Laserfiche WebLink
Board Member Bentz stated that his view of the Council discussion was comparing this program <br />to joining the Metropolitan Council rather than a library. He explained that the library may have <br />some small costs but then can be used at no cost as a resource. <br />Board Member Valentine stated that a primary principle should be to leverage the experience of <br />others in order to make the City run more efficient and cost effective. He noted that the <br />information is available without joining the program but the level of staff work would be <br />significantly higher. <br />Board Member Hiatt stated that another principle should be that the City is approaching the <br />program as voluntary and noted that by joining the program the City would be opening <br />themselves to additional resources, such as the ability to obtain grants. He stated that the <br />program can be adapted to the best needs of Ramsey. <br />Board Member Bentz stated that it appeared the Council was opposed to grants and questioned if <br />that language should be included. <br />City Planner Anderson stated that the Council recognized the potential to receive additional grant <br />funds but also noted that the process would still be competitive and there would be no guarantee <br />of obtaining grant funds. <br />Chairperson Max noted that the Council was also concerned with strings that could be attached <br />to the receipt of grant funds. <br />City Administrator Ulrich agreed and provided examples of grant funds that are offered with <br />conditions. He advised that the City has accepted grant funds in the past, and will in the future, <br />and most of those items are cost -share grants. <br />Board Member Lewis stated that he did not see participation in the GreenStep Cities program as <br />a goldmine for grants and explained that the recommendation was simply in benefit of the <br />additional information and resources. <br />Board Member Stodola believed another benefit of the program would be recognition of items <br />that have already been completed by the City, such as establishing a trail program. He believed <br />that people looking to start a business in the City or move to the City would want to know this <br />information and the City should be recognized for the efforts accomplished. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau asked for clarification on the guiding principle that would concern <br />how the program would be applied to the City and to businesses and residents. <br />Chairperson Max stated the intent would be to look within the City at what could be applied and <br />possibly to commercial businesses, as they desire to participate. He stated that this would have <br />no influence on homeowners. <br />Board Member Lewis stated that the EPB is an advisory Board and cannot implement anything <br />on their own. He explained that this is an opportunity to review how the City behaves on an <br />environmental level and be recognized for their efforts. <br />Environmental Policy Board / February 3, 2014 <br />Page 3 of 8 <br />