Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/02/2009

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Councilmember Jeffrey stated it will be important for the Council to get together with all of the boards and commissions to help them do their work. He expressed concern that the advisory commissions do not know what this Council's priorities are: Councilmember Look stated that since there has not been an opportunity to sit down with the EPB, it is premature and inappropriate to approve or put forth a proposed work plan since the work plan will likely change. He suggested that no action be taken at this time and advised staff to set up a time to get together with the EPB. Motion by Councilmember Look, seconded by Councilmember Dehen, to table Resolution #09- 01-_ Resolution Approving the Environmental Policy Board's 2009 Work Plan until such time as the Council meets with the Environmental Policy Board. Further Discussion: Environmental Coordinator Anderson asked if this can serve as a starting point for that conversation with the EPE. Councilmember Look stated he felt it could serve as a starting point, but there are some concerns collectively as a Council that need to be addressed, including prioritizing the work of the Council and the boards and commissions. Councilmember Elvig stated he is a bit sensitive to the fact that there are volunteers serving on the City's boards and commissions who are passionate about the work they do and he was not comfortable telling them to disregard their work until the City Council tells them what to do. He suggested that the EPB's 2009 work plan be passed, allowing them to continue to do their work in good faith with the caveat that the Council may reprioritize their goals in the future. Mayor Ramsey concurred. Council member Wise stated he felt there were ample opportunities for the work of the EPB to continue pending review by the City Council. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Look, Dehen, McGlone, and Wise. Voting No: Councilmembers Jeffrey and Elvig. Absent: None. Case #10: Consider a Resolution Amending the "Policy for Appointing Board and Commission Members" Councilmember Dehen stated he requested this item be pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion based on the earlier meeting ofthe Personnel Committee. City Administrator Ulrich presented a proposed resolution based on the discussion at the Personnel Committee intended to extend the terms of incumbents presently serving on all committees except the EDA to March 31 st, consistent with the resolution before the Council allowing incumbents and new applicants to be considered in one recruitment process, extending their term of service to March 31 to allow newly elected Councilmembers to officially interview candidates with consultation by the chairs and vice chairs of each commission. Councilmember Dehen stated he was not in attendance at the Personnel Committee during this discu.ssion and stated he supports considering incumbents and people seeking committee appointment in one pool. He added he has always felt it was unfair to give incumbents an . advantage, and does not consider it to be disrespectful, rather, it gives everybody a fair shot. He suggested a revision to Section 3) ofthe proposed Policy regarding selection, deleting the word City Council I January 27, 2009 Page 15 of 20