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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Natural Resources Committee - 12/04/2019 South Burlington Natural Resources Committee 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 846-4106 www.sburl.com Natural Resources Committee Meeting Wednesday December 4, 2019 at 6:00 PM Medium Upstairs Conference Room South Burlington Municipal Offices, 575 Dorset Street AGENDA 1) Review of Emergency Evacuation Protocol (6:00 pm) 2) Additions, Deletions or Changes in order of Agenda Items (6:05 pm) 3) Comments from the Public not related to the Agenda (6:10 pm) 4) Adoption of Minutes (6:15 pm) a) See Drafts of October 2 & October 30 Minutes 5) Presentation by UVM NR206 Class – Interpretive Signs at Wheeler Nature Park (6:20 pm) 6) Chair's Comments to NRC Members (6:30 pm) a) Chair is Resigning as Chair of Committee b) Discuss Process for Appointment of Chair & Vice-Chair 7) Review & Possible Action Related to DRB & LDR Work Group Report (6:50 pm) a) Review Work Group Progress b) Members Discussion – Tim Hess to present Proposal c) Adopt Motions if Needed 8) SBLT Pennies for Preservation Proposal & Discussion by Duncan Murdoch (7:05 pm) 9) Discussion of NRC Priorities (7:15 pm) a) Creation of Work Groups b) NRC Efficiency 10) Members & Staff Reports (7:30 pm) a. Chair b. Staff Report c. Other Committee & Members Comments 11) Review of Agenda Pending Items (7:40 pm) 12) Confirm Next Mtg Date is Wednesday 1/1/2020 (1st Wed.) (7:50 pm) Note: The January Mtg is New Year's Day. Reschedule meeting to January 15, 2020, 6:00 PM. (3rd Wed.) 13) Adjourn (8:00 pm) Natural Resources Committee October 02,2019 Attending: Ashley Parker, David Crawford, Linda Chiasson, Duncan, Murdoch, Jean Chaulot, Ray Gonda, Lisa Yankowski Missing: Tim Hess, Alyson Chalnick & Laura Williams !. Ashley reviewed emergency procedures. 2. Additions, deletions or changes to the agenda. 3. Comments from the public. 4. Minutes from September 04, 2019 meeting adopted. 5. Member comments on NRC status. David wants committee members to feel good about meetings : that we feel we are productive, listen to each other, fast, and treat each other respectfully. We have new committee members and need to be cognizant that we are at different levels of experience within the committee. We are a work in progress. We are passionate about our mission and want to help promote and preserve the natural resources in the place we call home. There can be confusion and we get frustrated when we feel we aren’t being effective. Our agendas need to be open and flowing. We need to keep educating ourselves and our neighbors. 7. Discussion led to the work group and what we feel our “charge” is. - We are working on a way to better get involved with potential developments at the very beginning. Before the developers actually file plans with the Planning Dept. David wants to concentrate on the tree canopy, land maintenance & wildlife habitat connectivity. He wonders if the mission for the work group was clear. Jean feels we are working on the best way to get involved. - We are to look at LDRs and how they correspond to what we would like to see and make recommendations . Ashley is our city liaison 8. We are putting aside discussion of future development projects that have come to the Planning Dept. -Ray made motion to develop a set of guidelines to evaluate applications for potential developments. The work group will take the lead on this. 9. Ashley is required to update the CIP (Capital Improvement Program), for the Open Space Funds used for work on Red Rocks, Wheeler & Underwood. She presented what work has been done and hopes to get done over the next year. The City Council feels this comes under the auspices of the NRC. - Linda moved to accept the current CIP, Ray 2nd. Passed unanimously. 10. We re visited interest expressed by Linda and Lisa regarding herbicide use . Does South Burlington have a policy about using herbicides? We do want to pursue this topic and move forward. Ray has expressed interest in being involved. Linda wants to work on this due the detrimental effects that can result from use. Lisa has k knowledge in this area because of where she works. - We need to talk to Craig Lambert about any city policy. Ashley will check with Holly Rees from Rec & Park Dept. 11. Chair’s report- see report from David Crawford. b) Interim Zoning (IZ),- From Duncan, they are getting closer. They have run 180 parcels through their rating system. $0 Parcels have been found to be of high priority for conservation. The list needs to be further evaluated and reorganized. When this task is competed there will comprehensive information for each of the parcels. THE NEXT MEETING IS 10/23 7-9pm. c) Dog Park Committee- Linda reported the wetland has been delineated. An outside consultant will need to be hired to develop the plans that will go to the DRB for approval. d) The work group would like to meet with Marla. They will be meeting Sunday, 10/6 to work on questions for her. Ashley is them liaison. e) f) Staff report- see report from Ashely. Champlain Valley Conservation Partnership will be removing invasives at the Ewing parcel October 19, 9-11am. 12. Pending items: email them to David, Linda and Ashley. See the memo. Ashley says the city cannot locate the original charge from the city for the NRC. We may want to have our charged changed to reflect the activities we are currently working on. We could also try getting a name change done as has been proposed. 13. Next meeting is November 6, 2019 at 6pm. Linda motioned to adjourn, Lisa 2nd. Adjourned at 8:02pm. NRC Special Meeting Minutes 10/30/19 6:30 pm Attending: David Crawford, Lisa Yankowski (clerk), Ray Gonda, Tim Hess, Duncan Murdoch, Jean Chaulot. Missing: Linda Chiasson, Laura Williams & Ashley Parker Public: Alyson Chalnick, from the Dorset Meadows Developer Group- Peter Kahn, Bryan Currier, Brett Bartlett, Dean Bartlett 1) David reviewed emergency procedures. 2) Additions to the agenda. a. Letter from Ray Gonda to Marla Keene regarding reasons to oppose the proposed Dorset Meadows Development. b. Statement from Dorset Meadows requesting Ray to step away from the discussions tonight due to a conflict of interest. Allyson is attending as a private citizen and not a member of the NRC committee. c. Ray declined to recuse himself per discussion with city attorney Andrew Bolduc, that there is no conflict of interest. Peter’s opposition is due to Ray’s adamantly & publicly stating his opposition to the proposed Dorset Meadows development and that he is now trying to use the committee to further bring forth these feelings. i. Ray’s rebuttal – “The comments were made when he was not a member of the NRC but a private citizen with no financial investment in the development- no conflict.” ii. Lisa then asked if her statement in front of the city council after a presentation by the Open Space Group was a conflict of interest. It is not. Tim wondered if it was a conflict for Ray to participate in the evening’s discussions if he did not participate in any votes. David explain that Ray could cause a mis-vote if we voted on his letter. 6:30 pm the committee decide to proceed with the meeting. 3) No public comments. 4) Chairs comments- David wanted to remind everyone that despite what we decide or don’t decide to present to the DRB- we must remain respectful and recognize all points and thoughts. He is also concerned that the newest member s of the committee may not have been completely presented with the NRC’s prior information and requests regarding the Dorset Meadows plans. a. The Dorset Meadows Group gave us the presentation they had given the group previously. i. Ray asked us to refer to his letter to the DRB. (This is the letter he composed and was to, possibly, be voted on tonight. There was a moratorium in the city- land was being developed too fast without enough thought as to the overall consequences. Decisions were being done piecemeal- as a new project came to the city for approval. This is why we now have Interim Zoning in place. The Dorset Meadows plans were being considered before IZ started.) He explained why he feels where the buildings will be not a good plan. One of the areas would fragment space around the great swamp and affect the wildlife corridor. ii. Tim asked if the plans had changed due to comments. David answered that the NRC had made recommendations the DRB had not considered. Lisa and Duncan had expressed concerns about a preserving connectivity, a culvert and any guard rails that might impede wildlife movement. This was considered. They still need to go before Act 250 on the state level. b. Paul, (Dorset Meadows group) said they wanted to come tonight because they were feeling there had been a change in the feelings coming from the NRC. They wanted to present some of the history leading up to today. i. Before 2006, the South East Quadrant (SEQ), was zoned as a single area. 2004 Arrowwood did a study of the natural resources in the SEQ. The report led to zoning changes, took 50% of the area off from being developed and instilled a 300ft buffer around the great swamp. TDRs were created to protect the property owners in the SEQ. c. DM presented their plans to the city who required certain changes. Staff, Public Works, Rec Path, Storm Water …….. all had suggestions they would like to see, including the NRC. The DRB had other changes and preliminary plat approval was received. The developers have also met with the state, the Army Corp of Engineers and had archeological studies done. The approval meets the Comprehensive Plan goals. d. DM wanted to convey that the area for development is only part of the whole parcel that can be developed. A large part cannot be developed. They have done everything and felt Ray’s letter follows too closely to the views of the group suing to prevent the development. They feel they are being bullied by a group who have their large homes and have stated they will keep filing suits because of deep pockets. They also felt they were being ambushed by the NRC. 1. Allyson to offense at this comment and reiterated that she had moved here from Maryland and bought a house that was already built. 2. Ray asked how many people were on the NRC previously. We believe 5 or 6. David, Lisa & Duncan were only the NRC originally. David is concerned with how we handle the proposed letter to the DRB. The wording makes it sound like the NRC is stating opposition to the development. How will the group be perceived on future projects. We have a passion towards natural resources that needs to be preserved. Ray disagrees with the “opposition against”. We want to keep being able to provide feedback and suggestions to protect natural resources on future projects. Duncan acknowledged that some of our suggestions did result in changes to the DM plans. Ray moved we vote on the letter as policy with amendments Duncan questioned the “no amendments”. But Ray felt there were no needed changes. Duncan motioned to continue the meeting to 8:15pm, Jean 2nd. 6 voted aye- approved. Jean felt the letter’s first sentence was brutal and many changes had been made to the approved plans and perhaps we needed to do more exploration. Tim asked if the city wants the opinion or statements from any of the other committees. The letter is trying to set policy. Per Ray- our Mission Statement is to sustain….. advise……… ADVISE is the keyword. Note: most departments and committees don’t actually state approval of a project. They look at a project, comment and make suggestions. The DRB is the final arbitrator. The developer feels they will have final plat approval within 2 meetings with the DRB. Ray is afraid they will be approved before the NRC can do any further exploration DM still needs Act 250 approval and some of the NRC members wish to become involved in the process. This would have to be allowed by the city. Jean motioned and volunteered to work with the city at the Act 250 hearing so the NRC will have a voice. Lisa 2nd. 5- yeah Ray abstained. Discussion of the letter is being left. Ray would like the group at the DRB meeting 11/5. Tim would like a document of what was done, results, discussions on this project- for our files. What happened, what didn’t happen. Lisa motioned to adjourn at 8:30pm, Tim 2nd. 5 ayes- Ray abstained. Wheeler Nature Park Interpretive Signs NR 206 Laura Pinover & Audrey Seery Problem Definition Wheeler Nature Park is in need of educational interpretive signs for people who make use of the trails Building relationships with local nature, especially in an urban setting, can help foster environmental stewardship Approaches to Change The signs will be scattered throughout Wheeler Nature Park depicting features such as viewpoints, bird habitat, vernal pools, leashed pets, and maple sugaring. Photos of the specified areas to incorporate into the design GPS points for suggested locations Educate the community about the nature park to give a sense of pride Pet Conduct ●Keep dogs on leashes ●Ensure quality habitat for wildlife, free of chasing and barking ●Pick up after your pet ●Waste left behind ends up polluting groundwater and surrounding streams Wetlands and Vernal Pools ●Ecological functions include: water filtration, flood protection, and groundwater recharge ●Potash Brook Watershed ●Vernal Pools in the spring ●Provide amphibian habitat Invasive Species ●Weed Warrior Program ●Buckthorn, Honeysuckle, Phragmites, Wild Parsnip, Japanese Barberry, Common Reed, and Autumn Olive ●Compete with native species for space and resources Early Successional Shrubland Habitat ●Early stages from grassland to forest ●Golden Winged Warbler arrives in May ●Species in decline due to habitat loss ●Soils mostly clay (Vergennes clay and Sovington silty clay) ●Eastern Red Cedar, American Elm, Silky Dogwood, and Grey Stemmed Dogwood Maple Sugaring in Wheeler Nature Park ●UVM class in the spring ●Integrates the surrounding neighborhoods/communities ●Old homestead may have used the forest for sugaring Viewshed ●The Green Mountains can be seen almost immediately ●Formed 350-450 million years ago ●Mount Mansfield, the tallest mountain in Vermont, is present in the view ●Stretches over 250 miles Tradeoffs and Impacts Impact Assessment : -Feedback from park users, and City of South Burlington’s Recreation and Parks Department through survey Trade Offs: -Losing the wild feel of Wheeler Nature Park with signage -Careful with language for pet behavior sign Resources for our outcomes Ashley Parker, Margaret Fowle, Walt Poleman Wheeler Park Management Plan Our personal knowledge of ecosystems Written communication skills Hoping to let the community step in and learn how valuable the area is, not just a city managed park Works Cited Dorset Park Natural Area Natural Resource Inventory and Management Recommendations. (2009, August). South Burlington, VT: The LAND Stewardship Program. Hughes, M., & Morrison-Saunders, A. (2010). Impact of Trail-side Interpretive Signs on Visitor Knowledge. Journal of Ecotourism, 122-132. Lowenstein, F. (1988, May). Woody vegetation assessment of the proposed Dorset Street Park, South Burlington, Vermont. Burlington, VT. South Burlington Natural Resources Committee. (2015, August) Wheeler Nature Park Management Plan. South Burlington, VT: City of South Burlington. Wheeler Nature Park. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2019, from South Burlington Vermont website: http://www.southburlingtonvt.gov/parks_and_facilities/natural_areas/wheeler_nature_park.php Project Review Work Group (WG) for the Natural Resources Committee Progress Report after Meeting with Marla Keene and Ashley Parker 1 PM on October 31, 2019 (City Hall) Persons Attending: Marla Keene (Development Review Planner), Ashley Parker (City Project Manager), Ray Gonda, Jean-Sebastian Chaulot, and Tim Hess (WG members) • Members of the WG stated that their primary request for the meeting was to analyze the current process for review of projects in South Burlington so as to determine whether it was possible for the NRC to be involved more at an earlier stage with ‘major’ and perhaps some ‘minor’ project review. • Marla works with Dalila Hall (Zoning Administrator) to divide project applications based on regulations and project impacts/sizes. Most fall into one of two categories: 1) earth moving/new construction (requiring a permit process) or 2) non- “earth moving” (requiring only an administrative permit – “yellow sign”). Occasionally project applicants are required to provide additional information before their applications are considered complete enough for Development Review Board (DRB) initial review. The DRB is a seven-member volunteer board made up of South Burlington citizens who are appointed by the City Council and is charged with overseeing subdivision, site plan, conditional use, and all other Board review applications. All meetings are open to the public and are typically held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the City Hall Conference Room at 575 Dorset Street. • The City receives an average of 5-6 applications every two weeks (less than 12 per month) that require more than an administrative permit. Marla stated that they recommend that completed project applications should be received in her office no less than one month prior to their being heard by the DRB (on either the 1st or 3rd Tuesday of the month as stated in the previous bullet). • Marla’s post-meeting note through Ashley to the WG: “Primarily, Land Development Regulation 14.03 lists what type of project is required and not required to get site plan approval. Subdivisions that involve land development are subject to site plan review. If for whatever reason a property is subdivided without any development proposed, site plan review [and DRB action] wouldn’t be triggered.” • Marla asked about what the NRC’s mission was regarding development reviews. Ashley pointed out that though the current mission statement is active, the NRC’s charge from City Council is not current. Thus, a new charge would need to be reviewed and adopted by City Council for this purpose. • That led WG members to ask Marla about a list of items that NRC would provide to all developers in advance through Marla’s office (for example, preserve stands of existing mature native-dominated forest blocks; use native pollinator shrubs/trees in hedge or screens; preserve wildlife travel corridors (even over a corner of or identify if on an adjacent property); minimize runoff to mitigate impacts of climate warming). Marla was very receptive to this idea. {Editor’s Note: The items listed should be specific enough to be easily understood, yet general enough to anticipate further NRC review later.} • Marla and Ashley recommended that the NRC (continue to) have a liaison attend the initial/preliminary DRB public hearing for a new project and subsequent follow- up (“continuing”) hearings. This would necessitate an NRC representative (currently David only?) check the DRB agenda every other week to stay aware of upcoming project hearings. • The WG intends to continue developing Project Review recommendations for the NRC, with a final product for consideration by the end of 2019. South Burlington Land Trust Board Meeting Minutes August 28, 2019 Northfield Savings Bank, Shelburne Road, South Burlington Present: Sarah Dopp, Michael Mittag, Duncan Murdoch, Rosanne Greco, Karen Ryder, Janet Bellavance, Allan Strong The meeting was called to order at 4:35 pm. Michael presented the membership and financial reports. There have been no substantial changes to either. Sarah made a motion to approve the minutes. Allan seconded. The reports were unanimously approved. Sarah reported on an article in the Shelburne News regarding the 100 year old Maille farm in Shelburne. Also, she received a note from Bill Gilbert regarding the poor conditions existing at the Overlook. Michael will go to the Overlook and make notes regarding needed repairs. He will send his observations to Justin Rabideau in Public Works. Updates on the IZ Committees Michael has sent the Natural Resources Committee notification that there is a discrepancy between the state and city zoning. The state has Dorset Meadows classified as agricultural but there is no agricultural activity including haying. The City has the land classified as residential. Allan reported on the status of the work of the Open Space Committee. The identified parcels are now ranked according to identified criteria. The Committee now needs to make decisions as to what attributes deserve high ranking. The process for writing the report is also being discussed. An introduction to the report will describe the process and input received from other IZ groups. Michael reports that the TDR recommendations are near completion. He is making appointments with developers and landowners (who own 10+acres) to discuss their views on the TDRs. Though he was not able to attend last night’s Planning Commission meeting, he understands that the Commission is moving toward extending the proposed Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance citywide (including the SEQ) in the future. This idea was put forward by Affordable Housing Committee. Rosanne noted that this implementation of this idea would be in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan. Rosanne is writing to the PC to point out this conflict. Janet confirmed that Green Up Day responsibilities between the City and SBLT have been spelled out and are clear to both parties. Pennies for Preservation (P4P) Rosanne has spoken with Helen who reports that there will be no ballot in November. The next opportunity for a vote will be at Town Meeting in March 2020. If P4P is to be on the ballot SBLT needs to develop its game plan. The SBLT has been asked to give a presentation re: P4P at a joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting. The suggestion is that Bill Keeton (UVM) and Jens Hilke, Conservation Planning Biologist Community Wildlife Program VT Fish & Wildlife Department will each give a brief presentation prior to an SBLT presentation. The purpose of P4P is to enable the City to buy desirable land from property owners in order to conserve it. Rosanne determined that the ballot item will need to be submitted for warning on January 21, six weeks before Town Meeting Day. Therefore, SBLT will need to have the wording completed and approved by the City lawyer prior to that date. Potential dates for presentation to the City Council/PC are 10/7, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18. The following tasks were assigned and will be presented at an SBLT P4P special meeting on 9/20 and 10/1. Rosanne: Communication and logistics for future City Council/PC meeting Duncan: Potential organizations for funding Allan: Costs for development vs. conservation Janet: Dates for Jens and Bill Keeton to present to City Council Karen: History of Open Space Fund Given the special meeting(s) and Sarah’s absence, there will be no regular SBLT meeting on 9/30. The next regular meeting of the SBLT will be on December 3, 2020 at the Northfield Savings Bank on Shelburne Rd at 4:30. Respectfully submitted, Karen Ryder Secretary NRC Staff Update – 12/4/2019 - Regional Conservation: • Municipal meetings took place on October 23rd and November 20th. The next meeting will be January 22nd. We will not be meeting in December. • A press release went out about the partnership. • The community engagement event at the Ewing property on October 19th was successful. • The municipal partners are reviewing an online editable map that will help standardize the language used to identify conservation parcels. This map will help the group identify its priority projects and determine where conservation opportunities exist. We have a deadline for edits of December 6th. • A UVM NR206 group presented on their “Rent a Goat” project. It was very informational, and will hopefully lead to the partnership engaging goats on a piece of land in one of the partner municipalities. • The partnership will be joining the RCP Network, which will be useful in providing the group with tools to make the partnership more successful. They will also place our region on their map of RCPs. Open Space Fund Projects – - Red Rocks Park: • Stormwater analysis of the Red Rocks parcel has is nearly complete. This information will help us prioritize trails and stormwater work for implementation. • Just a reminder that if you have not completed the Red Rocks Management Survey, please connect with me about acquiring one. I would like everyone’s input. • I will be putting a report/summary together reflecting on the invasive plant removal work done throughout the season. I will share that with the Committee when I receive it. - Wheeler Nature Park: • Looking to receive trail assessment/report from Timber & Stone. Once that comes in, I will be phasing out trail work to be done in the park. • The City will be meeting with Audubon and Fish & Wildlife to discuss management options and potential funding opportunities. • The City will be coordinating additional Community Hikes next year with Audubon, including some birding hikes at Wheeler and Underwood. • I will be putting a report/summary together reflecting on the invasive plant removal work done throughout the season. I will share that with the Committee when I receive it. • The UVM NR206 class working on the interpretive signage for the park will be presenting their project tonight. They will be providing staff with proposed language for 5-6 interpretive signs that can be installed throughout the park. This will likely be done next spring/early summer. - Underwood Parcel: • The City will be coordinating additional Community Hikes next year with Audubon, including some birding hikes at Wheeler and Underwood. • The City will be meeting with Audubon and Fish & Wildlife to discuss management options and potential funding opportunities. • Staff is working to select a design/engineer consultant to begin the design of Phase 1 park facilities, including the design of a shared use path, trail network, gravel parking area, picnic area, and pump track. Staff is hoping to release this in the next month. - Management Plan Task Force Update: I am hoping to schedule a meeting. I would like to confirm that one of the following NRC members is still interested in being the NRC rep: Duncan or Lisa. I will send out an invite shortly to try and get the first meeting on the calendar. Note – Alyson was the member most interested in this, but is no longer on the Committee. - Other: • Herbicide Ordinance Info: At the request of Linda at the October meeting, I looked into whether there was any existing work that had been done by the Committee when this issue was last looked at. I checked with Holly Rees and Craig Lambert, and there is nothing. Linda was going to connect with those involved with the lawntolake.org website, but I’m not sure she was able to participate in the group’s most recent conference call. If there is a Committee member interested in continuing this project, I would be happy to connect them with the contacts Linda was working with. • Open Space Project CIP: I presented this CIP draft to Council at the November 18th meeting. Let me know if you have any questions about it. South Burlington Natural Resources Committee 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 846-4106 www.sburl.com MTG TENTATIVE AGENDA ITEMS: (NRC REG MTGS = First Wednesdays = (BEING SCHEDULED) REMINDERS: Send Email to Ashley & Chair if you cannot attend a scheduled mtg. INFORMATION FOR NRC MEMBERS: Future Mtgs are being Scheduled. POSSIBLE ITEMS FOR NEXT MTG: a) Items Deferred by Members from Nov. 4th Mtg. b) Discuss Work Group Items = Members Set Priorities c) Discussion of Other Possible NRC Priorities: • Such as Habitat Connectivity & Protection of Open Space • Tim Hess proposals • Discussion of how to make NRC operation more efficient REG. ITEMS: Members & Staff Reports a. Report DRB Mtgs – Dave = In Chair’s Report? b. Duncan on IZ Committee c. Members Comments & Other Committees Reports? d. Chair’s Written Report e. Staff’s Written Report ITEMS REQUESTED BY MEMBERS IN PAST: a. Ray – Use of NRC Email List for “Personal General Interest Issues” Vs. Items suggested for NRC Future Agendas b. Duncan - Discussion of NRC Name & Duties Change See Information Document = at 7/1/2019 Mtg = See Minutes City Mgr Recommends we develop Revised Committee Charge. c. Dave - Recommendation of Tree Replacement Fund be created. POSSIBLE ITEMS FOR FUTURE MTG = UNSCHEDULED: Discussion of NRC Ideas for IZ Special Committee to Consider Discussion Item - Development Evaluation Document Tree Canopy – Discussion of how to be more proactive Scenic Views – Discussion of how to be more proactive Other Items? FUTURE ITEMS: = UNSCHEDULED LOW PRIORITY: NRC PREVIOUSLY SHOWED INTEREST IN: • Tree bathing event at Red Rocks that can be organized and registerable through the Rec Department. • Bat house clinic for placement in City Center Park. • Speaker Series in the Community: Importance of Rain Gardens, Rain Barrels, and At Home Composting Law in effect 2020 (What to do?)