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inches before it actually gets cut. He stated that the cuttings are usually left to dry and becomes a <br />potential fire hazard. <br />Mr. Anderson acknowledged the safety concerns stating that currently the city does not have any <br />type of setback requirements for wetland areas. He indicated that this came up at the last <br />meeting and after some discussion it was determined that there is a need for some form of <br />separation between the unbuilt areas and building structures. He explained that the city is <br />considering implementing a 15-foot setback requirement from the buffer for buildings, which <br />would include homes and garages. He noted that the Fire Marshal did express concerns about <br />homes being built to close to the buffer line and also discussed his concerns regarding fire safety. <br />He stated that the Fire Marshal was very happy to hear that this is under consideration and is <br />willing to accept the setbacks and buffering requirements outlined in the ordinance. <br />Board member Olds clarified that this would not impact current homes and structures unless a <br />resident decides to subdivide for new lots of record. <br />Mr. Schelkoph thanked the Board for listening to his concerns. He stated that he dose not <br />completely agree with this ordinance and is very concerned about the impact it could have on the <br />properties surrounding the wetland areas. <br />Acting Chairperson McDilda thanked Mr. Schelkoph for his input stating that all of this is a <br />matter of public record. He stated that he and other residents are always welcome to attend and <br />suggested that he contact Mr. Anderson if he ever has any questions. <br />Environmental Specialist, Bruce Bacon stated that the `taking of property' is also one of his <br />concerns. He stated that he recently attended an easement seminar that discussed how to protect <br />the buffer zones. He referenced a conservation easement, which transfers the utilization of the <br />area to a land trust and compensates an owner for this and asked if Mr. Schelkoph is aware of <br />this type of easement. Mr. Schelkoph stated that he is aware of it noting that it was his <br />understanding that the intent is for farmland and rural areas. <br />Mr. Schelkoph stated that once the buffers are in place would the city eventually come back <br />looking to add trails within the buffer zone. Mr. Anderson stated that this is not the intent to <br />come back at a later time to add trails unless it matches up with the master trail system. He did <br />note that it is possible that a trail could pass through a buffer area in the future but would not be <br />their intent to use the buffers for trails all the time. <br />Board member Olds explained that for this board to place a trail it would require a variance <br />unless it is in conjunction with the master trail plan. He further explained that the goal of the <br />master trail plan is to place trails in dedicated public land and right-of-way areas. <br />APPROVAL OF AGENDA <br />Motion by Board Member Olds and seconded by Board member Freeburg to approve the agenda <br />as submitted. <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chairperson McDilda, Board Member Olds, Freeburg, <br />Bentz, and Sibilski. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Member Hustvedt and Max. <br />Environmental Policy Board / June 20, 2005 <br />Page 3 of 9 <br />