Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 02/06/2006

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Environmental Specialist Bacon stated he felt that biological uses of the plantings, taking into consideration the various creatures that make use of them as an indicator for diversity. He noted the other consideration would have to do with energy efficiency criteria, depending on how the layout of the plan. He noted that someone should not be forced to put evergreens to shade a driveway or the front of their house. Board member Bentz concurred with Environmental Specialist Bacon, adding windbreaks as · another consideration for introducing coniferous trees to a site. He stated the reason he brought up the percentage requirement is because it isn't in the Tree Book and people weren't aware of the 25% requirements. He asked if there was a section of City code that indicated the 25% requirements. Director Frolik stated it is in every landscaping section in each of the zoning districts in City Code. Board member Olds stated he wasn't against putting one specific genus in an area. He noted that in one area it may not be apparent because it may have been all cleared off years ago. Acting Chairperson Max noted the plan for the Town Center was approved but fell short of the requirement. Board member Bentz asked if the plan could include a simple formula for diversity but include language to allow for modifications, giving power in the code to allow for change if necessary. Acting Chairperson Max stated that with diversity, one person may not like what is spelled out in code so there should be some teeth in the code for enforcement. Board member Bentz asked if the same basic formula could be tweaked but to add a diversity requirement that must be approved by the Zoning Coordinator, instead of adding a formula to diversity. Director Frolik stated it could be tried but it would be subjective to whoever had to enfome it. Acting Chairperson Max concurred that it would put the Zoning Coordinator in a position to defend something that is nebulous. Acting Chairperson Max stated that the current formula is simple. He stated that the only thing added was the 20% of a genus. He asked if the limit by genus would provide enough diversity, and whether some of the diversity had to be coniferous trees. Board member Olds asked how limiting the genus to 20%, would derive 25% coniferous. Acting Chairperson Max stated that some pines and spruce could be added to the plan. Board member Olds clarified that it would require at least 25%, but that 25% would be limited to 20% of a particular genus. Environmental Policy Board/February 6, 2006 Page 4 of 10