Attendees: Faith Klareich (FK), Doug Beard (DB), Carl Henn (CH), Gerald Leighton via telephone (JL), Tolulope Odunlami (TO), Geoff Sanders (GS), Jaskaran Singh (JS) and Nate Wall (NW)
Absent: Alicia Hosmer (AH)
Also Present: Kris Dighe (prospective Commissioner)
Agenda:
1. Welcome, News and Agenda Review
2. Review and Approval of 5/10 and 5/21 Minutes
JL moves, GS seconds to move minutes into record. Motion passes.
3. Tree Maintenance Paper at June 20th M&C Worksession
GS asked for more clarity regarding NGO notification, as well as rationale for the selection of an “8” as opposed to a “7” on the tree hazard evaluation form to define “imminent hazard” meaning that immediate removal is acceptable. NW diagrammed the three components of the tree hazard rating, and described the original rationale behind the “8”. It was noted that there were certain circumstances where a “7” may also be seen as an imminent hazard.
FK asked who else is available to attend the M&C worksession: JL and TO can make it. AH has previously indicated she could attend if necessary.
4. Meeting with City Manager at July 12th Meeting
To insure good attendance, FK polled those present to see who would be able to attend the July 12th meeting: all present can make the meeting.
JL has started working on an initial briefing packet. FK mentioned that some components of this packet would be:
Definition of agenda
Handful of specific questions / discussion points
Copy of EC Charter
A “status sheet” / benchmarks – accomplishments as compared to charter
The four finalized position papers
Working groups abstracts
Description of liaison goals with other boards, City Staff, maybe County
JL would like to discuss receiving a response from M&C on issues we have sent to them, especially concerning the sustainability statement. CH thinks that instead of reacting to a statement, the EC should give them specific issues to react to.
FK mentioned that accountability was a part of sustainability, and this could be a discussion piece for the City Manager: Prioritization of issues, is the City/Staff prepared for sustainability? Similarly, is it intimidating for the EC to plan liaison activities? DB mentioned that it would be good to show where the EC could add value to other Boards & Commissions and City Staff; begin a dialogue.
Relating to past experience with EC liaisons, when there has been a specific issue (such as tree management with the Parks Advisory Board), that has tended to go more smoothly than when there wasn’t a set goal (such as the initial contact with the Traffic & Transportation Commission). Reiterate need for specific liaison goals.
JL mentioned that we may also want to discuss Commission size.
5. Working Groups Abstracts
FK asked for volunteers to put together a blurb about what each working group should be: areas of interest, goals, etc.
DB will take watersheds / water quality group
TO will take high-performance buildings / energy efficiency
AH may take education / outreach / inreach (AH not present)
[Note: AH agreed to prepare this abstract after the meeting.]
All of these abstracts will ultimately go into the briefing packet for the City Manager.
6. Annual Environmental Summit (focus: SWM?)
All Commissioners generally in favor of holding annual environmental summits. NW presented the idea of having the Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) give an informational seminar to start off the summit, with possible field trips and discussion with City staff to follow.
JL wasn’t sure if CWP could give an unbiased presentation, as they were involved in the Watts Branch Watershed Study; JL also thought that the Watts Branch study was all the information that the City needed, and that perhaps City staff could present it.
7. Staff Update: Filling of Planning Dept. Vacancies
NW indicated that there had been two interviews, but no decisions had been made concerning the vacant Chief of Planning position.
8. Filling Environment Commission Vacancies
FK to touch base with Councilmember Hall to discuss his recommendation for an appointment before the EC takes further action to fill the vacancy.
9. Other Issues
CH mentioned that the issue paper sub-group had a few ideas they would like feedback on:
Bicycle parking ordinance
City vehicle purchase policy
Requiring new developments to pursue LEED rating
10. Wrap-Up and Adjourn
