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Ayes: Councilmembers Cook-Kallio, Thorne, Mayor Hosterman <br />Noes: Councilmembers McGovern, Sullivan <br />Absent: None <br />18. Continued Public Hearing: Continued to August 15, 2008 -PAP-21, Phillip and Joanna <br />Segundo, Appellants (PCUP-205, Janny Rocha, Applicant) -Consider an appeal of the <br />Planning Commission's approval of a conditional use permit to relocate and replace the <br />5,000-gallon wood tank with a new 5,000-gallon poly tank in the rear yard of the existing <br />residence located at 481 Sycamore Road <br />19. Review, discuss and provide direction to city staff regarding an advisory commission or <br />committee on the environment. <br />City Manager Fialho said Council requested staff research and provide direction on the <br />establishment of a commission or committee on the environment, as reflected in the Work Plan. <br />Staff surveyed Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Palo Alto, Portland, and <br />Minneapolis. They found there is no specific recipe for establishing an advisory body; but it is a <br />direct result of what the community's interest is and what Council direction might be. <br />Staff arrived at three options: 1) the establishment of a commission on the environment which is <br />traditional to what is in place in the City by City ordinance, which include 5 members and 1 <br />alternate, appointed by the Mayor and ratified by the Council. This structure provides a <br />continuous advocacy for environmental sustainability; 2) the establishment of a task force <br />comprised of community members, outside experts, and City staff. The advantage of the task <br />force is that the depth of representation is more than 5 members, ranging in size from 10-20 <br />people. A designated timeframe is issued by the Council which provides opportunities for <br />focused outcomes. A variation of that is the standing committee option, such as the Economic <br />Vitality Commission and the Youth Master Plan Implementation Committee; 3) establishment of <br />a subcommittee made up of two Councilmembers, two Planning Commissioners, and extended <br />to include other standing commissions, and would fall under Brown Act requirement as an Ad <br />Hoc Committee. <br />He said staff identified 5 issues; 1) strive for the broadest representation possible from all <br />sectors of the community; 2) maximize expertise; 3) leverage existing staff resources; 4) ensure <br />the advisory body not conflict with the approved work plans of staff, Council or existing <br />commissions, which could be managed through the annual goal setting retreat and joint <br />workshop with the advisory body, and that it not conflict with the Planning Commission's roles <br />and responsibilities; and 5) encourage the advisory body serve as a convener of community <br />ideas. <br />After receiving Council direction tonight, staff will return at a subsequent meeting with an <br />enabling ordinance or resolution. <br />Councilmember McGovern questioned if staff has any recommendation on the options, and Mr. <br />Fialho said staff has developed the 5 issues the Council should be mindful of, the fewer number <br />of people the better, that you establish specific timelines and a focus, it is important to establish <br />a work plan, and establish a timeline to complete a work plan, that the council track the <br />performance and the Council be provided an opportunity to continue with the work plan or be <br />provided with flexibility and the opportunity to disband that commission or task force if <br />necessary. <br />City Council Minutes 17 July 15, 2008 <br />