Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 03/20/2017

Home

5.02: Receive Update on Covenant Meadows and Consider Environmental Review Options (Project #17-102): Case of Eric Thomson City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the purpose of the case is to review an application for a rezoning of the subject property from R-1 Rural Developing to Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Preliminary Plat. He stated that the site is generally located south of Trott Brook and west of Germanium Street. He stated that the applicant has proposed to subdivide the approximately 38-acre subject property into 12 single family homes that would be serviced by individual private utilities. The Preliminary Plat proposes deeding approximately 15 of 38 acres to the City as the public benefit in relation to the PUD application. He stated that the proposed 15 acres straddles Trott Brook, has steep slopes, and is also considered to be high quality natural open space. He noted that this is simply an update and formal action is not required. City Councilmember LeTourneau stated that there was a proposal for some trail right-of-way but that does not seem appropriate because of the slope. City Planner Anderson stated that staff believes that it still has merit to look at a trail corridor from the edge of the cul-de-sac to the land that would be deeded to the City. He stated that a trail to the brook would not be provided because of the steep slope. He provided additional details on possible locations for a walking trail through that area. Board Member Valentine asked how likely it would be to require or request an EAW. City Planner Anderson explained the triggers for an EAW, noting that the mandatory threshold is 250 units, while this proposed development is only 12 units. He stated that staff believes that 12 additional units will not have an impact on the aquifer that these homes would draw from and provided additional details. 5.03: Consider Draft 2017-2018 Work Plan City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the purpose of this case is to consider the Draft 2017-2018 Work Plan for the Environmental Policy Board. He stated that the EPB had identified four elements in February for inclusion in a Work Plan and those items were presented to the City Council at a joint meeting in February. He stated that the Draft Work Plan has been formatted to mirror that of the City Council's Strategic Plan as well as the Work Plan of the Planning Commission. Board Member Valentine stated that City Planner Anderson did a great job compiling the information. Chairperson Stodola stated that he also likes this format for the Work Plan. City Planner Anderson stated that this is the template used by the City Council. City Councilmember LeTourneau stated that the previous year the Board created the Statement of Purpose and thought the development of the Work Plan was a great logical next step. He noted the staff time that is shown and asked if this list of items might be too big of a commitment for staff to accomplish in the next year. Environmental Policy Board / March 20, 2017 Page 3 of 5