Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 03/17/2025

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Senior Planner Anderson provided additional details on the planting activity being proposed and hoped that members of the EPB and Parks and Recreation Commission would participate in the activity. He noted that the event would qualify for the Tree City USA recertification and would also help to address replacing lost canopy cover due to the continued removal of EAB infested ash trees. Chairperson Fetterley commented that this is a great idea and asked the number of trees that are anticipated to be planted. Senior Planner Anderson replied that the intention would be to replant the same number of trees that were removed. He noted that he would assess the site to ensure there is sufficient spacing and that trees would not block sightlines. He estimated that six or seven trees would be planted. He stated that staff are still discussing whether the holes would be dug prior to the event to make the process run smoother. Senior Planner Anderson commented that at the April meeting, the group will be discussing outdoor wood boilers, which can be used for heating in the winter months. He stated that the City has received some complaints and therefore they will be reviewing the current regulations. Councilmember Peters stated that he has not thought about this in the past when he has seen them. He stated that he received a complaint and visited the property of the person who made the complaint and he immediately noticed a burnt plastic smell. He stated that there is an education piece needed for these systems. He stated that they want to maintain the rural character of the city while also ensuring that they are not allowing something that could be toxic. He stated that the Council does want the input of the advisory commissions and boards and suggested that perhaps the members of the Board review information on the systems prior to the next meeting. Chairperson Fetterley asked if a permit is required to have this system, which would allow the City to track where these are being used. Senior Planner Anderson replied that it is his understanding that a mechanical permit is required, but acknowledged that he is unaware of whether permits have been properly obtained for any of the existing wood boilers. 7. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Board Member Houts and seconded by Board Member Burgess to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cris Anderson Senior Planner 497 Environmental Policy Board / March 17, 2025 Page 4 of 5