11/30/2005 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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managed by separate • entities for the City. Identify environmental issues, concerns, and subjects that will enhance citizen awareness for good environmental practices. The Commission reports to the City Communication Coordinator. Appointments to the Commission are for one year and can be renewed by the City Council. Writes an article monthly for the local newspaper. Publishes a researched subject in an educational format for the quarterly City Newsletter, examples given were care of lawns, energy conservation. Information for residents that support environmental, land use and nature preservation concepts is a joint venture of city staff and the Commissioners. Environmental Resource Coordinator manages the NPEDS system and provides the required reporting to the PCA. Reports to the Environmental Planner. Works with the Watershed Partners. Woodbury has three Watershed Districts in their City. Two of these agencies do their own permitting while Woodbury does the south Washington district Watershed permitting. Environmental Review of proposed developments and land use in the City is managed through the Environmental Planner. This position assists with the preliminary plat approval process. The Environmental Planner is considered the negotiator with developers to follow ordinances but also to incorporate best environmental practices with their plans. The Environmental Planner reports to the City Engineer. All inspections for the City are done by outside consultant inspectors. They are not staff of the City and the Environmental Planner feels developers are held more accountable this way and the inspector hired is an expert for the specific project and the vulnerable areas of the project. The Environmental Planner feels that not too long ago, City Councils did not receive much in terms of environmental guidance. The Commission and Planning departments feel they do influence decisions made regarding projects but also are careful to honor resident needs such as affordable housing. If too much of the City is dedicated to open space then the cost of homes goes up farther. He feels that individual agencies look at just that, individual issues, whereas the City and Environmental Staff need to provide a balance with competing issues the City must consider with projects (roads, infrastructure, water management and costs /tax impacts). Residents are encouraged to keep their elected officials informed of their values and the importance of factoring in environmental management with a rapidly growing city. Contact: Steve Kemik, Environmental Planner 651- 714 -3500 Updated 11/18/2005 Source: www.statelocalgov.net /state- mn.htm #city