Meeting Minutes
March 8, 2005
Attendees: Faith Klareich (FK), Carl Henn (CH), Alicia Hosmer (AH), Gerald Leighton (JL), Tolulope Odunlami (TO), Geoff Sanders (GS) (via phone) and Nate Wall (NW)
Absent: Jaskaran Singh (JS)
Also in attendance: Doug Beard (DB), Kris Dighe (KD) and Devi Zembu (DZ) (prospective Commissioners)
Agenda:
1. Welcome, News and Agenda Review
Potential Commissioners to stay for agenda items 1 – 6 only, after which time the EC will enter closed session to discuss issues regarding Commission size and vacancies.
2. Current and Potential Commissioner Introductions
3. Review and Approval of 2/8 and 3/1 Meeting Minutes
Minutes as corrected by TO from 2/8/05 and 3/1/05 were approved.
4. Finalize Tree Maintenance Position Paper
GS and CH suggested a few minor wording changes. Debate on whether to include a specific numeric value needed on the tree hazard evaluation form to justify “imminent hazard” and thus immediate removal/maintenance. Decided to leave in value as something tangible, knowing that there will always be exceptions to the rule.
- AH moved, CH seconded to move the paper, as corrected, to the M&C.
Unanimous vote in favor of transmitting to M&C.
- NW will send out final version of paper, incorporating wording changes.
5. Sustainability
FK explained that “sustainability” was a key issue for the EC (Green Building Ordinance, Energy Efficiency, others). Can use these issues as a focus for liaising with other boards and commissions.
a) Green Building
Discussion on whether best to use a “stick” or “carrot” approach to implementing green building in Rockville. CH suggested starting by requiring that the LEED form is filled out, regardless of the rating. Could then move into requirements / incentives.
- NW will send out green building requirements, example ordinance, etc.
b) Environmental Excellence Awards
NW mentioned the Env Excellence Awards program, and requested assistance in getting applications / nominations. Several suggestions were made as to how to get the word out, such as sending to civic associations, putting an announcement in Rockville Reports, sending to local interest groups (Sierra Club, etc.), local schools, Montgomery Community College, etc.
6. Procedures for Issue Papers
CH suggested that Commissioners prepare a brief synopsis of the issues that they would like to see handled by the EC with a position paper. The EC would then discuss and rank the ideas, and assign an initial drafter for the top-ranked issues first. This person would then bring the near-final draft to the entire group for discussion, where it would be finalized and voted upon before transmittal to the M&C.
JL would like to see the following prioritization for position papers based on source:
- Mayor & Council request
- City Manager request
- Other Departments or Commissions
- Neighborhood Associations / Citizens
- Environment Commission ideas
FK acknowledged the need to respond to M&C, City Manager, etc; however, would like some objective criteria for prioritizing issues. CH wants to make sure that “smaller” issues (low-hanging fruit) will still get their time instead of focusing only on the larger issues.
7. Commission Size / Vacancies
FK mentioned that with the number of issues that the EC would like to take on, it is likely that additional support (beyond the currently allotted seven Commissioners) will be necessary. This could be done in two ways: 1) Expanding to nine Commissioners, or 2) the creation of two “alternates”. Because the EC requires individuals with varied backgrounds, FK feels that the creation of alternates could allow for the retention of “intellectual capital” by allowing members with pressing commitments to switch into an alternate role, with less rigorous attendance requirements. The alternates would function as full Commissioners, except they would not be allowed to vote (and consequently, wouldn’t raise the number of Commissioners required for a quorum). The EC was generally in favor of the alternates concept, and FK will discuss it with the City Clerk.
The EC unanimously voted to recommend that Doug Beard be appointed by the M&C to fill one of the open slots on the Commission. It was decided to wait on filling the second position until the possibility of additional Commissioners or alternates is known.
8. Staff Update
a) COG Request
NW explained that MWCOG had requested the City of Rockville’s opinion on the findings of the Blue Ribbon Panel regarding the funding / cleanup of Chesapeake Bay. TO to review information, and make comments from the EC on behalf of the City.
All other staff updates tabled until the next meeting.
9. Wrap-up and Adjourn
