Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 10/15/2018

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City Planner Anderson replied that Ramsey residents do a great job recycling. He stated that in speaking with ACE Solid Waste, the large amount of contaminates are not coming from the Ramsey routes. He acknowledged that it is a fine line as you do not want to discourage people from recycling but simply emphasize recycling the correct materials rather than "wish-cycling". He explained that the mindset for years has been that if you think something can be recycled, put in the recycling whereas the new moto is "when in doubt,throw it out". Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated that it is clear that recycling is becoming more complicated because of the changing markets,which is changing the way people look at recycling. He believed that it is important for the EPB to make a statement on recycling. Chairperson Valentine agreed that it is important to be clear on the stance of the EPB to continue to support recycling and seek additional funding in order to continue to be successful. He stated that this is a key juncture in the recycling world. Commissioner Fetterley agreed that it is important to continue to focus on this topic. She thanked staff for bringing this request forward for the City to request additional funds to continue the recycling efforts effectively. City Planner Anderson stated that recycling is still extremely important and beneficial, there are just changes occurring right now. He stated that there are benefits to having a successful recycling program, which Ramsey has had for many years. He stated that it will become more challenging in the future to meet the increasing goals in the changing market. He noted that a portion of the additional funds being requested will be to facilitate the summer recycling event, which continues to increase in participation. He stated that there will just be an emphasis on providing clear educational messaging to the participants in the program on what is recyclable. Jade Moore, 8277 155`h Lane, referenced a statement made by City Planner Anderson regarding a barrier of language and asked for additional clarification. City Planner Anderson replied that the barrier is that English is the second language of some residents of multi-family apartments and therefore the educational material may be more difficult to understand. He stated that the use of pictures is being contemplated to make it easier to understand. He stated that the City does have access to documents in different languages through Anoka County. He stated that Ramsey does not have the same ratio of multi-family apartment housing that other communities in Anoka County may have. He stated that he is not aware of the language barrier being a large problem in Ramsey but is aware that the documents are available because of the need in other communities. Motion by Chairperson Valentine and seconded by Board Member Covart to recommend that the City Council authorize staff to submit the 2019 Recycling Funding Request to Anoka County. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Valentine, Board Member Covart, Bernard, Fetterley, and Moore. Voting No: None. Absent: Board Member Hiatt and Madison. 6. BOARD/STAFF INPUT Environmental Policy Board/October 15, 2018 Page 4 of 5