Agenda - Council - 11/26/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the purpose of this case is to continue discussion on items for inclusion in a new Environmental Policy Board (EPB) Work Plan. The EPB's current Work Plan runs through the end of 2019. The EPB did briefly discuss potential topics for inclusion at its April 15, 2019 meeting. The Action Plan from the City' s current Strategic Plan was included in the case to provide come insight into the City Council's priorities over the next year. Chairperson Valentine asked the Board if there are additional priority items. He commented that the three main items identified seem to be good foundation items to move forward with. Board Member Bernard agreed that the three items should continue to roll over. He suggested adding a youth engagement piece, noting the recent creation of an environmental group at the High School and possible interaction between the Board and that group. City Planner Anderson stated that youth engagement does match up with strategic action items developed the City Council. He noted that he has also had involvement with the elementary schools related to recycling in the past. Board Member Fetterley also agreed that the three listed items should remain as well as the inclusion of youth engagement. Board Member Hiatt commented that it would be nice to find ways to work with the different school groups with a focus on the three items listed in the plan, particularly water conservation. He stated that perhaps there are projects that can be embedded with the different youth age groups that could help to accomplish the different work plan categories. Councilmember Musgrove stated that the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization website has a lot of information for residents. She commented that the LRRWMO recently partnered with Anoka Conservation District/Anoka County related to education and outreach and noted that perhaps it would be helpful for that representative to provide a presentation to the Board related to her youth education efforts. She asked if Public Works is involved in recycling and whether there is overlap in that area. City Planner Anderson stated that historically there were other City Council committees similar to Public Works Committee. He stated that perhaps the link to the Public Works Committee would be the impact that garbage and recycling trucks have on public streets. He confirmed that the Board is comfortable with the three items shown on the draft plan and noted that he will review to determine how youth engagement could fit within the existing items or whether that should be its own item. Chairperson Valentine commented that it could be helpful to coordinate with other community education entities as it would not make sense to duplicate existing efforts. Board Member Hiatt stated that if these are the three major areas of focus, perhaps the Board should identify best practices in terms of water conservation and smart technologies. He stated that perhaps there are models available from other communities that can be duplicated. Environmental Policy Board / September 16, 2019 Page 2 of 3