Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 11/13/2017

Home

City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He noted that the City was selected as the Community Partner by the University of Minnesota's Resilient Communities Project (RCP) for the 2017-2018 school year. He stated that the City proposed approximately 20 potential projects to RCP, ranging in topics from housing to water supply to natural resources. He explained that the RCP then seeks out upper level undergraduate and masters level courses that may be a good match for the various projects. He noted that with significant oversite by the professors, the study groups work on a project, or an aspect of a project, as part of their coursework. He noted that several projects have already been matched with classes for the fall semester. He noted that three of the RCP projects directly relate to the EPB's Work Plan and provided details. He stated that the remaining item is related to the organic recycling program, noting that the pilot program has been in operation for three months and provided an update. He stated that he invited the student groups to the Board's scheduled December meeting but noted that does not line up with the end of the semester and therefore there may not be good participation in that meeting. He noted that some students were excited to have the opportunity to present because these are real world projects. He stated that there has been a large time commitment from staff in order to fully communicate the desires of the City to the professors and the students. He stated that both the students and professors seem very excited with this partnership, as is staff. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if there would be interest from the Board in meeting earlier in the month of December in order to fall within the window of the school semester. City Planner Anderson stated that the Board's December meeting is scheduled for December 18th, which is relatively close to Christmas. He noted that the Council typically cancels their second meeting of September. He noted that the Board could look to bump up the meeting date, but noted that finals could be another factor. He stated that the Board could change to December 4th or 11th and he could provide those dates to see if there are move available students. Board Member Hiatt stated that perhaps December 4th would be a better date. It was the consensus of the Board to change the December meeting date to December 4th or 11th, depending upon which date would fit best for the students. 6. BOARD / STAFF INPUT • Fall Recycling Event City Planner Anderson stated that this year was the first attempt to hold three recycling events, with the most recent on September 30th. He reported that there were about 230 vehicles, which was about 30 fewer vehicles than the summer event. He noted that there was still quite a bit of material generated from the event. He noted that even with the summer event, the fall average was still met and the addition of the summer event did not detract from the fall event. He stated that he will still complete the final numbers but it is likely that the City will hold three events the following year as well. He explained that as long as they are not detracting from participation, they would hold the additional event. Board Member Hiatt stated that perhaps this is also training residents in the more regular schedule of recycling events and therefore there will be more steady participation. Environmental Policy Board / October 16, 2017 Page 8 of 9