(A) Generally. The Environmental Advisory Commission shall have the powers and duties to provide recommendations to advance the city's environmental goals, policies, and programs, engage the community, encourage relationships and partnerships, and assist with other environmental interests and concerns that the Council may deem appropriate.
(B) Purpose. To enhance the city's environmental stewardship, elicit community feedback, provide for community outreach and education, promote awareness of environmental issues, and enhance the quality of the city's lakes, ponds and streams.
(C) Duties. The Environmental Advisory Commission shall have the following duties:
(1) Policy. Advise the City Council with respect to environmental policies including:
(a) Review and promote ordinances relating to protecting the environment including erosion control, shoreland zoning, surface water management, and wetland protection.
(b) Comprehensive Plan. It shall be the directive of the Commission to give due regard to the city's Comprehensive Plan which specifically refers to the natural environment where the city's environmental qualities need to be protected and preserved.
(c) Living Streets Plan. The Commission shall give due regard to the Living Streets Plan. The Commission may periodically, but at least every five years, review the manual, and if necessary, update the plan. The Commission shall review all proposed amendments to the Living Streets Plan, conduct public hearings as directed by City Council or city policy, and make recommendations to the City Council concerning the amendments and their relation to the city's Comprehensive Plan and other land use controls. The Commission shall report its recommendations to the City Council for action.
(d) Select Committee on Recycling and the Environment (SCORE). As part of Minnesota's Waste Management Act, score funding provides counties with resources to develop waste reduction, recycling and solid waste management programs. The Commission shall recommend score fund allocation to the City Council.
(e) Tree Board. The Commission shall serve as the Tree Board for the Tree City USA program and review requests and make recommendations to the City Council.
(f) Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The Commission shall serve in a supportive capacity to the public participation and educational elements of the SWPPP minimum control measures.
(2) Education. Promote public awareness of the environment, sustainability, and natural resource management.
(Ord. 737, passed 6-16-2015)