Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 12/04/2006

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• • present to discuss this inventory, including limits on inference, sampling protocols, and data collection adequacy tradeoffs with cost of field work, and to address questions regarding this inventory. Mr. Nicholson reported that he didn't have a formal presentation but that he would address the EPB members' questions. He stated that he had received Board Member Bentz's questions in advance of the meeting and had read the November meeting minutes. Chairperson McDilda stated he had an opportunity to go through the report and asked Mr. Nicholson what he thought the report could best be used for. Mr. Nicholson explained that so many questions have been generated already. He stated that his report is already useful in generating interest and explaining what the information means. He stated that Environmental Specialist Bacon wanted to know what people are planting, what their choices were, whether it is what they go to Home Depot to buy, or whether they just let it grow. He stated it was difficult to know if a tree was planted, if it was something that was brought back 25 years ago from the cabin up north, or if it was naturally occurring. Board Member Max arrived at 6:48 p.m. Mr. Nicholson stated that it is important for everyone to look at the bullet points in his conclusion to get beyond the unknown. Chairperson McDilda concurred that Mr. Nicholson's report is a point of reference. He stated that in order to really get an idea of what was happening across the city, it might require more study and evaluation. Mr. Nicholson stated there should be more focus on what the City wants to know and which direction to guide things. Chairperson McDilda encouraged EPB members to ask questions of Mr. Nicholson. Chairperson McDilda stated he would like to see the areas that are graded for developments and what they look like. He questioned whether the report would indicate big differences between things that were developed without a grading policy versus things with a grading policy. He questioned whether there are things in the city that are 10 -15 years old. Mr. Nicholson expressed an interest in knowing the same thing, but guarded against looking too far back to what was done five, ten, fifteen years ago. He asked what would be done with the information once it was known. He asked if staff really needed certain information to do their jobs to guide development policies and ordinances. He cautioned against spending time on information that is interesting but could potentially not be useful to the people that are represented. Environmental Policy Board/ December 4, 2006 Page 3 of 19