Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 03/03/2014

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Chairperson Max stated that perhaps the Council had looked at the possible action items and some issues stood out more than the general intent. He believed that the draft should go forward without the additional principle. Board Member Lewis stated that the fact that the program is a voluntary program which can be opt in or opt out at any time and would simply be an additional resource. Council Liaison LeTourneau explained that the issue came forward regarding rights of residents and their participation. He advised that the intent was to develop these guiding principles that would identify that this is geared towards City operations and not residents. Board Member Bentz stated that he is in agreement with the draft as presented by City Planner Anderson. He noted that perhaps people did not read through the information prior to the previous meeting as each section is labeled for the intended audience. He explained that the City can choose which items, if any, to act upon noting that the City already has accomplished many of these items. Board Member Lewis stated that he views the program as a lending library, where the City can pick and choose which items they would like to look into and gather information from cities that have already implemented items or developed policies. City Planner Anderson clarified the consensus of the Board is to move forward with the broad version he drafted with additional strengthened language in the first guiding principle regarding private property rights and civil liberties. Board Member Bentz stated that the City should be leading by example and this is a method to move forward with new ideas. Board Member Valentine suggested additional language stating that the GreenStep Cities program is a resource for determining the best method to move forward on an item and would not be the driving force for making changes in the City. City Planner Anderson confirmed the language that would be included. Board Member Lewis had a suggestion for the placement of the principles, moving the resource principle to the first spot. City Planner Anderson explained his reasoning for the placement of the principles. He confirmed the consensus of the Board to move the resource principle to the top of the list. Board Member Bentz suggested that another statement then be added to the end of the draft stating that the EPB believes that this would be a good resource. Council Liaison LeTourneau stated that there are members of the Council that will listen for the issue of civil liberties and how that is addressed. He believed that the item was mitigated in one of the guiding principles. Environmental Policy Board / March 3, 2014 Page 3 of 8