Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 02/04/2008

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Board Member Bentz stated that it seems that sometimes people are against the EPB. Environmental Coordinator Anderson explained that he believes most of the opposition stems from the wetland buffer ordinance. He stated that people are either for it or against it, and there is not a lot of middle ground on that issue. Acting Chairperson Max stated that he found it interesting that there were some people at the Council meeting that challenged the legitimacy ofthe EPB. Board Member Harvey stated that a few of the comments made by the- Councilmembers were negative against the Board. He wondered how successful the Board could be if the Council is going to fight them on every issue. He stated that he is curious to see how this is going to play out on matters other than the. open space referendum. Acting Chairperson Max stated that he was embarrassed for two of the Councilmembers, that they could question items that were on the work plan that they approved. He stated that he was embarrassed that they would take volunteers and treat them like this. Board Member Bentz stated that he was glad to see the minutes from the Council meeting, as it gave a new tone to the situation. Acting Chairperson Max stated that he is not looking for the Council to be unanimous in everything that they do. He stated that the tone of the comments, however, challenge the legitimacy of the EPB. He stated that they just went over the top. He hoped that those Councilmembers looked at the minutes and saw how their tones affect the Boards that work for them. Board Member Sibilski stated that he would like to take it further, as he is outraged that the EPB continues to be looked at as a special interest group by some Councilmembers. He stated that the EPB works as citizens to put forth the issues of the City and does not feel that they should be treated in that regard. He stated that based on one Councilmember attending a Lower Rum River WMO meeting and stating that based on attending that one meeting they could take over what the EPB does, was absurd. He stated that to. hear comments like that after they attend one meeting of the LRR WMO and never attending an EPB meeting is just absurd. Acting Chairperson Max advised that the City Administrator attended a meeting of the EPB within the first two weeks of being hired. It was the consensus of the Board to move on to the next agenda item. Case #2 Environmental Policy Board Booth at Environmental Expo Environmental Coordinator Anderson briefed the group on the progress to date for the Environmental Expo. He advised that both Prairie Restoration and the Anoka Conservation District would lead presentations. He stated that they would be able to get that information into the Ramsey Resident. He advised that Conexus Energy would be attending and will focus on energy conservation and may also have a mini wind turbine display. He stated that Ace Solid Waste would have a booth for recycling. He stated that the Raptor Center will also have a booth with a bald eagle and a falcon, owl, or hawk. He advised that rather than having an hour:-Iong Environmental Policy Board / February 4,2008 Page 3 of6