Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 03/05/2007

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Board Member Bentz asked about City, State, or Federal projects. He questioned where the money would come from for projects where they cut down trees. He questioned whether the same standard applies to private versus public land. Coordinator Anderson stated he didn't have an answer to the question but would check with other communities that have a similar ordinance. Board Member Max stated that MnDOT does have some percentage of its construction money going to roadside plantings when they do interchanges. Chairperson McDilda stated it fell within the same logic as eminent domain. Mr. Mark Anderson stated there may be laws already in place because it's a public action. Board Member Freeburg asked how many other metro communities have something like this. Coordinator Anderson replied that he spoke to a few cities but wasn't sure how many metro wide have it. Chairperson McDilda stated the City has the ability to bring in money, but expressed concern about how tightly it can be sewn up so it doesn't become a slush fund for the City. Coordinator Anderson stated that he will need direction on specifying where the dollars get spent. He stated he was unsure if it should be spelled out in the code or whether the City needs to adopt a policy on where the Tree Bank monies can be spent. He stated that his intent is to not have it become another fund that everybody can get their hands on. Case #5: An Invitation to Speaker Paul Anton Board Member Freeburg explained that he spoke to Paul Anton regarding speaking about the economic value of open space. Mr. Anton told Board Member Freeburg that he was 99% sure that he could come out. Mr. Anton wanted to know the format. Board Member Freeburg stated that the City Council and Planning Commission should be aware of the economic value of open space because it is applicable locally. He stated the subject matter affects metro development. Chairperson McDilda stated it fits in well with the Ramsey3 project. He stated that in the past QCTV has televised speakers. He suggested just choosing a date and inviting all commissions. Board Member Max concurred that this is something that the Planning Commission should be made a part of. Board Member Freeburg asked if the EPB owned the copy write to a televised recording. Coordinator Anderson stated it could be held in the council chambers and set up to be televised. He stated it could be aired live, and QCTV can put it on a continuous viewing schedule. Board Member Freeburg stated that he told Mr. Anton to choose a date sometime in April. Environmental Policy Board! February 5, 2007 Page 12 of 13