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Home My WebLink About2013-03-18 ENR Packet AGENDA CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION Monday, March 18, 2013 7 p.m. Council Chambers - Maplewood City Hall 1830 County Road B East 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes: a. February 21, 2013 5. New Business a. Wetland Ordinance and Shoreland Ordinance Variance Requests for a Swimming Pool - 660 Eldridge Avenue East b. Allied Waste Services’ 2012 Yearly Report and 2013 Work Plan c. Environmental and Natural Resources Commission 2012 Annual Report 6. Unfinished Business 7. Visitor Presentations 8. Commission Presentations a. Commissioner Mason Sherill 1) Earth Hour – March 23 2) Chemical Reaction Documentary 9. Staff Presentations a. Maplewood Nature Center Programs 10. Adjourn Agenda Item 4.a. MINUTES CITY OF MAPLEWOOD ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 21, 2013 Council Chambers, City Hall 1830 County Road B East 1. CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Chair Edmundson. 2. ROLL CALL Randee Edmundson, Chair Present Judith Johannessen, Vice Chair Present Carol Mason Sherrill, Commissioner Present Ann Palzer, Commissioner Present Cindy Schafer, Commissioner Present until 8:30 p.m. Dale Trippler, Commissioner Present Ginny Yingling, Commissioner Present Staff Present Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner Steve Love, Assistant City Engineer 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Yingling moved to approve the agenda as submitted. Seconded by Commissioner Johannessen. Ayes – All The motion passed. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Johannessen had a correction under item c. in the first bulleted item - the second er word should be commission. Commissioner Trippler moved to approve the January 17, 2013, Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes as amended. Seconded by Commissioner Yingling. Ayes – Commissioner’s Johannessen, Schafer, Trippler & Yingling Abstentions – Chair Edmundson, Commissioner’s Palzer, & Mason Sherrill The motion passed. February 21, 2013 1 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Election of Chair and Vice Chair i. Environmental Planner, Shann Finwall introduced the item. Commissioner Trippler moved to appoint Judith Johannessen as Chair. Seconded by Commissioner Yingling. Ayes – All The motion passed. Commissioner Trippler moved to appoint Ann Palzer as Vice Chair. Seconded by Commissioner Yingling. Ayes – All The motion passed. At this point Chair Edmundson turned the chair duties over to Judith Johannessen for the remainder of the meeting. b. Maplewood Recycling Program 1) Tennis Sanitation’s 2012 Yearly Report and 2013 Work Plan i. Environmental Planner, Shann Finwall introduced the item and gave the report. ii. Willie Tennis, Tennis Sanitation, addressed the Commission and answered questions. Commissioner Yingling stated she was happy to see the letter from Strategic Materials regarding the glass recycling. Commissioner Yingling asked about the multi-family recycling rates that had gone down from the previous year. Commissioner Schaefer said the 2012 Yearly Report from Tennis Sanitation was well done and she liked the letters that were included in the report. Commissioner Trippler expressed concern with the 2012 Yearly Report. He felt it should have included more details. Commissioner Yingling stated it would be beneficial to see recycling statistics from surrounding communities. Commissioner Mason Sherrill was concerned about the decrease in the multi- family recycling. She was pleased that Tennis Sanitation will begin collecting plastic bags, but expressed concern over the fact that the bags would be shipped to China to be recycled. Willie Tennis responded that the only way to create a local market for recycling plastic bags, is to begin collecting them. So the collection of plastic bags in Maplewood is a good start toward that end. . Commissioner Schafer suggested removing the name of the resident who called to complain or give compliments. The date and nature of the call will suffice. February 21, 2013 2 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes Commissioner Palzer would like to see an overall percentage increase for recycling. Identifying trends and how Tennis Sanitation can motivate people to recycle more will be important. Educational material is beneficial as long as people read the pamphlets or brochures. She stated she remembered a Tennis driver speaking to the Commission in the past about his interactions with the residents during his route. That type of interaction also helps educate residents. Chair Johannessen said we need to remind people to work on reducing and reusing in addition to recycling. Willie Tennis thanked the Commission for their comments. 2) Extension of Tennis Sanitation’s Recycling Contract i. Environmental Planner, Shann Finwall briefly updated the commission on the contract extension. ii. Willie Tennis, Tennis Sanitation, addressed and answered questions of staff and the commission. Commissioner Schafer asked what would happen to the old recycling bins if the city switches to the recycling carts? Environmental Planner Finwall indicated the residents could keep those bins, or City could set up drop off locations where we could collect them to be recycled. Commissioner Edmundson asked if the recycling carts were going to be one size or will residents be able to pick the size they want? Environmental Planner Finwall stated the proposal is for a choice between a 65 or 32 gallon recycling carts. Commissioner Yingling moved to approve the two-year extension of Tennis Sanitation’s recycling contract with the use of city supplied recycling carts. Seconded by Commissioner Palzer. Ayes – Chair Johannessen, Commissioner’s Edmundson, Palzer, Schafer, & Yingling Nay – Commissioner Trippler The motion passed. c. Arkwright-Sunrise Area Street Improvements i. Assistant City Engineer, Steve Love gave the report and answered questions of the commission. Commissioner Mason Sherrill suggested the use of solar lighting for street lighting on the sidewalks and trails. Commissioner Trippler had concerns about the sidewalk plan and having a sidewalk that doesn’t connect to anything. Commissioner Trippler asked how the neighborhood felt about this project. February 21, 2013 3 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes Assistant City Engineer Love stated that the neighbors were concerned about the need for sidewalks and city staff has been working with the neighbors on that concern. Questions regarding the sidewalk included snow removal requirements and connections to the surrounding area. Commissioner Trippler had concerns about parking on the opposite side of the sidewalk since there is no parking on both sides of the street. Commissioner Mason Sherrill said the tree ordinance doesn’t allow trees to be planted in the right of way or boulevards but hopefully that will be revised so the living streets policy and the tree ordinance will be in sync with one and other. Assistant City Engineer Love stated this project will begin in the spring of 2014. Design plans will begin summer of 2013. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. 2013 Goal Implementation Strategies i. Environmental Planner, Shann Finwall went over the 2013 goal implementation strategies and how best to implement the goals. The commission discussed the 2013 goals and how best to implement them. It was determined that the goals would be placed into three categories including ordinance reviews, education, and research. Several commissioners expressed an interest in assisting with the ordinance reviews depending on which ordinance is reviewed (Urban Agriculture or Trees); Commissioners Palzer, Edmundson, and Yingling chose to focus on coming up with a comprehensive approach to environmental education; and Commissioner Mason Sherrill, Yingling, and Johannessen chose to conduct research on chemical use and plastic bags. The subcommittees will do outside research and report their findings to the full commission. 7. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS None present. 8. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS None. 9. STAFF PRESENTATIONS a. Nature Center Programs Environmental Planner, Shann Finwall presented the upcoming Nature Center Programs. For more information contact the Maplewood Nature Center at (651) 249-2170. 10. ADJOURNMENT Chair Johannessen adjourned the meeting at 9:40 p.m. February 21, 2013 4 Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes Agenda Item 5.a. MEMORANDUM TO: James Antonen, City Manager FROM: Michael Martin,AICP, Planner Charles Ahl,Assistant City Manager SUBJECT:Consideration of Variances to the Wetland and Shoreland Ordinances and Pool Fence ExceptionRequest for the Construction of a Swimming Pool LOCATION: 660 Eldridge Avenue East VOTE REQUIRED:Simple Council Majority Required for Approval of Variances DATE: March12, 2013 INTRODUCTION Amanda and Joseph Schneiderareproposing to install an in-ground swimming pool within the backyard of their home at 660 Eldridge Avenue East. Their entire backyard is within thebuffer areas as determined by thewetland and shoreland ordinances. This means the city council would need to approve variances to allow for the construction of a swimming pool. Request The applicant is requesting the following: A 46-foot shoreland buffer variance from Oehrline’s Lake, also on the southwest side of the Schneider’s property. The code requires a 75-foot setback from this Class 4 Public Water body. A21-foot wetland buffer variance from the Manage B wetlandon the southwestside of the Schneider’sproperty. The code requires a 50-foot buffer from the Manage Bwetland, adjacent to a lake. The applicant is requesting an exception to the requirement of installing a four-foot fence around the pool and instead would installa pool cover. City code allows thecity council to consider exceptions to this requirement. DISCUSSION Shoreland Ordinance Lake Oehrline is a Class 4 Public Water. The shoreland ordinance requires structures (including pools) to have a setback of 75 feet to the ordinary high water mark of a Class 4 Public Water. The maximum percentage of impervious surface for a single family waterfront lot is 30 percent, with the possibility of increasing that to 40 percent with stormwater best practices approved by the City. The house is located within 76 feet and the deck is located within 57 feet of the ordinary high water mark of Lake Oehrline. City staff calculates the dry land of the lot to be 17,700 square feet in area with 5,875 square feet of impervious surface coverage (33.2 percent). The lot currently exceeds the shoreland structure setback requirements of 75 feet to the ordinary high water mark and the impervious surface coverage maximums of 30 percent. The pool will be located within 29 feet of the lake and will require a 46-foot shoreland structure setback variance. City staff calculates the impervious surface coverage increasing to 38.4 percent and will require an 8.4 percent impervious surface variance. The impervious surface variance can be avoided with the removal of existing impervious surface, or approval of stormwater best practices to allow for impervious surface bonuses. Wetland Ordinance Lake Oehrlineis also classified as a Manage B wetland (entire lake is a wetland). The wetland ordinance requires a 50 foot buffer for Manage B wetlands. The house is located within 76 feet and the deck is located within 57 feet of the wetland. The lawn area adjacent the wetland is almost completely mowed, with four feet of rock lined shore. The pool will be constructed within 29 feet of the wetland and will require a 21 foot wetland buffer variance. The house was built prior to the City’s shoreland and wetland ordinance requirements. It is a pre-existing, nonconforming lot with lawn maintained up to the edge of the lake. Mitigation Strategies City staff worked with the applicant on mitigation strategies that would reduce the impacts of the pool construction to the lake and wetland. The mitigation strategies chosen by the applicant include the installation of a 15-foot-wide buffer planting along at least 75 percent of the shoreline and the removal of impervious surface. Buffer Planting Design:Maplewood’s wetland ordinance states that a mitigated wetland buffer must be planted with native vegetation. The March 5, 2013, landscape buffer design submitted by the applicant mixes native and nonnative plants. The buffer is designed more as a garden rather than a naturalized buffer planting. While the design has a nice mix of shrubs and perennials, it does not meet the requirements of being a native vegetated buffer. There is opportunity for aesthetic plantings in designing a native buffer, as long asthe functionality of the buffer is met including root structures are adequate to hold the soil, buffer provides habitat for native insects and wildlife (thus mostly native plants), and vegetation slows and filters stormwater runoff. For additional staff comments on the buffer planting design, please refer to the attached environmental report attached to this memo. Pool Fence Exception Theapplicantisrequestingthecitycouncilgrantanexceptiontothecity’spoolfence requirement.The city code currently requirespoolsbesurroundedwith a non-climbableorchain linkfenceofatleastfourfeetinheight.Alternativestothefencerequirement,suchasthe applicant’sproposaltouse a poolcover,shallbeconsideredanexceptionrequestandshall be subjecttoreviewandapprovalbythecitycouncil. Thepoolcoverbeingproposedwouldmeetsafetyandweight-bearingstandardssostaffwould becomfortablewithitsuse.Theapplicantdidstateintheirletter,attachedtothismemo,they preferred a coverover a fencebecauseofestablishedwildlifemigrationpatterns.If a fencewas required,becauseofwetlandandshorelandsetbackrequirements,itwouldneedtobeinstalled asclosetothepoolaspossible, whichwouldleaveplentyofmovementareabetweenthelake andpoolarea. Engineering Comments Refer to the report by Jon Jaroschof the Maplewood Engineering Department dated March 12, 2013.Mr. Jarosch’sconditions noted in his report should be made conditions of this project. Building Official’s Comments Dave Fisher, the Maplewood Building Official, had the following comments: Must meet all building code requirements. Environmental Planner’s Comments Refer to the report by Shann Finwall and Virginia Gaynor dated March 12, 2013.Ms. Finwall and Ms. Gaynor’s conditions noted in their report should be made conditions of this project. RECOMMENDATIONS 1.Adopt the resolution approving a shorelandsetbackvariance from Oehrline’s Lake – a Class 4 Public Water.Approval is based on the following reasons: A.Strict enforcement of the ordinance would cause the applicant practical difficulties because complying with the shorelandsetbackrequirement stipulated by the ordinance would prohibit the building of any permanent structures, substantially diminishing the potential of this lot. B.Approval of the requested shorelandsetbackvariance would benefit the adjacent lake becausethe site will be planted with additional buffer plantings. C.Approval would meet the spirit andintent of the ordinance since the proposed swimming pool would be built in an area that is already maintained as lawn, which is also allowed by ordinance. D.TheMinnesota Department of Natural Resourceshas reviewedthe applicant’s plansand does not require a permitor have any state statutes that prevent the pool from being built. Approval of the shorelandsetbackvariance shall be subject to complying with all of the conditions of approval in the EngineeringReview report by Jon Jaroschandin Shann Finwall and Virginia Gaynor’s Environmental Review. 2.Adopt the resolution approving a wetland buffer variance from the Manage B wetland adjacent to a lake. Approval is based on the following reasons: A.Strict enforcement of the ordinance would cause the applicant practical difficulties because complying with the wetland buffer requirement stipulated by the ordinance would prohibit the building of any permanent structures, substantially diminishing the potential of this lot. B.Approval of the requested wetland buffer variance would benefit the adjacent wetland becausethe site will be planted with additional buffer plantings. C.Approval would meet the spirit and intent of the ordinance since the proposed swimming pool would be built in an area that is already maintained as lawn, which is also allowed by ordinance. D.The Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District has reviewedthe applicant’s plansand had no concerns and does not require a permit. Approval of the wetland buffervariance shall be subject to complying with all of the conditions of approval in the EngineeringReview report by Jon Jarosch and in Shann Finwall and Virginia Gaynor’s Environmental Review. 3.Approve the applicant’s recent for an exception from the city’s pool fence requirement and allow the use of a pool cover.Any pool cover used on this property must meet safety and weight-bearing requirements and be approved by city staff. REFERENCE INFORMATION SITE DESCRIPTION Site size: 0.61acres Existing Use: Single family home SURROUNDING LAND USES North:Single family homes South:Lake Oehrline East:Single family homes West:Single family homes PLANNING Land Use Plan: LDR (low density residential) Zoning: R1 (single dwelling) Criteria for Variance Approval Section 44-13 of the city code allows the city council to grant variances. All variances must follow the requirements provided in Minnesota State Statutes. State law requires that variances shall only be permitted when they are found tobe: 1.In harmony with the general purposes and intent of the official control; 2.Consistent with the comprehensive plan; 3.When there are practical difficulties in complying with the official control. “Practical difficulties” means that the property ownerproposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by an official control. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner and the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Criteriafor Wetland Buffer Variance Approval Section 12-310of the city code allows the city council to grant variancesto wetland buffers. All variances must follow the requirements provided in Minnesota State Statutes. The council may grant a wetland buffer variance according to the language below: (1)Procedures. Procedures for granting variances from this section are as follows: a.The city council may approve variances to the requirements in this section. b.Before the city council acts on a variance, the environmental and natural resources commission will make a recommendation to the planning commission, who will in turn make a recommendation to the city council. The planning commission shall hold a public hearing for thevariance. The city shall notify property owners within 500 feet of the property for which the variance is being requested at least ten days before the hearing. c.The city may require the applicant to mitigate any wetland, stream, or buffer alteration impacts with the approval of a variance, including, but not limited to, implementing one or more of the strategies listed in subsection12-310(e)(4) (mitigation). d.To approve a variance, the council must make the following findings as depicted in Minn. Stats.§ 44-13: 4.In harmony with the general purposes and intent of the official control; 5.Consistent with the comprehensive plan; 6.When there are practical difficulties in complying with the official control. “Practical difficulties” means that the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by an official control. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner and the variance, ifgranted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Criteria forPool Fence Exception Section12-502outlines the requirements for the installation of pools, including the need for a fence. (8) All pools shall be surrounded with a non-climbable or chain link fence of at least four feet in height. The walls of an above-ground pool may substitute for a fence, provided the pool walls are at least four feet in height and the pool has a removable ladder, a self-closing/self-latching gate or some other means to prevent access. A fence surrounding a yard may also be used to meet this requirement, subject to these requirements. Alternatives to the fence requirement, such as a proposal to use a pool cover or some other means of swimming-pool protection, shall be considered an exception request and shall be subject to review and approval by the city council. APPLICATION/DECISION DEADLINE City staffreceived the complete application and plans for this proposal on January 28, 2013. State law requires that the city take action within 60 days of receiving complete applications. However, prior to a scheduled February 19, 2013 planning commission meeting the applicant requested an extension to rework the proposed site plan. This granted the cityan additional 60 days for review, while leaving the city the option of extending an additional 60 days if needed. The deadline for city action on this proposal is May 28, 2013. p:sec17\660 Eldridge\660 EldridgePool Wetland_ShorelandBuffer Variance_PC_ENR_0021913 Attachments 1.Location Map 2.Future Land Use Map 3.Zoning Map 4.Wetland Map 5.Applicant’s Letter of Request dated March 5, 2013 6.Site Plan 7.Landscape plan, dated March 5, 2013 8.Engineering Plan Review, dated March 13 2013 9.Environmental Plan Review, dated March 13, 2013 10.Shoreland Buffer Variance Resolution 11.Wetland Buffer Variance Resolution Attachment 1 660 Eldridge 660 Eldridge Avenue Location Map Attachment 2 660 Eldridge 660 Eldridge Avenue Land Use Map - LDR, low density residential Attachment 3 660 Eldridge 660 Eldridge Avenue Zoning Map - R1, single dwelling Attachment 4 660 Eldridge Manage B Wetland 660 Eldridge Avenue Wetland Map Zoning code variance application – 660 Eldridge Ave E, Maplewood, MN 55117 1b. Practical difficulties means that the property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by an official control. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner and the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Submit a statement showing how you would meet these two findings. We would like to use our property, located at 660 Eldridge Ave E, in a reasonable manner by installing an in-ground 18x36 foot pool and are requesting the following hardship variances/exemptions for our existing non-conforming property: 1) 14’ wetland buffer, 2) 39’ shore land setback and 3) pool fence exemption. Note: no variance is being requested related to impervious soil ratio constraints as we will be under the 30% impervious after the installation of the pool. If a variance is granted, we will not unreasonably impact/alter the essentialcharacter of the locality or the neighborhoodnor impact the adjacent wetland. Approximately 20% of the nearby homes, including several on lake Oehrline,have existing in-ground pools ensuring we would not be an anomaly. Maplecrest is a small tightknit community, attached are 5 lettersof variance support(refer to tab 3). These letters come from adjacent neighbors, the head of the lake association and other lakeside home owners. The pool planand landscape are designed to negate any impact to the wetland. The existing landscape includes plants,small trees, significant vegetation and up to 4 feet of rock lined shore to preserve the look, integrity and safety of the wildlife habitat. As a further mitigation we will install a 15’ vegetated border beyond the existing shoreline landscape which willsignificantly slowthe runoff into the lake that exists today. The 15’ border will consistof a mixture of 2-12’ high shrubs such as sumac low-grow, winterberry, fragrant sumac, nannyberry, and high brush American cranberry. A variety of perennials, such as one eyed susan’s, will also be planted in the 15’ border to increase the visual appeal of the shoreline. In addition to slowing runoff into the lake, we are hopeful that our 15’ border will promote our neighbors along the lake to grow out their grass, increase plantings and reduce their runoff into the lake as well. Finally, included are soil test results (refer to tab 6) demonstrating there would be no water table issues with a 5-foot deep pool further ensuring no impact to the immediate environment. The pool will be fit with an auto cover for safety. As demonstrated in tab 7, the auto cover provides a high levelof protection, more difficult to circumvent than a fence in many ways. The auto cover is nearly impenetrable protecting neighbors, kids and others from the pool. Pools can also be unexpectedly dangerous for wildlifesuch as turtles or other small mammals who often are fatally trapped in pools without an auto cover. Additionally, a fence could interruptlong heldspring turtle breedingpatternsand would negatively impact the view we have of lake Oehrline. For all of these reasons we feel an auto cover is the best option for our situation. In conclusion, if our variance application is approved, our mitigations will significantly improve the environment via less run off into the lake, will improve the look of the shoreline and will hopefully promote many of our neighbors along the lake to follow our lead with plantings/buffers to reduce their run off into the lake. Thank you in advance for your consideration, please contact us with any questions or follow up you require @ 612-963- 4970. Sincerely, Amanda & Joseph Schneider Attachment 6 Attachment 7 Attachment 8 Engineering Plan Review PROJECT: 660 Eldridge Avenue In-Ground Swimming Pool Installation OWNER: Amanda & Joseph Schneider COMMENTS BY: Jon Jarosch, P.E. DATE: 3-12-2013 PLAN SET: Drawing Dated 3-5-2013 OTHER: Impervious Surface Calculations The applicant is proposing to install a 18-foot by 36-foot in ground swimming pool at 660 Eldridge Avenue. The pool is currently proposed at 5-feet in depth and would be placed at the rear of the existing home.A deck area surrounding the pool is also proposed. The applicant is currently requesting an exemption from the pool fence requirement via the use of an automatic cover. The applicant is also seeking a 14-foot wetland setback variance and a 39-foot shoreland setback variance. Thefollowing are engineeringreview comments and act as conditions prior to issuing any permitsfor this proposal. 1)It appears from the sketch provided that this property will be at or over the maximum allowable impervious surface coverage with the proposed pool and accompanying deck. The applicant shall provide a plan showing more detailed dimensions of the pool and surrounding deck for impervious surface calculations.The installation of the pool and surrounding deck may require the installation of storm-water best management practices (raingarden, etc.) due to impervious surface coverage limitations. 2)As was noted in the email from the applicant’sdrilling consultant, groundwater levels are constantly fluctuating. The groundwater level noted in the drilling report is very close to the bottom of the proposed pool. The plans shall include the signature of a licensed engineer. The engineer shall certify the construction of the proposed pool as it pertains to the groundwater level. 3)All disturbed areas shall be graded to slopes of 3H:1V or less. This may require the use of retaining walls. Should retaining walls be necessary, they shall be placed as close to the pool area as possible. 4)Erosion control shall be installed prior to any construction activities. Permanent restoration of alldisturbed areas shall occur within 10 days of completion of grading activities. 5)The Owner shall satisfy requirements of all permitting and reviewing agencies. 6)All dewatering operations shall direct water to the street in front of theproperty. Dewatering into the lakeis not allowed. All waters shall be de-chlorinated prior to discharge. Attachment 9 Environmental Review Project: Schneider Pool Variance Dateof Plans: March 5, 2013 Date of Review: March 12, 2013 Location: 660 Eldridge Avenue East Reviewers: Shann Finwall, Environmental Planner (651) 249-2304; shann.finwall@ci.maplewood.mn.us Virginia Gaynor, Natural ResourcesCoordinator (651) 249-2416;virginia.gaynor@ci.maplewood.mn.us Background: The applicant is proposing to construct a swimming pool in their backyard adjacent Lake Oehrline. The property is located within a Shoreland District and is adjacent a wetland. Environmental Impacts: 1. Shoreland Ordinance a.:Lake Oehrline is a Class 4 Public Water. The shorelandordinance requires structures (including pools) to have a setback of 75 feet to the ordinary high water mark of a Class 4 Public Water. The maximum percentageof impervious surface for a single family waterfront lot is 30 percent, with the possibilityof increasing that to 40 percent with stormwater best practices approved by the City. Existing Conditions: Thehouse is located within 76 feet and the deck is located within 57 feet of the ordinary high water mark of Lake Oehrline. City staff calculates the dry land of the lot to be 17,700 square feet in area with 5,875 square feet of impervious surface coverage(33.2 percent). The lot currently exceeds the shoreland structure setback requirements of 75 feet to the ordinary high water markand the impervious surface coverage maximums of 30 percent. Shoreland Impacts :The pool will be located within 29feet of the lake and will require a 46-foot shoreland structure setback variance. City staff calculates the impervious surface coverageincreasing to 38.4 percent and will require an 8.4 percent impervious surface variance. The impervious surface variance can be avoided with the removal of existing impervious surface, or approval of stormwater best practices to allow for impervious surface bonuses. Wetland Ordinance b.:Lake Oehrline is also classified as a Manage B wetland(entire lakeis a wetland). The wetlandordinance requires a 50 foot buffer for Manage B wetlands. Existing Conditions: The house is located within 76 feet andthe deck is located within 57 feet of the wetland. The lawn area adjacent the wetland is almost completely mowed, with four feet of rock lined shore. Wetland Impacts : The pool will be constructed within 29feet of the wetland and will require a 21foot wetland buffer variance. Variance Mitigation Strategies: 2.The house was built prior to the City’s shoreland and wetland ordinance requirements. It is a pre-existing, nonconforming lot with lawn maintained up to the edge of the lake. City staff worked with the applicant on mitigation strategies that would reduce the impacts of the pool construction to the lake and wetland. The mitigation strategies chosen by the applicant include the installation of a 15-foot-wide buffer planting along at least 75 percent of the shorelineand the removal ofimpervious surface. . Buffer Planting Design: a. Maplewood’s wetland ordinance states that a mitigated wetland buffer must be plantedwith native vegetation. The March 5, 2013, landscape buffer designsubmitted by the applicant mixes native and nonnative plants. The buffer is designed more as a garden rather than anaturalized buffer planting. While the design has a nice mix of shrubs and perennials, it does not meet the requirements of being a native vegetated buffer. There is opportunity for aesthetic plantings in designing a native buffer, as long as the functionality of the buffer is met includingroot structures are adequate to hold the soil, buffer provides habitat for native insects and wildlife (thus mostly native plants), and vegetation slows and filters stormwater runoff.Staff concerns with the design submitted include: 1)There are too many non-native species in the design to meet requirements for buffer mitigation (99 non-native perennial plants, 14 native grass plants, and 115 native prairie plants). The shrub areas are fine and are well integrated into the bed. 2)There is too much massing of single species. Many of our native prairie flowers do not perform well when used this wayand need to be interspersed with grasses or other flowers. A few species such as butterfly weed, and prairie onion, can do well massed. 3)There are toofewnative grasses in the design. 4)Ideally, a buffer of native prairie plants mixesgrasses and flowers. This helps hold the soil since a variety of root systems are intertwined in an area, and it provides better cover since some plants have limited foliage. 5)Some of the native flowers specified in the design are not goodfor massing or are not good in the location they are placed: a)Black-eyed Susan –The design specified our native black eyed- Susan. Ournative is spindly, has little foliage, and 2 typically just lives 2-3 years. It is great planted among grasses, but does not do well as a mass planting. The plan called for 37 of these. If the intent was to use the cultivar (‘Goldsturm’) and not the native, that would do well here but would not meet the intent of the buffer. b)Blue-flag iris – This is our native wetlandiris. It is typically planted at the water’s edge, not midslope. If the soil has high clay content, it may be okay in the location shown. c) Cardinal flower – This is sometimes short-lived in a garden setting. d)Lupine – Our native lupine is a showstopper in late May and early June.But it often goesdormant before the end of August. Thus it is not ideal for a mass planting, for the border edge. It is great mixed with prairie grasses and other species. Impervious Surface Coverage: b.The applicant submitted impervious surface calculations with their application. The calculations show impervious surface coverage on the existinglot to be 25 percent. Under the applicant’s calculations, removal of 200 feet of impervious surface after the pool is constructed will ensure that their lot does not exceed 30 percent impervious surface coverage. Jon Jarosch, staff engineer, also calculated impervious surface on the lot and determined the coverage to be 33.2 percent.Under the City’s calculations, even the removal of 200 feet of impervious surface after the pool is constructed would require an impervious surface variance – total impervious surface would equal 37 percent. Following is a comparison of the applicant’s and City’s impervious surface calculations: Applicant’s City's CalculationsCalculations Total "Dry" Land Area19,531.017,700.0 Existing Impervious4,883.05,875.0 Existing Percent Impervious25.0%33.2% Proposed New Impervious925.0925.0 Proposed Percent Impervious29.7%38.4% Recommendations 3.: a.Buffer Planting Design: The applicant’s March 5, 2013, landscape plan shows a 15-foot-wide shoreland/wetland buffer which covers 75 percent of the lake/wetland frontage. The plan shows the planting of native and nonnative plants. Prior to issuance of a pool permit, the applicant must 3 submit a revised landscape plan with the following design changes that will better meet buffer restoration requirements: a)The number of non-native perennials should be significantly reduced and should be restricted to the lawn side of the bed. b)Additional native grasses should be incorporated into the design. c) Portions of the non-shrub areas should mix native grasses and perennials. d)Substitutions should be made for the large patches of black-eyed Susan and lupine – or these areas shouldmix grasses with these flowers. Impervious Surface b.:Applicant must work with staff to ensure accurate impervious surface calculations. If the calculations reflect the lot has more than 30 percent impervious surface coverage after the construction of the pool, the applicant must: a)Submit a plan which reflects the removal of existing impervious surface coverage (patio/sidewalks/portions of driveway) to ensure the lot does not exceed 30 percent coverage. b)Submit a revised landscape plan which shows theinstallation of a rainwater garden on the back side of the house to capture stormwater runoff prior to running into the lake/wetland. . Surety: c. Prior to issuance of a building permitthe applicant should submit a letter of credit or cash escrow to cover the cost of the mitigation measures outlined above. The City will release the surety after completion of the pool and mitigation measures. 4 Attachment 10 VARIANCE RESOLUTION SHORELAND SETBACK WHEREAS, Amanda and Joseph Schneider applied for a variance from the shoreland protection ordinance. WHEREAS, this variance applies to property located at 660 Eldridge Avenue. The property identificationnumberfor thisproperty is: 17-29-22-12-0059 WHEREAS, Ordinance Section44-1242 of the Shoreland Overlay District, requires a setbackof 75feet in width adjacent to aClass 4 Public Water. WHEREAS, the applicant is proposing a setbackof 29feet, requiring a variance of 46 feet, from the Class 4 Public Water. WHEREAS, the history of this variance is as follows: 1.On March 21, 2013, the environmental and natural resources commission reviewed this variance and recommended __________. 2. On March 19, 2013, the planning commission held a public hearing to review this proposal. City staff published a notice in the paper and sent notices to the surrounding property owners as required by law. The planning commission gave everyone at the hearing a chance to speak and present written statements. The planning commission also considered the report and recommendation of the city staff. The planning commission recommended that the city council ______the variance request. 3. The city council held a public meeting on _______, 2013, to review this proposal. The council considered the report and recommendations of the city staff and planning commission. NOW, THEREFORE, BEIT RESOLVED that the city council __________the above- described variances based on the following reasons: A.Strict enforcement of the ordinance would cause the applicant practical difficulties because complying with the shorelandsetbackrequirement stipulated by the ordinance would prohibit the building of any permanent structures, substantially diminishing the potential of this lot. B.Approval of the requested shorelandsetbackvariance would benefit the adjacent lake becausethe site will be planted with additional buffer plantings. C.Approval would meet the spirit and intent of the ordinance since the proposed swimming pool would be built in an area that is already maintained as lawn, which is also allowed by ordinance. D.TheMinnesota Department of Natural Resourceshas reviewedthe applicant’s plansand does not require a permit or have any state statutes that prevent the pool from being built. Attachment 10 Conditions of Approval Approval of the wetland buffer variance shall be subjectto complying with all of the conditions of approval in the EngineeringReview report by Jon Jarosch and in Shann Finwall and Virginia Gaynor’s Environmental Review. The Maplewood City Council approved this resolution on _________, 2013. Attachment 11 VARIANCE RESOLUTION WETLANDBUFFER WHEREAS, Amanda and Joseph Schneider applied for a variance from the wetland protection ordinance. WHEREAS, this variance applies to property located at 660 Eldridge Avenue. The property identification number for this property is: 17-29-22-12-0059 WHEREAS, Ordinance Section 12-310, the Environmental Protection and Critical Area Ordinance dealing with Wetlands, requires a wetland protection buffer of 50feet in width adjacent to Manage B wetlandsnext to lakes. WHEREAS, the applicant is proposing wetland protection buffers of 29feet, requiring a variance of 21 feet, from the Manage B wetland. WHEREAS, the history of this variance is as follows: 1.On March 21, 2013, the environmental and natural resources commission reviewed this variance and recommended __________. 2. On March 19, 2013, the planning commission held a public hearing to review this proposal. City staff published a notice in the paper and sent notices to the surrounding property owners as required by law.The planning commission gave everyone at the hearing a chance to speak and present written statements. The planning commission also considered the report and recommendation of the city staff. The planning commission recommended that the city council ______the variance request. 3. The city council held a public meeting on _______, 2013, to review this proposal. The council considered the report and recommendations of the city staff and planning commission. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the city council __________the above- described variances based on the following reasons: A.Strict enforcement of the ordinance would cause the applicant practical difficulties because complying with the wetland buffer requirement stipulated by the ordinance would prohibit the building of any permanent structures, substantially diminishing the potential of this lot. B.Approval of the requested wetland buffer variance would benefit the adjacent wetland becausethe site will be planted with additional buffer plantings. C.Approval would meet the spirit and intent of the ordinance since the proposed swimming pool would be built in an area that is already maintained as lawn, which is also allowed by ordinance. D.The Ramsey Washington Metro WatershedDistrict has reviewedthe applicant’s plansand had no concerns and does not require a permit. Attachment 11 Conditions of Approval Approval of the wetland buffer variance shall be subject to complying with all of the conditions of approval in the EngineeringReview report by Jon Jarosch and in Shann Finwall and Virginia Gaynor’s Environmental Review. The Maplewood City Council approved this resolution on _________, 2013. Agenda Item 5.b. MEMORANDUM TO: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission FROM: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner SUBJECT: Allied Waste Services2012 Yearly Trash and Yard Waste Report and 2013 Work Plan DATE: March 12, 2013 for the March 18 ENR Commission Meeting INTRODUCTION The Residential Trash and Yard Waste Service Agreement between the City of Maplewood and Allied Waste Services require that Allied submit an annual report and work plan. The annual report requires, at a minimum, trash cart sizes; total tons of trash, yard waste, and bulky items collected; number of trash cart repairs/warranty issues; service log of residents where education tags were left, log of complaints, number of households served, etc. The work plan should proposals for trash and yard waste system improvements. include DISCUSSION Annual Review The 2012 annual report summarizes implementation strategies taken by Allied and the City prior to the beginning of trash service in October including: Creation of a trash cart survey Trash cart orders Trash cart deliveries Creation of a billing database Purchase of biodiesel fuel trucks with RFID readers Creation and mailing of yard waste service notice Creation of education tags Cart exchanges Billing Creation and mailing of 2013 service guide Reduction in rates for 2013 The report summarizes the first three months of trash and yard waste data (October-December 2012) including number of accounts, total trash and yard waste tonnage, etc. Highlights of the three month summary include: Single family accounts – 8,790 Townhome/manufactured home accounts – 90 Permanent exemptions – 244 Walk up service – 44 Yard waste accounts – 750 Trash collected – 2024.59 tons Bulky items collected – 7.8 Yard waste collected - 181.7 tons Annual Work Plan The 2013 work plan includes a proposal for a fall clean up campaign, organized collection survey, routing improvements, website improvements, and a five year implementation schedule. RECOMMENDATION Review the 2012 annual report and 2013 work plan for the City’s residential trash and yard waste collection system. Offer feedback and comments on the reports as well as comments on the City’s trash and yard waste collection system. The reports will go to the City Council in April for final review. Attachments 2 TheCityofMaplewoodand AlliedWasteServices TrashandYardWasteServices 2012YearlyReportand2013WorkPlan TheCityofMaplewoodandAlliedWasteServices 2012AnnualReport TrashserviceundertheResidentialTrashandYardWasteServiceAgreementbetweentheCityof MaplewoodandAlliedWasteServicesbeganonOctober1,2012.Priortothebeginningofservice, AlliedworkedwiththeCityonseveralimplementationstrategiesincluding: TrashCartSurvey,CartOrder,andDelivery AlliedassistedtheCityofMaplewoodinthe creationofaresidentcartsurvey.Residents mailedinorenteredtheircartorderonline. Oncethecartsurveyswerecomplete,Allied assistedtheCityinitscartorderingprocess includingrecommendationsonfinalcartcounts. MaplewoodTrashCartsweredeliveredtoůůŝĞĚ͛Ɛ facilityinInverGroveHeightsinAugustwherethe cartswereassembled.Allieddistributed approximately9,000trashcartstoMaplewood householdsinSeptember2012inpreparationfor thebeginningoftrashserviceinOctober. MaplewoodTrashCart BillingDatabase AlliedassistedtheCityofMaplewoodinthecreationofabillingdatabase.Severalsourceswereused tocreatethedatabaseincludingcountyrecords,recyclingroutinginformation,andutilitybilling.Once complete,theCityofMaplewoodforwardedthebillingdatabasetoAlliedforuseinitstrashcollection billing.AlliednowmanagesandupdatesthatdatabaseandsharesthatinformationwiththeCity. BiodieselFuelTrucks InJuneAlliedpurchasedtwonewbiodieselfuel trucksandinstalledRFIDreaderstoserviceroutes inMaplewood. ůůŝĞĚ͛ƐBiodieselFuelTruckEquipped withRFIDReaders 2 YardWasteService InAugust2012Allieddevelopedandmailedayardwasteprogramoptinnotice.Thenoticeinformed residentsofyardwastesubscriptionandonetimeyardwastepickupthroughthenewcollection system.InSeptember2012Alliedrolledoutitsyardwastecartstoresidentswhosubscribedtothe service. AttentionMaplewoodResidents DoyouneedYardWasteremovalservicesatyourhome? AsofOctober1,2012,AlliedWasteServiceswillbecometheCityof DĂƉůĞǁŽŽĚ͛ƐnewresidentialtrashhaulerandtheŝƚǇ͛Ɛyardwaste (leaves/grassclippings)collectioncontractor. TosignupforoptionalYardWasteservicethroughthenewprogram,simply callůůŝĞĚ͛ƐCustomerServiceteamandtheywillhandleyouryardwaste removalserviceforOctoberandNovemberofthisyear.Youcanalsosignupto automaticallybeginyardwasteserviceagainnextspring.Easy! November2012Ͷandonly Thetotalcostis$19.50forserviceinOctoberand $79.50fortheentire2013season(AprilthroughNovember).Alliedwillsupply a65gallonyardwastecartforpickuponceaweekthroughthisservice.dŚŝƐ ŶŽƚŝĐĞŝƐĨŽƌǇĂƌĚǁĂƐƚĞƐĞƌǀŝĐĞŽŶůǇ͘ PleasecallAlliedWasteServicesat(651)4558634 togetyourYardWasteservicestartedforOctober1st! MaplewoodYardWasteMailer 3 EducationTags AlliedproducedanddistributestheprohibitedmaterialseducationtagstoMaplewoodresidentsas needed. MaplewoodTrashandYardWasteEducationTags 4 CartExchanges Duringthefirstthreemonthsofservice,Alliedconductedseveralcartexchangestoaccommodate ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚ͛Ɛneedsintheneworganizedcollectionsystem. Billing AllieddoesthebillingundertheAgreement.Thefirsttrashandyardwastebillwasmailedtoresidents inOctober,andcoveredthemonthsofOctober/November2012.Billswillcontinuetobemailedevery othermonthandwillcoveratwomonthperiod.Residentshavetheoptionofpayingbycheckinthe mail,payingbycreditcardoverthetelephoneoronline,orsettingupautomaticwithdrawalsfrom theirbankingaccount. 2013ServiceGuide AlliedassistedtheCityofMaplewoodinthecreationofa2013trashandyardwasteserviceguide. AlliedmailedtheguidetoallresidentialpropertieseligiblefortrashservicethroughtheAgreement. Theguidehasdetailsonholidayschedule,rates,prohibitedmaterials,yardwasteservice,etc. TrashandYardWasteServiceGuide 5 Rates Beginning2013AlliedwasabletoreduceitstrashhaulingratestoMaplewoodresidents.Thereduction wasduetoadecreaseinthetippingfee. CartSizeandServiceLevel2012Rate2013Rate 20galloneveryotherweek$6.83$6.79 20galloneveryweek$9.31$9.23 week$10.63$10.51 32gallonevery 65galloneveryweek$11.93$11.76 95galloneveryweek$13.39$13.17 TrashandYardWasteData Thefirstthreemonthsoftrashserviceaveraged674tonsoftrashcollectionmonthly,atotalofseven bulkyitemscollected,andatotalof181.7tonsofyardwastematerialcollected.Attachment1includes asummaryoftheŝƚǇ͛Ɛ2012(threemonth)tonnage,carts,customercomplaints/compliments,etc. 6 TheCityofMaplewoodandAlliedWasteServices 2013WorkPlan AlliedWasteServicesisfullycommittedtoservingtheCityofMaplewoodunderourResidentialTrash andYardWasteServicesAgreement.OnerequirementintheAgreementistooutlineaworkplan whichidentifieskeyprioritiesfortrashandyardwastesystemimprovements.Alliedproposesthe followingsystemimprovementsin2013. FallCleanUpCampaign AlliedwillworkwithCitystaffonanannualFallCleanUpCampaign.CurrentlytheCityholdstwoClean Upevents,oneinthespringandoneinthefall.Theseeventstakeaconsiderableamountofstafftime andCityfundingtoorganizeandrun.TheFallCleanUpCampaignwouldtakeplaceinlieuofaFall CleanUpevent.ReducingthenumberofCleanUpeventstoone,withasecondCleanUpCampaign, willbetterallowMaplewoodtomanageitsresourceswhilestillofferingresidentsoptionsfordisposal ofbulkyitems. AlliedwillworkwithCitystafftocreatepromotionalmaterialsontheCampaignthatwillbeincludedin thefalleditionofMaplewoodSeasons(September).Thepromotionalmaterialswilleducateresidents onreducing,reusing,andrecycling;wheretodonateorrequestpickupofreusableitems;andaCity fundedvoucherprogramforbulkyitempickup.Residentscanrecouptheirvouchersbyarrangingpick upofbulkyitemsbyAlliedduringtwoSaturdaysinOctober. OrganizedCollectionSurvey AlliedwillconductasurveytogaugeresidentapprovalordisapprovalofůůŝĞĚ͛ƐservicesandtheŝƚǇ͛Ɛ organizedtrashcollectionsystemingeneral.AdraftsurveywillbesubmittedtotheCitybyAugust1, 2013,forreviewandapproval.NoticeofthesurveywillbeincludedinMaplewoodresidentialtrash haulingbills.Thenoticewilldirectresidentstotheonlinesurvey.Theonlinesurveywillalsobe advertisedintheCityNewsletterandontheŝƚǇ͛Ɛwebsite.Finalresultsofthesurveywillbesubmitted totheCityforreview. RoutingImprovements SincethebeginningoftrashcollectionserviceinOctober2012,Alliedhasmademodificationstoits routeswithintheŝƚǇ͛Ɛdaycertainscheduletoimproveefficiencies.Inaddition,Alliedwillbegina reviewoftheŝƚǇ͛Ɛdaycertainscheduleforrecommendationsonimprovements.Recommendations couldincludechangingthedaycertainrouteboundariesorreducingthenumberofroutesfromfiveto four. 7 Website AlliedwillplaceMaplewoodtrashandyardwastecollectioninformationonourwebsite,withalinkto theŝƚǇ͛Ɛwebsite.Trashcollectioninformationwillincludeprices,billing,holidayschedules,prohibited materials,andAlliedCustomerServicetelephonenumber.Yardwastecollectioninformationwill includesubscriptionandonetimepickupinformationaswellasalinktothecountycompostsites. FiveYearImplementationSchedule Thefiveyearimplementationscheduleidentifiestasksandassignmentsforcarryingoutthe requirementsofthetrashcollectionagreement.Thefollowingscheduleincludestimelinesforfuture majoractivitiesasoutlinedintheagreement: 2014:Improvementsinrouting(includingpossiblechangesinthedaycertainscheduleand serviceareas) 2014:RFIDsystemreviewandimprovements 2014:Organicwastecollectionpilotproject 2015:Creationofpayasyouthrowprogram 2016:Implementationofpayasyouthrowprogram 2017:Organicscollection 8 Attachment 1 2012 Maplewood Year End Trash Report - Submitted by Allied Waste Services Collection Service LevelsOctNovDecYear End 115115115115 20 Gallon EOW 439433427427 20 Gallon Weekly 1004100710091009 32 Gallon Weekly 3111310531203120 65 Gallon Weekly 4215416141314131 95 Gallon Weekly 2222 2/32 Gallon Weekly 2222 2/65 Gallon Weekly 42505555 2/95 Gallon Weekly 9101010 3/95 Gallon Weekly 6788 4/95 Gallon Weekly 1111 5/95 Gallon Weekly Account InformationOctNovDecYear End 8,8568,8038,7908,790 Single family accounts 90909090 Townhome/manufactured home accounts 178231244244 Permanent exemptions 35364444 Walk up services 782756750750 Yard waste accounts Containers in useOctNovDecYear End 115115115115 20 Gallon EOW 439433427427 20 Gallon Weekly 1004100710091,009 32 Gallon Weekly 3111310531203,120 65 Gallon Weekly 4215416141314,131 95 Gallon Weekly 4444 2/32 Gallon Weekly 4444 2/65 Gallon Weekly 84100110110 2/95 Gallon Weekly 27303030 3/95 Gallon Weekly 24283232 4/95 Gallon Weekly 5555 5/95 Gallon Weekly 9,0328,9928,9878,987 Trash carts in use Trash Cart Inventory OctNovDecYear End 151169139139 20 Gallon 420492421421 32 Gallon 418344366366 65 Gallon 354425282282 95 Gallon OctNovDecYear End Trash Carts to be Purchased 0000 Size Trash Cart Parts to be PurchasedOctNovDecYear End 0000 Page 1 of 2 Trash Cart Warranty Issues OctNovDecYear End 0000 Trash Cart ActivityOctNovDecAnnual Total 4283750515 Volume switches 922738 Replacement 105621 Repair 3036536404 Removal 1322924185 Delivery Disposal Information in TonsOctNovDecAnnual Total 710.16714.14600.292024.59 MSW (trash) collected 123.9557.750181.7 Yard waste collected 3.462.551.797.8 Bulk items collected $ 58.00 Tipping Fee per ton $ 58.00$ 58.00$ 58.00 Disposal Site RRT Newport MN Delinquent Accounts$$Quantity Total Acounts Past Due 2524 $105,714.32 Accounts with 30 day past due 2415 $75,215.65 Accounts with 61 day past due 48 $ 902.27 Accounts with 91 day past due 1204 $29,596.40 Type of Educational Call/Tag OctNovDecAnnual Total 5117 Bulk Items out not scheduled 91212 Cart Placement 1012 Increase Service Level 022 Using Personal Can 011 Using old hauler can 11 Oversized Item 112 Prohibitted item in trash 28230 Yardwaste in plastic bags 437 Yardwaste in trash cart 11213 Yardwaste out but not on program 11 Container Deliver 22 Container Size 11 Request to bag trash 66 Set Out Time Customer Complaints/ComplimentsOctNovDecAnnual Total # of monthly complaints/compliments13 12631 Type of Safety and AccidentsOctNovDecAnnual Total 0 000 MonTueWedThuFri Approximate lifts per route per day 51210505751000780800 511400100 5149007258757831000 Page 2 of 2 Agenda Item 5.c. MEMORANDUM TO: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission FROM: Shann Finwall, AICP, Environmental Planner SUBJECT: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Annual Report DATE: March 12, 2013 for the March 18 ENR Commission Meeting INTRODUCTION Annually the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission submits a report to the City Council which outlines the actions and activities taken by the commission during the preceding year, recommendations needed to existing ordinances or policies based on past reviews, and goals envisioned for the upcoming year. The report serves as a means of relaying important information on the Commission’s accomplishments and obtaining feedback on proposed goals. RECOMMENDATION Review the draft Environmental and Natural Resources Commission 2012 Annual Report. Attachment: Environmental and Natural Resources Commission 2012 Annual Report Attachment D R A F T City of Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources Commission 2012 Annual Report March 18, 2012 Preface The Environmental and Natural Resources (ENR) Commission is charged with protecting, preserving and enhancing the environment of the City of Maplewood. Members The ENR Commission consists of seven members appointed by the City Council. Membership terms are for three years, with extensions for additional terms approved by the City Council. The current membership is as follows: Board Member Membership Began Term Expires Carol Mason Sherrill 11/27/06 09/30/13 Ginny Yingling 11/30/06 09/30/13 Ann Palzer 07/25/11 09/30/13 Judith Johannessen 07/14/08 09/30/14 Cynthia Schafer 11/15/12 09/30/14 Dale Trippler 02/25/08 09/30/15 Randee Edmundson 02/08/10 09/30/15 Commissioners Trippler and Edmundson were were reappointed to three-year terms in September 2012, with terms expiring in 2015. Commissioner Schafer was appointed on November 15, 2012, to fill the vacant position left by Commissioner Schreiner who resigned on July 1, 2012. Commissioner Schafer’s term will expire September 30, 2014. Chair and Vice Chair Each year the Commission appoints Commissioners to serve as Chair and Vice Chair. On February 21, 2013, the Commission appointed Commissioner Johannessen to be the Chair and Commissioner Palzer to be the Vice Chair. Previously (2012) the Chair was Commissioner Edmundson and the Vice Chair was Commissioner Johannessen. Meetings The ENR Commission meetings are held the third Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. In 2012, the ENR Commission scheduled 12 regular monthly meetings and held 11. Of the 12 regular monthly meetings, two meetings were rescheduled due to Martin Luther King and President’s Day Holidays and one meeting was canceled (August) due to a lack of a quorum. 2012 Attendance Commissioner Attendance Judith Johannessen 11 of 11 Ann Palzer 10 of 11 Dale Trippler 10 of 11 Ginny Yingling 10 of 11 Carol Mason Sherrill 9 of 11 Randee Edmundson 8 of 11 Bill Schreiner 3 of 7 (Resigned in July) Cynthia Palzer 1 of 1 (Began in November) Reviews and Accomplishments The ENR Commission is a strong element to the city’s environmental planning. One of the missions of the Commission is to develop and promote sustainable practices for city policies and procedures. In 2012 the ENR Commission worked on the following environmental issues: 1. Annual Review of the Maplewood Residential Recycling Program 2. Capital Improvement Plan for 2013 - 2017 3. Maplewood Trash Plan Implementation – Trash Cart Purchase and Implementation Plan 4. Solid Waste Management Ordinance and Standards 5. Earth Hour (March) 6. Spring Clean Up and Home Expo (April 21) 7. Arbor Day observation (tree planting held at Lion’s Park) and proclamation (April). 8. Waterfest (June 2) 9. East Metro Public Safety Training Center and Marshlands – Review of Project and Wetland Impacts 10. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase II and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit 2011 Annual Report 11. Maplewood Trash Plan Opening Day Ceremony 12. 3M Trail Concept Plans – Semi-Public Trail Within the Wetland Buffer 13. Maplewood Dump Site Clean Up 14. Keller Golf Course Renovations – Review of Project and Wetland Impacts 15. Fish Creek Master Plan and Management Plan 16. National Night Out – Recycling Bin Distribution (August 7) 17. Maplewood Mall Stormwater Open House (September 15) 18. Fall Clean Up (October 13) 19. Gathering on the Bluff – Fish Creek Event 20. Living Streets Policy 21. Shoreland/Wetland Ordinance Amendments Goals During the January Commission meeting, the ENR Commissioners chose the following goals for 2013: 1. Plastic bags – reduce or eliminate 2. Greenways – educational materials or programs 2 3. Urban agriculture – review of existing ordinances to promote and eliminate barriers to urban agriculture 4. Environmental education – speakers 5. Chemical use – lawn and garden 6. Tree ordinance – review existing ordinance and propose updates based on Living Streets Policy The goals were separated into three categories as follows: 1. Ordinances – review of the city code or the creation of new codes to promote urban agriculture and updates to the tree ordinance to meet the new Living Streets Policy. 2. Education – create a comprehensive approach to environmental education. 3. Research – background research needed on reducing or eliminating plastic bags and chemical use. Implementation of Goals During the February Commission meeting, the ENR Commissioners reviewed the goals and determined how best to implement them throughout the year. It was determined that the Commission would branch off into subcommittees. All subcommittee reports would be presented to the full Commission for review and recommendation. Following are the subcommittees formed: 1. Ordinances – several commissioners expressed an interest in assisting with the code reviews depending on the ordinance. 2. Education – Commissioners Palzer, Edmundson, and Yingling. 3. Research – Commissioners Mason Sherrill, Yingling, and Johannessen. Conclusion The ENR Commission will continue to carry out their mission as follows: 1. Establish environmental priorities for the city. 2. Make recommendations on policies, procedures and ordinances that control, protect, preserve, and enhance the city’s environmental assets. 3. Participate in the mission and goal of the Maplewood Nature Center and Neighborhood Preserves. 4. Promote greater use and appreciation of the city’s environmental assets. 5. Sponsor environmental projects to enhance, repair, replace, or restore neglected or deteriorating environmental assets of the city. 6. Develop educational programs that foster the mission of the Commission. 7. Develop and promote sustainable practices for city policies and procedures. 3