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includes several recurring items such as participating in the Environmental Expo, tree sale, <br />utilizing various media for community awareness, and educational pieces on seasonal topics. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated he understands some of the EPB members are upset the Council <br />did not adopt the GreenStep Cities Program. He stated that while there were some good <br />initiatives in that Program, he thinks some of those initiatives can be brought forward without <br />joining the Program, such as energy independence and sustainability. However, the Council was <br />concerned with the more harsh requirements. Councilmember Tossey asked if there is hesitation <br />to bring any of those initiatives forward. <br />City Planner Anderson stated the EPB would enjoy being able to do that and would like to hear <br />specific areas of focus from the Council. <br />Councilmember Tossey suggested scheduling a joint meeting with the EPB so those initiatives <br />can be discussed. He stated he has always been a proponent of the EPB but is hesitant about <br />some of the GreenStep Program's regulations that would be a burden for residents. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau explained the EPB was more interested in narrowing its focus so it <br />arrived, after discussion, with these two items. However, the EPB is not limiting itself from <br />looking at additional initiatives, as opportunities arise. <br />City Planner Anderson stated the EPB is also looking realistically at what it can accomplish with <br />12 meetings a year that results in a tangible and positive outcome for the community. He stated <br />he thinks the EPB would welcome a joint meeting to discuss the positive initiatives of the <br />GreenStep Cities Program. <br />Councilmember Riley stated his appreciation for the work of the EPB and noted the EPB has a <br />different `job' than the Council so it may come to a different decision. He supported scheduling <br />a joint meeting and encouraged the EPB to consider other items, not just items that are not <br />controversial. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill suggested adding a joint session to the EPB's Work <br />Plan. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Backous supported a Council policy to hold an annual joint meeting with the <br />EPB, as it is unique in developing a Work Plan that requires Council review and approval. He <br />stated his appreciation to the EPB and Members who were in attendance. <br />Environmental Policy Board Member Lewis added that he does not think the EPB is diluting the <br />purpose or function of the Board but, rather, is focusing on several tasks to work on where the <br />outcome can be of benefit to more people. Historically, he thinks the EPB has had too broad of a <br />focus and their preference now is to be more results focused. <br />Councilmember Johns thanked the EPB, noting they have a unique position to formulate policy <br />and dig into issues that the Council does not have the expertise to develop. She stated her <br />appreciation for their narrowed focus given their number of meetings held each year and to <br />City Council Work Session / July 8, 2014 <br />Page 7 of 10 <br />