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Ellensburg to scope EIS, form climate task force and launch online engagement tool
Summary
Staff said the comprehensive plan update will include a citywide environmental analysis (EIS), climate element task force and a February online story map to collect public feedback and documents ahead of chapter drafts due in June.
Ellensburg planning staff told the Feb. 2 study session they are scoping a citywide environmental impact statement (EIS) for the comprehensive plan update and forming a climate element task force to draft required policies.
Stacy Henderson, planning manager, said the EIS scoping could allow for an infill SEPA exemption in some cases and that Cascadia Consulting has been leading the climate hazard assessment work. "There are two environmental related aspects to this project," Henderson said, noting staff is also coordinating an EIS scope with transportation and parks consultants.
Staff said Ferron Pierce (transportation consultant) has provided a draft existing conditions memo and that transportation modeling is underway to reflect rezoning scenarios. Henderson said the parks plan will be adopted by reference into the comprehensive plan and that Kelly Vandenberg is updating the economics chapter.
To increase public engagement, staff will launch an online story map and engagement tool in February that walks through climate hazards, posts draft documents and accepts comments. "People will be able to provide feedback on that," Henderson said.
The session closed with staff offering to circulate updated slides and capacity tables; the study session adjourned and the council moved to its regular meeting at 7 p.m.
Ending: Staff will continue scoping the EIS, convene a climate element task force, and launch the online tool for public comment; no environmental determinations were made at the study session.
