Consider Date for 2012 Environmental Expo Event

At the September Board meeting, there was a brief discussion about the 2012  Environmental Expo event and potential activities and speakers/topics to include.  The Board directed Staff to bring forward a case at the October meeting to set a date for the 2012 event.   Determining a date will better prepare the Expo Subcommittee and others as they seek out potential participants and inquire about availability.

Settling on a date for the 2012 event will somewhat hinge on whether the event will include a tree sale component.  As the Board knows, this event originated as a tree sale and then, over the years, transformed into an expo and tree sale.  Two of the vendors that have been a part of this event from its inception have indicated that 2011 was their last year (looking to retire, not related to the event itself).  So, if a tree sale will be included, some rather large changes would be necessary (staffing that portion of the event is the biggest one).  Additionally, if the event will again include a tree sale, the date of the event will need to be around the end of April (for bareroot stock).

One option that Staff has mentioned in the past is the potential for a joint event with other communities.  Staff has had some communication with the City of Coon Rapids about this and there is some interest and potential to join the Environemntal Expo and Tree Sale with their Green Expo.  Staff will continue to explore this option with other communities for a future event.  It should be noted that Staff of both communities have agreed that logistically, there is not sufficient time to merge the two events for 2012 but will continue discussions for a possible joint venture in 2013.

The Board should be prepared to discuss and select a date for the 2012 event.  Possibilities include April 21, 28 or May 5 if it is to include a tree sale.  If, after considering the pros and cons of including a tree sale, a tree sale is not included, than the event date is more open.  Staff believes there's still merit in offering a tree sale and with some revisions to the program, could still be an attractive component of the event and therefore, would recommend that the date of the event be near the end of April.

Motion to select ____________ as the date of the 2012 Environmental Expo event.