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launched an online map recognizing compliant businesses and distributed <br />"Sustainable Steward" stickers. <br />For 2026 updates, Ms. Bakken noted a shift toward email communication with <br />businesses. She clarified exemptions for certain items such as small sauce <br />cups, pre -packaged manufacturer items, food wraps, and plastic films. <br />Enforcement is currently limited, with a focus on outreach due to the <br />challenges restaurants face. The City is also offering funding assistance for <br />compostable utensils to ease the transition, with some early participation. <br />Overall, Ms. Bakken emphasized that sustainability efforts continue to expand <br />across multiple fronts, with strong engagement, measurable progress, and <br />ongoing refinement of strategies. <br />Chair Ficek expressed appreciation for the City's online map recognizing <br />businesses that comply with the Green To Go ordinance. He said he found it <br />to be a great addition and has personally used it to both commend businesses <br />for their efforts and ask others why they are not yet included on the list. <br />Ms. Bakken encouraged commissioners to let her know if they notice <br />restaurants that appear to be compliant, but are not yet listed on the City's <br />website. She explained that some businesses may be close to meeting the <br />requirements but missing one or two items, and she is happy to follow up to <br />verify and potentially add them. She emphasized that her goal is to focus on <br />positive reinforcement and recognition rather than enforcement or penalties, <br />preferring to highlight and encourage good practices rather than punish <br />noncompliance. <br />Chair Ficek complimented Ms. Bakken and thanked her for her efforts, noting <br />that he especially appreciated the focus on promoting positivity and <br />encouraging businesses through recognition rather than enforcement. <br />Ms. Bakken acknowledged that the idea for the online recognition map <br />originated in St. Louis Park, giving them credit for launching a similar <br />initiative first. She added, somewhat humorously, that while it is not officially <br />a competition, Roseville may now have more restaurants listed as compliant. <br />Vice Chair Hodder complimented the recognition approach, comparing it to <br />the Blue Eagle program from the New Deal era under Franklin D. Roosevelt, <br />when businesses displayed a symbol to show participation in federal recovery <br />efforts. He said he appreciated the historical parallel and thought the <br />recognition element was a nice touch. <br />Ms. Bakken responded lightheartedly that she had not intentionally drawn <br />inspiration from FDR's Blue Eagle program, but that she appreciated learning <br />about the historical reference. She then asked if there were any additional <br />questions about the Green To Go program before moving on, noting that <br />Page 9 of 18 <br />