Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 02/06/2012

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Board Member Bentz asked if the presentation should focus more on birds from Minnesota or from around the world. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that he thought it might be best to start with at least those birds common in the upper Midwest and then expand out to more exotic species. Board Member Enstrom stated that no pets would be allowed on the bird walk. Also, he would need an insurance waiver from the City if this were to be on his property. He also mentioned that while much of the Nikon equipment is fairly costly, Nikon is offering $500 rebates through the first part of May, which might help convince people to buy something. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated he was a bit concerned about the event getting somewhat stagnant. The addition of the Business Expo was supposed to create some synergy and help grow each event. While there is some benefit with promotion for instance, for the Environmental Expo to grow, it really should be branching out to energy efficient products, septic systems based on the large number of them in the community and both of these fields are more interested, and rightfully so, in the Business Expo because they see it as a possible way to get new customers. He suggested that this year's event may be the last as a stand -alone event and that it may be time to explore other ways to get these messages out to the public, maybe combining with the Business Expo or a component of Happy Days. Board Member Enstrom stated that there would need to be promotion for the event and that should include both the Anoka Union and Star News. He would explore getting something in other publications also. Board Member Enstrom stated that there should be some sort of handout outlining what types of wildlife may be seen, things to bring (tick spray, bug spray, camera, etc) and that this should be made available ahead of time. General consensus was that there could be bird walks at 6am, lam, 8am, 9am and 10am and then the presentation could be at either 11 am or 11:30am Vice Chairperson Stodola stated that he had a chance to speak with the manager of Lowes and has gotten confirmation that they can participate in the event with their build and grow wooden kits. They would just need a number of expected kids so that they can order the kits. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson asked if it would have to be at a specific time or just throughout the day. He also stated that, like with the birding component, he's hesitant about setting expectation levels too high. Vice Chairperson Stodola stated that he would continue to work with Lowes on this component of the event and would follow up with Mr. Anderson so that the info could get into the newsletter. Environmental Policy Board / February 6, 2012 Page 4 of 5.