Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 04/20/2026

Home

Environmental Policy Board / April 20, 2026 Page 3 of 5 subject property, a rezoning of 14021 Azurite Street from I-1 Light Industrial to I-2 General Industrial, and a minor plat to combine multiple parcels into a single parcel. The applicant has stated that this is for future site planning and operations. Chairperson Fetterley asked if this plan would work regardless of whether the rezoning request is approved. Senior Planner Anderson confirmed that is accurate. Board Member Hagerty asked who would be responsible for the tree inventory. Senior Planner Anderson replied that the applicant has a design team , and the civil engineering firm will solicit or contract the work necessary for the inventory. He explained that the City reviews the inventory but is not involved in completing that work. Board Member Payne asked for more information on coniferous trees and whether some replanting could be reduced if additional coniferous trees could be retained on the site. Senior Planner Anderson confirmed that planting requirements can be offset by trees that are retained onsite. Chairperson Fetterley commented that it seems that the applicant preserved as many trees as they could, considering this is for a parking lot. Motion by Board Member Burgess and seconded by Board Member Bernard to recommend approval of the natural resources aspects of the project, contingent upon compliance with the staff review comments. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Fetterley, Board Member Burgess, Bernard, Hagerty, Houts, Payne, and Salami. Voting No: None. Absent: None. 5.03: Review and Provide Direction on Possible Grant Opportunity: Electric Landscaping Equipment Pilot Program in Environmental Justice Areas Senior Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the purpose of this case is to review a potential grant opportunity through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The grant program is titled Electric Landscaping Equipment Pilot Program Grant in Environmental Justice Areas. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance to individuals to purchase electric or battery-powered lawn/snow equipment, with the intention of reducing air pollution (by replacing gas-powered equipment). The grant program targets Environmental Justice areas. He stated that if the City is eligible to apply, staff would recommend pursuing the grant; and if the MPCA finds that Ramsey would be ineligible, staff would recommend against applying. Chairperson Fetterley stated that it is an interesting opportunity for people who meet the criteria. She asked if residents who applied would then be scored lower in comparison to those within environmental justice areas.