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values or mandates on private property. The Board would only serve in an advisory capacity and <br />the Council has authority for final decisions. <br />City Planner Anderson introduced EPB Members. He requested feedback on the guiding <br />principles, and if there is support, to consider participating in the GreenStep Program. <br />Mayor Strommen thanked the EPB for their work to develop building principles, as she <br />understands the intent that this Program would be a resource for the City. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated his support for the work of the EPB and addressing the <br />concerns expressed at the previous meeting by drafting guiding principles, addressing liability, <br />and how to maintain and use this tool. He stated he finds this to be a good direction to focus the <br />work plan around. <br />Councilmember Johns asked when the City can tap into resources and if a certain level has to <br />first be reached. She noted some of the items on the list have already been accomplished. <br />City Planner Anderson explained a resolution to participate in the Program would have to be <br />adopted. He agreed the City has already accomplished some of the items on the list. <br />Councilmember Kuzma asked whether the Resolution would force the City into a certain path or <br />if it could pick and choose where to go. <br />City Planner Anderson stated the Resolution does not commit the City to anything long term but <br />indicates the City wants to participate in the Program. However, there is no long -term <br />commitment and the City can opt out at any time. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he appreciates everything the EPB does for the City and he <br />understands their frustration at the time the Council considered this Program. He stated he does <br />not understand why the City needs to take this step because the best practices are the expertise <br />the City already has on the EPB. In addition, the EPB comes up with its own work plan. He <br />asked if these resources are not currently available to the City. <br />City Planner Anderson explained that information is available on the GreenStep website; <br />however, the technical expertise through the Retiree Environmental Technical Assistance <br />Program (MN RETAP) is available only to GreenStep Program members. <br />Councilmember Backous asked how the City would take advantage of those 40 hours. <br />City Planner Anderson stated as an example, the City could look at the type of bulb and energy <br />to light the parking ramp and the City could tap into that technical expertise to perform a cost <br />benefit analysis. <br />Councilmember Backous stated in his opinion, this is not a program the City needs to participate <br />in because it already has leaders with that knowledge serving on the EPB. He stated if the <br />Program is temporary and noncommittal, he does not understand why the City should participate. <br />City Council Work Session / April 8, 2014 <br />Page 3 of 10 <br />