02/02/15 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

5. POLICY BOARD BUSINESS 5.01: Tree Sale and Environmental Expo Status City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. Board Member Hiatt arrived. City Planner Anderson continued to review the results of the previous tree sales and the amount of staff time needed to facilitate the event. He also provided information on a tree sale program that is available through the Anoka Conservation District. He stated that staff has determined that based on the trend of declining sales and participation, that the City should no longer continue to offer this event. Board Member Valentine stated that perhaps the information linking to the sale through the Conservation District should be advertised to residents. Chairperson Stodola acknowledged that the Board has discussed this possibility in the past and is comfortable with this decision. City Planner Anderson discussed the second portion of the case, the Environmental Expo. He provided background information, acknowledging that although combining the event with Happy Days did increase foot traffic, it was clear that some of that traffic was merely passing through and were not necessarily interested in the materials. He also acknowledged the declining participation of exhibitors and advised that one of the exhibitors from this past year stated that they would not participate in future events because it would not be worth it to them d ue to the limited exhibitors. He stated that there is a fair amount of staff time used to coordinate the event, as well as a cost to rent the tent and other equipment. He stated that perhaps the group should bring the focus back to environmental awareness and rather than attempt to have a whole tent could simply have a presence at other events such as Happy Days or the Business and Craft Expo. He noted that there are other ways to bring awareness, such as aiming to make Happy Days a zero waste event or sponsoring certain aspects. Board Member Bentz stated that his concern is that the event was the only time the Board was able to interface with the public and did not see another opportunity like that. He stated that he would also be concerned that if the Board were to distribute literature that would simply add to waste for the event. City Planner Anderson stated that the City has a presence at Happy Days and did not see a reason why the Board could not participate in that manner or staff their own booth. He clarified that the booth could be staffed by Board Members and there could be some large signs with information displayed on topics of the Board's choosing. Board Member Hiatt stated that perhaps the EPB and Park and Recreation Board could share a booth for the event, as there are issues that relate to both groups and it would be a great opportunity for the two groups to interact. He stated that perhaps there would also be an opportunity to work with the elementary schools on an educational activity such as an essay contest or another environmental activity. Environmental Policy Board / February 2, 2015 Page 2 of 5