Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 04/20/2015 - Joint with Planning Commission

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Board Member Bentz stated that he would still like to see a price tag put on water with irrigation water at a different rate then potable water. He thinks the best way to get people's attention is to let them know this is how much water is being used and it's going to cost them this much more. This would take the issue/costs away from the state and concentrate it locally. He stated that everyone needs to know the costs and that everyone is paying for it. Commissioner Bauer stated that is a good point. He stated that those on their own well are not concerned because they are not paying for the water, but it is costing the community. He talked about making those with their own private well aware of the issue. City Planner Anderson stated when the topsoil ordinance was adopted there was a discussion about the ordinance being for those on City services or City-wide. The decision was to make it city-wide because citizens are all drawing from the same aquifer. City Planner Anderson stated that this is a starting point for framing discussions at an upcoming public meeting. Board Member Bentz asked the Planning Commission if when they get blueprints and layouts, they use modern best management practices for landscaping, lighting, roofing, etc. Commissioner Bauer answered that they don't get into this with residential developments. The multi-family proposals do need to present this information. City Planner Anderson stated that this would be another benefit of the Board actively taking part in the review of the land use applications. If an issue is not in the zoning code, it may not be required but there can be advisory comments. If a consistent message is coming forward, then maybe it's time to look at an ordinance amendment. City Council Liaison LeTourneau suggested looking at what the City can do to set best practice standards for the community to follow. Community Development Director Gladhill asked if he was talking about City operations. City Council Liaison LeTourneau answered affirmatively. Chairperson Levine stated he didn't want to add a lot of cost to proposed projects and that there needs to be a balance. Chairperson Stodola stated that we could educate developers on the long-term cost savings. City Planner Anderson stated that looking at if the City can create incentives to encourage some of the techniques to be incorporated into a project could be a goal. Commissioner Brauer explained points-based zoning that has been adopted by some cities. He stated that if we had a points-based system, developers could be rewarded for green space and less parking. Commissioner Andrusko asked if the City participates in the Green Steps Program. Environmental Policy Board/April 20, 2015 Page 9 of 11