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<br />explaining the referendum they should clarify for Council that what they want is authorization <br />for a non-City-funded survey for the referendum. <br /> <br />Board Member Max stated that this isn't an either or issue between open space and parks. He <br />explained that the referendum is its own source of funding for open space and is not taking away <br />from the funding of the parks. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that an open space referendum is not just about <br />preserving parks, it is about creating the ability to acquire land to remove it from the realm of <br />development. He explained that land can have trails, equipment, or it could just be left as a piece <br />of land with no improvements. <br /> <br />Board Member Freeburg stated that he thinks they should bring up the survey from 1997 during <br />the joint meeting. <br /> <br />Board Member Olds suggested that they should extend an invitation to the Parks & Recreation <br />Board to attend the joint meeting. He explained that they could then get information, since they <br />will be handling questions from the public about the referendum and the survey. <br /> <br />Motion by Board Member Sibilski and seconded by Board Member Max for Staff to request a <br />joint meeting between the EPB and the City Council, with an invitation to the Parks & Rec. <br />Board, to discuss the opportunity to obtain funding for the open space referendum survey. <br /> <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson McDilda, Board Members Sibilski, Max, Bentz, <br />Freeburg, and Olds. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Member Harvey. <br /> <br />Case #2 <br /> <br />Environmental Expo 2008 <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson reported that the date for the 2008 Environmental Expo <br />has been tentatively set for April 19, 2007. Staff has chosen this date because of it's proximity to <br />Earth Day, is a week prior to the ACD tree sale (avoids the conflict), and will not conflict with <br />the Spring Recycling Day event (typically the first Saturday of May). Staff envisions including <br />many of the activities that have been a part of past Expo events; however, another 'tract' would <br />be included that would focus more on adult interests by way of presentations, discussions, and/or <br />demonstrations. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that potential topics for the 2008 Expo include, but <br />are certainly not limited too, rain garden basics, landscaping with native vegetation (xeriscape <br />landscaping), garden in a box "kit", ask the gardener, proper tree planting techniques, building <br />green, and/or a class or workshop on improving shorelands. There is some uncertainty about <br />how well attended these presentations may be; thus, Staff is considering only offering two or <br />three during the event. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson explained that, as with past Expo events, there will also be <br />an exhibit area. Thus far, Staff envisions inviting the following groups and/or agencies to staff <br />informational booths: EPB, Park & Recreation Commission, ACD, DNR, Master Gardeners, <br />LRRWMO, and U of M Extension Services. Other possibilities might include the MN Land <br />Trust, Trust for Public Land, and various landscaping and nursery vendors. Staff is looking for <br />suggestions with regard to potential invitees for this component of the event. <br />Environmental Policy Board / November 5, 2007 <br />Page 4 of7 <br />