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COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 12, 1996 of its services in connection with any upcoming City projects, and (2) educational and informational sessions which the Committee has established. Ms. Davidson stated that Open Mike isn't the proper forum for discussion of the first issue; however, she explained the sessions referred to above were planned for use as an information gathering tool for Committee members in order to give the group a level field of knowledge. Ms. Davidson stated that it soon became clear to the Committee that anyone interested in the planning and future of Lino Lakes could benefit from the sessions, as environmental issues are important in the overall future of the community. Ms. Davidson added that the sessions, or seminars, will be addressed by a number of knowledgeable guest speakers who recently participated in the Conference on Sustainable Development sponsored by the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance. The Committee feels that by having these speakers at its sessions, a part of that conference will come to Lino Lakes. These speakers are experienced in issues such as those facing Lino Lakes in connection with its development plans. Ms. Davidson distributed pamphlets describing the upcoming seminars. The first speaker will be Hannah Dunovitz of the Minnesota Natural Heritage Program, and she will talk about how to best measure remaining assets and preserve them. Other speakers will include Joan Galley, a non -game wildlife specialist from the DNR; a County planner, a developer, a representative from the Minnesota Land Trust; and, finally, a speaker from the Land Stewardship Project. Ms. Davidson added that these seminars will be free of cost to the City. She formally invited the Council members and members of the Citizen Advisory Board, as well as all who are interested, to attend. The seminars will take place on the second Thursday of each month through February at Centennial Fire Station No. 2 on Lake Drive. Council Member Lyden commented that the Committee's activities thus far are quite impressive. He asked that any budgetary considerations be expressed to the Council prior to the end of the year. Ms. Davidson stated that she has contacted other environmental groups in the area, and will provide her conclusions to Council. Council Member Kuether asked about funding that might be available for the Committee's use. Ms. Davidson explained that the Office of Environmental Assistance offers grants, but that the Committee missed their last funding round. Another opportunity will be in the Spring, and Ms. Davidson said that the Committee will pursue that avenue as its goals become more clear. Randy Schumacher agreed with Council Member Lyden with respect to the speed with which the Committee has organized the upcoming educational activities. He asked about progress on the balance of the Committee's work plan, such as inventory studies. Ms. Davidson explained that at its first meeting the Committee focused on brainstorming for ideas, out of which the first project --inventory of resources --took form. In order to conduct this inventory on a low budget, members will be working individually to collect the various resources needed to create an "environmental master plan" which will encompass their goals. PUBLIC HEARING, 6:30 P.M., CONSIDER VACATING A PORTION OF FOURTH AVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAY, DAVID AHRENS Mr. Ahrens explained that this project includes vacation of a portion of Fourth Avenue from Elm Street to I35 W. Action by Council will be requested at a later date when Staff has gathered sufficient information.