08/30/2000 Environmental Board Minutes

Home Search

ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING AUGUST 30, 2000 a separate issue. He stated the Landscape Ordinance will be revised and presented to the Commission for consideration at the next meeting. Donlin arrived at 7:35 p.m. Chair Lanyon noted the City has an idea of the type of native landscape and plantings they are looking for and asked about the ability for the ordinance to refer to the City's target and expectation of commercial development to work within that target even though it is not specified within the ordinance. He stated he thinks commercial developers are interested in abiding by the City's intent but, perhaps, the City needs to provide more specific guidelines. Asleson suggested the Board raise that issue after reviewing the amended ordinance at the meeting next month. Chair Lanyon noted that ordinances are the City's only"teeth" and asked staff to make Consultant Julie Farnham aware of this issue to assure it is adequately reflected in the ordinance. Chair Lanyon requested an update on the status of finding a landscape consultant to work with developers. Asleson stated Brian Wessell wants to interview the consultants and then staff will have a better idea of who to work with. He stated he is looking for someone with experience in commercial landscapes, knows native species, and is familiar with water resources. Davidson asked if funds are available. Asleson stated staff continues to look for funding. He stated he has been tryng to anticipte what the Environmental Board will be looking at in their recommendations and providing a sketch for the applicant, which he has found they then include in their plans. Asleson advised that,Wessell has suggested that one of the Board members participate in the interview process Chair Lanyon requested staff advise them of the date and time the interviews will beconducted so they can determine who would be available Kukonen asked if it will help to provide the developers with the information mentioned at the meeting last month. Chair Lanyon stated that will help but he believes the City also needs to work with them to educate on the stages for this type of native landscaping. Perhaps including a lobby display depicting how it will look each year. Or, it can be suggested that they post signs out front advising of the native plantings. Kukonen advised of his visit to the Sawtooth Golf Course and invitation from their staff to visit their grounds and offer advise on what they have found to work and to not work. Chair Lanyon noted the first five years in developing native landscaping is critical and to assure success, the City will need to work with them during that time frame. 2