Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 12/01/2014

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Board Member Bentz gave an example of what kind of contribution the Board could make to development projects and stated that the Board is supposed to be composed of a variety of people for a variety of input. Community Development Director Gladhill asked the Board if there was opposition to reviewing development proposals and improvement projects that eventually get to the City Council. Board Member Lewis stated he is not opposed to reviewing the proposals, but is concerned that the issue of the role of the Board is still not clearly being defined and that the Board is still going in the same direction as it has been. Community Development Director Gladhill asked if it would close the gap if a framework and metrics was established to demonstrate the Board's goals and achievements. Board Member Lewis stated in some respects it would help to close the gap but the underlining question in all of this remains where does the Board make the largest contribution back to the City and its citizens. He stated his opinion that what the Board is discussing, is what the Board is currently doing and packaging it a little differently but it is still the same thing. He questioned if this is the best use of the Board. Chairperson Stodola stated that he believes what the Board is discussing now has not happened in the past when they often heard about projects after the window for input was closed. Board Member Lewis suggested that major restructuring needs to occur in order for the Board to be proactive and become part of the process sooner. He stated his opinion that the Board is not a policy board, but an advisory board. Chairperson Stodola stated that the Board is a policy board. Board Member Lewis stated that the Board is a policy board in name only. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that he is hearing the Board say they want to be more involved in the process and that it is up to him and City Planner Anderson to determine a process to facilitate more meaningful involvement. Board Member Valentine stated he is sensing enthusiasm on the part of Staff to implement a new process and asked Councilmember LeTourneau for his opinion on the Board's desire to be more involved in the development process. Councilmember LeTourneau stated there would definitely be value to the Board being more involved in the development process. Community Development Director Gladhill asked if there was enough consensus by the Board that he and City Planner Anderson could work on a proposed Statement of Purpose that includes advising the Council and development review. Board Member Bentz suggested that only substantial work should be taken on. Environmental Policy Board/ December 1, 2014 Page4of12