Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 12/18/2017

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City Planner Anderson provided background information on the GreenStep program, noting that it is a voluntary program without commitment. He stated that the more items you accomplish voluntarily,the more recognition you would receive. He stated that the intention of the Board was for the City to look at its own initiatives and see what the City could be doing as a leader. He noted that there was some opposition and provided reasoning that was given. Chairperson Stodola agreed that the City did not need to join GreenStep in order to explore initiatives and review policies. Board Member Hiatt stated that he viewed the program as a resource that staff could use to gather additional Best Management Practices and other shared data. City Planner Anderson confirmed the consensus of the Board that they are comfortable with the direction of the draft chapter. 6. BOARD/ STAFF INPUT • Meeting Dates for January and February(due to Martin Luther King Jr.Day and Presidents Day, these meetings need to be rescheduled) City Planner Anderson stated that the January and February meeting dates will need to be re- scheduled as they fall on dates that City Hall will be closed. He noted that he will send out a poll to determine the best date for those meetings. Board Member Valentine asked if there will be a future meeting when presentations will be received from the Resilient Communities Program. City Planner Anderson stated that Community Development is working to develop an open house style meeting with all of the student groups on an evening prior to the City Council meeting where the Mayor provides the State of the City speech. He noted that will give the students an opportunity to present their information to all Board/Commission/Council members that would be interested, rather than attempt to schedule multiple meetings. He noted that once the dates are confirmed, he will pass that information to the Board. He confirmed that he will send out an email to confirm dates for the January and February meetings. • Possible Metropolitan Council Water Study City Planner Anderson stated that there is an opportunity, through the Metropolitan Council, to participate in a study that would look at ground water supply and aggressive conservation strategies. He noted that he passed the information on to the Board through email earlier today. He asked if there would be any objection from the Board in the City offering to participate in the study. He noted that the City may not be selected but he wanted to discuss the opportunity with the Board. He noted that additional information could be brought to the Board at their January meeting. Environmental Policy Board/December 18, 2017 Page 4 of 6