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Fair in February to educate the public. Smith mentioned that people often stop and ask what the team is doing while they are working. Vaughan cormnented that if developments could incorporate natural landscaping around ponds, it would help keep the ponds healthier. Smith mentioned that the City has changed what is specified in terms of which wetland plants should be planted around the wetland ponds. There is more that could be done too. Vaughan mentioned that it would be a good idea to use the data that WHEP is collecting to educate the public. This would validate the volunteer's time as well. Maybe something could be done at association me~tings, for example. Rivertown Days would be a great opportunity to educate people. Possibly a press release could be issued in conjunction with Rivertown Days stating that WHEP will have people by Lake Rebecca explaining the program, demonstrating, etc. Bernstein stated that the Parks & Recreation Department will have a b09th at Rivertown Days this year. WHEP could join us if they would like. Also, WHEP'will be doing a macro invertebrate study in June - maybe the NRRC could be invited to join the data collection? Thank you to WHEP for the presentation! The NRRC feels that they need to encourage this program to continue. 8) Dog Waste - Bernstein received an email from a resident who frequently uses our city trails. She is very concerned about the dog waste that is being left on the trails and collects over the winter. The resident offered some suggestions as to the solution. Bernstein mentioned that the budget would be affected by any new waste disposal stations. The dog waste bag stations on the Mississippi River trail cost about $179 each. They were originally donated l]y GIrl Scout Troop #366. Miller commented that the state of Florida has great signage about cleaning up after pets for the health of kids and the community. He feels people need to see signage on this issue, although we need to be careful to be balanced in our use of signs. Bernstein agreed that some additional signage is appropriate. The City ordinance states that you must pick up and remove your pet waste. By adding disposal containers, are we defeating the city ordinance? Vaughan mentioned that his family just cleaned up Wallin Park and said that it was gross. He feels that more is necessary than just putting up a sign to educate people. We need to get people more emotionally involved. Bernstein has sent out letters in the past to neighborhoods experiencing large amounts of dog waste in parks and trails. The letters seemed to have' improved the situation. The problem is that along trails, there isn't really a neighborhood to target. Schommer stated that enforcement of the ordinance needs to take place. It is difficult to catch people in the act though. He doesn't believe that there is a perfect solution for this problem. Bernstein mentioned that the pet waste stations will at least be helping people who have forgotten to bring a bag. We will add a reminder to our next version of the trail map and Bernstein also reminds people when he is on cable or radio. The NRRC recommended for staff to look at additional signage regarding pet waste and also consider an educational campaign as well. It was also reco1l11J:lended that perhaps the concerned resident could write a letter to the editor of the Star Gazette. 9) Hub's Landing - Bernstein informed the NRRC that Hub's Landtng would like to, dredge the old wing dam portion of the river and expand. There is a 38 page environmental impact report and Kristin can email t.o anyone who would like to read it.. The MN DNR, Army Cotps of Engineers, and possibly the Coast Guard could \Je ' . ,11w.dIes for Hub's. KeVlll Sllutlll11el1tiol1ed tl~at staff 11as discussed ll11pact of llew bridge 011 tlus proj ect 'as welL. 10) Dakota Electric Substation - Bernstein passed out maps/plans to the NRRC as informationaL This is a third, substation that will eventually be within the city limits. The NRRC wondered about the timing of this station? It is in the proposal stage, but we are not sure of exact timing. It is actually located in Nininger township. The City's 2020 plan reaches to Jacob Ave. plus a small parcel in or:der to have both sides of road paved. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 at City Hall. Adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Minutes submitted by: KristIn Behrens