Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 06/03/2013

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Associate Planner /Environmental Coordinator Anderson confirmed that the Board would like to do the planting on a Saturday and noted that it would only take a few hours to complete. He noted that he could gather additional information on the ability to partner with a group, including Youth First. Further discussion ensued regarding rain gardens and the use in other Metro communities, including Maplewood. 6. BOARD / STAFF INPUT • Recap of Recycling Event Associate Planner /Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that the recycling event took place the previous weekend and was very successful with over 400 vehicles going through. He believed that this may have been the most attended event with large amounts of cardboard, tires and used oil that were collected. He advised that the document destruction was also very successful. • Recap of Tree Sale Associate Planner /Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that the tree sale pickup was a part of the recycling event. He believed that the Board should further discuss the tree sale and whether it is worth it to continue with the sale, or hold it separate from the recycling event. He noted that people voiced their frustration with not being able to bypass the recycling line to pick up trees. He reviewed the overall number of orders in the past three years and the low number of trees and shrubs being purchased. He explained that with the amount of time spent planning and orchestrating the event, he believed it was time for the Board to reconsider whether it is warranted for the sale to continue. Chairperson Max stated that in the past the tree sale was successful because of the amount of construction. He believed it would be beneficial to track the number of building permits in the next few months in an attempt to determine the need. He noted that whether or not to continue the tree sale could be included on the survey discussed. • Arbor Month Planting Project Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that the planting event is scheduled for May 18 at North Commons Park and provided additional location information. He stated that about 30 trees were planted the previous fall and the remaining plantings, which are funded through a grant from the DNR, will be done that Saturday. He advised that the event will be a part of the Anoka High School Football booster that takes place each spring and encouraged all interested Board Members to attend the event in observance of Arbor Day. He asked that interested Board Members arrive at 9:00 a.m. and noted that the event will wrap up by 11:30 a.m. or noon. Environmental Policy Board / May 6, 2013 Page 7 of 8