The Board shall:
(1) Oversee a natural resource inventory and management plan and create a database to be used to make land use recommendations that:
(a) Preserve important natural and cultural sites;
(b) Provide greenways and corridors connecting natural areas and other points of interest;
(c) Preserve and enhance wildlife habitat;
(d) Preserve and enhance water conveyances, water quality and wetland habitat;
(e) Preserve and establish a healthy urban forest;
(f) Promote bio-diversity;
(2) Review land use and development proposals for compliance with the natural resource regulations, ordinances and landscaping and forestry needs and make recommendations for improvements and the mitigation of environmental impacts;
(3) Cooperate with other municipalities, counties, state agencies and watershed groups on matters of environmental issues;
(4) Provide for environmental community education programs;
(5) Submit grant proposals to raise money for projects;
(6) Serve as a resource to other city advisory boards;
(7) Hold public meetings to address environmental issues;
(8) Develop and recommend to the Council policies, ordinances and procedures for the management of natural resources and conservation development;
(9) Make recommendations on the planning, development, maintenance and budget needs of natural, native, forest and botanical improvement projects that are consistent with the Environmental Management Plan; and recommend a budget for materials, human resources and equipment to provide for support of these functions;
(10) Make recommendations on land acquisition for greenways and other important natural areas consistent with the Environmental Management Plan;
(11) Gather information concerning the conditions and trends in the quality of the environment, both current and prospective, with the purpose of determining whether or not these conditions and trends are likely to interfere with the goals of the city;
(12) Report not less than once each year to the Council on the state and condition of the environment in the city and on the work of the commission;
(13) Make and furnish studies or reports thereon and recommendations with respect to matters of policy and legislation as the Council may request;
(14) Act as liaison between the Council and people or organizations which may wish to develop and care for natural areas and projects that enhance the natural character of public lands or donate personnel, moneys or equipment for the enhancement of the city natural resources;
(15) Work with the county on the management of county park space within the city and county; and
(16) Make recommendations to the City Council on issues concerning solid waste and recycling.
(Prior Code, § 217.03) (Ord. 04-98, passed 4-27-1998)