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5.01: Consider Natural Resource Aspects of Proposed Site Plan and Plat for Storyteller <br /> Café (Project No. 23-118); Case of Stories Foundation <br /> <br />Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the City has received an <br />application from Stories Foundation for Site Plan and Final Plat consideration for a proposed three- <br />story building located in the southeast corner of Yolite Street and Sunwood Drive. The project <br />was originally reviewed and approved in 2021 (with contingencies, including plan revisions). <br />However, those approvals have since expired. <br /> <br />Board Member Salami asked how tall the rail guard would be on the rooftop level, as customers <br />would be drinking on that level. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Anderson replied that there are specific building regulations that would need to be <br />followed and that would be addressed during the building permit review. <br /> <br />Board Member Heifner commented that he is a fan of maples but noted an invasive bug concern <br />for maples. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Anderson replied that at this time he did not believe the planting of maples should <br />be restricted. He agreed that diversity is important for any plan. <br /> <br />Motion by Board Member Fetterley and seconded by Board Member Salami to recommend <br /> <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Moore, Board Members Fetterley, Salami, Bernard, <br />Hagerty, Heifner, and Vikander. Voting No: None. Absent: None. <br /> <br />5.02: Update on Water Efficiency Grant Program <br /> <br />Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that in 2022, the City of Ramsey <br />was awarded $19,800 in grant funding, through the Metropolitan Council, to implement a rebate <br />program for certain water-efficient devices. The program went into effect July 1, 2022, and runs <br />through June 30, 2024 (or until grant funds are exhausted if that is sooner). Eligible replacement <br />devices include WaterSense certified irrigation controllers and toilets, as well as Energy Star <br />certified dishwashers and washing machines. All City of Ramsey water customers that are current <br />on their utility account are eligible to apply for a rebate of up to $200, per eligible device, with a <br />maximum cap of $500 per address (rebate cannot exceed the cost of the device). As of November <br />14, 2023, approximately $13,000 in rebates have been issued. This opportunity has been promoted <br />Ramsey Resident, Ramsey Recycler, and on <br />dynamic display sign along Highway 10 and seems to be appreciated by residents. Staff will <br />continue to promote this opportunity throughout the remainder of the grant cycle to ideally fully <br />exhaust the grant funds. <br /> <br />Chairperson Moore asked the percentage of residents in Ramsey on City water versus private <br />wells. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Anderson commented that for a long time they were about 50/50 but believed that <br />has tipped to about 60/40 with more people on City water. <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board / November 20, 2023 <br />Page 2 of 4 <br /> <br />