Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 03/05/2007

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Coordinator Anderson stated that prior to the Ramsey3 presentation, there will be a meet and greet for the advisory boards. He stated that attendance isn't required, but the EPB members may want to be represented at that meeting. Board Member Sibilski asked if members could meet at 6:00 p.m. Chairperson McDilda suggested leaving things open ended. He stated that once the file is e- mailed to EPB members, they can keep in touch about a specific time to meet to discuss the draft report. Case #4: Consider Draft Ordinance #07-02-_to Establish a Tree Bank Coordinator Anderson presented a draft ordinance amending Section 9.24.04 (Private Trees in New Development Areas) of the Ramsey City Code. He stated that originally the suggestion to establish a Tree Bank came from a task force member. Chairperson McDilda recalled that member to be Margaret Connolly. Coordinator Anderson explained that the Tree Bank was intended to help capture trees that would be lost after a development. He stated this is a draft ordinance to amend the tree preservation section of code to establish tree retention thresholds for multi-family developments and commercial developments. He stated that if a development is going to exceed the threshold, for every inch over the threshold, they have to either payor replant above and beyond the required landscaping. He stated money can be taken in to build up a fund used for tree related expenses, and as incentive to try to retain what is on a site if it is worthwhile. Board Member Max stated that delineating all areas located within a 100 year flood plain will absorb and calculate the amount of storm water that gets absorbed as opposed to flushing down into the ponds or the Rum River and Mississippi River. He suggested identifying the cost of building or maintaining a stormwater treatment facility. He stated there is a climate exchange in Chicago that trades in carbon sequestration and particular matter filtration. He stated there are companies who plant trees so that they can abate somebody else's pollution. He stated the values are widely accepted. Coordinator Anderson stated that the ordinance is preliminary and needs to be reviewed by the engineering and planning staff. Chairperson McDilda commended Coordinator Anderson for taking the time to put together a great ordinance. Board Member Bentz asked about exemption from federal and state monies for building new roads. Coordinator Anderson stated that a lot of this will come into play with City Code. There will have to be some leeway. In the case of a standard residential road where there is a main collector street that requires right-of-way, it makes sense to have the exemption written in the code. He explained that the exemption would also apply to trails that are required by code. Environmental Policy Board! February 5, 2007 Page 11 of 13