Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 02/26/2018

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completed and the spring courses have now been matched up with projects. He noted that the projects that matched with classes included organics recycling, sustainable initiatives, and recognition of businesses that lead the way in recycling. He noted that Coborn's received an award from Anoka County for their efforts in recycling the previous year. He advised that PACT Charter School was also recognized the previous year for their efforts with organics recycling. He stated that there is another project matched with an urban forestry class to complete a public tree survey. He noted that this is something he has wanted to accomplish in the City for the past several years, especially as it would assist with planning for potential impacts from Emerald Ash Borer. He stated that he would be looking for volunteers to assist in collection of the data. He explained that the students would provide the necessary training so that volunteers could get out on the ground to collect data. He noted that the training is tentatively scheduled for April and would include classroom time on the initial date and then some field training on a second date. He stated that the data collection would presumably occur in May, as long as conditions allow. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if the students would also include recommendations for planning with the knowledge that is gained. City Planner Anderson stated that once he is given the data from the students,he would then take that information and prepare other planning documents with more accurate information. He welcomed interested Board Members to participate. He noted that the students will also be reaching out to other community groups such as the Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists, Parks Commission and City Council. Councilmember LeTourneau suggested reaching out to the Ramsey Garden Club. Board Member Valentine stated that for the past six weeks he has been working with a metro wide steering committee working on the Metro Environmental Commissioners Conference,which is an effort to get groups like the EPB together to talk about common interests. He stated that a program has been scheduled for April 7th and noted that as more information is available, City Planner Anderson will provide that information to the Board. He stated that it seems like this would be a good opportunity for the Board to participate in and will feature topics that the Board has been discussing. He stated that the event will be held at the Hennepin Methodist Church in Minneapolis and will have free parking and no admission fee. He noted that there are other larger communities in the metro area and it will be a good opportunity for the Board to gain that shared input. Chairperson Stodola asked for an update on the organics recycling program and whether participation has declined in the winter months. City Planner Anderson provided an update on the organics recycling program. He stated that the last calculation that he had measured about three tons of material that has been diverted from garbage to the organics recycling. He noted that is a pretty amazing figure considering the small amount of publicity the program has had thus far. He noted that the locks were removed during the winter because the locks were freezing in the colder temperatures. He stated that to his knowledge there has not been any contamination. Chairperson Stodola stated that he makes deliveries maybe every other week and has not noticed any materials that would not be eligible for the organics recycling. Environmental Policy Board/February 26, 2018 Page6of7