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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />conservative approach considering that the quarter mile buffer was not used in the preliminary <br />classifications concerning rare, threatened and!or endangered species. <br /> <br />Board Member Sibilski stated that he did not think that the City should be taking a conservative <br />approach when it comes to protecting wetlands. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda stated that it really depends on how this is looked at regarding whether this <br />is conservative or not. Just a couple of years ago, the City had no buffer requirements and only <br />relied on the Wetland Conservation Act, and so in that regard, this is certainly a progressive <br />approach to wetland protection. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen suggested that the Board provide a policy recommendation pertaining <br />to significant areas, such as Trott Brook, that does not necessarily alter the management <br />classification of a wetland but rather asks for more stringent protocols based on the perceived <br />value of the resource. <br /> <br />Board Member Sibilski raised the question of what to do with the wetlands that were not field <br />verified, considering how many wetland management classifications were both upgraded and <br />downgraded after field inspections were completed. Board Member Sibilski inquired as to <br />whether the Board should recommend that the remainder of the wetlands be field verified or if a <br />recommendation should be made that a developer shall be required to have a MnRAM analysis <br />completed anytime a development is proposed on land containing wetlands that were not ground- <br />truthed. General consensus of the Board was that the onus should be put on a developer to <br />complete this work. <br /> <br />Board Member Max inquired if it is possible to rerun the model based on the field verification <br />work for those wetlands that were not looked at on the ground. Coordinator Anderson stated that <br />he did not believe so since vegetation integrity and diversity were such critical factors in <br />determining the management classifications. <br /> <br />Board Member Bentz cautioned against tinkering with numbers and wetland classifications at all <br />but would be in favor of recommending an additional policy regarding significant features, such <br />as Trott Brook, regardless of the management classification. <br /> <br />Motion by Board Member aids and seconded by Board Member Freeburg to forward the draft <br />map and policy recommendation(s) to City Council for adoption. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Councilmember Strommen stated that it would be important that any <br />additional policy recommendations are clearly outlined in the case. Board Member Sibilski <br />volunteered to work with Coordinator Anderson on possible policy recommendations. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson McDilda, Board Members Bentz, Freeburg, Olds, Max <br />and Sibilski. Voting No: None. Absent: None. <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board! March 5, 2007 <br />Page 3 of5 <br />