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5.01: Review of Joint Meeting Discussion City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He indicated this is an opportunity to continue the discussion from the Joint Meeting held on September 23, 2014. There were two common themes from the meeting: public education and public awareness. He added how this board could be that relevant arm for residents. He suggested putting together a framework for what this board could be working on. Board Member Valentine stated after the meeting, he has been trying to come up with a mission for the group and a basis for discussion for the group and added he would like to have some discussion on this. City Planner Anderson addressed two points from the meeting. There was a question about whether there was a charter for the Board and it does not appear that there is one. The other point was public awareness and public education and what that topic would be. Public education is straight forward. The work plan does include newsletter articles, website info, etc. Board Member Valentine stated the Mayor brought up the notion that this group could give early warning on key problems. Providing educational support is great but he likes analysis of the comp plan. City Planner Anderson stated he agreed and the comp plan is something that comes around every 10 years and will be due in 2018. Currently they are working on system plans for housing and parks and trails. Board Member Hiatt asked if the Met Council has to approve the comp plan. City Planner Anderson stated all of the system plans have to be reviewed and approved by Met Council. The parks and trails will be routed through the Parks and Recreation Commission. The next round of approval would not be a complete overhaul of the comp plan but more of an update. This action will take considerable time and will be quite a ways out. He added the goal of the city is to have the comp plan submitted on time. Acting Chairperson Bentz asked about the NRI plan. City Planner Anderson stated that Staff has spoken about that and he doesn't feel there has been enough change to take on the cost of updating it at this time. He stated Ramsey is moving up for development and this discussion could change as time goes on. Acting Chairperson Bentz asked about the street tree inventory. City Planner Anderson stated he would like to find a way to complete that but staff time is limited. He suggested there could be an opportunity for volunteers to perform the work but there would be a training issue. Board Member Lewis stated he would personally like to have an answer of what the purpose and the function of this board is. He stated he is still baffled that the City Council feels this is a worthy Environmental Policy Board / October 6, 2014 Page 2 of 6