SUNFISH LAKE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING – SEPTEMBER 16, 2009
7:00 P.M. – HOME OF COMMISSIONER SCHLEHUBER -
3 ACORN DRIVE, SUNFISH LAKE, MN
Attendants:
Chair: Andrea McCue.
Commissioners: Arnulf Svendsen, JoAnn Wahlstrom, Tom Votel and Tom Schlehuber.
City Planner: Laurie Smith
The Planning Commissioners began the meeting with a walk around Commissioner Shlehuber’s property to view the growth and removal of Buckthorn in the area. Commissioner Schlehuber pointed out areas near his property that where Buckthorn has not been removed as the “before” and showed the Commissioners his property where he has been working for a year and a half to remove Buckthorn as the “after”.
I. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Andrea McCue opened the meeting at 7:42 p.m..
II. INVASIVE SPECIES DISCUSSION
Chair McCue introduced the agenda item and summarized the discussions and actions that have been taken with regards to invasive species in the City thus far. Chair McCue noted that most of the invasive species
work that has been done so far involves education: lectures by the Environmental Committee, activities at Arbor Day events – weed wrench demonstration, etc., and the upcoming Buckthorn Bust.
Commissioner Schlehuber stated that he thought Mark Johnson was very informative with regards to invasive species and he hopes that the current City Forester would do the same. He agreed that education is the key component to managing invasive species and that a focus should be on educating people who are new to the City. He suggested perhaps a “welcome letter” from the Mayor which would include information on invasive species in the City – both identification and eradication information. Commissioner Schlehuber discussed the 1st Annual Buckthorn Bust that he is organizing with Bernie Tuohy and showed a map of Musser Park in relation to his home (3 Acorn Drive). Commissioner Schlehuber commented that in the 1 ½ years he has been working on removing Buckthorn from his property he has spent approximately $3,000 on those efforts.
Commissioner Svendsen agreed that a “welcome packet” from the Mayor or from City staff which would include information in invasive species is a good idea.
Commissioner Votel agreed that education and outreach are important, but that perhaps those are more of a City Council function. He explained that he sees the Planning Commission’s role as intervening with education and/or recommendations for eradication when someone pulls a permit – whether it be for a minor project or a major project. Commissioner Votel suggested that when a project is under consideration, the City Forester could be sent out to the site to assess the existence of invasive species.
There was a discussion on whether or not there should be regulations to simply assess the existence of invasive species versus regulations requiring property owners to eradicate them. The Planning Commission determined that they should obtain advice from the City Attorney prior to consideration of a Zoning Ordinance amendment.
Planner Smith distributed some example language that could be added to the Zoning Ordinance with regards to invasive species. This information included definitions of invasive species and invasive species assessment as well as the addition of an information requirement for Site and Building Plan Reviews which would require that applicants submit an “invasive species assessment”. The Planning Commission reviewed the example language and discussed the notion of added such language to the Zoning Ordinance.
Chair McCue pointed out that the existing Zoning Ordinance language regarding information to be submitted for Site and Building Plan Reviews includes a tree inventory. Chair McCue mentioned that the “invasive species assessment” could be tacked on to that requirement since they are similar.
Commissioner Votel noted that in the existing Zoning Ordinance language regarding the submission of tree inventory information, it does not specify who does the inventory or how it should be done. Commissioner Votel suggested that perhaps the City Forester could be the one to do this – provided that time and budget allows for it.
Chair McCue suggested that the “invasive species assessment” would apply only when someone builds a new home.
Commissioner Votel suggested that the “invasive species assessment” could apply when someone builds a new home or for any Major Review.
Chair McCue summarized the discussion: the Planning Commission feels that there should be new ordinance language requiring submission of an “invasive species assessment” when someone builds a new home; the Planning Commission will suggest that the City Forester be the one to conduct the required tree inventory and invasive species assessment for new home projects; the Planning Commission would like to provide new property owners an information packet on Buckthorn, etc.
Commissioner Schlehuber suggested that perhaps when a person moves in to the City and/or when someone is applying for a Major Site and Building Plan Review the City Forester could be dispatched to their home to offer free advice on trees and invasive species.
Commissioner Votel asked about home many new homes are built in the City each year. Planner Smith responded about two per year on average but that number is dwindling as fewer vacant lots are available.
Commissioner Votel stated that it may be more appropriate for the invasive species assessment to apply to all new Major Reviews and that education should be a major factor.
Chair McCue stated that if the City were to require invasive species information to be submitted with Major Review applications it would make a statement and show a commitment.
Commissioner Votel stated that if the City Forester was used to do the tree inventory and/or the invasive species assessment the cost would be quite low given the small number of Major Reviews that happen each year.
Commissioner Schlehuber commented that if the City Forester made “house calls” the information would spread quickly as neighbors talk to each other. He stated that it is important to be being pro-active as opposed to re-active. Commissioner Schlehuber suggested that if the City Forester were to do an inventory, he could “flag” both good trees and bad trees so that the property owner is aware of each.
Commissioner Votel suggested that the City Forester could do a follow-up once the new home or project is constructed to see that the property owner followed through on the suggestions and/or requirements for invasive species removal.
Commissioner Schlehuber suggested that moving forward the City could designate the month of October as “Buckthorn Month”. He stated that Buckthorn is easily identifiable as it is the only tree that remains green while all other trees are changing colors and dropping their leaves. He suggested that the City could have a 1 to 5 year plan to control Buckthorn and that it should probably start with efforts in the City parks. Commissioner Schlehuber stated that the City needs to take ownership and provide an example of eradication efforts in the City parks. The rest of the Commissioners agreed.
Commissioner Votel moved to direct the Planner to work with the City Attorney to develop ordinance language and a memorandum regarding invasive species assessment and control in the City of Sunfish Lake and distribute to the Planning Commission and City Council. Seconded by Commissioner Schlehuber and carried 5-0.
The Planning Commission discussed the proposed invasive species discussion schedule and decided that the information prepared by the Planner and Attorney should be discussed at the October 21st Planning Commission and that one or two Planning Commissioners would make a presentation on their findings and recommendations to the City Council at their November meeting.
Chair McCue asked if there was any further business and there was no response.
III. ADJOURN: Commissioner Wahlstrom moved, to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Svendsen and carried. 5-0
Respectfully submitted,
Laurie Smith, City Planner
We are a small community proud of our heritage and committed to the preservation of our pristine, rural character. We cherish our privacy, yet know we are part of a thriving Dakota County and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area. With these partnerships in mind, we strive to preserve that unique spirit which is Sunfish Lake, Minnesota.