Agenda - Council - 03/27/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE # 3 2007 Arbor Day Event — Update on Environmental Expo By— Chris Anderson, Environmental Coordinator Mark Riverblood, Parks Supervisor Background: For more than fifteen years, the City, in conjunction with Ramsey Elementary School, has sponsored an Environmental Expo. The expo venue was intended to promote environmental awareness and provide an opportunity for residents to purchase trees from local growers. Additionally, the City utilized the Expo event to formally recognize Arbor Day, which is one of the criteria for maintaining Ramsey's designation as a `Tree City USA'. Due to a number of factors, including the loss of the elementary school as a co- sponsor (which prompted the need for a new location for the event as well) and the conflicts with other city- sponsored events (Spring Recycling Day and Ramsey3 Open Space Technologies forum), Staff and the Environmental Policy Board have discussed putting the Environmental Expo on hold for 2007. Both Staff and the EPB see this as an opportunity to revamp the Expo event so that it is bigger and better in 2008. It is important to note that this is a one -year postponement of the event, not an elimination of the Expo. In lieu of the Environmental Expo, Staff is planning a formal Arbor Day event that will include both interested City Officials and residents. The focus of this event will be boulevard tree plantings in two locations along Sunwood Dr between Sunfish Lake Blvd and St. Francis Blvd. The intent will be to have nearby residents, as well as City Officials, actively involved in the plantings along with Staff. Throughout the event, Staff can demonstrate proper planting techniques for residents and discuss the benefits that trees provide. The Arbor Day planting will allow the City to maintain its designation as a Tree City USA while also encouraging public participation in enhancement and appreciation in the City's streetscape. The date and time is yet to be determined, but is likely to be either the early evening of Friday April 27 (which is the official date of Arbor Day in Minnesota this year) or possibly Saturday. Funding: Funding for the trees and communications (door hangers /flyers) will be from the General Fund line item (Environmental Services), allocated for special projects, trees, shrubs, etc. The expenditure will be about $2,000 which will provide for about 8 to 10 ball and burlap boulevard trees. Council Action: No action is necessary. This case is for informational purposes only. Reviewed by: Com. Dev. Dir. CC: 3/27/07 -85-