05/04/2022 Environmental Board Minutes

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Environmental Board May 4, 2022 Page 3 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Nelson explained Caribou Coffee’s landscaping has not yet received final acceptance. He stated it is his responsibility to conduct the final review of the landscaping for all projects to ensure the plantings are alive and the landscaping matches the approved plan. Regarding the spacing of trees, he said open space is typically reserved for underground utilities and for access to stormwater ponds. Ms. Buchmeier made a MOTION to recommend the preliminary plat for Otter Crossing 2nd Addition and the conditional use permit and site plan review for Tidal Wave Auto Spa be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council subject to conditions listed in the staff report including two additional recommendations from the Board to add applicable protections for Blanding’s turtles and to implement the reuse of stormwater though the car wash system. Motion was supported by Ms. Holmes. Motion carried 4 – 0. C. No Mow May Andy Nelson, Environmental Coordinator, presented the staff report. No Mow May is an intiative which promotes avoiding the mowing of lawns during the month in order to provide additional flowers which benefit pollinator species. Ms. Buchmeier asked if City Council approves the No Mow May initiative, would parks and City property be included. Mr. Nelson informed the Board they could make the recommendation to include parks and City property within the initivative; however, he cautioned such recommendation may not be approved by City Council since those spaces are often rented and utilized by sporting groups. Chair Sullivan made a MOTION to recommend support of the No Mow May initiative by suspending tall grass ordinance enforcement for the month of May in order to benefit pollinators. Motion was supported by Ms. Holmes. Motion carried 4 – 0. VII. UPDATES A. General Updates Mr. Nelson informed the Board of Mary Fogarty’s retirement from the City after 27 years. He expressed his appreciation working with Ms. Fogarty and thanked her specifically for her work with the community gardens and the City’s annual tree sale. Mr. Nelson also gave the Board a verbal update regarding the EAB grant. He stated all of the diseased trees and stumps have been removed and the new bare root trees have been planted, mulched, and watered.