Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 03/30/2015 - Special

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Board Member Lewis questioned if there is a measurable goal desired on a per lot or per acre basis which could be built into the language. City Planner Anderson did not believe that could be quantified. He compared the average water use during the winter months and summer months. City Council Liaison LeTourneau provided additional information on the top soil study that was completed. He stated that there needs to be a shift in thinking for homeowners to look at some of these alternatives in replacement of sprinkling in order to conserve water. Board Member Bentz stated that he would like to see the option for commercial properties to not install irrigation, which is currently required. City Planner Anderson stated that perhaps the recommendation of the Board would be to keep the top soil requirement and to eliminate the requirement for irrigation within the business, industrial and multi -family zoning districts. He stated that perhaps there would be an option to exempt the top soil requirement if the applicant were to achieve the goal in another manner. He stated that perhaps the Board could use educational efforts to prioritize some of the alternative options. Board Member Valentine agreed that perhaps the beginning point could be top soil but then there could be an option to achieve the goal using alternative methods, but was unsure how that end result could be measured. City Planner Anderson stated that he will forward these comments to staff to further discuss and bring back additional recommendations in the future. 5.05: Review Article for Potential Inclusion in Newsletter City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. Chairperson Stodola questioned if someone has verified that the numbers are accurate. City Planner Andersons stated that the information does seem accurate but noted that staff would verify the figures. Board Member Lewis questioned if this would be an opportunity to recognize the business for the Eco Star award, as this would be a great kick off for the program and would provide recognition to the business and the program. He stated that perhaps language could be included in the article that the Board is nominating the business for an Eco Star award. The Board provided consensus to include the article under the EPB portion of the newsletter with additional language nominating the business for the Eco Star award, with direction for staff to verify the figures in the article. Board Member Lewis stated that perhaps this would be a good opportunity to publish an article about the Eco Star program. He volunteered to draft the article. Environmental Policy Board / March 2, 2015 Page 6 of 7