Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/05/2007

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CASE # 1 ENVIRONMENTAL EXPO 2007 By: Chris Anderson, Environmental Coordinator Background: At the January meeting, the Board requested that the Environmental Expo topic be brought back for discussion. As you may recall, Ramsey Elementary School has determined that they will be unable to partner with the City in sponsoring this event as they have in years past. Additionally, the expo event is typically held the first Saturday in May, which, this year, would conflict with a community visioning forum. Observations: These circumstances have left the status of the 2007 Environmental Expo and Tree Sale uncertain. The last weekend in April (an alternate date that has occasionally been used for this event) is really not a viable option for two reasons. First, it would be in direct competition with the Anoka Conservation District tree sale and secondly, the Spring Recycle Day event is scheduled for that same weekend, presenting a time conflict for the Staff person responsible for the two events. There are several options to consider regarding the 2007 Environmental Expo including, but not necessarily limited to: 1. Host a Tree Sale only, possibly sometime in mid April 2. Host an Expo event only, at some other time of year 3. Take a one year hiatus from hosting an Environmental Expo and resume in 2008 If the City opted not to host an Expo event in 2007, it would present an opportunity to review and possibly revamp the structure of the entire event. As you know, one of the goals of the Board is to encourage citizen participation in policy implementation as identified on the 2006/2007 Work Plan. ~ So~e examples of how this may be accomplished include coordinating various education and awareness ~ars/workshops as well as speakers on environmentally relevant topics. Both of these themes could certamly be incorporated into the Expo event, while still continuing to tailor portions of the event toward kids. '\ Recommendation There are a number of factors that have combined to create the uncertainty of the event this year including the retirement of the Environmental Specialist (the longtime coordinator of the Expo event), the fact that the Elementary School will no longer be a cosponsor of the event, and the need to relocate the event (possibly to the new Municipal Center). The culmination of these events has made this a transition year for the Expo, leaving the door open to tweak the structure of the event. EPB Action Base on discussion. EPB: 2/5/07