Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 04/19/2021

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some of the elements from the Environmental Expo that people liked. She noted that perhaps there could be further discussion on possible event ideas along with the newsletter article schedule. Chairperson Covart stated that the next item is related to public engagement with local elementary schools. City Planner Anderson commented that public engagement should probably be included on any work plan, noting that the details could be further discussed. Board Member Moore agreed that anything that can be done to involve youth is a benefit. Board Member Hiatt recognized that it will be a process to reach out to the schools and teachers in order to develop something collaboratively. He stated that perhaps something could be tied in with the curriculum if the planning is done collaboratively. City Planner Anderson stated that public engagement interweaves with everything and perhaps this is something that evolves organically. He commented that Ramsey Elementary has been pretty receptive related to recycling topics and perhaps Brookside and PACT Charter would also be open to collaboration. He stated that the group should be cognizant that they do not overwhelm the schools/teachers. He commented that he could try to put some thoughts together for continued discussion. Board Member Hiatt recognized the difficulties the schools have had this past year related to COVID and suggested postponing this for this school year and perhaps introducing discussion during the summer months or next school year. City Planner Anderson stated that Chairperson Covart brought forward a suggestion related to a lighting audit of City properties. He noted that perhaps the parking ramp would be a good place to start if the group were interested in pursuing that concept. Chairperson Covart stated that suggestion was related to both energy savings and cost savings. She stated that her other suggestion was also energy related, specific to solar energy. She stated that she has been doing some research on solar energy and was impressed by the Connexus solar gardens. She was unsure that was an idea that should be included at this time and commented that perhaps they should begin with the lighting audit. City Planner Anderson commented that it would help to correlate the environmental and natural resources side with cost savings and potential return on investment. He stated that if desired, this could be included on the work plan as something the Board would like to explore further. He commented that the topics discussed thus far are the ones that he received by members of the Board leading up to the meeting tonight. He asked if there were any other suggestions from the Board. He stated that otherwise he can use the information from the discussion tonight to bring forward at the next meeting in May. Board Member Hiatt referenced the idea that had been brought forward in the past related to electric charging stations. He noted that perhaps the first place to start would be to reach out to other entities such as Connexus or Anoka County to determine if they have any input on the topic. Environmental Policy Board / April 19, 2021 Page 6 of 8