Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 05/16/2022

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Chairperson Moore summarized some of the comments that had been received tonight and recognized that some revisions would be needed to the plan. She stated that the Board would like to see as many of the native plants and trees retained as possible. She recognized that technically speaking the requirements of the City have generally been met by the request. Senior Planner Anderson recognized the comments of the Board to work with the applicant in an attempt to preserve additional trees in the northeast corner of the site and to maximize the reforestation onsite in strategically placed locations to mitigate resident concerns. Board Member Hiatt asked if the Board could recommend a percentage of reforestation, such as no more than 50 percent of reforestation could be done monetarily. Senior Planner Anderson commented that the Board could make that as part of its recommendation, and it would be the decision of the City Council as to whether to incorporate that into their action. Motion by Board Member Fetterley and seconded by Board Member Little to recommend approval of the Landscape and Tree Preservation Plans, contingent upon compliance with staff review comments, the applicant review the plan to focus on preservation of trees in the northeast portion of the property, and that tree preservation be focused on the property with no more than 50 percent of the reforestation to occur through restitution. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Moore, Board Member Fetterley, Little, Arts, Bernard, and Hiatt. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Senior Planner Anderson reminded the group that a public hearing will be held by the Planning Commission next week, at which time all staff review should be completed. Board Member Fetterley thanked all the residents that came to speak tonight and recognized that this development proposal is causing some havoc in that neighborhood. 5.02: Arbor Day Recap Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that on Friday, April 29, 2022, the City, in conjunction with a local Ramsey business, Dedicated Networks, celebrated Arbor Day by planting a ceremonial oak tree along with six maple trees. The planting event occurred at Dedicated Networks and the adjacent City owned property. Approximately 20 staff from Dedicated Networks participated in the event. Chairperson Moore kicked things off by talking about Arbor Day and some of the many benefits provided by trees. City staff also took the opportunity to review proper planting techniques with the volunteers. The event also satisfied the Tree City USA requirement of an observance of Arbor Day. Chairperson Moore commented that it was a great event. 5.03: Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Sale Update Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that as of Monday, May 9, 2022, there were 36 rain barrels and 42 compost bins still available for purchase. The Recycling Environmental Policy Board / May 16, 2022 Page7of8