Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 03/16/2020

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Board Member Moore stated that she would suggest an emphasis on fitting some native landscaping into each plan, if possible. She recognized that there is active management needed on the front end, but that tends to taper off throughout the years to a lesser amount. City Planner Anderson stated that he will call Elk River to gain input from its staff on how that element has worked in their community. Board Member Moore stated that she would be curious as to whether businesses are maintaining native landscaping that already existed or starting fresh. Chairperson Valentine stated that it would be rare to find true native landscaping that already exists and does not include invasive species. City Planner Anderson agreed that there would be limited sites where a native landscape truly exists and therefore, he would want input from the Board on whether it would want preservation of native landscaping or even preservation of just existing landscape vegetation, or newly established native landscaping. Chairperson Valentine stated that although he believes that option should be provided, he would not want to see too much focus on that because of the effort and active management that is required. City Planner Anderson stated that perhaps native landscaping is allowed as an incentive rather than as a requirement and confirmed the consensus of the Board. Board Member Hiatt stated that flexibility within the canopy cover formula would allow the City to work with a developer to find a solution that would be good for the land and the developer. Board Member Fetterley commented that this seems to be moving in the right direction. She commented that if the diversified percentages are built in, that would help to prevent the situation where someone presents a landscaping plan with only the largest canopy cover species. Motion by Board Member Hiatt and seconded by Board Member Fetterley to direct staff to proceed with drafting an Ordinance Amendment for landscaping requirements in the Employment Districts based on the discussion of the Board. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Valentine, Board Member Hiatt, Fetterley, Bernard, Covart, and Moore. Voting No: None. 6. BOARD / STAFF INPUT • Master Naturalist Course City Planner Anderson referenced an email that was sent out the previous week related to a Master Naturalist course. He noted that there will be an open house on Wednesday, February 12, and encouraged anyone interested to attend and learn more. He stated that there is a cost of $275 but noted that this is a unique opportunity as people drive from all over the metro to attend and the course is being held in Ramsey. He noted that scholarship opportunities are available to assist with the cost. Environmental Policy Board / February 10, 2020 Page 3 of 4