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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING April 25, 2012 <br />DRAFT MINUTES 7 <br /> <br />Piper Donlin stated she really cares about initiating sustainable practices and <br />improving the quality of the environment and sustaining the environment. <br /> <br />She stated with the adoption of the comprehensive plan which was put in place <br />last year really emphasizes sustainable practices and conservation which is a huge <br />part of the GreenStep program. <br /> <br />She reviewed many best practices that the City has put in place with the <br />comprehensive plan. <br /> <br />One member of the group, an exchange student from Norway, stated the most <br />inspiring thing is seeing cities like Lino Lakes and local communities <br />implementing the BP before they are told by the federal government. <br /> <br />Ms. Donlin s compared the contrast between Hopkins and Lino Lakes. The City <br />of Hopkins is currently a case study and both the cities fall into category A. The <br />City of Hopkins is on board with the GreenStep program. They are in the process <br />of completing step 17 out of the 28 steps. They are currently a Step 2 City. They <br />have been the in program for a year and a half. They have done many things such <br />as install solar panels, farmers market, energy efficient lighting. These steps have <br />saved them lots of money. <br /> <br />Their biggest challenge is lack of time which is the case in Lino Lakes. Most of <br />the City of Hopkins success is due to the work of a student intern from the <br />University of Minnesota. Their student gets credit from the University for the <br />work completed. <br /> <br />Mr. Asleson questioned if the City were to start this process would we lose <br />contact with this group? It was stated yes, for the group from the University of <br />Minnesota and no not with Diane McKeown from CERT. Ms. McKeown is the <br />representative for our area. <br /> <br />Ms. O’Dea stated the City is already a Blue Thumb partner. She stated there is <br />not a lot of man power. Is there a significant amount of time that needs to be put <br />into this program? <br /> <br />Ms. McKeown stated if a city had an intern, that person could look through the <br />comp plan and go through the checklist. A resolution would then need to be <br />passed. She stated she would not be surprised if we weren’t close to step two. <br /> <br />There was discussion about bringing a resolution to the council. It was stated the <br />League of Minnesota Cities recognizes cities who participate. <br /> <br />Mr. Heiskary stated if the council hears benefits from the group, it would be good.