Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 06/15/2015

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Board Member Covart stated that at one time she would have wanted to clear the trees out to have a view of the golf course, but would not want to do that now. She believes the value of the lot would be higher if they could see the golf course. She asked if that was the applicant's intention, could they do that. City Planner Anderson explained the City's tree preservation ordinance. He stated that the property owner has stated his reason for splitting the lot is to create a single level home that he can transition to and that tree preservation would be part of the review. He stated that the tree preservation ordinance does not limit what an individual homeowner can do in the future with trees on the property with the exception of certain overlay districts along the river. He stated that he does not have any specific details but does not think this is the property owner's intention. Board Member Valentine stated his agreement with Staffs position on this variance. Chairperson Stodola and Board Member Covart also agreed. 5.02: Consider Outline for Public Education on Groundwater City Planner Anderson stated that this case is a follow up on last month's discussion regarding an educational campaign that would start with a focus on ground water and also working towards developing a timeline. He stated that he has completed a draft outline and pointed out the City's standard mechanisms to convey messages to residents. He stated that a direct mailing could be done but that it would add costs. He stated that Staff is trying to hit the ground running with the timeline calling for immediate webpage development. He stated that there is already a great deal of existing information on ground water that people can be directed to and recommended placing an article on ground water basics and concerns in the August/September newsletter issue. He talked about using the focus on the environment column, cycling in articles and creating a running series regarding consumption information, rates, conservation practices, impacts of aquifer depletion, and review of current standards to reduce pressure on aquifers such as sprinkling restrictions and topsoil requirements. He talked about a utility bill insert that could go out in the second quarter billing of 2016 that would serve as a reminder heading into next year's irrigation season about the importance of conservation practices. He stated that he would like a board member to be part of an educational video. This would take place late fall, early winter 2015. He would work with QCTV on when it would make sense to air the video and Staff would put together a script that would include graphics. He thinks this is an underutilized communication tool that the city could use. Board Member Hiatt asked about the electric bill consumption comparison. He stated that it has prompted consumption change in his home. He asked if there was a possibility to do this with water consumption and stated that it could be tricky because a greater amount of residents are on well and septic. City Planner Anderson stated that there is a pretty even split right now between residents receiving municipal services and residents on private well and septic. Board Member Hiatt stated that he assumed it is possible to implement consumption comparisons for those residents receiving municipal services. Environmental Policy Board/June 15, 2015 Page 4 of 9