Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 12/10/2012

Home

work to combine a tree sale and perennial sale because it would be too late for bare root trees and too early for perennials. He also questioned if the Board would like stock to be on site. Chairperson Max provided insight on the process and noted that vendors prefer not to bring a large amount of stock on site. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson agreed that most municipalities now purchase a stock of trees for sale to the public, with remaining trees to be used by public works, rather than having vendors load up the trees and bringing the trees back and forth to the sale site. Board Member Lewis questioned the ideal date for a tree sale. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson believed that the last Saturday in April would be ideal, or the first weekend in May if the event could be held in conjunction with the recycling event. Board Member Valentine commented that if an internet sale is going to be held, with only pickup to occur at City site, the tree sale would not have to piggyback off another event. Board Member Hiatt suggested that a marketing campaign be used to spark interest in the tree sale, such as direct mailings to residents. Chairperson Max questioned what drove the pre -orders for the tree sale in the past. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that the City newsletter did but due to space constraints, referred readers to the website for additional information. Board Member Bentz questioned if a Ramsey Day could take place at Green Valley, since they are the only vendor. He explained that would eliminate the need for space and would also eliminate the hauling of trees back and forth. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that his only concern is with the time of the year, noting that spring is the busiest time for the vendor and was unsure that they would want to commit to that during that time. He stated that the previous year, Green Valley declined participation in the event. He recommended that the City continue to use the supplier from the previous year. He confirmed that the DNR seedlings are no longer available. He commented on some of the details of the tree sale regarding the supplier including the varieties of trees that could be available for the sale. He advised that he would bring additional details regarding tree species to the December meeting. Board Member Lewis suggested using an incentive for early orders, such as if you order prior to March 31st, you would get an item free or discount price. He also suggested using pictures of the tree species to make it easier for people to order. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that there were links to each species of tree for people to see pictures. Board Member Lewis questioned if there is a budget for marketing. Environmental Policy Board / November 5, 2012 Page 3 of 7