Environmental Advisory Board

Mission Statement
Recognizing that quality of life is linked to a healthy environment, the Environmental Advisory Board advises the Town in ways to reduce the use of and impact on our community’s natural resources through a comprehensive and continuous review of best practices and innovations.

Vision Statement
Cary strives to become a sustainable community of energized citizens and businesses motivated to conserve and enhance natural resources through comprehensive, innovative and measurable policies, programs and outreach activities.

Life Span Statement
The Environmental Advisory Board is a standing board, which meets monthly. Board members will reexamine their purpose every three years beginning in 2013.

Powers and Duties
The Environmental Advisory Board provides feedback and advice to council on policies, ordinances and administrative procedures regarding environmental protection and the conservation of energy and natural resources. The Board supports the Town of Cary’s Statement of Values, one of which states: “We will protect and preserve our environment. We will be good stewards of our finite natural resources.” They also demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship and leadership.

The Board’s general scope of work is to identify and assess policy alternatives for the Council to consider as part of the Town’s strategy to expand leadership and implement cutting edge applications and standards of environmental stewardship.

Members will draw on the collective expertise and experiences of one another and Town of Cary staff. Hands on work will be required to research and assess the past to think creatively about the future.

Membership
The Board consists of nine members appointed by Town Council to serve staggered terms that vary in length up three years. Five of the nine members shall be appointed to serve as “At-Large Citizens”; four of remaining nine members shall be appointed to serve as “Technical Experts” or “Partners”. All members shall reside within the Town of Cary corporate boundaries.

Goals/Work Plan

1. Advise staff, council and other boards on specific environmental issues

Action:

· Respond to Town’s request for feedback and input on downtown stormwater as an asset

· Respond to Town’s request for feedback and input on stream restoration

2. Recognize Town and community activities that advance the protection and preservation of our environment

Action:

· Evaluate environmental programs that measure and recognize accomplishments in environmental protection and preservation (e.g., ICLEI, Sierra Club Cool Cities, NCLM Green Challenge)

· Recommend creation of a Sustainability Award program to recognize environmental accomplishments of businesses, organizations and/or individuals

3. Promote and encourage environmental stewardship within the Town and community

Action:

· Support public activity to promote proper environmental management practices (e.g., Earth Day, Lazy Daze or other event)

· Work with community groups to support opportunities for environmental improvement (e.g., Black Creek Watershed Association, Public Art Advisory Board)

· Develop a communications strategy to increase community environmental awareness and stewardship

4. Develop knowledge management system to enhance effectiveness of the EAB

Action

· Develop issues index to identify and monitor project status

· Develop a repository of EAB-related documents and useful resources

Evaluation Criteria: The board will periodically review and evaluate effectiveness of their work plan, modifying as needed to meet goals.

Meetings
The board meets as follows at 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room #10035, 316 N. Academy St., Cary and requires approximately 2 hours per month for meetings and study time prior to meetings. The board may also meet as needed in smaller working groups with schedules to be determined.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
No meeting in July
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
No meeting in December

All meetings of the Board shall be open to the public and will adhere to the Open Meetings Law and Public Records Law. More information on this commission can be found in its annual report.

Please see the Town of Cary calendar to confirm meeting dates, times, and locations.

Questions concerning the Environmental Advisory Board should be directed to the Town Manager's office by calling (919) 469-4007 or by emailing emily.barrett@townofcary.org.

How do I Apply?
Applications are accepted each year from May 1 through June 30 for upcoming vacancies. Applicants applying for this board are required to complete a supplemental application. Current Town of Cary employees are not eligible to volunteer. Questions about the application process should be directed to the Town Clerk's Office by e-mailing karen.gray@townofcary.org or by calling (919) 319-4508.

Current Membership Roster
Minutes
Agenda
Additional Meetings (see the Town's Web calendar for a current list of meetings and notices)