The purpose of this case is to continue discussion on items for inclusion in a new Environmental Policy Board (EPB) Work Plan.  The EPB's current Work Plan, which is attached to the case, runs through the end of the year (2019).  The EPB did briefly discuss potential topics for inclusion at its April 15, 2019 meeting and the minutes from said meeting are attached.  Finally, the Action Plan from the City's current Strategic Plan is also included to provide some insight into the City Council's priorities over the next year.

Staff has prepared a draft Work Plan that does include two carry-over items from the current Work Plan.  The first addresses water quality protection from shoreline erosion along the Mississippi River, which has not yet been addressed.  The second item, which addresses the longevity of our water supply, was on the current Work Plan but has not yet been completed (hopefully pending a successful grant application to the Metropolitan Council).

The City's current contract for curbside recycling runs through December 31, 2020.  Thus, Staff has added to the draft Work Plan an item to consider options for curbside collection of recyclables (this could include considering an extension of the existing contract, issuing an RFP, or migrating to an open hauling system). 

At the April meeting, the EPB did brainstorm some about potential topics to include on the next Work Plan.  Items that were mentioned included youth engagement, working with volunteer groups (e.g. Master Gardeners), and green architecture initiatives.  Prior to incorporating any of these topics into the draft Work Plan, Staff wanted to provide the Board with another opportunity to discuss these, and any other ideas, as well as to prioritize items for inclusion in the draft Work Plan.

This topic is being handled as part of Staff's regular duties.

Discussion of draft Work Plan and provide Staff direction on items to include as well as prioritization of the topics.