Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 05/17/2021

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but it would most likely not go in the ground this year. He stated that there are multiple items that could be worked on incrementally at the same time. Chairperson Covart commented that she does not believe that the order needs to be changed in her opinion. Board Member Fetterley stated that she also agrees with the order as is. She asked and received confirmation that newsletter articles could be worked on immediately while awaiting review of the plan by the Council. She stated that she would not have a problem moving the demonstration garden down on the list. Board Member Moore agreed. She stated that in reference to item eight, related to the charging stations, she believed that Chevrolet is releasing 25 new electric car models and perhaps that item should be more urgent on the list. She commented that it would be great for Ramsey to get ahead of that curve in order to receive the most assistance from other programs for that type of activity. Board Member Fetterley stated that she would agree to move that item up on the list, referencing the recent gas shortages on the east coast. Board Member Valentine commented that there are a lot of players involved in that market right now and perhaps the responsibility of the City would be to coordinate how it could assist in planning where that could occur, and/or perhaps bringing in parties that might be willing to provide those charging stations. He agreed that the item should be prioritized but with recognition of the other parties that could be involved. Chairperson Covart stated that her suggestion to add this item was simply to research opportunities and if there are programs available that the City could take advantage of. She stated that perhaps the research itself would be all that the City would need to complete for that item. Board Member Valentine commented that if the language were retuned to that message, he could support that being a higher priority. Board Member Hiatt stated that in terms of research, perhaps that would involve determining where resources may be (public or private). He agreed that this is coming faster than people think, but also agrees that the City may not be in the best position to move forward on its own. He agreed that the best path may be to determine who is moving in this direction and how the City could work with them. Councilmember Howell asked if there are private companies that have charging stations. City Planner Anderson stated that he is not sure of that and confirmed that part of the research would be to identify any potential partners. Councilmember Howell stated that if this is going to be a hot trend, she would believe that the private market would jump on that opportunity. She asked if the City charges for use of the charging stations. Environmental Policy Board / May 17, 2021 Page 5 of 9