Adopt Resolution #17-03-071 Approving the EPB's 2017-2019 Work Plan

The purpose of this case is to consider approving the 2017-2019 Work Plan for the Environmental Policy Board (EPB).  The EPB had identified four (4) elements at their February meeting for inclusion in a work plan.  Those items were presented to City Council at a joint meeting in February as well.  Based on discussion at the joint meeting with City Council and the EPB, Staff compiled this draft Work Plan in a format similar to that of the City Council's Strategic Plan as well as the Planning Commission's Work Plan.

The EPB reviewed the draft Work Plan at their March meeting.  The Board fully supported the Work Plan but did note a concern with the feasibility of completing the items in one year's time.  Rather than reduce the number of items on the Work Plan, the Board recommended extending the timeframe of the Work Plan through 2019.  The Board felt that would not only allow sufficient time to complete each task but also build in some time to review the effectiveness of the various components and recommend, if necessary, any adjustments for greater impact.

The following was identified by the EPB through discussions at their February meeting and was presented to the City Council.

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).

Staff has attempted to synthesize this information, along with the feedback from the joint meeting with City Council, into the established format for work plans.  Additionally, Staff has estimated the additional resources that would be necessary to accomplish these goals (in the form of Full Time Equivalent [FTE]).

The Environmental Policy Board recommended approval of the draft 2017-2019 Work Plan.
 
Alternatives

Alternative 1: Adopt Resolution #17-03-071 approving the EPB's 2017-2019 Work Plan.  The proposed Work Plan includes the topics identified by the EPB that were presented to City Council at a joint meeting in February.  At the direction of the EPB, the Work Plan was slightly adjusted to cover 2017-2019 to ensure sufficient time to complete these items.  The Work Plan would be revisited at least once per year and could be adjusted as items are completed and other topics become relevant.  The EPB supports this alternative.

Alternative 2: Do not approve the draft Work Plan.  The draft Work Plan includes the same topics that were reviewed with the City Council in February.  The EPB is cognizant of the ambitiousness of the Work Plan, but to address this, the Board recommended the timeframe of the Work Plan be expanded rather than reducing/eliminating any of the items.  The EPB does not support this alternative.

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

Motion to adopt Resolution #17-03-071 approving the EPB's 2017-2019 Work Plan.