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<br />Acting Chairperson Max explained that the Board really does not partake in those types of <br />projects, for the most part. He advised that the Board donated their monthly stipend until there <br />was enough to purchase the trees for the Arbor Day event, which also showed the commitment <br />of the Board to the environment. He explained that it is not the mission of the Board to gain <br />additional funding to do more. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson explained that the Board recommends items to the City <br />Council in regard to protection, prevention, and preservation of the environment specifically <br />through policy and initiative. He did not wanHo deemphasize the hands-on events but explained <br />that those events are not the main focus of the Board. <br /> <br />Ex-Officio Member McDilda explained that the Board reviews things occurring in other cities <br />and then determines if similar policy would be a good fit within Ramsey in regard to <br />environmental issues. <br /> <br />Councilmember McGlone thought that there may be value in a joint meeting between the EPB <br />and the City Council, where both groups could have an open discussion. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson explained that the Board has expressed similar interest and <br />thought that would be beneficial. <br /> <br />Acting Chairperson Max commented that by having open communication between the two <br />groups it would help to prevent surprises on both sides. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that in regard to the whistle-free status that had been <br />discussed at the prior meeting, it had been determined that when the three crossings are made up <br />to standard with improvements they would be able to apply for that status. <br /> <br />Councilmember McGlone commented that Elk River had conducted research at the Jarvis <br />crossing and would be willing to share that information with the City of Ramsey. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that two of the three crossings are almost <br />completed, but that Armstrong would not be completed until 2010 or 2011. He advised that the <br />City may apply for whistle-free status for the two completed crossings once they are completed, <br />rather than waiting for the third to be complete. He advised that other groups were currently <br />working on this issue within the City and explained that the EPB would not need to add this item <br />to their 2009 work plan. ' <br /> <br />Councilmember McGlone thought that the Board should consider finding an alternative source of <br />funding, as the City budget is going to tighten. He questioned how much money the EPB had <br />requested and received from the City Council in 2008. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that the Board asked for zero dollars and received <br />zero dollars. <br /> <br />Board Member Sibilski left the meeting at 7:45 p.m. <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board / January 5, 2009 <br />Page 4 of9 <br />