On May 14, 2012, City Council approved the creation of a 6-member ad hoc committee to guide the U. S. Enviromental Protection Agency's Smart Growth Implementation Assistance process to develop a model city-school collaborative planning process.  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.

Applications for this committee were due to City Administration by May 18.  The City received four applications.  The applications were forwarded to the Mayor, who in turn is making a recommendation to the City Council to appoint 3 of the 4.

The City Council may:

- Approve the Mayor's nominations for the Ad Hoc Collaborative School Planning Committee; or
- Approve a modified slate of nominees for such a committee; or
- Deny the appointment of any applicants to the ad hoc committee and find another way to guide the study.

The appointment of applicants to the Ad Hoc Collaborative School Planning Committee will have no financial impact on the City.

Staff recommends that City Council approve the Mayor's nominations of Josi Wilgus, James Mariska, and Patty Nordlund to the Ad Hoc Collaborative School Planning Committee.