Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 03/05/2007

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may be hesitation about hosting it this year, it could be used to the City's advantage to come back with a bigger and better Expo for 2008. Mr. Mark Anderson stated if there is a bigger event, it draws more citizen attention. He stated that even before last year, the Expo was waning in its attention. He stated that the only way it should go forward is if there is a firm commitment to give it the attention it is due in terms of drawing in vendors and educational opportunities. Chairperson McDilda concurred with Mr. Mark Anderson. Board Member Freeburg stated that recent expansion in Ramsey has been mostly in multi-family housing. He stated there may be a slowdown of the market for homeowners who want to put trees on bare lots. He stated the grounds around the new Municipal Center aren't ready to host a big event yet. Chairperson McDilda stated that Anoka County tree sale is big and they run out of trees. He asked what the City of Ramsey needs to change to make it a better tree sale. He questioned whether Ramsey's sale should be part of Anoka County's sale, or should the Expo be partnered with recycling day. He stated that the EPB has an opportunity to take a year off to see what needs to be changed. . Board Member aids stated this is the year of change. Chairperson McDilda suggested recognizing that the Expo could be made better with time to plan and do it right because it is a statement towards the new Ramsey Municipal Center. Board Member Max stated there is a different target audience than there was ten years ago. Board Member Sibilski suggested merging the Expo with the fall recycling day. He stated that would give time to look at something that potentially comes out of Ramsey3. He stated there may be interest at Ramsey3 for a referendum, or opportunity for solicitation of interest from residents about environmental concerns. Coordinator Anderson concurred that it might be a good idea to bring the Expo and recycling day together. However, the recycling event isn't something that can be hosted at the Municipal Center. It needs to be hosted around the Public Works facility. Board Member Max suggested that people could cycle through to drop things off, and then get directed toward the Municipal Center. Coordinator Anderson stated the ACD preorders everything so the day of the event people simply pick up what they ordered. He suggested using the weekend of the community visioning to put out a sign up sheet at RAMSEY 3. Chairperson McDilda stated that if the nurseries can be guaranteed a certain volume, they might be more willing to work with the City. Environmental Policy Board! February 5, 2007 Page 6 of 13