Meeting Minutes
December 14, 2004
Attendees: Faith Klareich, Carl Henn, Tolulope Odunlami, Geoff Sanders, Jaskaran Singh, Jim Wasilick, Nate Wall
Absent: Gerald Leighton and Alicia Hosmer
Agenda:
1. Welcome, News and Agenda Review
2. Review and Approval of 11/06 Meeting Minutes
Minutes from 11/16/04 approved.
3. Staff Update
a) Commission Vacancy Recruitment
Commission vacancies were advertised in the latest edition of Rockville Reports as well as on the Commission’s website. Expand the distribution by possibly including the vacancy announcement in the Gazette. The deadline to submit something for the next Rockville Reports is Jan. 3. Probably not enough time to prepare something for the next issue of Rockville Reports. Include highlights on the Commission’s activities in Rockville Reports in the future along with vacancy announcement.
b) Update on College Gardens Low Impact Development Study
Next meeting is Jan. 18th at the Senior Center to promote the use of rain barrels. The study is done and the evaluation of the results should be completed soon.
c) Liaison With Other Boards and Commissions
Of the City boards and commissions, the following is an initial list of those groups that deal with issues most relevant to the Env. Commission’s mission:
- Planning Commission
- Traffic and Transportation
- Board of Appeals
- Park Advisory
- Rockville Economic Development Inc. (REDI)
- Sister City Inc.
- Bicycle Advisory Group
- Sign Review Board
Need to rank the groups based on what the Env. Commission is trying to achieve. When looking for support from these groups, which would be most accepting of our input. Also need to develop talking points and FAQ’s.
Carl asked about the Planning Commission and where they stood on the new zoning ordinance. The planning commission has had one meeting with Mayor and Council to date. It would be important for the Env. Commission to be involved with this. Before meeting with the Planning Commission, we need to research the website and review what they have done so far. Possibly observe a meeting or two prior to becoming involved. Possibly have the city liaison meet with the Env. Commission to brief us on what the Planning Commission is doing. Also could speak with the chairperson of the commission.
The sustainability statement was forwarded to Mayor and Council two weeks ago. No action from them yet.
By next meeting, develop a ranking system for the other boards and commissions listed above based on the ones most relevant to Env. Commission.
d) Zoning Ordinance/Code Update
Temporary employees being hired and additional consultant help may be needed. They are looking a full spectrum of cases ranging from greenfields to urban.
e) Noise Study Update
Draft of the interim review transmitted to the city. Transportation Committee liason will be able to provide something to the Env. Commission by January.
4. Discussion of Joint Session with Traffic Commission
It was felt that the members of the Traffic Commission did not fully understand the Env. Commissions goals with regard to sustainability. The Commission needs to do a better job of developing sustainability principles. Needs to develop environmentally sound ideas and send some issues papers to the Traffic Commission.
5. Next Steps on Sustainability Principles
Tolu has started to look at the template. The Commission needs to expand on statement sent to the Mayor and Council. Integrate sustainability principles with the zoning ordinance.
Develop five year plan on sustainability. Interim implementation plan does not have to be far reaching. Need to start small and build slowly. Put something together in the next 6 months for the city manager and Mayor and Council to solicit comments.
Issue Paper – Tree Removal in Forested Areas.
Issue originally raised on May 20, 2004. It has been brought up twice to the Mayor and Council.
Site of tree removal was located in Upper Watts Branch Forest Preserve – College Gardens. The area does not get a lot of foot traffic. Probably does not need done. What prompted the tree removal? City states that trees were removed for safety reasons. Annual tree inspections have identified them as hazards. City forester will speak to the Commission. Better to meet forester early so the Commission has time to discuss.
