10/27/2010 Environmental Board Minutes

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 27, 2010 DRAFT MINUTES 2 5. ACTION ITEMS None 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Spring Burning Permits Discussion – Chief Jerry Streich, Centennial Fire Department Mr. Asleson stated Ms. Bor requested inviting Chief Jerry Streich to attend a meeting to discuss burning permits. Mr. Asleson reviewed management and burning tools. He stated in the past he has fallen behind on burning. Currently there are permit requests to burn in the fall. However, everything is still green at this time and is not able to burn. Hopefully, before it snows we will be able to get a few burns in. If not, it falls back to the spring of the year. He stated the DNR will give the City a waiver to the spring ban for burning. Chief Streich explained the permitting process. The policy is not to allow burns during bans. The City Ordinance states clearly permits will not be issued. There is a heavy danger and high risk to occur during the state burning ban. The burning restriction by issued by the State of Minnesota. A burning ban means large burns or recreational fires. Ms. O’Dea stated Mr. Jason Husveth, Critical Connections, came before the board in September. He stated it has been difficult over the past few years to get a permit in the spring. She stated the Board would like to know what to do to help facilitate the situation. Our perspective is, if could do this administratively, we would like to do. 2. SHEP Summary for 2010 – Gary Averbeck Mr. Gary Averbeck presented as PowerPoint presentation on the 2009 Rice Creek Watershed Stream Health Evaluation Program. He presented the following background information: Aquatic organisms express a range of tolerances to environmental conditions. These organisms mirror environmental conditions which have occurred over a period of time ranging from months to years. Biological monitoring provides a more complete picture of the ecological health of our waters.