Approve Environmental Policy Board's 2013-2014 Proposed Work Plan

As outlined in Section 2-159 of City Code, the primary objective of the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) is to review, consider, initiate and recommend to the City Council such policies, plans or projects which will enhance and preserve the natural environment of the City. Furthermore, the Board’s scope shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, matters of the preservation of the community forest, water quality, wetland preservation, ground water protection, ecological preservation, control of soil erosion and air, noise and light pollution. The EPB is responsible for developing an annual work plan that is subject to the approval of City Council. At their July meeting, the Board finalized its 2013-2014 proposed work plan and directed Staff to forward it to City Council for consideration.

Over the past year, the EPB has been busy and following are a sample of their accomplishments:

• Assisted with coordination and planning of the 2012 Environmental Expo as well as planning for the 2013 event, including the change in venue from the Municipal Center to Happy Days.
• Implemented a 'Focus on Environment' column for the Ramsey Resident Newsletter.
• Worked with the LRRWMO to develop educational article concerning water conservation.
• Provided updates to the website to promote community awareness of various tree related issues.
• Reviewed and recommended certain amendments to the Tree Preservation Ordinance.
• Working on improving species diversity in rain garden in Alpine Park and developing accompanying educational signage (demonstration project).

A couple of years ago, the Board shifted its work plan to July 1- June 30, for two (2) reasons. First, it gave new members an opportunity to participate in its development and secondly, it provided an opportunity to review the strategic goals of the City Council and incorporate any actions that may have some overlap. The proposed work plan includes:

• A focus on community awareness through the Environmental Expo event, developing a community stewardship recognition program and continued outreach through the newsletter, website and QCTV.
• A demonstration/implementation project of working toward an inventory of street/park trees to improve budgeting and maintenance efficiencies.
• Public space improvements such as reviewing the GreenStep Cities program and, if warranted, forward a recommendation to City Council, and developing a series of Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can be incorporated into the Housing Assistance Policy currently being developed.
• Review of environmental standards with a focus on stormwater and look at building in more flexibility where possible (for example, providing alternative options to irrigation requirement such as the use of drought tolerant plant materials).

The City Council reviewed the draft Work Plan at the August 13, 2013 Work Session and provided positive feedback to the EPB regarding the content and directed Staff to add the draft Work Plan to a future City Council agenda for formal action.

City Staff recommends approving the EPB's 2013-2014 Work Plan.

The EPB does not have a budget; however, any expenses associated with the work plan would be addressed either with the Environmental Services budget or alternative funding sources, such as grants.

Motion to adopt Resolution #13-08-139 approving the EPB's 2013-2014 Work Plan.