bernard to recommend that the City Council adopt Resolution #20-018 to enter into the Clean Water Fund Grant Agreement with the Metropolitan Council and to accept the $28,000 grant to implement a water efficiency rebate program. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Valentine, Board Member Hiatt, Bernard, Covart, Fetterley, and Moore. Voting No: None. Absent: None. 5.03: Minnesota Department of Agriculture Presentation on Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that in response to an inquiry from a concerned Ramsey resident, City staff went out to inspect an ash tree in the resident's front yard. There was a gallery visible on one of the lower limbs. City staff sent photos of the gallery to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Arrest the Pest site for review. A follow up inspection by City staff and MDA occurred on December 11, 2019, which ultimately confirmed the presence of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). EAB is an invasive insect that attacks all native variety of ash trees. Environmental Policy Board / January 13, 2020 Page 5 of 7