Nat'l Resources Conservation Board

Blaine City Hall City of Blaine 10801 Town Square Dr Blaine, MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes - Final Nat'l Resources Conservation Board The Natural Resource Conservation Board is an advisory body to the City Council. The Board is charged with recommending acquisition of lands for open space and developing a Natural Resource Plan which includes environmental policy and guidelines for the maintenance and preservation of Blaine’s existing and future opens spaces and trail corridors. One of the Board’s functions is to hold public meetings and make recommendations to the City Council. For each item, the Board will receive reports prepared by City staff, provide the opportunity for public response, conduct Board discussions and make recommendations. The City Council, however, makes all final decisions on these matters. Tuesday, March 15, 2016 7:00 PM Council Chambers 1. Call To Order 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Others Present: Recording Secretary, Debbie Wolfe Present: 6 - Chair McKinley, Villella, Rafferty, Perkins, Gunter, and Comissioner Anderson Absent: 3 - Ruth, Truchon, and Castillo 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes MOVED by Boardmember Villella, seconded by Boardmember Anderson to approve the minutes of the February 16, 2016 Board Meeting as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Aye: 6 - Chair McKinley, Villella, Rafferty, Perkins, Gunter, and Comissioner Anderson 4. Approval of Agenda MOVED by Boardmember Rafferty, seconded by Boardmember Perkins, to approve the March 15, 2016 Board Agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. City of Blaine Page 1 Nat'l Resources Conservation Minutes - Final March 15, 2016 Board Aye: 6 - Chair McKinley, Villella, Rafferty, Perkins, Gunter, and Comissioner Anderson 5. Open Forum for Citizen Input There was none. 6. New Business 6.a Update on Meeting with BWS Consultants Chair McKinley reviewed the meeting was held last Monday. There was good representation at the meeting. The point was made the NRCB is not happy with the designs they have seen. The City cannot afford impacts to the wetlands. Concerns were stated to the consultants. The parking lot and buildings are not going to work. The request was for 2-3 new options. Mr. Hafner has not been happy with how slow the consultants have been to respond. On March 29, there will be a meeting with the Rice Creek Watershed. The new concepts must be available for that meeting. The permits for the trail is advancing well and expectation is to receive response by mid-April. Another concern expressed was cost. The suggestion was made to have a green roof. The building needs to have a lab. The desire is to have the building be a gateway to the wetlands. Boardmember Gunter showed a picture of the center building being located within the wetland. That building needs to be reshaped without getting into the wetland. Another option is to move the parking lot. Boardmember Anderson stated originally the consultant was including a look-out onto the open water from the building. Chair McKinley stated there are wetland delineation flags throughout the property. The NRCB will continue to have input. Chair McKinley is thankful for Jim Hafner and Jason Husveth’s participation. Chair McKinley encouraged the Boardmembers to visit the site and walk the property. Informational; no action required. 6.b Follow Up on Ideas for Celebrating National Wetland Month Chair McKinley reviewed she asked Jason Husveth if he would consider providing a talk and a tour for Saturday May 7, 2016 (Time - TBD) at East Lake Park. Boardmember Villella noted there is an event at the Beach (Fun Run). Chair McKinley will prepare some City of Blaine Page 2 Nat'l Resources Conservation Minutes - Final March 15, 2016 Board displays. There needs to be an article in the City Newsletter (early April). Chair McKinley will write the article. Discussed. 6.c Follow Up on Participating in and Attending Future Events Chair McKinley reviewed the Green Expo will be April 23, 2016 (9am - 3pm at National Sports Center). She has a table requested. Chair McKinley plans to attend. The Blaine Festival is June 24-26, 2016. A display table will be requested by Chair McKinley in the civic tent. Earth Day is scheduled and Sherry already has a number of groups (9) signed up to work in parks. The dates are April 15 - May 15. Discussed. 7. Other Business Chair McKinley asked the Board if there was interest in a joint tour with the Park Board this summer. The consensus was the Board was interested. Boardmember Perkins suggested a tour of North Oaks West area. Boardmembers Rafferty and Truchon continue their work on the NRCB History. Chair McKinley presented Boardmember Anderson with a proclamation in recognition of his service to the NRCB. Discussed. 8. Adjournment MOVED by Boardmember Anderson, seconded by Boardmember Gunter, to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m. The motion carried unanimously. Aye: 6 - Chair McKinley, Villella, Rafferty, Perkins, Gunter, and Comissioner Anderson City of Blaine Page 3