Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 06/02/2008

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if the weather had dictated such, and advised that they did not come anywhere near filling the ramp this year so it would be an option for next year. He advised that in the past they have had representatives from the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area come to the Expo and host that activity. He advised that it was actually folks from the DNR who would lead the activity for a maximum of 50 participants. He stated that contact was made with that group but they were already booked for the weekend of the Environmental Expo, but advised that they did give him the specifics of what they would need in order to host the activity and that the building wouldn't accommodate that activity. He stated that by speaking with people he did find out that that activity was very popular for the event in the past. Board Member Freeburg stated that he liked the vendors and the demonstrations that were at the event, and thought that the people that did come to the event seemed to be interested in what was displayed. He questioned if staff had checked with the elementary school on whether flyers could still be sent home with the children. Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that there had been communication between staff and a few teachers at the school and was of the belief that there was a process that would need to be followed in order to send something home with the children that is not directly associated with the school. He explained that they had already missed the opportunity to make it happen at that point but advised that he would not rule out that option in the future. He stated that he was optimistic that the school would be willing to allow the flyer to be sent home with the children, as they had previously been involved in the event. Board Member Freeburg stated that he liked the idea of advertising in the Ramsey Resident for volunteers to help in planning the event. He thought that they should definitely start advertising and planning earlier in the year for the event. He advised that the animal displays seemed to draw in the kids and suggested possibly getting the Humane Society to bring over some animals that would be available for adoption. He advised that it is not really a tie in with the environment, but thought that the kids would enjoy it. Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that a petting zoo had been considered for the kids, but explained that this site was not an ideal setting for the animals. He advised that it also did not have a tie in with the environment, but would have been more of an activity for the kids. He stated that one concern with having an outdoor activity like that would be with people just coming for that activity and not visiting the indoor exhibits. He questioned what they could do to ensure that people are also going inside the building. Board Member Freeburg stated that he really liked the insulated reusable shopping bags and thought that they were a big hit with residents. He explained that the insulated reusable shopping bags are hard to find and suggested selling them at the event next year. Environmental Coordinator Anderson also thought that the bags were a big hit and advised that he had also handed them out at the recycling event. He stated that residents had even called him after the events and requested to receive additional bags. He advised that part of the reason that they are so hard to find is because they are more expensive. He stated that he talked with Connexus about a possible joint purchase having the Ramsey logo on one side of the bag and the Connexus logo on the other side. He stated that after the Arbor Day event, Village Bank had expressed an interest in participating in a joint purchase of the bags with their logo on one side as well. Environmental Policy Board / June 2, 2008 . Page 3 of 10