09/26/2001 Environmental Board Minutes

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 came on. In addition, the Council desired to have new members with an environmental background due to the technical nature of the information the Board dealt with. B. Wildland Urban Interface Update — Asleson stated the joint project ended in September, with final reports due at the end of the year. They were not able to accomplish all their goals, however "where to go from here" was discussed. Project reports such as the evaluation natural resource guidance checklist and G.I.S. land classification would be finished at the end of the year. The G.I.S. application of impervious surfaces could be applied to a build up analysis, or the percent cover of trees, even the health of the stand. Cooperative efforts between Hugod Lino Lakes on Wildfire assessments would continue in conjunction with the D ' `. clinance revision would continue with the help of the State. Chair Kukonen inquired about whether it was too late to assess ea ea ehind the .1 .0 elementary school, and noted it was not in the original r!rort i leson responded that the land classification assessment was going to be finished bth f f the year, and could address issues such as the Saddle Club site and the away areas much more e accurately than before G.I.S., but their staff was red` Trehus questioned the status of the Surface Wapent Plan. Asleson indicated that and the moratorium issues needed to geto ,but they needed the personnel and funding. Trehus indicated that he thought it ws`suia°et po the Metropolitan Council, but saw no copy.Asleson responded that th.erxe issues in compliance to state law and the p � ,� Conservation Development, an e''' eeded on it was similar to that of the Shoreline Management Ordin ' Trehus inquired whether thdcac ' I' ater Management Plan had been submitted. Grochala answered that t had n batt John Powell was attempting to contact Rice Creek Watershed District nd (7'4— awi Environmental Board. He sent a memo to the Metropolitan Coun'_onceriug his intentions. He wanted to begin with the Board and keep in contact through t i p7rticess, and hopefully have it finished in three meetings. C. Xcel Energy a "lxrde a Tree" Program/Sara Smith — Asleson explained g��T're "' ° � � a that there wee ral areas in the City where tree removal would be desirable. Xcel Energy neede U 6 trim trees near the high voltage lines, which resulted in unsightly trees, and some had been trimmed so the trees became unhealthy. He introduced Sara Smith who was repres siting the Trade a Tree program. Ms. Smith distributed general information on the program and pointed out that the program was a part of Tree Trust, a nationally recognized non-profit organization. She identified the locations in the City which were eligible for the program, and indicated that the jack pines had been topped on busy roads. The residents would be contacted through two mailings with a return postcard enclosed, and would be able to choose the species of tree or shrub, based on several staff choices. The program is flexible and could be 6