Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 01/05/2015

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Councilmember LeTourneau stated he felt the role had its own identity. Board Member Bentz stated that it involves getting feedback. Community Development Director Gladhill asked if it fit within the "present several perspectives" role. There was no objection voiced. Board Member Valentine wondered if there were tools such as a blog that would be available to make it easier for people to bring their concerns to the City. He felt that role belonged under "education." Board Member Lewis stated this falls under communication as a component of "community education" and improving lines of communication. Councilmember LeTourneau explained his proposed roles. "Discovery" would entail a deep dive into a topic to arrive at a formal conclusion or good recommendation. He did not think the City Council had time for this but it would be nice to have citizen input and he felt the Board could deliver a lot of value. The "preserve accountability" role is so that the City does not wander away from what is important and to hold the Council, staff and projects accountable from an environmental perspective. His "set direction" role is related to the "new technologies" role and is intended to address the need to be proactive in looking at trends on the horizon such as ground water supply. Board Member Valentine spoke about the ground water issue in White Bear Lake. Community Development Director Gladhill commented that the ground water supply is one of the key issues, part of the long -term plan in the Comprehensive Plan, and asked the Board for thoughts and feedback on Councilmember LeTourneau's suggested roles. Community Development Director Gladhill stated the Board could establish "promoting environmental awareness and conservation practice for citizens" as a broad goal and then get into advising the Council on policies; reviewing development proposals; and, communicating and educating the citizens by presenting several perspectives that touch on discovery, accountability and bringing forth new technologies. He suggested staff use this as a framework for the Statement of Purpose that will be brought back for the Board's consideration. Board Member Valentine stated that the Board would then have something to work with. The Board reached consensus on the content of the proposed Statement of Purpose. Community Development Director Gladhill asked the Board what makes a policy board different from a task board and if the Board wanted to expand on the issue under the lens of the Statement of Purpose. Board Member Lewis stated his opinion that this Board as it is currently structured operates as a policy board in title only and that renaming the Board would help to clarify its function. He does not know if a task force would be the correct term, but he does not think it is a policy board. He Environmental Policy Board / December 1, 2014 Page 6 of 12