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City Planner Anderson explained that the EPB got its start as a Task Force, dating back to late - <br />1990, early -2000s in response to a proposed development that resulted in a lot of tree loss and <br />potential degradation of wetland areas. At that time, group of citizens approached the City <br />Council and encouraged them to consider implementing several different standards. One <br />standard dealt with tree preservation, another dealt with wetland preservation. The City Council <br />opted to form the EPB and charged them to work with those two standards. Over time, the EPB <br />developed a Tree Preservation Policy that was adopted by the City Council. The EPB then <br />shifted its focus to the Wetland Protection Ordinance and held discussions with the City Council <br />to transition the Task Force to a full -time Board to address environmental issues and policies. <br />City Planner Anderson explained the focus of the EPB is called out in the City Code that lays out <br />the objection of the Board. This is the existing purpose of the EPB. City Planner Anderson <br />explained that another outcome from the transition from Task Force to Board was to act as a tool <br />for outreach and education on environmental issues facing the City. That led into the <br />accomplishments of the Board over the years including creating a Tree Book that is used when <br />projects are reviewed or to answer resident's questions; Water Construction Toolbox relating to <br />irrigation and establishing turf and lowering water demand; Emerald Ash Borer Management <br />Plan; Wetland Buffer Guidebook to help educate residents what the Wetland Ordinance means; <br />web pages relating to invasive species, shade trees, pest invasion, improving recycling operations <br />in the Municipal Center; and, vetting the Green Step Cities Program. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated the two issues to be addressed tonight will be <br />the purpose of the EPB and then strategies to accomplish those purposes. As examples, <br />Community Development Director Gladhill offered three purposes: to protect natural resources, <br />create policy, and review development. He encouraged those present to add their suggestions to <br />the posted list. <br />EPB Member Lewis asked the Council whether the EPB should exist. He stated this process can <br />be gone through but until that question is answered, he does not yet know how to respond to the <br />`purpose' question. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill suggested posting that question to the list of <br />purposes. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated his support for the EPB to remain a City Commission so <br />environmental issues can be addressed. <br />City Planner Anderson read the purposes offered by those present, as follows: <br />• Should EPB Exist <br />o Is a Task Force a Better Solution <br />o Advise on Policy Issues (wetland, water supply, etc.) <br />o Serve as Citizen Advisory Board on all Environmental Matters <br />o Review Existing and New Environmental Policy <br />o Create Environmental Policy <br />o Create/Review Policy /Ordinance <br />o Be the Environmental Conscience of our Community <br />o Community Education/Educate Public <br />City Council Work Session / September 23, 2014 <br />Page 2 of 10 <br />