JOINT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON SUSTAINABILITY

 

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

County Administrative Center – Room 3220

4:00 p.m.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Jai Johnson, Dorothy Lenard, Marilyn Pedretti, Dale Hexom, Brad Pfaff (exc/arr @4:26), Nick Nichols (exc @5:02), Brian Fukuda (exc @5:36)

MEMBERS EXCUSED:  None 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  None     

OTHERS PRESENT: Steve O’Malley, Tim Kabat, Bryan Jostad, Karl Green, Jerry Severson, Erica Black, Jim Speropulos, Gene Pfaff, Wayne Delegrave, Lynn Paddy,  Maureen Freedland, Cheryl Stephen

 

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

Committee Chair Jai Johnson called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m.

 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Committee Chair Johnson introduced the two new committee members, Marilyn Pedretti and Brian Fukuda, who replaced Supervisor Rauk and Jeff Bluske, both of whom had resigned.  Introductions were made by all present. 

 

ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR

Committee Chair Johnson called for nominations of Vice Chair for the committee.  MOTION by Hexom/Lenard to nominate Nick Nichols as Vice Chair.  Motion carried; Pfaff excused.  Committee Chair Johnson asked for additional nominations.  MOTION by Hexom/Lenard to close nominations.  Motion carried; Pfaff excused.       

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

None requested.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Hexom/Fukuda to approve meeting minutes of April 8, 2008.  Motion carried; Lenard abstained; Pfaff excused.

 

ENDORSEMENT OF AN ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED PURCHASING POLICY

Committee Chair Johnson noted this agenda item will be moved to the end of the meeting in order to make item #7 as a priority, that being:  Discussion of Next Steps, including the Potential Role of Contracted Services.

 

UPDATE ON LEED RESOLUTION

Committee Chair Johnson noted that most recent legal counsel indicates that committee cannot make a recommendation to the County Board via resolution, as previously told, but only by taking a vote and having that reflected in the minutes. Chair expressed reservations at voting to support any particular resolution due to committee members’ lack of adequate information – resolutions are yet to be finalized by LEC committee. Supervisor Freedland, as a member of the LEC Construction Committee, noted three resolutions that will be considered: 1) relating to LEED standards, 2) LEED like, and 3) LEED basics including alternate bids on other LEED initiatives.  MOTION by Hexom/Lenard for this committee to recommend, for County Board consideration of LEED standards for the new LEC addition.  Discussion continued.   

Supervisor Freedland noted the recommendation is then similar to the “LEED like” resolution; maybe the recommendation should be stated as “be certified as LEED silver.”  Hexom questioned full certification.  Fukuda said he cannot make a decision relating to LEED certification without having more information.  Supervisor Freedland noted the financial/fiscal note of each resolution that will be considered by the County Board; she preferred the committee not endorse a particular resolution at this time.                                                                                      Hexom and Lenard WITHDREW their motion.

 

DISCUSSION OF NEXT STEPS, INCLUDING THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF CONTRACTED SERVICES

Committee Chair Johnson reviewed the history on how the committee got to this point.  Last fall, majority of committee members chose Foth as the consultant; as work began, many concerns were raised and the offer to contract was ultimately withdrawn. This decision was costly in some ways but well-founded. The committee held a retreat and did team building, including review of objectives/goal setting, and a decision to continue education efforts, baseline and indicator development and work on four specific projects related to sustainability (working group). We’ve since gained a great deal of knowledge about The Natural Step and about many of the consulting resources available to us. Chair recommends, at this time, hiring a consultant to move forward with Strategic Planning. Option to reconsider hiring of consultant from the first RFP: Corporation Counsel advises against this because of the lapsed time.  Should we proceed with new RFP?  Discussion followed.  Supervisor Pfaff asked if the priorities changed from a year ago and what the parameters might be.  Committee Chair Johnson suggested this committee develop the strategic planning process and consultant would primarily educate, facilitate and advise. Committee has good, well qualified resources from local government and private sector with experience in this area.  Hexom asked what other resources/experts out there?  Bryan Jostad suggested resurveying the market – need to market the RFP; most likely more out there than there were a year ago.  Johnson noted we’re looking for a highly specialized firm and may still have few to choose from. Kabat/Johnson will proceed with development of new RFP working from original.   

 

PRESENTATION ON STRATEGY PLANNING PROCESS

Committee Chair Johnson gave PowerPoint presentation on Strategic Planning process – a proposal based on A B C D model of TNS with enhancements/refinements from the more goal-based typical business model. 

 

DISCUSSION OF NEXT STEPS (Cont.)

Kabat views most important need as getting people inspired, engaged and enthused; he suggested Terry Gips to lead the committee through a goal setting process, including staff, elected officials and department heads; there needs to be a link between the staff and the big picture; and need to engage the decision makers.  Lenard concurred with the need for an outside expert to lead the process.  Committee Chair Johnson noted need for measurable goals and participatory approach.  Steve O’Malley (arrived just after Power Point presentation) said if Terry Gips is the person, then proceed without an RFP.  Made some general suggestions regarding process.  General discussion followed on scope of work and essential needs; who should participate.

 

MOTION by Lenard/Hexom for Tim Kabat to work to negotiate an agreement with Terry Gips.  Motion carried; Nichols excused.  Tim offered to write the letter to Mr. Gips including scope, cost, his available dates, and his suggested group size; Tim will share the letter with committee members prior to sending. 

 

General agreement to make phone contact first.  Steve and Bryan J. will meet with Corporation Counsel regarding the solicitation process without having to do an RFP.

 

INFORMATION SHARING

Karl Green noted that he will be making a presentation at the Towns Association meeting on May 22.  Tim Kabat and Committee Chair Johnson will work on a progress report that will be presented to the City Council and County Board in June. 

 

ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING & NEXT MEETING

Tuesday, June 10th at 11:30 a.m.  No particular agenda items mentioned, other than carryover of the purchasing policy.

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION by Pfaff/Pedretti to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried; Nichols and Fukuda excused.  The meeting adjourned at 5:56 p.m.   

 

Disclaimer:  The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.

 

Cheryl Stephen, Recorder  

Edited by Committee Chair Jai Johnson