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VI. GENERAL BUSINESS OF COUNCIL. 1 2 A. 2021 Parks and Environmental Commission Work Plan 3 4 Parks and Environmental Commission Vice Chair James Niemi presented the 2021 Work Plan 5 for the St. Anthony Village Parks and Environmental Commission. The Parks and Environmental 6 Commission is a five-member advisory commission, appointed by the City Council and is 7 charged with the following duties: 8 A. To prepare, revise, and maintain a comprehensive, long-term plan for the redevelopment 9 of parks within the City. This plan shall be viewed as a working document that serves as 10 a framework and reference to future redevelopment; 11 B. To make recommendations to and advise the City Council and staff regarding park and 12 environmental issues and ideas; 13 C. To establish priorities and recommend a phasing plan and schedule for implementing 14 innovative park and environmental initiatives, improvements, renovations, and plans; 15 D. To work with other communities to explore cooperative arrangements to develop 16 connecting routes in the form of bikeways, walking paths, and corridors of green space 17 wherever possible; 18 E. To investigate funding sources, including requests for increases in the City budget, 19 designated for parks, green spaces and environmental initiatives; 20 F. To seek new areas for additional parks, natural areas, walking paths, bikeways, and green 21 space corridors; 22 G. To generate community involvement in the development of parks, environmental 23 initiatives and their elements; 24 H. To review and recommend revisions to the operation and maintenance of City parks and 25 environmental initiatives; and 26 I. To periodically review, re-evaluate and update the comprehensive park and 27 environmental initiatives plan to reflect current and future park needs of the City. 28 29 In 2021, the Parks and Environmental Commission will focus on the following items: 30 • Continue with citywide parks cleanup in the Spring. 31 • Education and outreach in conjunction with community organizations to promote use of 32 the organics drop off site. 33 • Explore pedestrian and bike friendly routes. 34 • Joint meeting with the Planning Commission. 35 • Explore water conservation initiatives working with Rice Creek and MWMO watersheds, 36 and partner with schools for water conservation poster contest. 37 • Promote Arbor Day and Tree City activities in 2021, including outreach and education to 38 residents and City contractors about tree diversity, climate resiliency, and proper planting 39 techniques. 40 • Promote annual Sustainability Fair at the Community Center. 41 • Central Park solar demonstration project. 42 43 Councilmember Randle asked for more information on the Central Park solar demonstration 44 project. Mr. Niemi stated the Citizens for Sustainability obtained a grant to work with the school 45 district to set up a solar demonstration. 46 2