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Board Member Enstrom stated he was opposed to seeking grant funding to plant trees. He stated that the City needed to learn to live within its means. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that there is no required matching component for this grant. Board Member Enstrom stated that he thought that Connexus should be responsible for purchasing and installing all the trees because of all the removals they've done along their transmission lines. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that Connexus had not done anything illegal with regard to their vegetation management practices. While people may disagree with their practices, they have easements that were obtained lawfully and they have the right to remove vegetation within the easement areas. The City cannot require them to participate in this project. Board Member Enstrom stated his displeasure with finding out about this grant opportunity with less than two weeks before it was due. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that he was not aware of this opportunity at the time of the Board's January meeting. He stated that this was the first opportunity to apprise the Board of the grant round. He continued by stating that City Council authorized Staff to apply for this funding at their January 24, 2012 meeting. Board Member Enstrom stated that he believes that even if Connexus cannot be required to participate, the City should shame them into participating. Board Member Bentz stated that he did not believe that made any sense as Connexus is a large employer within the City and they do a lot of work with other environmental aspects such as energy efficient lighting, alternative forms of energy etc. Board Member Enstrom stated that if the adjacent neighborhood wanted to see trees planted so badly that they should purchase the trees themselves or they should apply for the grant themselves and the City's only involvement should be to develop the planting plan. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that they would not qualify as an eligible recipient of this funding and therefore cannot apply for it themselves. Also, since the City would use the grant money for the purchase of trees and utilize volunteers, including the neighborhood residents, it seems like there would be little if any difference in cost for the City. Board Member Enstrom stated he thinks this should be developed as a memorial park in which residents pay for and install trees over time. He doesn't see any need to apply for funding to plant trees at that location. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that this project seemed to accomplish many things and that he thought it was a win -win for everybody. He said that it addresses a desire of the adjacent neighborhood to see some improvements there, establishing a Environmental Policy Board / February 6, 2012 Page2of5