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Environmental Board March 1, 2023 Page 2 APPROVED MINUTES Chair Sullivan shared a study done by the University of Minnesota which found that mowing your lawn is essential for different species of plants to flourish. 6. OPEN MIKE Chair Sullivan declared open mike at 6:37 p.m. There was no one present for open mike, therefore it was closed at 6:37 p.m. 7. ACTION ITEMS A. 2023 Annual Work Plan and Ongoing Tasks List Mr. Andy Nelson, Environmental Coordinator, presented the staff report. Each year, the Environmental Board prepares an Annual Work Plan that will be presented to the City Council for approval. This plan includes a list of initiatives concerning current environmental issues in the major areas of focus of the Environmental Board that are time sensitive, including forestry, natural resources, water, and solid waste management. Staff also prepared a list of the Ongoing Tasks to highlight projects that Staff works on day-to-day. The discussion at the meeting will introduce new Environmental Board members to these plans and provide updates on work in progress to the Board. Mr. Nelson started with presenting each item on the Ongoing Task list. The Board suggested adjustments to the Ongoing Tasks list as follows: • Add Buckthorn management to the heron rookery on Peltier Island. • Elaborate and provide examples to the general ongoing task item about what kind of projects the Board is involved with. • Include actual goals to achieve regarding water conservation. For example, Staff could tie in some numbers to the Irrigation program. • Include a mission statement to the general task item. Ms. Nelson asked if the City uses goats to manage buckthorn. Mr. Nelson responded that the City cuts and stumps trees. He added that the City has to be selective with what areas they manage buckthorn due to limited resources. Mr. Schwartz asked if there is anyway the City can partner up with schools to gather volunteers to help with managing buckthorn.