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2005-11-28 EC Agenda PacketAGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Conference Room Monday, November 28, 2005 6:00 P.M. I. Call to Order 11. Approval of Minutes — October 24, 2005 III. Deer Population Study— (discussion with Director of Parks & Recreation) IV. Lighting Plan/Ordinance — request for input (new action) V. Volunteer Buckthorn Removal Project by South Rice Lake Association (report by Lundstrom on September 24, 2005 event) VI. Sidewalk Committee (report by Pawluk on meeting of November 1, 2005) VII. Envision Guide Feedback — ➢ Surface Water Theme (topic report by Pawluk) ➢ Nature Corridors (additional information by Kuentz) ➢ Report to City Council (Commission) VIII. Program/Project Updates — ➢ Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants ➢ Wirth Lake Berm Repair ➢ TH 55/Boone Avenue/General Mills Boulevard ➢ Medley Park Creek Bank Stabilization Project ➢ 1/1 Study ➢ Three Rivers Park District Trail (Regional Bicycle Plan) ➢ Mighty Tidy Day (2005) IX. Commission Member Council Reports X. Other Business XI. Adjourn GAEnvironmental Commission\Agendas\2005\112805.doc GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes November 28, 2005 Present: Rich Baker, Dawn Hill, Christopher Kaisershot, Alan Kuentz, Jon Pawluk Absent: Tracy Anderson City Staff: Jeff Oliver, City Engineer; Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks & Recreation; Al Lundstrom, Environmental Coordinator; Tracy Pharr, Administrative Assistant I. Call to Order Baker called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Il. Approval of Minutes - October 24, 2005 No changes. MOVED by Pawluk, seconded by Kuentz, and the motion carried unanimously to approve the minutes of the October 24, 2005 meeting as submitted. III. Deer Population Study (discussion with Director of Parks & Recreation) Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks & Recreation, introduced himself to the Commission. Jacobson referred to the annual deer survey (a copy was included in the Commission's October 24 meeting agenda packet) performed by the Three Rivers Park District. He described the parameters under which the surveys are performed. Based on this survey, twenty-six deer were observed in the western half of Golden Valley, and 35 deer were counted in the eastern half of the city. Baker asked how many years of data is available. Jacobson replied that the City has surveys dating back to the mid-1990s. Kuentz asked what the trend appears to be. Jacobson responded that the numbers are going up. Jacobson said the first question that always arises is "What can be done about the deer?" He replied that the number one thing people can do to keep deer away from their property is to build a fence. Deer operate on a risk -reward basis, depending upon their hunger level, so the key is to make the yard unappetizing to the deer. Jacobson also noted "DeerAway" and "Hinder" deterrent treatments for grass and vegetation, as well as the use of human hair in a nylon sock, Milorganite or Irish Spring soap. To be effective, these treatments must be reapplied after rain. Jacobson continued that the only 100% effective deterrent is to kill the deer, but as the Commission knows, this is a very controversial solution. He added that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR) does not permit relocation of deer. Baker asked if deer had ever been culled in Golden Valley. Jacobson responded that he wasn't aware of a hunt ever occurring. Hill asked if there is a specific number determined for a hunt. Jacobson replied the MnDNR has guidelines indicating 15-20 deer per square mile of habitat is desirable. Further discussion about deer population and habitat ensued. Kuentz asked if staff has received any direction on this issue from the City Council. Jacobson said the Council has discussed possibly placing this on the December 13 Council/Manager meeting agenda. If the Council decides to address the topic at this meeting, Jacobson said the Council may consider forming a committee to further study this issue. He added that members of the Parks & Open Space and Environmental Commissions, as well as residents from the community, may be included on the committee. The committee would likely then present the results of their studies and take comment at several public meetings. Jacobson explained the process by which a hunt takes place and how it is priced. He added that a hunt can only take place during the hunting season, and the MnDNR has to issue the proper permits. Baker asked whether or not the Commission wishes to be involved in this issue. Commission Members discussed their opinions. Jacobson mentioned how this is really a joint issue for several of the City's Commissions, the Environmental Coordinator and the Public Safety Department. Kuentz asked about shooting deer within Wirth Park. Jacobson answered that this could not be done without permission from the Minneapolis Park Board. Additional discussion took place regarding whether or not the Environmental Commission wished to participate in the deer study process. Baker mentioned that he would like to attend the December 13 Council/Manager meeting if this item is placed on the agenda. MOVED by Pawluk, seconded by Hill, and the motion carried unanimously that, in the event the City Council should decide to form a committee to address the deer population issue, the Environmental Commission would like to have representation on the committee. IV. Lighting Plan/Ordinance (new action) Oliver stated that the development of a lighting ordinance has been budgeted for in 2006. This topic will be moved to Program/Project Updates. 2 V. Volunteer Buckthorn Removal Project by South Rice Lake Association (report by Lundstrom on September 24, 2005 event) Lundstrom referenced the SunPost article and excerpt from a recent weekly report (attached to the agenda packet) regarding South Rice Lake Association's buckthorn removal project on September 24. He passed around several photographs taken at the event. Lundstrom said the participants worked very hard, and the event was quite a success. Along with a large group of people from the South Rice Lake Association, Lundstrom, Assistant Forester Tim Teynor and Alan Kuentz were in attendance. It is hoped that another group will be interested in pursuing a buckthorn removal project soon. Staff will run another article in the CityNews in spring 2006 to encourage future participation. Kuentz asked if the City -owned weed wrenches are available for use by Golden Valley residents on their own property. Lundstrom replied that a program for this has not been developed. He will follow-up on this and provide feedback to the Commission. VI. Sidewalk Committee (report by Pawluk on meeting of November 1, 2005) Pawluk has been appointed as the Environmental Commission's representative on the City's Sidewalk Committee. The Sidewalk Committee is comprised of two representatives from the Planning Commission, two representatives from the Parks & Open Space Commission, one member from the Environmental Commission and City staff members as liaisons. Hill asked if any residents attended the meeting. Pawluk replied that one homeowner was in attendance. Oliver said that this resident has requested a new sidewalk that is not currently planned for construction by the City. Pawluk described the area of the request (Toledo Avenue North and Golden Valley Road). The Sidewalk Committee is recommending to the City Council that this sidewalk be included in the 2006 Pavement Management Program, depending upon budget. VII. Envision Guide Feedback Surface Water Theme (topic report by Pawluk) — Pawluk distributed a handout on his Surface Water theme. He recommended a focus on education, particularly addressing runoff into and/or affecting Bassett Creek. Baker asked if the City had any educational activities planned. Lundstrom replied that the NPDES Phase II permit requires an education component. He described the City's response to this through newsletter articles, various brochures and education of City staff. Oliver added there is ongoing discussion with the BCWMC about when the Watershed (versus individual cities) should take the lead on items like education, the TMDL study and NPDES permits. Lundstrom added that more education is planned for the spring and summer of 2006, and will be ongoing well into the future. 3 Report to City Council — Hill mentioned compiling the four Envision themes into one document and then prioritizing. Baker agreed. Pharr will compile this document and include the Envision Action Items list from February and send them in the December agenda packet. Commission Members will review and prioritize the items into a cohesive document at the December meeting for a report to the Council. Nature Corridors — No new information from Kuentz. This item will be combined with the three other themes discussed under Envision Guide Feedback in the December meeting agenda. VIII. Program/Project Updates Sunnyridge Lane Soil Contaminants — Oliver said that treatment of the contaminants has begun. All material that has been excavated to date has already received treatment. Oliver stated that staff is evaluating the budget for this project, and will treat as much material as possible. Once the grant funding from the County has been exhausted, no further treatment will occur. Wirth Lake Berm Repair — Lundstrom said the project is approximately 95 percent finished. Punch -list items remain to be completed. TH 55/Boone Avenue North/General Mills Boulevard — This project is substantially complete. Beginning in 2006, Prairie Restorations will be under contract for monthly management of the native vegetation. Medley Park Creek Bank Stabilization Project — Lundstrom stated that all work has been performed except the bridge and creek weir structures. The site has been stabilized with straw blankets for the winter, and planting will take place in the spring. The trail is closed until spring. 1/1 Study — Oliver said staff believed the City would not appear on the Met Council's list of excess 1/1 violators, but the October 4, 2005 rain event changed this. The City will be surcharged approximately $300,000, which would be passed on to rate payers, if the excess 1/1 cannot be alleviated. Inspections for sump pumps and cross -connections are currently being performed in the Manor area (northeast section of the city). Participation thus far has not been very good. Staff cannot put together a plan to fix the problem until it has been determined what the problem actually is. Three Rivers Park District Trail (Regional Bicycle Plan) — Oliver pointed out the proposed location for this trail. He stated that staff continues to have ongoing meetings with Xcel Energy and Three Rivers Park District. Staff has encountered new issues with Union Pacific Railroad regarding the railroad crossing between Douglas Drive and Zane Avenue. The Railroad wants the trail to pass over the tracks rather than across them. Creation of a bridge over the tracks would be a significant expense. 4 Mighty Tidy Day (2005) — Total vehicle count was down, but overall tonnage was up. Refuse (garbage, non -recyclable items) totaled 19 tons. Over 10 tons of items were dropped off to be recycled. Recyclable items included 7, 000 pounds of electronics, 88 appliances, 75 tires, 300 fluorescent bulbs and 2.7 tons of steel. Kaisershot mentioned the costs of getting rid of these items at Mighty Tidy Day. He asked why the City participates when there is no real "service" element (due to the costs). Lundstrom agreed that there are other venues with little or no costs, but a lot of people simply don't want the hassle of driving somewhere else or making multiple telephone calls, and thus do see Mighty Tidy Day as a service. Proposed Developments — No new developments were discussed. IX. Commission Member Council Reports No Council reports were given. Baker did not assign the December Council agendas for review. X. Other Business Items of Other Business: ➢ Baker will not be in attendance at the December meeting. ➢ Baker mentioned the meeting between the Mayor and the Chair of each City Commission held at 5:30 pm. He said the Mayor addressed the Code revisions, and distributed several handouts. Hill requested a copy of the handouts. Pharr will include these in the December agenda packet. Baker referenced the due date of the newly required annual report. He said that there is not a specific due date. Lundstrom mentioned he had encouraged presentation of the Commission reports at the annual meeting of all the Commissions. ➢ Hill asked about filling the vacant Commission Member position. Baker said that the Mayor hopes to complete interviews by the first of the year, and have the new member appointed in time for the Commission's January meeting. ➢ Envision Guide feedback will be the main December agenda item. No additional business was addressed. XI. Adjourn The next scheduled meeting will be on December 19, 2005 at 7:00 pm. Note: This is not the regular fourth Monday of the month, due to a December 26 City holiday. The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 pm. Respectfully submitted, z Tracy E. Pharr Administrative Assistant Department of Public Works 5 Pharr, Tracy 'rom: Andre, Jeanne ant: Friday, September 23, 2005 4:35 PM co: 'anderbake@comcast.net' Cc: Pharr, Tracy Subject: Envision Report for Environmental Commission Tracy Pharr asked me to get in touch with you about the report. The generall approach the commissions have been taking is brainstorming and then prioritizing. From what Tracy has told me, your Commission has been brainstorming over a number of months, which is documented in your minutes. You may want to have Tracy cut and paste all of the brainstorming you have done into a single document, for the purpose of prioritizing. I think the Council is interested to hear all of your ideas, but would like you to pick the top one or two issues, projects, ideas, etc. that you might like to pursue as a Commission or recommend to the City Council. We are not sure what form this will all take, but the Council will assess how to proceed once it hears from all of the commissions. Please let me know if this works for you or you have questions or concerns. Either a call or email would be fine. Jeanne Andre 3Sistant City Manager .qty of Golden Valley 7800 Golden Valley Rd. Golden Valley, MN 55427 Phone: (763) 593-8014 jandre(o-ci.aolden-valley.mmus Fax: (763) 593-8109 South Rice Lake Association Volunteer Buckthorn Removal Project—The South Rice Lake Association completed their volunteer buckthorn removal project at the South Rice Lake Nature Area on Saturday, September 24. Buckthorn is a non-native, invasive under -story tree that prevents native plants and trees from establishing. Approximately 25 volunteers and two City staff members attended the event, which began at 9 am and wrapped up at 3 pm. The event was a success. Staff estimates that approximately two-thirds of the buckthorn was removed from the nature area. A significant amount of the remaining buckthorn was chemically treated with a non -restricted herbicide. City maintenance crews removed the piles of cut buckthorn from the boulevard on Monday morning. Five tandem dump truck loads of material were hauled to a recycling center, and the debris will be burned at an energy plant in St. Paul. The Association is planning a follow-up event for next and subsequent years to ensure the buckthorn does not re-establish. As background, the South Rice Lake Association encouraged the Golden Valley Environmental Commission to create a volunteer buckthorn removal program for public property. The process resulted in the City Council directing staff to form a buckthorn removal program that included development of a budget for tools, herbicides and hauling costs, acquirement of proper insurance coverage to extend to volunteer projects on public property and development of an educational kit that includes an application form for these types of events. www.mnSur Crystal/Robbinsdale, New Hope/Golden Valley Sun*PosMursday, .._.. 10, 2005 5A Submitted Photos (Above) Before the buckthorn bust, vegetation was plentiful in the South Rice Lake Nature Area. (Below) After a neighborhood group removed the buckthorn, Bassett Creek was visible through the trees. Neighbors bust buckthorn Group removes vegetation at the South Rice Lake Nature Area in Golden Valley BY SUE WEBBER Sun Newspapers An energetic Golden Valley neighbor- hood is determined to make an environ- mental difference at the South Rice Lake Nature Area, near Kyle Avenue North and Bassett Creek Drive. Once in September, and again in Oc- tober, the neighbors gathered for a "buckthorn bust." Buckthorn trees and shrubs, which tend to take over wooded areas, are char- acterized by small greenish flowers and purple berries. "On our first pass, we removed 90 cubic yards of buckthorn," said Jan Olfe, who was part of the group. "But, there's much more waiting to be hauled out." Al Lundstrom, Golden Valley's envi- ronmental coordinator, said the South Rice Lake group was instrumental in en- couraging the city's Environmental Commission to recommend to the City Council that the buckthorn removal pro- gram be launched. "The council had to change a city or- dinance to allow it, and we had to devel- op a budget, get additional insurance and liability forms, and develop an ap- plication procedure," Lundstrom said. "We provide the chemicals and some weed wrenches, and the city does the hauling and disposal of it." So far, the South Rice Lake group is the only one in Golden Valley that has shown an interest in removing buck- thorn on public property, Lundstrom said. "It went real well," Lundstrom said. "They did a lot of hard work, and they did a great job." `On our first pass, we removed 90 cubic yards of buckthorn. But, theres much more waiting to be hauled out.' - Jan Olfe He would encourage other groups who want to do it, Lundstrom said. They need to present a proposal to the Envi- ronmental Commission and receive per- mission to work in a designated public park or wooded area. "It's a pretty cool program," Lund- strom said." But even after a "buckthorn bust," the vegetation is not permanently eradicat- ed, Lundstrom said. "You don't just get rid of buckthorn; you manage it," he said. As for the South Rice Lake homeown- ers, Olfe said, they are encouraged to see native plantings now doing well where the buckthorn used to live, and they are eager to monitor the new growth next spring. "We found Pagoda dogwood and native elderberries," Olfe said. "This will give the native plants that have been choked out in the past a chance to grow." South Rice Lake neighbors were noti- fied of the buckthorn busts through the distribution of 150 newsletters, Olfe said. They brought their own gloves, and food for a picnic lunch. She anticipates that the neighbor- hood group will schedule another buck- thorn bust at the end of next summer. (`t 0 o enValPIT OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION Meeting Minutes Brookview Community Center Monday, September 26, 2005 7:00 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER Sandler called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 11. ROLL CALL IV. V. Present: Jim Johnson, Kelly Kuebelbeck, Jerry Sandler, Jim Vaughan, Tom Zins, Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation; Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Secretary; and Paul Snyder, ATS&R Architects. Absent: James Heine, Tom Kuelbs, and Roger McConico. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — August 22, 2005 MOTION: Moved by Zins and seconded by Johnson to approve the minutes. Motion carried unanimously. BROOKVIEW PERFORMANCE AREA — Paul Snyder As requested, Snyder prepared costs for the proposed performance area and discussed each item in detail. Snyder then answered questions from the Commission on the estimated costs. Sandler then discussed issues that may effect the progression of the project, such as; cost, displacement of the snow removal area, value in loss of tennis courts, cost involved with maintenance, usage to justify the investment, parking and traffic flow, and if there is a better use for the proposed site. VI. UPGRADES TO HONEYWELL LITTLE LEAGUE AREA a) Handicapped Access Jacobson explained that Honeywell verbally agreed to allow Little League to use the west end of their parking lot to accommodate the project. He explained that a usage agreement with Honeywell is in the works. b) Improvements by Golden Valley Little League As lease holder, Little League has requested permission from the City to make the following improvements: addition of a shed for maintenance equipment, two additional batting cages, safety top added to existing chain link fencing, clearing trees and brush for batting cages and removal of brush around lights, extend left field bull pen, and the addition of a sign near the base of the stairs. The City is waiting for submittals from Little League before granting a permit for the project. VI1. OLD BUSINESS a) Envision Jacobson explained that the Council would like a report from each Commission on where they are with Envision and a list of one to three projects they would like to see implemented. b) Regional Trail Update Jacobson gave an update on the last meeting explaining that progress is being made on an agreement and that Three Rivers will pay to have Xcel begin a study to determine the cost of moving wires underground. c) Park Master Planning Jacobson explained that proposed funding in the budget for 2006 for park, trail and open space master planning has been cut to $25,000.00. The City Council would like to meet with the Open Space and Recreation Commission at a future date to discuss the master plan as well as the proposed Brookview performance area. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Moved by Zins, seconded by Kuebelbeck to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. 2 14AWb9ultX_� citv0 /28%0' o enValley OPEN SPACE & RECREATION COMMISSION Meeting Minutes Brookview Community Center Monday, October 24, 2005 7:00 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER Sandler called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 11. ROLL CALL IV. V. Present: Chuck Cahill, Jim Johnson, Kelly Kuebelbeck, Roger McConico, Jerry Sandler, Jim Vaughan, Tom Zins, Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks and Recreation; Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Secretary; and Paula Pentel, City Council Liaison. Absent: James Heine and Tom Kuelbs. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS Pentel requested the Regional Trail Update be discussed as the first item. Jacobson added possible Council reconsideration of the Golf Course Smoking Ban and that Tom Kuelbs has found it necessary to resign from the Commission because of work conflicts. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — September 26, 2005 MOTION: Moved by Vaughan and seconded by Johnson to approve the minutes. Motion carried unanimously. REVIEW OF OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION COMMISSION BY-LAWS Jacobson explained changes made to the by-laws so they conform to the updated City ordinance and guidelines. After discussion, the Commission decided to make the following change. MOTION: Moved by Cahill and seconded by McConico to change to mission statement to read: It is the mission of the Commission to advise and recommend to the Council as to recreational programs and parks and open space in the Community. VI. RECREATION REPORT — Brian Erickson Erickson gave a recap of summer program offerings. New this year was a SNAG Golf Camp that was offered for 5-8 year olds using oversized plastic clubs, large wiffle balls and hitting to targets on the grass. Erickson said the program was well received. Kuebelbeck expressed that she wishes the summer programs could run longer. She suggested starting the programs earlier in the year. Erickson explained most of the summer staff are high school and college students and with that, staffing becomes an issue. Erickson said he would keep that in mind for next year. Erickson said there are nineteen youth and sixteen adult soccer teams this fall. He also said he will be interviewing warming house attendant's mid-November. VII. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL Jacobson explained that on November 21", the Commission will be having a joint meeting with the City Council. Items of discussion will be the proposed Brookview Performance Area and Park Master Planning. Vill. OLD BUSINESS a) Envision Jacobson explained that the Council would like a communication from each Commission regarding Envision and what they would like to see implemented. b) Regional Trail Update Jacobson said Three Rivers has hired Xcel to do a study on the cost of burying the power lines along Country Club Road. He said the study would take 6-8 weeks. Talks are continuing regarding the Joint Powers Agreement, and Three Rivers is expected to hire a consultant to provide professional services pertaining to the trail location and design. c) Park Master Planning Jacobson explained that the budget for a Park Master Plan has been cut to $25K from $100K in the 2006 Capitol Improvement Plan. Discussion followed regarding the implications of the change. d) Brookview Performance Area Jacobson gave an update and explained that at the November joint meeting with the City Council, there will be discussion of the project with drawings. e) Smoking Ban at Golf Course Jacobson reported the City Council is going to revisit the smoking ban on outdoor portions of public golf courses in Golden Valley. Discussion followed. MOTION: Moved by McConico and seconded by Kuelbelbeck to reconfirm Commissions previous motion on February 28, 2005 stating that due to economic competitive disadvantages with other golf facilities and difficulty of enforcement, we ask the Council to reconsider the smoking ordinance on the outdoor portions of golf courses in Golden Valley where people are not in close proximity to one another. Motion carried unanimously. IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Moved by McConico, seconded by Johnson to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. E ArH-cwiI/IA P�t+ Golden Valley Environmental Commission Surface Water During our February meeting we identified the following areas of concern in addressing the issue of surface water: - Education — clippings, salt, etc. - Tip Line - Permeable (pervious) materials used - Reduce impervious surfaces - Bassett Creek walking path - Wildlife -friendly storm water retention ponds In the attached "Surface Water" section of the Envision Golden Valley report the top item listed by respondents seems to be the issue of Bassett Creek, either directly or indirectly. Concerns range from water quality of Bassett Creek to making the creek more accessible. While there is cross over between other focus areas of the Environmental Commission, and other city commissions, I think that our goals for surface water should contribute to action plans addressing Bassett Creek. Based on what we are able to actually accomplish given our limitations as a commission, I recommend that we focus on the education piece to start for 2006. Further study and/or collaboration with other commissions should be pursued to address accessibility and expanded usage. Surface Water We are leaders in surface water protection and enhancement. • Bassett Creek becomes a beautiful river walk with inviting stops along its length. • Wetlands, storm water retention ponds, and reduced runoff improve the quality in creeks, lakes, and ponds to swimmable quality. • Wetlands • Creeks and Lakes • Surface Runoff • Water Conservation Creeks and Lakes • Beautify Bassett Creek * [2] • Create inviting stops/spots along the (Bassett) creek - a river walk • Don't hide Bassett creek. Celebrate it in our redevelopment. Make Sweeney Beach accessible. • Downtown - Bassett Creek have more access • Encourage more life in Bassett Creek • Greater appreciation, preservation and use of Basset Creek, possibly including a public pathway • I do not live on Sweeney Lake, but this appears to be a HUGE diamond in our community. I don't understand how or why this lake isn't a treasured resource and given every opportunity to thrive as a lake. Golden Valley doesn't have a lot of lakeshore and it is community advantage/green space. • Make Golden Valley's lakes and streams "swimmable" • Perhaps creating some municipal use of Basset's Creek or Sweeny Lake ... if people use it and create a culture to take pride in such treasures • Restore Basset Creek to swimmable water. How did it ever get classed as a drainage ditch'? • We seem to turn our back on Bassett Creek between General Mills and the Library. This is a really wonderful environmental feature, ripe for an unobtrusive nature trail. It could provide residents with a natural, peaceful alternative path. Wetlands • Improved wetland awareness; encouragement of "rain gardens" rather than grassy lawns for water runoff retention • Safeguarding our wetland areas Surface Runoff • Improve control of run-off from yards, roads, parking lots, with storm sewers not dumping directly into Sweeney Lakes, Bassett Creek, etc. Create holding ponds, permeable concrete surfaces, and street design that replace conventional gutters with transition/percolation zones.* • Improve the water quality of not just ponds, but also lakes and Bassett Creek.* • Mitigate impact of water runoff and create real wetlands* • Storm water retention ponds - water quality and sightful appearance* • Improve Bassett Creek - manage it to a higher standard [2] • Improve quality of water/ecosystem in Bassett Creek [2] • Plant beneficial "buffer plants" near bodies of water. Encourage natural plantings for all property along Bassett Creek and other surface water to prevent pesticides and fertilizers from entering the water bodies. [2] • Active, concerned management of drainage ponds (proactive) • Clean surface run-off, improve storm drains • Improve water quality and appearance of storm water retention ponds. • Reduction of salt and harmful chemicals for snow removal • Use less fertilizer/more natural grasses and plants. Water Conservation 0 Reduce peak summer water usage.