Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 04/19/2021

Home

City Planner Anderson commented that it seems there is consensus to consolidate some of the ideas into a single item on the work plan to engage and collaborate with the public, youth, community organizations and/or the Park and Recreation Commission on a public demonstration project. He clarified that some of the items on the work plan would not feasibly move forward in the next few weeks, as the work plan would still need Council approval. Councilmember Howell suggested incorporating a food forest demonstration as well. Board Member Moore asked if there could be a long-term plan to collaborate with the different groups. She stated that she is moving forward with two small plots this year as part of her Master Naturalist continuing credits and would welcome any assistance from EPB members or members of the community. City Planner Anderson moved to the next suggestion related to revitalizing the focus on environment column in the Ramsey Resident. He stated that in the past members of the Board submitted articles to be reviewed and published in the column. He noted that if the Board is interested in revitalizing this idea, it could be helpful to have a schedule developed related to article topics and Board Member assignments, or the articles could be delegated to staff as well. Chairperson Covart commented that there are so many things the EPB and City Planner Anderson are involved in related to the environment and a variety of topics that could be highlighted. She stated that she enjoys writing articles and would be willing to contribute. She agreed that it would be helpful to develop a calendar for topic ideas. Board Member Moore agreed that it would be helpful to have a list of topics and the members interested could volunteer for different articles. Board Member Hiatt commented that perhaps there would be an opportunity for guest columns as well, utilizing other organizations in the metro area. Chairperson Covart noted that Board Members could draft the articles and then submit to staff for review. City Planner Anderson stated that if included on the work plan, and if the Board drafts the articles, they should be routed through him to proof and he would then work with the communications staff to incorporate in the newsletter. He stated that there are six issues of the Ramsey Resident and two issues of the Ramsey Recycler, therefore there would be the potential for eight columns. He stated that if something is put in the Ramsey Recycler the content should be recycling, composting, organics, etc. related. Board Member Valentine commented that there needs to be a strong and fearless editor in order to manage the schedule and provide a consistent message. He recognized that there would be time required to keep people moving along on the articles and edit the content. City Planner Anderson commented that is where the schedule would provide assistance as it would align the topics and deadline for article submission. He noted that generally the deadline would be one month prior to publishing of the newsletter. He recognized the additional time for drafting, Environmental Policy Board / April 19, 2021 Page 4 of 8