Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 01/08/2007

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Chairperson McDilda suggested that the February 22, 2007 meeting be a mandatory meeting for the EPB members to attend. Board Member Max suggested that since they will be here for a couple of days, a special effort should be made to meet Mr. Farr. The speaker for the March 15 or 29,2007 has not been selected yet but the subject will be innovative zoning. The subject matter will be to explore these more flexible development techniques (i.e. form based codes). The topic will cover developing a clearer vision, higher standards for developers, less NIMBY reactionary brawling, and better tools for the City. The last speaker will be Dan Burden, Glatting Jackson Walkable Communities, Orlando, FL on April 12, 2007. The topic will be transportation alternatives. Community Development Director Trudgeon stated that it will be interesting to look at how this can be utilized in the Ramsey downtown area. He stated that the subject matter will be to understand the interplay between land use choices and transportation, how land use choices affect the transportation infrastructure, recognize the importance of walkability, and how transportation can affect land use. Community Development Director Trudgeon explained that the Open Space Technology (OST) has been used all over the world with groups from 5-500. OST offers the best method of involving all citizens without the adversarial atmosphere that often accompanies city planning. Mr. Michael Herman based out of Chicago will be part of the process to help Ramsey understand the process of planning. Community Development Director Trudgeon explained that participants create and manage their own agenda of parallel working sessions around an issue that matters to them. He stated that it works best when the issue is complex. He stated the best way to go at it is to talk about it is in a free flowing manner. Board Member Bentz asked if the city is trying to steer toward a final outcome. Community Development Director Trudgeon stated that whenever the city tries to steer a final outcome, it backfires. Chairperson McDilda stated that part of the process is drafting the invitation that will go out to the city. He stated that people can come because there is a recognition that this is "our' city--everybody's city to open up a forum to talk, and come to a process that will allow a conclusion. Chairperson McDilda stated that it is not predetermined and not carved in stone once this is finished. Community Development Director Trudgeon stated that one question talked about early on was that nobody is expecting such a radical idea to be implemented. He stated the results will be so clear that it should be implemented. Environmental Policy Board! December 4, 2006 Page 13 of 19