Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 11/18/2019

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Board Member Hiatt stated that he would assume that this nationwide effort would have some kind of accommodation for cities that also have private well users. He explained that if there is not some kind of accommodation, he would worry that Ramsey could lose about 40 percent of potential participants that use private wells. City Planner Anderson confirmed that there are questions related to specific water use, such as shower length. He stated that nothing in the challenge requires the City to prove the water savings. He explained that it is based on engaging residents to participate and implement actions that help to conserve water. He reiterated that the contest/challenge is about residents taking a pledge to conserve water, not about actual water savings. Board Member Covart asked if the metric used could be related to the amount of water awareness that was raised through the program rather than specific water reductions. City Planner Anderson agreed that a webpage could be built for this challenge and noted that simple questions could be added in an attempt to analyze the impact in terms of education and awareness. Board Member Fetterley noted that there is no cost to participate and if there is very little administrative effort required, this would seem to be a benefit to the community in terms of education and awareness. Chairperson Valentine referenced the previous hiccup with the GreenStep Cities program and stated that perhaps additional information should be brought back to the Board before the item moves to the City Council. City Planner Anderson confirmed the consensus of the Board is to get more information and details on the challenge and bring the topic back for formal consideration. 6. BOARD /STAFF INPUT Board Member Moore stated that the Environmental Conference will take place again in March or April, noting that all members of the Board are welcome to attend. She referenced a recent email that included a survey and asked the Board to complete the survey. She stated that parks staff has asked if any of the Board would like to assist in plantings at Pearson Park this spring. She noted that the event would be focused on pollinator friendly plantings. City Planner Anderson confirmed that he could coordinate that activity as the event nears. Board Member Moore referenced a policy of a neighboring city that provides an incentive for converting typical yard space to pollinator friendly plantings. She noted that perhaps this group could look into a similar initiative. City Planner Anderson stated that if the Board is interested, that could be reviewed. He noted that the zoning code does allow for native landscapes. Chairperson Valentine confirmed the consensus of the Board to further discuss that opportunity. Environmental Policy Board/November 18, 2019 Page 5 of 6