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Environmental Board <br />June 28, 2023 <br />Page 2 <br /> <br />Watermark project. The site is located just northwest of the intersection of 35E and Main <br />Street (County State Aid Highway 14). Revisions to the northeast corner of the site <br />include reduced lot sizes, increased open space area, and improved connectivity to a <br />private park. <br /> <br />The Board discussed the amended preliminary plat, and Mr. Nelson explained there are <br />many environmental benefits of the revised submission, suggesting that it shrinks the <br />footprint of the buildings, adds 2.7 acres of open space, increases native plant area, and <br />improves connectivity to a park. <br /> <br />Ms. Buchmeier made a motion to approve the Preliminary Plat with the recommendations <br />presented by the Board. Ms. Cavegn seconded. Motion carried 6 – 0. <br /> <br />7. DISCUSSION ITEMS <br /> <br />A. Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center Site Plan Update <br /> <br />Mr. Nelson reviewed the updates to the Landscape Plan and the Tree Survey with the <br />Board. Questions were asked and answered regarding placement, amount of trees and the <br />types of trees being planted. <br /> <br />Ms. Holmes addressed the restrictiveness of the Boards ability to require more from new <br />businesses regarding recycling. Mr. Nelson responded that City Code requires that <br />haulers provide the opportunity to recycle for residents and businesses, but it doesn’t <br />require residents or businesses to recycle. <br /> <br />B. Residential Recycling Service Frequency <br /> <br />The Environmental Board revisited the benefits of weekly recycling pickup. Currently the <br />ordinance requirement is bi-weekly pick up. The Board requested staff to research for <br />more information. <br /> <br />Mr. Nelson found that most, if not all, cities in Anoka County have bi-weekly recycling <br />pickup. The haulers operating in Lino Lakes offer additional bins or larger bin options <br />for low cost if residents are exceeding capacity. He also stated that garbage haulers <br />expressed concerns that they would struggle to make weekly pickups due to staff <br />shortages, high cost and wait times for new trucks, and other logistical reasons. <br /> <br />Mr. Nelson noted that the MPCA has issued a draft version of the Metropolity Solid <br />Waste Management Policy Plan. Weekly recycling is listed as one of the requirements <br />for haulers and cities to achieve by 2025. Public comment is accepted on this plan. The <br />th <br />MPCA is holding a public meeting on July 11 asking for feedback. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />APPROVED MINUTES <br /> <br /> <br />