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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Citizens Sustainability Committee 10132014CITY OF PALM DESERT CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMITTEEE MINUTES MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2014 — 2:00 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Robert Leo called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Member Dean Gatons at 2:18 p.m Member Gregory Gritters Member Dennis Guinaw Member Bruce Kassler Member Courtney Lingle Member David Mourhess Member Ralph Raya Vice Chair Susan Rosenberg Chair Robert Leo Also Present: Absent: Member Luke Taylor Member David Koller Member Eric Corey Freed Member Tommy Edwards Van Tanner, Mayor Susan Marie Weber, Mayor Pro Tem at 2:14 p.m. John Wohlmuth, City Manager Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Monica O'Reilly, Recording Secretary Victoria DeLaPaz, Youth Committee Member Jessica Kozlak, Youth Committee Member III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE OCTOBER 13, 2014 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee meeting of May 12, 2014. Rec: Approve as presented. Upon a motion by Member Gritters, second by Member Mourhess, and a 8-0-5 vote of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee (AYES: Gritters, Guinaw, Kassler, Leo, Lingle, Mourhess, Raya, and Rosenberg; NOES: None; ABSENT: Edwards, Gatons, Koller, Freed, and Taylor), the Consent Calendar was approved as presented. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. PRESENTATION of Green for Life Program (Nicole Criste, Terra Nova Planning & Research) Ms. Nicole Criste, Terra Nova Planning & Research, gave a presentation on the Green for Life program (www.greenforlifecv.org/). She said that there are three components to the program. First, a Green Building Program manual was developed for cities. The manual allows anyone who wants to build or remodel their home or business to be more energy efficient. The second component is a Municipal Energy Management program, which establishes policies and programs for the City to track its own energy use. She stated that the last component is an update to the City's sustainability plans, specifically, an update of the City's greenhouse gas inventory. Ms. Criste noted that the program began in the summer, with a completion date at the beginning of the year. She said that portions of the program will be taken to the City Council for their consideration in the future. She also noted that they will be holding an open house in November. A flyer with the open house information will go out to commissions, committees, and City staff. She offered to answer any questions. Chair Leo asked if Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is involved in the program. Ms. Criste replied no. Member Ralph Raya asked if the Green Building Program manual is now available. Ms. Criste responded that the manual was prepared for other cities. She said that Mr. Bagato is reviewing the manual to see if the City of Palm Desert would like to 2 G \Planning\Monjca OReilly\Sustainabiiity Committee\2014Mnutes\10 13 14 min docx MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE OCTOBER 13, 2014 make any changes. She stated that they will release the manual once Palm Desert has finished reviewing it. Member Raya asked if the manual could be shared with the Sustainability Committee. Mr. Bagato responded that he has a copy. He said that he would scan and email it to the Committee. Member Raya commented that as an engineer he is curious to see what is in the manual. He feels it is a good idea to share with the design professionals so that they could find alternative ways to meet the goals in cost effective manners. Ms. Criste interjected that the manual is also available on the Green for Life website. Member Bruce Kassler asked if it will be a voluntary program. Ms. Criste replied that is correct. Member Kassler asked if other cities have offered incentives to the developers if they choose to follow the program. Ms. Criste responded that the City of Palm Springs is implementing an incentive program, and she is working with the City of Rancho Mirage to develop an incentive program for them. Mayor Van Tanner asked if the program will be a platform that the State of California will accept. Ms. Criste responded that the Building Code is updated every three years, and gets more energy efficient every year. She noted that by 2020, the State mandate for residential development will need to be at net zero. By 2030, commercial is supposed to be at net zero. Chair Leo asked if the program is only for new construction. Ms. Criste replied no. She said that they hope people that own existing homes participate because they would benefit the most from the program. Member Raya asked if the program is primarily residential. Ms. Criste responded that the program has three parts to it, and each part has a new and a remodel section. There is single-family residential, multi -family residential and commercial development. The Sustainability Committee thanked Ms. Criste for her presentation. 3 G \Planning\Monica ORedly\Sustainabihty Commrttee\2014\Minu1es\10 13 14 min docx MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE OCTOBER 13, 2014 B. DISCUSSION of Parking Lot Shade Tree Standards (Tony Bagato, Principal Planner) Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, gave a brief report on the parking lot shade tree standards and referred to the articles attached to the staff report. He asked that the Sustainability Committee provide staff direction regarding the current tree requirements for parking lots. Member Dennis Guinaw commented that he did not see a cost analysis of shade structures versus trees and water. If solar panels are added, what is the impact for the cost of retrofitting or mandating a different look? Mr. Bagato responded that he has not seen a comparison or cost estimate. He said that a cost analysis is something he could look into. Member Guinaw mentioned that Member Luke Taylor inspects landscaping a year after it has been completed. He inspects to make sure everything is working properly, and to check that the plant material has not been changed. He asked if the City does anything similar to what Member Taylor does for the County of Riverside. Mr. Bagato replied no. Mayor Tanner asked if the City requires a developer to add shade structures, or will it be the City's responsibility. Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development, responded yes if the parking lot is public. Chair Leo inquired if there is discussion regarding adding shade structures at City -owned parking lots. Ms. Aylaian responded that the City has been adding carports with solar panels to publicly -owned parking lots. She asked the Sustainability Committee what their thoughts are of parking lots in Palm Desert. Are there parking lots that provide good shade by trees? Member Greg Gritters commented that the best he has seen, but not practical, is the parking lot at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. He referred to the parking lot ordinance, and said that flexibility is an important part of the review and approval process. He stated that he is concerned with the City's own precedence, and referred to the landscaping recently installed on Monterey Avenue as an example. Member Gritters said that as a City we are not necessarily putting forth a good example as far as providing landscapes that help cool down areas. He said that he understands that there are budget constraints for both the improvement and maintenance. He feels that it is hard to impose stricter 4 G \PlanntngWonita OReilly\SustainatAity COmmdteeV014WinutesM-13-14 min oocx MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE OCTOBER 13, 2014 guidelines on commercial and private developers than what the City imposes on itself. Chair Leo commented that there are two pushes, one for desert scape and now there is a push for tree shade. He stated that he sees them both colliding. Mr. John Wohlmuth, City Manager, stated that the landscape on Monterey Avenue is 60 percent Rancho Mirage and 40 percent Palm Desert. Secondly, Palm Desert landscaped it minimally because as development occurs in Rancho Mirage, they will plant additional plants as a condition of approval. The same will happen in the undeveloped portions of Palm Desert. Chair Leo asked if Palm Desert is pushing for desert scape. Mr. Wohlmuth replied everywhere. Chair Leo stated that we are pushing desert scape, but where does the shade come in. Mr. Bagato commented that there are still desert trees that provide shade. Member Gritters interjected that there are no trees he would recommend in a parking lot. He said that the most common trees in the desert are Palo Verdes and Mesquite, which he would not recommend either one to be planted in a parking lot. He noted that to provide 50 percent shade coverage in a parking lot, it will take a big tree and a big tree will require lots of water. He recommended more shade structures or covered parking, and making the best use of landscape that already exists. He feels that the standards should be enforced fairly across the board. Member Susan Rosenberg mentioned that the Los Angeles landscape ordinance has a specific requirement for 50 percent shade in a parking stall area to be measured at the summer solstice. She said that she drove by the Joslyn Senior Center, and she likes that they have shade structures next to the building and trees along the street on the south that are providing nice shade. However, you will not have the nice shade in July. Member Rosenberg stated that many are not in compliance. If the City of Palm Desert is not going to enforce the ordinance, then the City needs to examine the 50 percent shade coverage requirement. Ms. Aylaian asked the Sustainability Committee what their thoughts are on reducing the heat island effect by requiring developers to install lighter reflective surfaces such as pavers, which will require less shading. However, developers may not want to use a different surface because it will cost the developer more money. Member Raya responded that he thinks it is a great idea because it also helps with water drainage. 5 G \Pianning\Monida OReiily\Sustainabdbty Commttee\2014Mnutes\10 13 14 min dou MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE OCTOBER 13, 2014 Member Kassler commented that he personally thinks it is much more successful to use something other than trees. He said that whether it is a combination of increasing the reflectivity of the surfaces and adding a percentage of some sort of shade structure that is not a tree. He stated that it is important to have structures and surfaces in the ordinance as a requirement, and have the flexibility of what a developer can do to gain some type of balance. Mr. Bagato stated that the ordinance does state trees first, and it also states carports in lieu of trees. He noted that the ordinance is flexible as it is written today. Member Gritters stated that it would be beneficial to encourage developers to hire landscape architects that are familiar with the desert. Chair Leo asked the Committee if they feel the ordinance needs to be changed. The Sustainability Committee agreed that the ordinance should be changed. Chair Leo asked that Members Gritters, Kassler, and Rosenberg work with Mr. Bagato as to what could be done in terms of the ordinance itself. Mr. Gritters inquired if there is a landscape architect on the Committee. Mr. Bagato responded that Member Luke Taylor moved to San Diego, and Member Eric Corey Freed moved to Portland, Oregon. Ms. Aylaian suggested that the Sustainability Committee members talk to their connections or friends and encourage them to contact the City Clerk for an application to become a member of the Committee. Mayor Tanner also suggested encouraging property managers to become members of the Sustainability Committee. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None Vill. OLD BUSINESS A. UPDATE ON SINGLE -USE PLASTIC BAGS (Tony Bagato, Principal Planner) Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, reported that the State passed a law to ban single -use plastic bags, which goes into effect July 2015. The City of Palm Desert's single -use bag ordinance goes into effect April 1, 2015, for larger retailers, and August 1, 2015, for smaller retailers. He mentioned that City staff kicked off an educational program. He also mentioned that reusable bags are available at the Visitors Center for Palm Desert residents. In January 2015, the 6 G kPiann,nglMonica OReiuylSustamabd+ly Commu1eel20141Minu1es110-13-14 min docx MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE OCTOBER 13, 2014 City will have special events in front of businesses (grocery stores and large retailers). Member Dean Gatons commented that there is talk of a referendum to appeal State law. He inquired if the City of Palm Desert is immune to the referendum. Mr. Bagato replied yes. Member Gatons asked if there are extra State stipulations that are not in the City's ordinance that would need to go into effect. Mr. Bagato replied no. Mr. Wohlmuth interjected that as long as the City passes the ordinance before the State, the City's ordinance takes precedence. Mayor Pro Tern Susan Marie Weber commented that she has not seen signage in parking lots that say "Don't Forget Your Reusable Bag." Mr. Bagato responded that some stores have signage. He stated that the City will buy signs for businesses to install in their parking lots. B. UPDATE on Water Conservation (Tony Bagato, Principal Planner) Mr. Bagato reported that the City budgeted $100,000 towards the Turf Buyback Program. He said that the program has been very successful, and funds are depleted. He mentioned that an additional $50,000 ($20,000/commercial and $30,000/residential) was approved by the City Council. He noted that the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) has also run out of funds. Mayor Tanner inquired if CVWD will revisit funding in October. Mr. Wohlmuth responded that CVWD will discuss a new budget for the Turf Buyback Program on October 28. He mentioned that the general manager is concerned that they are spending too much money, which may start impacting water rates. Mayor Tanner asked for the status of the additional $50,000 approved by the City Council. Mr. Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works, responded that there is some funding left for commercial; however, the $30,000 for residential has been earmarked for applications that are on the waiting list. 7 G \PlanningWonica OReiily\Sustainability Commt1tee\2014Winu1es110 13 14 min Gocx MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE OCTOBER 13, 2014 IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Committee Members Comments Member Gatons inquired if a quarterly waster/recycling newsletter could be provided with the Burrtec statements. Mr. Bagato responded that he asked Ms. Lisa Ream, Recycling Technician, to look into the newsletter. He said that it is possible, and they are looking into the approval process. He noted that it might not be quarterly, but maybe once a year. Member Gatons commented that it would be a wonderful way to educate people on a quarterly basis. Member Guinaw mentioned that in August he spent time in the central coast, and said it is remarkable what the people are doing due to the impact of the water drought. He mentioned that the restrooms at Hearst Castle were closed; however, they had portable restrooms in front of the castle. Member Raya inquired if the Sustainability Committee is going to establish a list of items to discuss for the upcoming year. Are there items that the Committee should address? If there are items to address, should they discuss what will be priority? Chair Leo agreed with Member Raya. He suggested that the Committee give Mr. Bagato issues that the Sustainability Committee may be concerned with. He said Mr. Bagato could then bring it back to the Committee. Mayor Tanner mentioned that the YMCA of the Desert "Y Be Fit Challenge" registration packets included a Palm Desert reusable bag, and he heard many positive comments about the bag. He volunteered to help at store events to hand out information and reusable bags. Mr. Bagato noted that a revised schedule of meetings for the Sustainability Committee was given to the Committee members. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon a unanimous vote of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee, Chair Leo adjourned the meeting at 2:58 p.m. (AYES: Gatons, Gritters, Guinaw, Kassler, Leo, Lingle, Mourhess, Raya, and Rosenberg; NOES: None; ABSENT: Edwards, Freed, Koller, and Taylor). � � r i Monica O'Reilly, Recordi ecretary 8 G Wlann,nglMonica OReillylSusta,nabddy Comm,ttee120141Minutes110-13-14 min docx