Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 08/19/2024

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start a native planting area, things often change based on what is successful and what is not. She stated that there could be guidelines on what a plan could look like, which could help keep the areas contained. She stated that when there is not a border around the native area, perhaps there is signage. She stated that she would also be interested in a regulation to keep invasives out of the natural area. Senior Planner Anderson commented that a management plan forces a property owner to put thought into it and think about what they are going to do. He stated that some people think about a native landscape, thinking they will not need to maintain it, but commented that the first three to five years require a lot of work. He stated that he would not necessarily advocate for needing a buffer/border on a natural area, but used the example where that area may abuts another property and could begin to encroach on the neighboring property. Board Member Salami commented that he has lived in Ramsey for almost 15 years and has noticed properties with grass/vegetation that is too tall. He stated that he has wondered if the City could intervene and cut grass or trim trees on certain properties. He also noted that some trees seem to be planted on property lines. Senior Planner Anderson replied that there is not a setback for tree planting, noting that a tree can be planted further from the property line and then still encroach onto a neighboring property over the years. He also noted volunteer trees that pop up also. He stated that there is also nothing the City can do about things that grow from one yard to the next yard. He stated that the private property owner is responsible for cutting their grass and trimming their trees. He stated that there are stretches of City owned land that would be maintained by public works, acknowledging that the City has limited resources. Board Member Houts asked if the City differentiates between native and natural landscape. Senior Planner Anderson replied that the City does not, as everything falls under the umbrella of alternative landscapes. Board Member Houts asked if the boulevard would be different than someone that has a ditch adjacent to the road. Senior Planner Anderson replied that currently there is not a distinction but that could be something the board may wish to consider. Board Member Hagerty stated that he favors having some type of standards and management plan. He stated that he does like the idea of a border between properties, signage, and maintenance activities. He acknowledged that there is a lot more work involved in native plant areas compared to mowing a lawn and believed that the management/standards would help people to understand that. He asked if the City has been receiving complaints and whether that is what drove this issue forward. Senior Planner Anderson commented that the City did receive complaints about a property undergoing a native landscape, noting that property does have a management plan. He recognized that there is a strong sense of property rights in Ramsey, but that does not mean there cannot or should not be standards as well. He stated that perhaps they should incorporate the notion that this Environmental Policy Board / August 19, 2024 Page 3 of 5