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Chairperson McDilda stated that many Staff members do not have the expertise, and that was <br />why the need for an actual EPB became a suggestion. He stated that if the City had a group of <br />people to come together and talk about things, it was a great resource to Staff. <br /> <br />City Council Liaison Strommen stated that no matter how minor the decisions by this Board, it <br />becomes a housekeeping issue for the City Council. Chairperson McDilda stated that this is part <br />of the upkeep and life cycle part of the tree ordinance. He stated that Zoning & Recycling <br />Coordinator Anderson used the EPB recommendations as a resource. <br /> <br />Environmental Specialist Bacon stated that it is Zoning & Recycling Coordinator Anderson's <br />responsibility to review the plats. Board Member Max stated that Zoning & Recycling <br />Coordinator Anderson has a respected degree in Urban Forestry, so he has a lot more formal <br />education than most, and good experience. Environmental Specialist Bacon stated that Zoning & <br />Recycling Coordinator Anderson is also ISA certified. Environmental Specialist Bacon stated <br />that some people out there without the ISA certification are capable of doing an inventory. <br />Zoning & Recycling Coordinator Anderson concurred with Environmental Specialist Bacon and <br />stated that there are other qualified people who can do this without certification. <br /> <br />It was the recommendation of the EPB to strike the language in this part of the ordinance. <br />Chairperson McDilda asked if under 3 b. there should be a caveat for other qualified persons to <br />conduct tree inventories. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda noted that Staff is looking for clarification of the purpose of the definition <br />of a Zoning Buffer and whether this is necessary. <br /> <br />Zoning & Recycling Coordinator Anderson stated that there was a focus on density transitioning. <br />Now, that is covered under other ordinances. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda stated that if density transition becomes part of code, then this should be <br />struck from the ordinance. Zoning & Recycling Coordinator Anderson concurred. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda noted that in 9.24.04 (Private Trees in New Development Areas) Subd. 3 <br />(Plan Specifications Content), it should note that all "significant trees" be included on the tree <br />preservation plan. He stated that this ordinance requires that an ISA certified arborist conduct <br />the inventory. He asked if it could be opened up for other qualified persons. <br /> <br />Board Member Olds asked what the definition of "qualified persons" would be. Chairperson <br />McDilda stated there was a reason that it was put in so specific. He stated that recognizing if <br />developers came in and stated that they hired Staff to do it, may become arbitrary. Board <br />Member Max likened it to engineering documents, stating that there may be a lot of engineers <br />but they may not all be qualified to sign off. Chairperson McDilda concurred, likening it to GIS <br />mapping by someone who may or may not be GIS qualified. <br /> <br />Board Member Bentz asked about repercussions if it was incorrect. He stated his concern is that <br />there may be no teeth in the ordinance. Chairperson McDilda stated that mistakes will be made <br />because there is no backup. He stated that the City won't check to see if they are honest. <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board / October 3, 2005 <br /> Page 9 of 16 <br /> <br /> <br />