Consider EPB Annual 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 April meeting, the Board finalized its proposed work plan and directed Staff to forward it to City Council for consideration.

Accomplishments of the Board from its 2010 City Council approved work plan include:
• Arbor Day Tree Planting. Board members, in conjunction with Anoka High School football team members, planted numerous seedlings at Forest Hideaway Park and at the community garden site near the intersection of Nowthen Blvd and Dysprosium St.
• 2010 Environmental Expo. The Board assisted in the planning, setup and take down of the 2010 Environmental Expo and Tree Sale.
• Water Conservation Tool Box. The Board compiled a wealth of information regarding yard establishment, irrigation, water conserving ideas, alternative landscapes and more to help educate residents about the importance of water conservation.  The information is available on the City's website.
• Invasive Species Web Page. The Board completed work on an invasive species web page to help residents identify and address invasive species on their property.  The information is available on the City's website.
• Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan. The Board assisted with the development of an EAB Management Plan that, if approved by City Council, will help prepare the City for this invasive pest (this still needs to be scheduled for review at a future work session).
• Yard Waste Disposal Site Research & Discussion. After reviewing multiple scenarios for possible yard waste disposal options, the Board concluded that a leaf collection event in the fall of 2011, should SCORE funding be available, would be beneficial to determine whether there’s truly a demand for an alternative to current yard waste disposal options. The Board also concluded that the City should continue to explore potential public/private partnerships to facilitate this.

Traditionally, the Board has developed its work plan for an upcoming year in December and finalized it in January.  However, with Board and Commission terms now running from April through March, the Board delayed finalizing their proposed work plan until April, which gave new members the opportunity to not only review it but also to provide input as well.  This also ensured that the work plan would not be presented to City Council prior to the Council finalizing its strategic goals for the year.  However, this delay also puts the EPB in a time crunch, essentially leaving just over half a year to complete any items on the work plan.  With that in mind, the Board is proposing that the work plan take effect July 1, 2011 and run through June 30, 2012.

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For information/discussion purposes. A resolution will be included on the next City Council Agenda for adoption.