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<br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson summarized that during the last EPB meeting, there was <br />discussion concerning what the next step(s) would or should be with regard to pursuing an open <br />space referendum. The Board agreed that it would be wise to converse with Councilmembers <br />individually to get a better sense of what the concerns are or, more importantly, what information <br />would enable them to make an informed decision on the matter. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson reported that Councilmember Look provided Staff the <br />contact information of a company that was mentioned during the Council work session <br />discussion as an option to conduct a survey of all households in Ramsey. Staff has contacted this <br />company and is expecting to receive a proposal for services for a brief survey (Le. around ten <br />questions or so) that would include all Ramsey households. At this point, Staff is uncertain <br />whether this company offers any assistance with survey design or simply asks the survey <br />questions. This should be clearer once the proposal has been submitted. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that Staff would like to reiterate that there may be <br />funding available through Embrace Open Space that could be used to complete a survey and/or <br />feasibility study. The caveat being it would need to focus on open spaces/natural resources <br />specifically, rather than a more generalized community priorities survey. If Council authorizes <br />the survey to be done, Staff can then draft a letter to Embrace Open Space. Ramsey is currently <br />considered a priority city for Embrace Open Space, and it is unsure whether or not that <br />designation expires at the end of this year. Staff would like to get the letter submitted before the <br />end of this year. <br /> <br />The Board proceeded to discuss the feedback they received from the Councilmembers they each <br />spoke with. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda stated that he believes the results from the survey will be positive in <br />support of an open space referendum, because the residents have ranked the environment highly <br />on previous surveys and questionnaires. He explained that even citizens that have criticized the <br />EPB in the past are in support of this issue. <br /> <br />Board Member Sibilski questioned if funds for the survey could be authorized at a Council work <br />session, or if it would have to be done at a regular Council meeting. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that much of the discussion would occur at a work <br />session and if Council directs Staff to proceed, than a case would be brought forward for action <br />at a regular Council meeting. <br /> <br />Board Member Sibilski questioned if they could schedule the next work session for a date where <br />there is also a regular session meeting directly following to speed up the process. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson discussed the possibility of having a j oint meeting <br />between the EPB and the City Council to discuss this issue. He stated that way everyone will be <br />seated at the same table and will only be discussing this issue. He stated that the Board could <br />also choose to attend another work session but, if that is done, everyone from the EPB should <br />approach the table when the issue is discussed instead of remaining in the audience. <br /> <br />Board Member Sibilski stated that at the previous work session they did not have enough time to <br />get results. <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board / November 5, 2007 <br />Page 2 of7 <br />