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review of traffic counts or a traffic studies. While this would fall under the realm of the PWET Commission, Planning staff already relies on the expertise of Public Works Director Duane Schwartz and City Engineer Debra Bloom (in their representation on the DRC) as they review each land use application, seek additional information, or make recommendations during the review process. What additional role would the PWET Commission have other than to rubber stamp staff s analysis? o Suggestions for PWET Commission involvement in the process from the perspective of the Planning Department As the City periodically updates its codes, or special circumstances indicate such a change is evident, and in direct relationship to the PWET Commission's charge from the City Council, their input is invaluable. In retrospect, now that the zoning code rewrite is pretty far advanced, having had input from the PWET Commission on their areas of interest would have been prudent. o Does the City Council need to revise the charge of the PWET Commission Given the recent proposed asphalt plant as an example, and the PWET Commission's role in making recommendations to advance the discussion, and anticipating additional future issues to come forward, if the PWET Commission had been tasked to review the application initially, would the controversy have been diminished or the outcome more clearly determined earlier in the review process? Mr. Trudgeon noted that, while typical land use applications are straightforward and non controversial, they each represent change, and can be divisive when those with specific interests (drainage, traffic, tree preservation) feel they haven't been sufficiently represented. o How would the PWET Commission handle additional workloads on their monthly agenda o Environmental Review by the PWET Commission Mr. Trudgeon noted the occasional Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and questioned how the PWET Commission could facilitate the City's role in that process. o Public Easements and /or Right -of -Way Vacations Mr. Trudgeon advised that he and Mr. Schwartz had discussed the PWET Commission's role in public easements and /or vacations; and if the PWET Commission should make recommendations related to whether this area appeared to have a future use for the City or if it was deemed surplus. Mr. Trudgeon noted that, even though now such action required a public hearing at the Planning Commission level, was that required by statute, or could that review and recommendation to the City Council be transferred to the PWET Commission, who would in turn hold the public hearing and make formal recommendation to the City Council? Mr. Trudgeon advised that the City had a request for only 3 5 vacations or easements annually. Page 4 of 14