NRCB Item Megan Hedstrom, Stormwater Coordinator & Nate Monahan, Recreation Manager
Title
Title
Draft plan for merging of NRCB and Park Board
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Background
• After listening to feedback from the joint workshop, staff recommends Council consider a hybrid/transition year.
o Extend all commissioners whose terms were due to expire for an additional year to retain full membership through the transition period.
§ Need to review prior to 2024 which terms to stagger as part of the annual appointment process.
o Allows the opportunity to work together to see how a merged board would proceed.
o Allows conversations to move forward that were highlighted at the workshop.
o Schedule 3 joint meetings (more as needed) over this transition period.
§ point to draft workplan to schedule meetings.
• April - held on NRCB regular meeting date.
• June - tour of parks and open space
• August - held on Park Board regular meeting date.
o Allows us to realize true overlaps, synergies, budget review.
o Allows staff to share this hybrid proposal year to both boards at their regularly scheduled board meetings.
o Avoid running the risk of rushing messaging.
o Feedback from boards would be reviewed at the 3/6 Council Workshop
• Provide proposed language for any possible code amendment that may address some of NRCB’s concerns:
o Placing language in Code for new board would outline the City’s commitment to natural resources.
o Incorporate environmental education into our park system (interpretative signage/features)
o Provide direction/recommendation for wetland credit revenue to be reinvested to the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary
o It should be noted the purpose of the park board already highlights “protection of natural resources” in City Code
o Any new initiatives stemming from strategic planning would be incorporated.
• Staff is considering appointing a council liaison to this and possibly all commissions.
• Staff is considering annual reports be made to Council to help provide more education to the public on their goals, possibly from all commissions.
• Staff is considering the new 2023 applicants be appointed as “adjunct members” during this transition year.
o includes new members and prepares us for possible changes on the board.
o highly encourage these new members to become involved on the ground floor and provide valuable input and begin their education process.
o encourage them to reapply in 2024.
§ potential for many current members and adjunct members all wishing to be appointed but will address like any other year (or at that time could implement the policy on term limits)
Staff will provide response to the NRCB agenda item that was submitted by the board. (Attached)
Staff Recommendation
Staff is looking for feedback from the board on the proposed draft plan.
Attachment List
Open Space and Park Items by Quarter
NRCB Agenda Item