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• <br />ENVIRONMEPdTAL PROTECTIOPd <br />The Fark Board discussed the degree of responsibility it felt it could <br />assume for environmental protection. Gunderman stated that there <br />definitely appears to be a need for a separate commission to deal with <br />environmental problems. The overlap between it and existing commissions <br />would be minor and could be coordinated. Hagemeyer and Smith stated that <br />aside from protecting the parks there was little the Park Board could <br />accomplish. <br />Dahl brought out that even though the Citizen's Study Committee has a sub- <br />committee on "Quality of Life" it was going to recommend the establishment <br />of a separate Environmental Commission. <br />Sherlock expressed doubt that such a Commission could be effective without. <br />statutory Support. Gunderman replied that one of the Commission's functions <br />could be the recommendation of needed ordinances. <br />Smith also questioned the effect of an advisory committee. He felt the <br />real problem was enforcement. <br />Dahl stated her feeling that a local commission dealing specifically with <br />the environment could be effective. <br />Smith stated the effect would be minimal. Hagemeyer replied that a start <br />has to be made to deal with the problems. <br />Dahl moved to recommend to the Council the establishment of an Environmental <br />Commission with one member of each existing advisory group included as an <br />ex-officio member. <br />Hagemeyer seconded. <br />Sherlock requested that the motion be amended to read "voting member " <br />as opposed. to "ex-officio member" as ex-officio members tend to become <br />dis-interested and ineffective. Mover and seconder agreed to the change. <br />Motion passed 3 - 1 (Smith negative) <br />Sherlock explained that he voted yes in the hope that the Council would <br />be favorable to such a Commission's recommendations as this is the only <br />way to insure its effectiveness. <br />Smith explained he voted no because of his feeling that the necessary. <br />research on the best way of dealing with environmental problems is lacking <br />and that the appointment of Environmental Commissions is more of a fad <br />than an ything else. <br />Gunderman requested that contact be made with the Natural Sciences Center. <br />to investigate the services they. might offer to the Park Department. <br />COUI~iTY PARK PLAN <br />The effect of the Ramsey County Park Plan was discussed by the Board. <br />Concern was expressed over the potential threat to the Long Lake site if <br />the County buys the property adjoining it to the north and east. Any <br />attempts at regulation to protect Long Lake and Long Lake Park would be <br />futile if access were available throughout the area from a Couty Park. <br />-2- <br />