Jefferson City Council to consider revisions to Environmental Quality Commission

EQC’s focus would expand, focus on community wellness

The Jefferson City Council will consider a bill to change the scope of the Environmental Quality Commission, after proposed changes were approved by a council committee.

At the Council Committee on Administration meeting Wednesday, committee members approved proposed changes to the ordinance establishing the city’s Environmental Quality Commission, something pushed by Mayor Carrie Tergin, who has previously said the commission had largely fulfilled its previously outlined objectives.

Neighborhood Services Coordinator Jayme Abbott said most of the commission’s original objectives, which included helping spur the downtown streetscaping and the recycling portion of the city’s solid waste contract, have either been met or absorbed by city departments.

Abbott said the changes help “breathe new life” into the commission and transform it to something that focuses more on overall community wellness.

Under the proposed revision, the membership of the commission would expand from seven to nine members, including two who may live outside of city limits. The proposed changes also include the following commission duties:

• Promote initiatives that support community health and wellness;

• Collaborate with community leaders, organizations and partners for community engagement to help build a healthy community;

• Partner with city’s park system to achieve healthier activities, quality of life and wellness;

• Support and encourage community sustainability;

• Recommend principles/practices for consideration in transportation projects;

• Promote the preservation and enhancement of green space, rain gardens, natural drainage corridors and encourage clean up activities of creek and stream areas.

Abbott said the commission likely would change its own name if the changes are approved by the full City Council.

Third Ward Councilwoman Erin Wiseman said she was curious about the funding the commission would need from the city to achieve what she said equates to a large marketing campaign. Abbott said there are some funds available from Republic Services, which has to contribute funds for education materials as part of the city’s solid waste contract.

Tergin added the commission would operate at no cost to the city.

In other business, the committee also discussed having more formal recognition of retiring city employees and residents who have served to the full extent allowed on city boards and commissions.

Fourth Ward Councilman Carlos Graham brought the suggestion of having individuals who have served the full amount of terms allowed on a city board or commission come to City Council meetings, with the full board or commission, to be honored for their service.

“If we can’t take 10 minutes to say ‘thank you,’ I think something’s wrong with us as a council,” Graham said.

City attorney Drew Hilpert said he would work on a resolution stating the council would honor those who serve on boards and commissions. As for honoring retiring city employees, Hilpert said no formal action was needed and the city administrator would be able to begin adding those recognitions to future council agendas.

The committee also approved several appointments to boards and commissions, which will go to the full council for final approval, noting volunteers are needed to serve on the Airport Advisory Committee, the Cultural Arts Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Volunteer applications are available through the city’s website at jeffersoncitymo.gov.