HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Advisory Board - Minutes - 01/16/2008MINUTES
NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
Regular Meeting
January 16, 2008
DATE: Wednesday, January 16, 2008
LOCATION: 200 West Mountain Ave. Suite A
TIME: 6:00pm
For Reference: Ryan Staychock, NRAB Chair 481-1801
Ben Manvel Manvel, Council Liaison 217-1932
John Armstrong, Staff Liaison 416-2230
Board Members Present
Ryan Staychock, Glen Colton, Amy Dean, Rosemarie Russo, Joe Piesman, Clint Skutchan, Liz
Pruessner, Linda Knowlton
Board Members Absent:
Alan Apt
Staff Present
Natural Resources Dent: John Armstrong, Lucinda Smith, Susie Gordon, Alexis Hmielak
Guests
Ben Manvel, City Council
Ann Hutchinson, Chamber of Commerce
Before he convened the meeting, Ryan Staychock informed the group that, in order to have the
2008 NRAB meetings be more efficient, especially when the meeting has a presenter, future
meeting agendas will include 3 types of categories for agenda items.
1. Updates - which include listening, asking for clarification and refreshing memories.
They can also become a discussion or action item.
2. Discussions - which would require more direct involvement among board members to
come to consensus on recommendations, etc. They could also go into action item.
3. Action items - which can be both Updates and Discussions.
The group discussed the new agenda format.
• Clint Skutchan voiced his concern that the new format could limit input from the board
members, especially feedback to presenters of new information and that it was his
understanding input was the purpose of having an advisory board. He cautioned that
restricting input of any minority of the board was unwise.
• Ryan Staychock urged the group to be aware that input by the members of the board
should reflect the board, rather than personal input and that it was not his intent to silence
anyone.
It was pointed out that the minutes should reflect the name of the board member making
comments when it is not reflective of the entire board's consensus.
Joe Piesman related that he often has many questions of presenters, but suggested the
board be cognizant that when one member of the group has constant questions, they may
or may not be interesting to the other board members if it becomes a one-on-one
discussion with the presenter.
As clarification, John Armstrong related he had suggested the new agenda format so that
the board would have better direction how to respond to presenters when they need
specific action from the board and comes prepared to help them. John stated that staff
recognizes the wide knowledge base represented by the NRAB members and the new
agenda format was intended to be a respectful approach to help the board organize time
and make sure that staff and council get what they need from the board. The format is for
guidance only.
Glen Colton questioned why the board is given an update if the board cannot give any
feedback and stated that diversity of opinions is important.
Clint Skutchan suggested that presenters inform the board when they are presenting an
update and are not asking action from the board. He also stated often presentations are
given to others and input from the NRAB helps them prepare for other presentations.
Ryan Staychock called the meeting to order at 6:17 pm
Ryan introduced Rosemarie Russo as the new member of the NRAB, who replaces Rob
Petterson, who resigned from the board due to a heavy schedule. She is Dean of Front Range
Community College with a background in environmental science, environmental law and
environmental education. She chaired a sustainability committee at the college and encouraged
the college to join the Climate Wise program. The members of the board introduced themselves,
gave professional background information and how long they have been on the Natural Resources
Advisory Board.
Public Comments
none
Review and Approval of the December 19, 2007, minutes:
As the changes to the minutes submitted by Clint Skutchan by email
were not included in the minutes as presented,
Clint Skutchan moved to table the approval of the minutes until the February meeting.
Amy Dean seconded.
Motion passed unanimously
Discussion of Meals at Board Meetings
The Board discussed whether or not to provide meals at future NRAB meetings:
• Clint Skutchan pointed out that he had requested the Board discuss this issue in order for
the NRAB to be fiscally conservative and to show leadership in that area. He pointed out
there are approximately 27 boards that meet monthly in an advisory capacity to the City
Council and the money spent by the city on meals could be better put towards city
programs. He was concerned with the amount of food served and the waste of food not
eaten and suggested if the meals were not to be eliminated, they should be diminished in
size and cost.
• It was pointed out that the approximate cost of meals for the NRAB is $76/month -
$1000/year. Divided by nine board members, two staff members and perhaps one
presenter, the amount per person spent is approximately $6.33.
• Clint suggested the NRAB make a pledge to eliminate or reduce meals at board meetings
and put the money toward Natural Resources programs such as alternative fuels start up
program.
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• Linda Knowlton agreed the board needs to be cognizant of what they are costing the city,
and does. not have a problem with bringing her own meal.
• Amy Dean stated she comes directly from work to the NRAB meetings. If she didn't eat
here she would have to stop for takeout. She appreciates having meals provided. Scaling
back on what is provided would be acceptable to her.
• Liz Pruessner pointed out the local restaurants appreciate the business the city offers
them, and that staff also works long days. Having meals is a benefit so they don't have to
go out and get a takeout meal.
• John Armstrong stated whatever direction the NRAB chooses to go, staff will follow it.
He pointed out there is an internal movement in the city to plan events with zero waste by
using and washing dishes and ordering in pans, not individual packaging. Leftovers are
minimal and are consumed by office staff. If board members bring in food from outside,
there may be more waste than is currently created and the city would have to dispose of
that extra waste. He also pointed out the City Council is also providing meals in a zero
waste manner.
• Ryan Staychock voiced his concern that being hungry during meetings could have a
psychological effect on the effectiveness of the board members, especially when
discussing difficult issues. However, if the board voted to eliminate meals he suggested,
in all fairness, to move the meeting time to 6:30 to allow people time to get something to
eat before the meetings.
Glen Colton stated he could go either way on this, however, he felt the amount of money
spent is not great and that having a meal provided is a benefit to the board members who
take 2-4 hours to do service for the city. Plus, it saves time for the members to not go out
and get food for dinner.
Clint Skutchan moved that the meals at the NRAB meeting be reduced to "snack" size
and the balance of the money normally spent on meals be given back to the Natural
Resources Department projects and that the NRAB make a recommendation for the
other boards to follow suit. Linda Knowlton seconded the motion
The board discussed Clint's motion:
• The board was unclear if "snack" meals would be peanuts or pretzels and if snacks could
even be delivered to the meeting.
• Ryan Staychock suggested one possibility could be that NRAB members could call in
advance and order a meal if they wanted. However, he wasn't clear how that would
reduce total cost and unnecessary waste. He also felt "snacks" were not healthy eating.
• Clint Skutchan suggested the board could easily bring their own food and this was a way
to sacrifice food for the betterment of the Natural Resources Department.
Clint Skutchan amended his motion to eliminate the option of serving snack foods
at NRAB meetings, with the balance of his previous motion still standing.
Linda Knowlton seconded Clint Skutchan's amendment.
The board discussed Clint's amendment
• Ben Manvel stated he saw positive outcomes on either side of this discussion. He also
complimented the board on their spirit and intention to help the city financially.
However, he pointed out that the group gives a lot of time and effort and the City
appreciates it. The cost for meals is not much, plus the time spent having dinner is
valuable time to build board member relationships.
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• As a final statement, Clint Skutchan said that he was not at the NRAB meeting for a
meal, but to help make the city a better place to live. If the members of the NRAB
choose a meal instead of donating the money to help National Resources Department he
would be disappointed at the lack of their environmental commitment.
• hi closing, Ryan Staychock stated if individual members of the NRAB wanted to forego
eating, that was their decision, but he didn't think this board should change a policy that
would affect the interest and participation of future board members.
• Glen Colton stated if Clint felt a board member wouldn't serve without having a meal, he
took that as a personal affront.
• Ryan Staychock called the vote.
Vote was 3 — 5
Motion Failed with
Ryan Staychock, Glen Colton, Amy Dean, Rosemarie Russo, Liz Pruessner, opposing.
o Clint Skutchan announced that he will not be eating any meals at the NRAB meeting for
the next four years, starting tonight and encouraged other members of the board to do
likewise.
o Linda Knowlton indicated she would be eating at future meetings.
o Glen Colton asked for smaller portions.
Update on Building Code
Mike Gebo, Building Code and Services Manager for the Neighborhood Building Services
Department addressed the NRAB regarding a proposed upgrade of the Commercial Building
Code.
• Fort Collins currently uses the 1997 Uniform Building Code which has had many local
amendments.
• The International Residential Code has already been adopted by the city of Fort Collins.
• The City is moving to adopt the 2006-09 International Building Code that would regulate
construction of all commercial buildings and all multi family buildings of tri-plex and
more. The IBC is the latest national standard.
• State law says all jurisdictions in the state of Colorado will have adopted the 2003
International Energy Conservation Codes by 2008. The City is looking to adopt the 2009
code, which is the next step up.
Mike gave the group some background on the current process:
• In 2006, the City established a committee composed of the Fort Collins Neighborhood
Building Services Department, architects, engineers, developers, builders, Larimer
County building department and Fire authority, to review the 1997 Uniform Building
Code and its amendments to determine if the City should amend it further or adopt the
most current building code.
• During the review process the group determined the 2006 International Standard Building
Code had some items that seemed incorrect, and when the supplement to the code was
issued, they discovered those errors had been corrected in a supplement.
• The committee therefore proposes to not adopt the amended 2006 code, but take portions
of the supplement to the 2006 code as local amendments and adopt major portions of the
upcoming 2009 International Building Code, thereby being ahead of most of the front
range in building codes.
• Fort Collins City Council agreed to this plan and asked the committee to study where
Fort Collins stands relative to services, provisions for multi -family building and radon
within this code.
Regarding those portions of the 2009 hitemational Building Code that would affect the natural
resources of Fort Collins, Mike Gebo outlined what he thought the NRAB would be interested in.
• There was a philosophical change in thinking between the 1997 code and the 2009 code
regarding how to deal with fire in commercial buildings.
0 1997 code required fire to be contained by using multiple layers of sheetrock and
fire doors.
0 2009 code requires that sprinklers be installed to put out the fire without
containment and occupancy separations.
• Because buildings would be sprinkled you can have bigger buildings
made from wood or concrete built to the highest hazard occupancy and
eliminating extra materials that aren't needed.
• Multi family buildings of 3 or more will be required to have fire
sprinklers.
• The committee did a cost comparison of construction between the old and new code
relative to construction costs, labor, reduction of building materials and cost of a fire
suppression system and determine it was approximately equal.
• The 2009 code references `rooftop gardens" as a possible source of savings.
• The 2006 International Energy Conservation Code reflects the energy savings incurred by
building more energy efficient buildings.
o Requirements for greater wall insulation values.
o Slab on grades would have a perimeter insulation.
o Main entrances would require air locks.
In summary, Mike Gebo stated that by adopting the 2009 International Building Code, the city
would be saving energy by saving on building materials, building more energy efficient buildings
and fuel consumption to produce electricity for the buildings. He asked the NRAB to comment on
the code so he can relay that to the City Council when he meets with them next week.
The Board discussed Mike's presentation and asked questions.
• Ryan Staychock commented increasing R values insulation was a positive thing, but
wondered about the "wash" between the costs of fire sprinklers versus containment and
the additional construction costs.
o Mike Gebo stated the "wash" on cost of fire containment vs. sprinklers is mainly
in multi family dwellings which are currently required to have fire resistant
structures. Regarding commercial buildings, he felt there would be a cost
increase to provide more insulation, air locks and sprinklers. The committee has
not done a cost per kilowatts study, but Mike felt there would be substantial
energy savings in the long run.
• Clint Skutchan wondered what local changes in the code go above and beyond in multi-
family buildings and how does increase building costs affordable housing complexes.
o Mike pointed out, locally, Fort Collins will be ahead with life, health safety
options for multi family dwellings by requiring special fire -rated air locks on the
second floor for wheel chair access in a sprinkled building and radon reduction
systems in multi family buildings. The per -family cost of the radon abatement
systems is less in multi -family buildings.
o Mike also pointed out that the home owners and renters in Fort Collins are
already quite savvy regarding radon and having radon mitigation systems.
In response to a question by Joe Piesman if all commercial buildings would be required
to have sprinkler systems, Mike Gebo said the mandate is for multi family buildings only
because that is where the greatest loss of life is.
Clint Skutchan wondered how fool proof the sprinkler systems are and if they are
inspected.
o MikeGebo stated the Poudre Fire Authority is very much pro sprinkler systems.
They have surveys that show significant life and property savings because the
fire was put out much quicker.
o Glen Colton stated he is proud that Ft. Collins is on the leading edge of this and
that energy conservation is always a good thing.
Linda Knowlton moved to recommend to the Fort Collins City Council that they approve the
2006 International Building Code with amendments and the 2006 IE CC proposed by the
Neighborhood and Building Services. Joe Piesman seconded the motion.
The board voted 7-1 to support the motion.
Clint Skutchan voted against, citing lack of information about local amendments
Motion Passed
Trash Services Study
Susie Gordon of the Natural Resources Department and Ann Tumquist, Policy and Project
Manager from the City Manager's Office addressed the NRAB regarding the current Trash
Services Study.
Ann Turnquist noted that she will be project managing the trash study that was funded in the
2008 budget. City Manager Darin Atteberry added it to the mix of projects for $75,000 to
complete a study on hash issues in Fort Collins. She gave the board a memo she gave the City
Council at their January 8 meeting that outlined the study and then talked about the highlights of
the project.
The problem statement: In what ways can the City reduce the impacts of trash collection
services in Fort Collins, addressing issues of air quality, neighborhood aesthetics, noise,
neighborhood safety and the cost of local street wear? Are there ways that we might also
improve diversion rates for recyclables?
The project Scope: The project will review background information regarding trash collection
issues in Fort Collins, identification of issues (causes and effects), past studies, legal issues, and
options for addressing issues which are identified. Options under consideration will include: no
changes to the existing system, additional regulatory actions towards identified problems or
districting of trash services with City billing.
Project Schedule:
• City Council agreed with the focus of this study. Ann Tumquist pointed out that Fort
Collins did a similar study 10 years ago, but only focused on trash districting. The
current study will also focus on recycling and opportunities for improved waste stream
diversions.
• They are in the process of doing an RPP to hire a consultant.
• They will do outreach with citizens and involve the trash haulers.
• They plan to have another work session with City Council in the P quarter of 2008 to
present some options.
• The project should be concluded by the end of 2008, with Council making decisions
about which option(s) to pursue during the 4" quarter of 2008.
Ann Tumquist asked the NRAB if they had any issues that her study should specifically address.
She will also be coming back to the Board later as part of her public outreach efforts. Susie
Gordon pointed out the main purpose of tonight's presentation is to introduce Ann Tumquist as
the project manager and alert the board to the study's scope.
In answer to a question by Ryan Staychock who asked if there will only be three options
considered by the study, Ann Tumquist stated regulatory actions could be a number of
different things short of districting, which could be more recycling, stronger pay -as -you -
throw, etc.
Joe Piesman stated he had read an article recently that it was best for this type of study to
come from the City Manager's office because the Natural Resources Department was biased
towards trash districting.
o Ben Manvel stated this study is broader than just natural resources and has been a
political hot button in the past. The goal is to have a neutral and broad study, and to
run it out of the City Manager's office is not derogatory to any city department or
staff.
o Ann also stated that Council directed staff to eliminate the option of creating a City
run trash utility from the list of options under consideration.
Linda Knowlton agreed rurming the study from the City Manager's office was a great idea.
She also stated she received an insert in her trash hauler's monthly statement that stated the
trash study was the first step in a city -run trash program.
In answer to Glen Colton's question of what role the trash haulers have in this, Ann Tumquist
stated the trash haulers are also community members and, as such, will also be part of the
discussion and the city will be sensitive to their concerns as experts in the trash business.
Glen clarified that it might be a conflict of interest to have the trash haulers make
recommendations on the study, if the consensus of options would not be acceptable to the
haulers. Ann agreed it was a hard line to walk, but noted that there will not be a task force or
committee involved in this project.
Ryan Staychock asked if a city utility is such a hot topic, why isn't it on the table to talk
about.
o Ben Manvel stated it was apolitical judgment and most people don't want to put the
haulers out of business. As the city looks at look at best practices, Ben assumed the
city would look at districting, but that is not their target.
Ryan also asked if a city -run utility using haulers is mutually exclusive. What about a private
partnership.
o Susie pointed out it's a fine distinction. One definition of trash districting is that the
city buys trucks and sets up a whole trash hauling system and eliminates private
haulers . Another version of districting is that the city is the regulator, manager and
billing entity and pays the haulers to provide the service.
Joe Piesman asked if the City has districting, would they regulate the price and eliminate
competition.
o Susie explained some cities who have trash districts ask the haulers to bid on a route,
but it could result that each route had a different rate and that would be an awkward
situation. Rates are a big issue.
Clint Skutchan cautioned that the lowest price not be the only determining standard and that
the city not box itself in by saying "additional regulatory actions" because there are many
things already on the books that aren't being enforced. He was also concerned there might be
barriers to cooperatives that are already in place with HOAs, "organic" cooperatives, etc. In
addition, he would like the City address "reuse" rather than recycling and to take credit for
the things they are already diverting from the landfill such as asphalt.
Glen Colton questioned whether or not the city is considering asking those who provide
packaging or fluorescent light bulbs to take them back.
o Susie explained that a broader implication of solid waste is other types of waste
diversion including "take back' and might be a part of a broader systems analysis
and materials flow analysis.
o Ann cautioned to not make the issue so complicated we never get anything done
and stay focused on the study.
• Ryan Staychock commented that it is important to see reduction in waste to landfills,
increase in recycling and things that help the environment and provide economic
opportunities within out city limits.
• Joe Piesman pointed out one of Fort Collins' success stories is solid waste diversion and
he hopes that whatever direction the trash study goes it will continue this momentum.
• Clint Skutchan suggested having a parking lot for entrepreneurial activities regarding
recycling and waste and share with economic development department City as an
incubator.
• Susie announced that the state of Colorado has some grant money available for business
opportunities that will create more recycling and jobs. She asked the NRAB to pass this
information along to anyone who may be interested.
• Ryan Staychock asked if the NRAB should reconvene a solid waste subcommittee and if
it would be helpful for them to work with the trash study. Ann responded the public
involvement has not been determined at this time.
Sustainability Plan
Lucinda Smith gave the NRAB an update on the Action Plan for Sustainability
The Action Plan For Sustainability is a city document that deals only with internal municipal
operations, not within the community. It was developed by an interdepartmental team with the
help of the Brendle Group as a consultant.
o They evaluated current activities and did gap assessment.
o They looked at nine different goal areas and evaluated what was/wasn't being done and
recommended general targets and specific objectives within each of them.
o The Action Plan for Sustainability was adopted in 2004, and since December, 2005, an
interdepartmental team has been meeting quarterly to try to implement this. It is not
specifically funded, but is a top priority for the city manager. The plan can be found on
line at httyHfcjzov.com/sustainability/vdf/sustainability-plan.odf
The policy goal for the city regarding sustainability — "The city of Fort Collins will serve as a
community leader in sustainability by conducting daily operations through balanced stewardship
of human, financial, and environmental resources for present and future generations."
o 9 goals identified in the plan
o Sustainable purchasing
o Vehicles and Equipment
o Employee health
o Employee safety
o Green building
o Employee commuting
o Health ecosystems
o Recycling and waste reduction
o Management tools for continual updating— employee outreach
Lucinda Smith presented a memo showing progress made in the goal areas, however, there are
many other things that are being done.
o Purchasing policies have been updated to consider lifecycle analysis, minimizing waste in
packaging, buying recycled, chlorine -free paper, using vegetable inks in printing,
electronics, and scrap metal recycling. This is not a mandate, but employees have been
made aware through orientations.
o Lucinda pointed out that in the area of internal electronics recycling, one of the
city purchasers got an award in 2006 to consolidate and increase effectiveness of
recycling of electronics.
o Utilities are piloting using vegetable oil in transformers instead of petroleum oil.
o Scrap metal recycling used to be individual departments did own thing. The city
has now contracted with one vendor as a better financial benefit to city.
o Vehicle purchasing has identified questions to be asked when a vehicle request is made to
determine if a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle would be appropriate, or could the
vehicle size be reduced for the specific use.
o Out of approximately 500 vehicles, the city fleet currently has 13 hybrids, 97
propane (bi-fuel), 8 CNG, 48 E-85 and some electric carts in the parks.
o The city also owns a Smartcar that gets 40-60 mpg and is 0% recyclable.
o The city uses B20 in all diesel -powered equipment with no apparent reduction in
performance.
o The city was recently awarded a $40,000 grant from the Clean Diesel
Collaborative to retrofit some diesel equipment (4 transit busses and cab heaters
to 4 city dump trucks) in return, the City will measure emissions changes over
two years.
o Regarding employee health and safety, which has a significant financial benefit to the
City:
o In 2006, 56% of benefited employees participated in a wellness program and
48% attended the Health Fair.
o An Employee Safety Manual was completed in 2007
o Quarterly injury reports were instituted in 2006 with training relative to reducing
injuries from specific activities.
o Regarding new city buildings, in 2006, the City adopted a goal that all new city buildings
must meet LEED standards. Fort Collins is only the third city in the US to have such a
high standard.
o There are 2 LEED certified buildings currently in the city - the vehicle storage
facility and CSU transit center.
o The Police Services building and Azatlan Center (which focused on reusing
materials) opened this year and are in process of getting LEED Silver
certification which takes 4 months. The LEED Gold standard was not achieved
here because the architectural planning was completed before the 2006 mandate
and it would have been too expensive to redesign for Gold standards.
o The next LEED Gold Certification building will be the Museum Discovery
Center and possibly a major retrofit of the Senior Center and the new library at
Front Range.
o In answer to a question from Clint Skutchan to describe what LEED criteria are,
John Armstrong will arrange for a future presentation to the NRAB that explains
the LEED Building Certification system.
o Lucinda Smith explained that existing city buildings have an important
environmental footprint so the city hired Johnson Controls to audit their energy
efficiency performance. So far they have audited 29 city facilities in the general
fund, library, golf and utilities areas (not wastewater treatment) and determined
275 proposed projects to increase energy efficiency. Negotiations are underway
for the costs of these projects.
o The Action Plan for Sustainability also calls for healthy ecosystems, specifically water
use management.
o Three pilot sites were targeted for improved irrigation efficiency at:
Canterbury/Drake; Taft Hill/Drake and Oak Street Plaza.
o The city also studied city policies that affect water use and look for any
contradictions and barriers. In 2006 an interdepartmental committee looked at it
and came forward with some policy change recommendations to eliminate any
contradictions.
o Office recycling and waste reduction goals are to use 30-50% recycled paper by
educating staff through "Paper Trails" informational monthly emails and archiving
documents with PDF software instead of printing
o Sustainability Planning
o General employee outreach such as new employee orientation, city website, Fort
Shorts newsletter and wellness fair.
o Workshop of how to put on "green" events
o Last year the city offered a sustainability scholarship program to city employees
to pay for certification/trainings that help sustainability of the city.
o Peer Exchange — requests from other cities to meet and discuss sustainability —
Denver, Aurora, Pueblo, Breckenridge.
Lucinda Smith reported the annual report for sustainability for 2006 is on the city's website and
the annual report for 2007 is almost done.
Looking ahead
• The City of Fort Collins just became a Climate Wise partner which will give the city a
structured opportunity to look at the sustainability of city operations.
• A half-time Sustainability Coordinator will be hired to go and work with departments.
• The Sustainability Plan will be updated to see what has been done and where the city
needs to go.
• Good advice to tackle such a large project: Start where you are. Use what you have. Do
what you can.
The NRAB discussed Lucinda's presentation.
• Ryan Staychock asked what are other communities around the country doing to broaden
the scope of sustainability that includes the public and how would we do that here.
o Lucinda responded that many communities have external programs. However, in
many ways that are not visible, Fort Collins is already doing this, although there
is always more that can be done. One way to start could be to have a
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sustainability forum between the city and CSU to get the dialogue going and try
to coordinate all the sustainability efforts that are already going on in the City.
o Rosemarie Russo pointed out that Front Range Community College has had a
lecture series at the college and then at the library that have been very successful.
o Ryan Staychock clarified that he was mainly concerned about policy around
activities that have negative impacts on the City's environment. He would like to
have the community provide leadership in this area and wondered how would
Fort Collins move forward with such policies.
• Lucinda pointed out this would require a high level coordinator such as
what the City of Denver has. However, Fort Collins does not have the
funds to hire an external coordinator right now.
• Glen Colton suggested the NRAB could play a role here to provide
leadership in sustainability. He suggested the board have a work session
on this topic and talk about what they can do to lead this.
• Joe Piesman suggested the City have a sustainability expo that shows
how the City of Fort Collins is serious about sustainability.
• Rosemarie Russo reported Front Range Community Collage has a
sustainability plan and would be willing to share information.
o The Board agreed to discuss having a sustainability subcommittee at the next
meeting.
o In response to Ryan Staychock's question about the environmental impact of
employees that commute to Fort Collins, Lucinda Smith stated there is a whole
goal area for employee commuting. However, quantitative goals have not been
set. The City is still doing transportation demand programs, but the Smart Trips
program is over. A subcommittee has just convened to survey employee
commuting habits.
Clint Skutchan cautioned the City should not to discriminate against
employees that don't live within the city, but should encourage ride
share.
New Business
• Ryan Staychock will prepare the Natural Resource Advisory Board Annual Report for
2007, which is due January 31, 2007.
• Regarding subcommittees, John Armstrong confirmed that staff would support them, but
suggested the group be large enough to be effective.
• Joe Piesman suggested the NRAB have a standing task force to review the NISP EIS
report when it comes out.
• Ryan Staychock will go before the City Council meeting February 12, during the public
comment period to affirm the NRAB's vote against the NISP project.
• John Armstrong announced the Natural Resources Department will be moving to 215 N.
Mason at the end of March. February's NRAB meeting will be held at 200 W. Mountain
conference room as usual. He will provide adequate notice to the NRAB where they will
meet after the move.
Council Six Month Planning Calendar
• Clint Skutchan asked if the NRAB should weigh in on the Council's consideration of
Parks and Recreation's policy updates, as they pertain to natural resources. Glen Colton
agreed the NRAB should take a look at it.
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• The February 20, NRAB meeting agenda will include elections, committee assignments,
Parks and Rec. policy updates, sustainability and LEED building criteria.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 pm
Submitted by Alexis Hmielak
Administrative Secretary I
Approved by the Board on 200b
Signed
Date i a-! / f
Administrative Secretary I
Extension: 6600
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