2013-2014 Work Plan

As outlined in City Code, the primary objective of the Environmental Policy Board 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. 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, control of soil erosion and air, noise and light pollution. The Environmental Policy Board shall prepare an annual work plan subject to the approval of the City Council.

Before discussing the next Work Plan, Staff thought it would be good to review the Board's accomplishments of the past year.  Following are some highlights of the past 2012-2013 Work Plan:

• 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.
• Various updates to the website to promote community awareness of various issues.
• Reviewed and recommended certain amendments to the Tree Preservation Ordinance (adopted by City Council on May 28, 2013).
• Working on improving species diversity in rain garden in Alpine Park and developing accompanying educational signage.

The purpose of this case is to brainstorm ideas for the upcoming 2013-2014 Work Plan.  Generally, items on the work plan would attempt to address or connect with various strategic planning initiatives of the City Council.  However, after reviewing the strategic imperatives, it does not appear that there are any items directly related to the function of this board.  Thus, the Board could contemplate any topics relevant to its function.

One item that could be considered is some form of ongoing recognition for acts of community stewardship.  This may involve volunteer efforts, individual efforts to beatify the community, or general environmental stewardship.  A second item that could be considered would be completing an inventory of boulevard trees and trees in maintained areas of parks.  This would better prepare the City for potential threats such as Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and Asian Long-horned Beetle (ALB) with respect to budgeting and maintenance cycles.  This could potentially be done via volunteers (possibly Tree Care Advisers, Master Gardeners and/or Master Naturalists) or the work could be completed by a contracted service. 

The Board should be prepared to discuss what topics it wishes to address in the next work plan.  Emphasis should be given to identifying a realistic number of items that could be accomplished over twelve (12) meetings.  Staff will then formalize the topics for consideration at the July meeting and also schedule the work plan for consideration at a City Council Work Session.  Board members are strongly encouraged to attend and participate in the City Council Work Session discussion.

Based on discussion.