Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - No Meeting - 01/22/2024

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5.01: Consider Natural Resource Aspects of Proposed Site Plan and Plat for Storyteller Cafe (Project No. 23-118); Case of Stories Foundation Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the City has received an application from Stories Foundation for Site Plan and Final Plat consideration for a proposed three- story building located in the southeast corner of Yolite Street and Sunwood Drive. The project was originally reviewed and approved in 2021 (with contingencies, including plan revisions). However, those approvals have since expired. Board Member Salami asked how tall the rail guard would be on the rooftop level, as customers would be drinking on that level. Senior Planner Anderson replied that there are specific building regulations that would need to be followed and that would be addressed during the building permit review. Board Member Heifner commented that he is a fan of maples but noted an invasive bug concern for maples. Senior Planner Anderson replied that at this time he did not believe the planting of maples should be restricted. He agreed that diversity is important for any plan. Motion by Board Member Fetterley and seconded by Board Member Salami to recommend approval of the Landscape Plan, contingent upon compliance with staffs review comments. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Moore, Board Members Fetterley, Salami, Bernard, Hagerty, Heifner, and Vikander. Voting No: None. Absent: None. 5.02: Update on Water Efficiency Grant Program Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that in 2022, the City of Ramsey was awarded $19,800 in grant funding, through the Metropolitan Council, to implement a rebate program for certain water-efficient devices. The program went into effect July 1, 2022, and runs through June 30, 2024 (or until grant funds are exhausted if that is sooner). Eligible replacement devices include WaterSense certified irrigation controllers and toilets, as well as Energy Star certified dishwashers and washing machines. All City of Ramsey water customers that are current on their utility account are eligible to apply for a rebate of up to $200, per eligible device, with a maximum cap of$500 per address (rebate cannot exceed the cost of the device). As of November 141 2023, approximately$13,000 in rebates have been issued. This opportunity has been promoted through the City's website, social media, Ramsey Resident, Ramsey Recycler, and on the City's dynamic display sign along Highway 10 and seems to be appreciated by residents. Staff will continue to promote this opportunity throughout the remainder of the grant cycle to ideally fully exhaust the grant funds. Chairperson Moore asked the percentage of residents in Ramsey on City water versus private wells. Senior Planner Anderson commented that for a long time they were about 50150 but believed that has tipped to about 60/40 with more people on City water. Environmental Policy Board/November 20, 2023 Page 2 of 4