Minutes - Evironmental Policy Board - 11/17/2025

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Senior Planner Anderson stated that if someone wants to do a pocket pollinator garden, this would not apply, noting that this would apply to someone wanting to convert their entire yard or backyard. He asked if that should be clarified within the ordinance. Chairperson Fetterley agreed that should be clarified. She asked if there would be a size threshold identified. Senior Planner Anderson stated that he did not have a size threshold in mind to use. Board Member Moore agreed that if a size threshold were identified, that would make things clearer and avoid the need for variances for most residents. Board Member Bernard suggested that the exempt size be kept small, such as ten-by-ten. Board Member Moore acknowledged that there are many different-sized yards in Ramsey, so a ten-by-ten may be appropriate for a small yard, but may not be large enough for a large yard. Chairperson Fetterley clarified that the requirement for establishment within three years should be reviewed for alternative language, and a list/size for exemptions should also be identified. She confirmed that this item would return to the Board at a future meeting. 6. BOARD / STAFF INPUT Senior Planner Anderson stated that he has been working with Anoka County on a couple future events, including both a Fix-It Clinic and a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) event to be held concurrently on June 6, 2025, at the Public Works Facility. The events will be marketed to Ramsey residents as well as residents in neighboring communities. He stated that he met with the Citys Recreation Coordinator to begin thinking about possible Arbor Day activities and potentially a revamped farmers market. He noted that there could potentially be a city table available that could be staffed by different Board/Commission members. He noted a potential opportunity for Board Members to attend a tour of the ACE Solid Waste transfer station in the spring or summer of 2026. He also noted the results from the fall recycling event. He noted that the January and February meetings will need to be rescheduled and asked for input from the Board on the preferred alternative dates for those meetings. It was the consensus of the Board to hold the January meeting on January 12, 2026, and the February meeting on February 9, 2026. Senior Planner Anderson noted that the December 2026 meeting would likely be canceled, but if there were a time-sensitive case, the meeting would take place on December 14, 2026, rather than December 21, 2026. He noted that the final decision on that meeting would occur closer to that meeting date in 2026. He stated that there are no land use applications to consider for December 2025 and confirmed the consensus of the Board to cancel the December meeting. 7. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Board Member Moore and seconded by Board Member Hagerty to adjourn the meeting. Environmental Policy Board / November 17, 2025 Page 3 of 4