Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 08/17/2015

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ensure -all policy makers are on the same page. A broader discussion will be held in September and he wanted to capture and changes to be made ahead of that meeting. Board Member Bentz stated he would like to look at what has been built, and what is not there. He asked if there are provisions for affordable housing. Chairperson Stodola responded there has been a plan for lower income apartment housing. Community Development Director Gladhill noted there are housing goals. The City cannot dictate exactly what types of housing it prefers, but it can work toward goals. Ultimately, it would be best to mix levels of income, and that will start to play out in decision making along the way. He stated sometimes density brings the affordable housing. Board Member Lewis questioned what kind of opportunities there will be to review this. Community Development Director Gladhill replied the plan is to get through all the Boards and Committees in August. It has not been determined how the final document will be fabricated. It will become a survey of all these groups, the public and other stakeholders. It could mean a collaboration meeting of interested parties for more discussion. Councilmember LeTourneau asked if he was looking for input relative to this particular body or input relative to how this fits in the community. Community Development Director Gladhill responded both. He said the natural resources plan of the Comprehensive Plan is what is more related to this Body. Board Member Lewis stated he has not seen anything on this document that deviates from the original plan from an environmental standpoint. Community Development Director Gladhill stated from a natural resources standpoint, one of the features that is different is The Draw and the amphitheater. The amphitheater made a fairly significant change to the natural resources. He pointed out the original plan had a strong parks program, and the current plan has a strong master parks and trail plan. He also noted the drainage system has changed. The area west of Lake Ramsey is lower than it was going to be. Councilmember LeTourneau mentioned some of the wetland drainage area in the western part of the city is being taken away. He questioned what will be done to mitigate that. Community Development Director Gladhill replied there have been Wetland Credits purchased, and there are enhancements in other areas. That will need to continue. Board Member Lewis said he thought there was a discussion about the big box anchor mall on the west side of Armstrong Boulevard. Community Development Director Gladhill responded the City did publicize this and there was an effort to look at eminent domain. He explained that statute has now changed. However, the zoning is still there for a retail setting. It still could occur. Councilmember LeTourneau commented he continually hears that people want restaurants. He said some people want the food to be locally produced. Others want chains to come in. He said Environmental Policy Board / August 17, 2015 Page 8 of 11