Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 04/16/2018

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City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that the purpose of the case is to check in with the EPB on the draft Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that as staff continues to work on the chapter, they wanted to provide the Board another opportunity to review and provide input/feedback. He noted that this will be the last review by the Board prior to the third and final public open house on the overall Comprehensive Plan Update, which is scheduled for April 9th at 5:30 p.m. He stated that this will not be the last time the Board reviews this chapter in the overall process. Board Member Hiatt asked if it would be appropriate to mandate gathering specific data on a regular basis, such as the natural resources inventory. He explained that the information is only helpful and relevant if the data is current. City Planner Anderson stated that although he agrees that language could be added stating that the City needs to be cognizant that the document cannot be static and does need to be updated, he would be hesitant to specify specific intervals for updating. He used the example of the recession in which development stood still and there were no impacts to the natural areas for a long period of time. Board Member Hiatt stated that perhaps a large window be specified, such as 10 years. He stated that if it is not mandated that the information needs to be updated, it is easier for the document to go by the wayside. City Planner Anderson stated that if there is consensus among the Board, he would be happy to incorporate the language. Board Member Valentine agreed with the language suggested by Board Member Hiatt. He stated that there is probably a way that the language could be drafted to provide flexibility. He noted that he also is a member of the Steering Committee and noted that group is impressed with this report. Chairperson Stodola asked if the document reflects the tweaks or whether there are still amendments to be done. City Planner Anderson confirmed that there have been amendments made to the document since the last review by the Steering Committee. Chairperson Stodola asked for input on the proposed language and how that language could both include guidelines and flexibility. City Planner Anderson stated that he can work with staff to develop appropriately worded language and summarized the consensus of the Board that the document should not be static and should be updated within a window of 10 years, but the window should also provide flexibility should the document need to be updated sooner or later than 10 years. Chairperson Stodola stated that this is an impressive document and commended staff and the Steering Committee for their work thus far. Environmental Policy Board / March 19, 2018 Page 2of5