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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Natural Resources Committee - 11/07/2018 NRC 11-7-18 Meeting Minutes Attendance: Kristin Williams (Co-chair), Betty Milizia (Co-chair), Dave Crawford (member), Lisa Yankowski (member), Linda Chaison (member), Duncan Murdoch (member of the public) 1) Kristin instructed everyone as to the emergency procedures. 2) Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items: Linda asked if the committee could discuss the possibility of changing the committee name, as previously mentioned at our October retreat. It was added to the end of the agenda. 3) Comments from the Public: There were no comments. 4) Accomplishments: The NRC has written a mission statement; operational procedures and protocol for communication among members and non-members; designed a workplan; consulted on several properties under review by various committees and the Council; provided information at various events around the city. The committee also hosted a couple of evening presentations in our speakers’ series. - Dave wanted to recognize Betty’s role as our mainstay for keeping us focused so we could get all our accomplishment done. - We are preparing to start working with Ashley as our city liaison instead of Holly Rees – “thank you, Holly”. We will need to discuss what Ashley will need from us if Interim Zoning occurs. - We are changing our operating structure from 2 co-chairs to a chairman and vice- chair. - We are looking to bring in more members. There are 5 vacancies. Most recently, Laura Williams and Kristin Williams have resigned. We thanked Kristin for all of her hard work and commitment to the NRC. She has offered to be involved when requested. Both individuals will need to write formal resignations to the city council. Betty suggested it would probably be acceptable for them to send them as emails addressed to Kevin Dorn, City Manager and Helen Riehle, Council Chair. - Linda asked what to anticipate as issues faced in attempting to bring on new members. It is believed that the Council will be supportive of a request for new members. 5) Review of Committee Composition and Operating Procedures: • Motion made by David, 2nd by Linda, to separate into individual documents our Mission Statement, Composition and Operating Procedures, and our Work-plan. Approved. • Motion made by David, 2nd by Linda to read: At least one officer shall be a member who has served more than 1 year to provide historical perspective (unless no member is available). Approved. • Motion made by David, 2nd by Linda to accept language outlining the process for developing the “Annual Work-plan”, as is. Approved. • Motion made by Lisa, 2nd by Linda for the Expectations and Protocol for Committee Operations”, 2nd bullet will now read “Outside discussions among committee members must follow VT Open Meeting Law. The last bullet was changed to read, “Individual committee members speak as a representative of the NRC, only when directed to do so by the chair or committee vote.” Approved 6) Linda nominated David Crawford for chair and Betty Milizia as vice-chair for an imterim period of 6 months, to be revisited at that time. It was determined the role of “clerk” will be rotated monthly for the time being. Lisa 2nd. Approved. 7) Betty and David are working on a letter to the city council addressing the need for new members to the NRC. • Following the election, the committee was joined by Holly Rees (staff liaison) and Ashley Parker (staff liaison). • Additional item that had been added to the agenda: Linda noted that we should revisit the consideration raised at the October retreat, to change the name of “Natural Resources Committee” to “Conservation Commission” . Betty suggested that we need more discussion and information on why we would want to propose a name change to the council. She will prepare some information to assist in determining how to go about doing this. 8) Next steps: Review work-plan themes and Ashley’s suggested activities list, to determine where they overlap. This may get interrupted, if Interim Zoning” passes. 9) Future agenda items • Discuss changing the name of the committee • Meeting with Ashley to compare lists Kristin made the motion to adjourn at 7:48, Lisa 2nd. Approved. Next meeting is Thursday, December 13th at 6pm.