EPB Work Plan

Per City Code, the Environmental Policy Board (EBP) is required to develop a Work Plan subject to the approval of the City Council.  The purpose of this case is to consider and discuss potential topics for a 2017-2018 Work Plan.  At the EPB' February meeting, the Board discussed various topics that it believed were relevant and warranted their attention.  There was general consensus amongst the Board that the following topics, in no particular order, be included in their Work Plan:

1. Development of a Pollinator Initiative Program.
   • The Board found that this effort would address multiple initiatives of the City.  Not only would it create more pollinator habitat and attract more wildlife, but it would simultaneously result in a lower demand on water supply as these sustainable landscapes do not require as many inputs as traditional turf grasses.
     • Education and Awareness
     • Review of existing city practices for possible improvements
     • Incorporate pollinator friendly practices and concepts into the Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan (a concept identified from the initial round of the Strategic Plan update)
     • Work collaboratively with the Parks and Recreation Commission to identify areas within existing parks suitable for converting to pollinator friendly landscapes
2. Water Resources
   • Water supply continues to be an important issue for the City.  Maintaining a focus on water resources will help keep the community informed on the importance of potable water (both quality and quantity).
     • Develop incentives and/or rebates for water conservation initiatives (e.g. retrofitting existing irrigation systems with water efficient technologies)
3. Utilize the Mississippi River Shoreline Inventory to connect with potential candidates for riverbank stabilization projects.
   • The inventory that was completed in 2016 indicated that over 5,000 tons of sediment is being lost to the river annually.  This has a serious impact on water quality.  This information was obtained with the intention of potentially accessing grant funds to assist willing and suitable candidates with stabilization projects (this seems to fit in with the concept identified in the initial round of the Strategic Plan update process of building off the strength of the two rivers).
4. Organics Recycling.
   • Organics, which consists primarily of food waste and non-recyclable paper products, is the largest component of trash and can be recovered and converted into compost.  Not only would an organics program help the City meet its annual recycling goal, but the finished product is a great soil amendment that acts as a slow release fertilizer and has great water holding capacity as well.
     • Develop a pilot program to offer residents a more convenient option that the County's compost sites (nearest one is off Hanson Blvd in Coon Rapids).

There is a wealth of information available on both pollinators and water conservation that can be used in the newsletter and linked to from the City's website.  Examples of some of those resources are attached (note that some articles may need to be edited to be more specific to Ramsey).

The intention of this joint meeting was to present these topics for City Council consideration and feedback.  Additionally, the joint meeting provides an opportunity for open dialogue between the EPB and City Council on any other topics of relevance. 

Finally, there are a number of opportunities to tie together the City Council's recent Strategic Plan Session SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).

• Strengths - build of the strengths of our two rivers.
• Weaknesses - address a perceived weakness to better integrate our natural resources and open spaces in new developments.
• Opportunities - use the balance between our built environment and natural environment to our benefit. Our two rivers are also an opportunity. Identify opportunities to integrate our natural resources as a recreational opportunity.
• Threats - be proactive in policy and practice in threats to our natural environment such as natural disasters, Asian Carp, and challenging geography.

Up to 60 minutes

This is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

City Planner

Provide input on the proposed Work Plan topics.  Staff will ultimately draft a formal Work Plan for consideration at a future City Council meeting.