The City Council is scheduled to accept an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency technical assistance award on May 14 to develop a model city-school collaborative planning process that addresses growth in School District #2 while trying to maximize the sustainability of existing neighborhoods. 

Appointing a 6-member citizens' committee to undertake the process was discussed at a joint City Council/School District #2 Board of Trustees meeting on April 12, 2012.  Three members each would be appointed by the Billings City Council and the School District #2 Superintendent.  The City Council's appointees would constitute an ad-hoc committee.  Council ad-hoc committees traditionally are created by a resolution that defines the committee's task and term of operation.  Such a resolution is attached.

Applications for citizens' committee are due May 18 to the Mayor's Office and the School District #2 Superintendent's Office.  If the ad-hoc committee is approved, the nominations may be made for the May 29 meeting.

The City Council may:

• Approve the resolution creating an ad hoc committee; or
• Postpone consideration of creation of such a committee; or
• Deny creation of an ad hoc committee and find another way to conduct the study.

The collaborative planning effort will receive up to $75,000 from EPA to plan and build infrastructure.  No dollar match is required.  Volunteer committee members and City and school district representatives will provide time to the project.

Staff recommends approval of the resolution creating an ad hoc committee for collaborative City-School District #2 planning.