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Environmental Board <br />October 27, 2021 <br />Page 3 <br />APPROVED MINUTES <br />Mr. Sullivan asked for clarification and recommended staff work on this update and <br />periodically update the Board on its progress. Mr. Nelson confirmed, noting he could <br />call attention to updates when we have development reviews in these areas. <br />Mr. Sullivan shared his experience working with the Adopt-a-Drain program and the <br />importance of cleaning up the storm drains before winter. <br />Mr. Nelson noted the next newsletter has an article about the Lawns to Legumes <br />program, which has good information and links related to rain gardens and native plants <br />in general. <br />Mr. Sullivan mentioned importance of long-term maintenance of raingardens. <br />Mr. Nelson responded long term maintenance requirements are written into installation <br />agreements and there are grants available for installation and maintenance of raingardens. <br />Mr. Sullivan requested the Board get a chance to look at a maintenance agreement in the <br />future. <br />Mr. Sullivan inquired about whether or not the City has residents who have ponds in their <br />yards that are connected to the City stormwater system. <br />Mr. Nelson said yes and working on this project would require ordinance updates to <br />allow residents to install their own stormwater pond aerators. <br />Mr. Sullivan asked for a map of some ponds in this category be presented to the Board in <br />the future. <br />Mrs. Holmes asked if the situation of increased manganese in the City’s water supply <br />could be included in the educational outreach efforts on water conservation. She also <br />asked about the possibility of including wildlife impacts in development reviews and the <br />Natural Resources section of the work plan. <br />Mr. Schwartz seconded the idea of including wildlife impacts as well as impacts to the <br />greenway system and adding both to the annual work plan. <br />Mr. Nelson responded these ideas can be added into consideration for future <br />developments. This work plan was already approved by City Council, but these items <br />can be incorporated into future development reviews. The manganese water issue has <br />been largely dealt with by Public Works, Engineering, and Utilities staff, and the City has <br />recently increased their enforcement of watering restrictions. The education focuses on <br />trying to limit water use during heavy irrigation periods. A feasability study was <br />conducted on implementing a new water treatment plant for the City. <br />Mrs. Holmes requested future outreach include a clearer connection between water <br />quality, water conservation, and the current situation with manganese content.