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smaller cities, includes practices developed by experts in their fields from Minnesota, are action oriented and at your pace, and allows flexibility with each best practice. She explained that the program moves at the pace desired by the city participating and credit is given for items already accomplished. She reviewed the benefits of being a GreenStep City including claim credit, special attention, access to 40 hours of free consultant help and intern support, and free technical workshops on best practice topics. She provided examples of efforts to date from other Minnesota cities including Edina, St. Cloud, Willmar, Kasson, and Milan. She advised of the five categories which are buildings and lighting, land use, transportation, environmental management, and economic and community development. She explained that each category has a number of best practices, which each include a number of steps that can- be followed and reached by member cities. She displayed a map that identifies the many cities that now participate in the program statewide. She explained the steps to getting started which includes the presentation tonight and would also require a resolution approved by the City Council to work toward GreenStep Cities recognition. She advised after that action occurs the City would be required to register and post their initial information onto the GreenStep's website, noting that the posting of information would be the largest time commitment. She explained that after answering a series of questions the City would determine which category city they fall into. She confirmed that the website would allow you to compare the categories that neighboring or similar cities fall into. She encouraged Board Members and staff to reach out to participating cities in order to gain estimates of costs and staff time spent on the program as well as the benefits they feel have been gained. She advised that currently the program offers seed grant money for energy efficient projects. Board Member Bentz questioned if private businesses could utilize this program to obtain expertise or whether the program was only for municipalities. Ms. Mckeown explained that member cities could refer a local business owner to the GreenStep's contact and would then receive credit for the action. She noted that CERTs could also assist business owners. She thanked the Board for their time. Chairperson Max questioned if there is anything currently on the Work Plan that would qualify for the grant funds. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that with the grant application deadline of next week, there would not be enough time to seek City Council authorization to apply for funding. Chairperson Max stated that it seems to be a flexible program, which could provide a pathway for the Board to work. Associate Planner /Environmental Coordinator Anderson noted that he did review portions of the list of steps and there were items the City could check off as completed. He stated that if the Board would like to join the program, the purpose of participation should be identified. He stated that participation in the program could provide cost - savings in the future through efficiency. He noted that he would like to speak with staff from participating cities to determine the actual amount of staff time needed. Environmental Policy Board / October 7, 2013 Page 3 of 7