Outreach (Articles and QCTV Spots)

As the Board knows, the approved work plan emphasized outreach to the community to create awareness of current environmental issues and information.  The Board created a 'Focus on Environment' column to be included in the newsletter as one way to achieve this goal.  Thus far, there have been several columns that have run including an introduction to the EPB, recycling information (holiday lights and general recycling) and water conservation.  Staff has also included articles in recent newsletters that focus on oak wilt, emerald ash borer, and buckthorn. 

At this time, additional articles and topics are needed to continue this outreach effort.  There will be newsletter issues  for July/August, September/October, and November/December yet this year.  The topics should be timely for the corresponding issue of the newsletter (e.g. maybe lawn prep for winter for the September/October issue)

In addition to the newsletter, another good outreach tool is utilizing QCTV to do periodic updates.  One has been done thus far (update on the Expo joining Happy Days and promoting the tree sale) and QCTV has contacted Staff several times about continuing these updates. 

Staff would recommend that the Board identify more topics for future articles and potential volunteers to draft them.  Additionally, Staff would encourage members of the Board to consider participating in a QCTV update with Staff or with other members of the Board. 

Based on discussion.