Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 09/16/2019

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Review Current EPB Work Plan City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. The EPB has a City Council approved Work Plan for 2017-2019. As the City Council is beginning to wrap up their strategic planning for 2019, staff thought it would be a good time to briefly review the current plan and begin brainstorming topics for future consideration. The intention is not to develop a new work plan this evening, but rather to initiate some discussion on possible topics of interest or importance to the EPB. Chairperson Valentine welcomed some brainstorming ideas to consider further. He stated that he is satisfied with the level of effort that the Board has received from City Planner Anderson. He acknowledged the high amount of work that is placed on staff for some of the Board projects and actions. Board Member Moore provided an update on a recent conference that she attended. She referenced a discussion regarding organics that occurred, noting that the organics recycling program in Ramsey seems to be very progressive compared to other communities in the metro. She stated that engaging youth in the community was a large focus of discussion as well. She explained that in some communities there are active youth groups completing projects and attempting to bring about new policies, while other communities were having difficulty engaging the youth population. She stated that perhaps that could be an item to add to the work plan as that group seems to be instrumental in bringing about changes and implementing new projects. She noted that in some communities there are Master Gardeners that review landscaping plans to provide an additional element of input on tree types and vegetation. Councilmember Shryock stated that it is exciting to be involved with different Boards and see how things begin to come together. She referenced the discussion about education and encouraging residents. She noted that there has been discussion about smart sprinkler technology and there will be an attempt to bring forward resources to help residents take advantage of those. She referenced the Resilient Communities Program with the University of Minnesota that was completed and noted that perhaps that would be a group to consult on how to engage the youth population. She stated that there are a number of Master Gardeners in Ramsey and that would be a good resource that may be willing to provide assistance. She stated that community engagement is an element that the City Council would like to focus on, and these ideas are a great way to continue that effort. She encouraged the group to think about what they can do and mesh that together with the amount of time that staff has to assist in accomplishing those items. She noted that prioritization is also important, as items can be placed on a waiting list for future years. Board Member Hiatt stated that there is a new elementary school coming online within the year, which is a good opportunity to create a connection for engagement. He stated that the younger you start engaging youth with environmental issues, the more successful that endeavor will be as the information shared will continue to grow as those students continue on in their learning experience. Councilmember Shryock agreed that getting the youth involved helps to increase participation throughout the City, as those students will bring that information home to parents and grandparents. She stated that as the work plan is developed that will help the Board create the