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Board Member Stodola arrived. 5. POLICY BOARD BUSINESS 5.01: Review of 2013 Environmental Expo Event Associate Planner /Environmental Coordinator Anderson presented the staff report. Chairperson Max stated that he believed the event went well, noting that more people could have been in the tent. He did acknowledge the amount of people who walked through during the event. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson commented on the expenditure for the folks that bring in the wild animals, which is a significant expense. He noted that the expense may be unnecessary for the event in the future because of the association with Happy Days. He explained that if the event were to continue with Happy Days, that significant expense may not be needed. Board Member Valentine questioned if Happy Days could cover the expense in the future if the exhibit were to be tied into the event rather than the Expo specifically. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson noted that sponsorship could be a possibility but did not think that Happy Days would contribute the funds. Board Member Hiatt questioned how the funds could be used in the future. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that if a keynote speaker were secured the funds could be used for that purpose. Board Member Hiatt suggested that the exhibitors be surveyed to provide feedback on the event, as they had been involved with the event in the past as well. He believed that could be one method in which suggestions could be used to gain additional interest in exhibitors. He stated that a number of contacts that he had were not even aware the EPB existed; noting that he believed the event was beneficial simply for that educational aspect. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson suggested that this item be tabled briefly in order to receive the GreenStep Cities Program presentation, noting that discussion could continue again following the presentation. 5.02: Presentation on GreenStep Cities Program Diana Mckeown, Great Plains Institute, explained that 100 percent of her time is based managing Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) and explained that the CERTs team statewide is involved in the MN GreenStep Cities Program. She provided background information on the GreenStep Cities Program and noted that the program acts as a pathway to sustainability that is cost - effective, pragmatic, and achievable for all Minnesota cities. She explained how GreenStep Cities is different than other national programs, noting that the program is geared towards Environmental Policy Board / October 7, 2013 Page 2 of 7