Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 01/25/2016

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also looking at a lot of other things. He thinks input from the EPB will be very helpful especially with large projects. He stated that he is in favor of a trial run. Commissioner Maul stated that he felt it was a really good idea from an environmental standpoint and that it would alleviate some issues. City Council Liaison LeTourneau observed that the land use applications for Parkview East Apartments and Common Bond Apartments were reviewed and the thing that came to the surface was the water management system that Common Bond had put in. It was identified as a best management practice. He stated that this is a good example of how this structure can be the shepherd of these issues and the City will start to see consistency in how it is handling surface water and its retention. Community Development Direction Gladhill spoke about the Harvest Estate project and how they were able to apply ordinances that were developed through the EPB. Commissioner Bauer spoke about a recent project that had more than the required number of parking spaces. He stated that the EPB discussions before the Planning Commission's review of the project were helpful. City Planner Anderson stated that the hope is to have this type of feedback built into the review to go to the Planning Commission and then to the City Council. Board Member Valentine stated it would be nice if there could be a feedback loop so that we don't wait too long to find out we are out of sync. City Planner Anderson stated that as Staff they can try to do that. He stated that Staff is going before the EPB and then two weeks later the Planning Commission and then two weeks later the EBP meets again. It could be his responsibility to relay the general conversations rather than waiting a full year. He will try to serve as a go between. Chairperson Levine stated that this is already being done but now it will be more purposeful and will keep both commissions on track. 5.02: Review Development Review Process and Meeting Procedures Community Development Director Gladhill stated that he would like to give a broad overview of the land use application process. He stressed the importance of learning the structure of code and being able to find the information Board Members/Commissioners need. He stated that City ordinances come from state statute and constitution, He stated that the League of Minnesota Cities is a great resource and encouraged Board Members and Commissioners to attend a Governance Training Services function. Community Development Director Gladhill went over zoning and subdivision codes and the Planning and Zoning Discretionary Pyramid and how is it is used. He stated that the Planning Commission is the recommending body to the City Council with the exception of variances in which the Planning Commission is acting as the Board of Adjustment and Appeals and they actually make the approval or denial of variances. The Planning Commission's decisions are Environmental Policy Board / April 20, 2015 Page 3 of 11