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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Citizens' Sustainability Committee 05/23/2016CITY OF PALM DESERT CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMITTEEE MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016 — 2:00 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Susan Rosenberg called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Prior to taking Roll Call, Ms. Deborah Glickman introduced herself as the new Sustainability Coordinator/staff liaison. Present: Absent: Member Gregory Gritters at 3:06 p.m. Member Tommy Edwards Member Dennis Guinaw Member Courtney Lingle Member Ralph Raya Vice Chair Dean Gatons Chair Susan Rosenberg Also Present: Sabby Jonathan, Council Member Justin McCarthy, Interim City Manager Deborah Glickman, Management Analyst Monica O'Reilly, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Chair Rosenberg asked if there still is a Recycling Technician position. Ms. Glickman responded there is a Recycling Technician; however, she is on a leave of absence. With the recent staff changes, the Citizens' Sustainability Committee members and City staff introduced themselves. MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MAY 23, 2016 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee meeting of November 16, 2015. Rec: Approve as presented. Upon a motion by Vice Chair Gatons, second by Member Gritters, and a 5-0-1-1 vote of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee, the Consent Calendar was approved as presented (AYES: Gatons, Gritters, Guinaw, Lingle, and Rosenberg-, NOES: None; ABSENT: Edwards; ABSTAIN: Raya). V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. UPDATE ON THE CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE. Ms. Glickman communicated that the City Council recently reviewed how often the commissions/committees meet and the size of them. It was suggested that the Citizens' Sustainability Committee meet on an as -needed basis instead of quarterly. As sustainability issues arise, from either the community or the Committee, then staff would look at the Committee to convene and work as advisors on those issues, Member Ralph Raya commented that he is in favor of developing a strategy for the Sustainability Committee to start tackling issues that touch sustainability one way or another. He personally felt that they should be proactive than reactive. Ms. Glickman interjected that is the goal for the next item on the agenda. Mr. Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development, briefly explained that the City Council tasked staff members to look at the resources on hand today, and to be realistic about what staff could handle. He noted that there are 17 different commissions/committees. As a result, some bylaws for commissions/committees would be changed. He expressed that staff is not looking at dissolving the Sustainability Committee; staff is making sure there are enough resources to tackle what is wanted by the City Council. Councilman Sabby Jonathan communicated that since the recession in 2008, the City went from approximately 170 employees to under 110 employees and the challenging times are not over. The recovery has been very slow so the City has been very vigilant about where it allocates its resources. He said that the City Council is trying to make the citizen input process via commissions/committees more efficient and more effective. If the Sustainability Committee is addressing an issue where they need to meet monthly and they are meaningful meetings, then they would meet monthly. He emphasized that the City values the Sustainability Committee, with sustainability being a priority for them. If Committee members 2 GAPIanning\Monica ORedIylSustainabihty Committee420161Minutesl5-23-16 min. docx MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MAY 23, 2016 become aware of issues and have a desire to meet, please funnel issues through the staff liaison or the Committee chairperson to initiate the meeting. Mr. Justin McCarthy, Interim City Manager, summarized the economic impact due to the dissolution of redevelopment agencies in the state, which affected the staffing levels of the City of Palm Desert. Vice Chair Dean Gatons said that he raises his children in this community, and he loves serving the community. He stated that he would meet once a year as a member of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee, and asked if he could serve on more than one committee. Councilman Jonathan responded that there are vacancies, and recommended for anyone interested in serving on other committees to contact the City Clerk. Member Dennis Guinaw thanked the City Council and staff for their efforts as a citizen of Palm Desert. Member Gregory Gritters is interested in making the City's landscape look as good as it can; given the constraints due to budget or water restrictions. He inquired what the best way to get involved is. Councilman Jonathan replied that there is not a commission or committee that addresses landscaping. He believed the best approach is to schedule a time with the appropriate City staff to review Member Gritters's comments and feedback. B. DISCUSSION ON THE CITY OF PALM DESERT'S SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES. Ms. Glickman asked the Sustainability Committee if there are issues that need to be addressed. Chair Rosenberg commented that water conservation is crucial. She mentioned there is an area where she lives that does not have landscape; however, it is being watered. Councilman Jonathan replied that in those instances; bring them to the City's attention. Ms. Glickman noted that the City of Palm Desert has decreased water usage approximately 35 percent. Mr. McCarthy mentioned that the Coachella Valley Water District will be increasing their water rates. The new increase is heavily loaded on non-residential, i.e. large landscape, parks, and other users. He stated the issue of sustainability may become an issue of economic survival. Ms. Glickman announced the City has a new app called the Palm Desert in Touch. The app allows residents and visitors to identify issues and report them directly to 3 GAPlanningWonica oReillylSustainability Committee120161Minutesl5-23-16 min dccx MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MAY 23, 2016 the City using the mobile app on their smartphones, tablets, or personal computers. Councilman Jonathan referred to the CV Link project, and said that at some point the Sustainability Committee may choose to take a position or not on that project. Vice Chair Gatons stated that he lives off Hovley Lane West, and there is one last section of lawn to be pulled out. He suggested in the past adding an article on the BrightSide so it encourages other communities to change to desert landscape. In addition, he walks down Hovley Lane West every morning, and is picking up trash all the time. He stated he would like to see an Adopt -A -Roadway program in the City to help keep the community free of trash. Chair Rosenberg agreed with Vice Chair Gatons. She said she walks along Cook Street, and believed the trash floats off the Burrtec trucks that drive up and down Cook Street. She does not believe people are throwing that much trash out into the roadway. Vice Chair Gatons remarked that he has picked up trash that has flown off a Burrtec truck. He also asked for an update on the ban on single -use plastic bags, and where are they going with recycling in the City. Ms. Glickman responded that she would look into the issues brought up by Chair Rosenberg and Vice Chair Gatons and get the information back to the Committee. Chair Rosenberg mentioned that there is a large amount of plastic bottles that do not get recycled. She believed educating the public would help. At least now, she is asked if she needs a bag when at a store in Palm Desert. Vice Chair Gatons voiced that Palm Desert is surrounded by cities that have not banned single -use plastic bags, and those bags are still getting into the City. He questioned if Burrtec is seeing less single -use plastic bags going out to recycling. Ms. Glickman answered that she would look into the recycling of plastic bags. Member Raya said that in a week or so he would put a list of sustainability issues together and email to staff. He voiced his concern with regard to water conservation and expenses increasing in country clubs. He would like to know what type of issues country clubs are going through, and how the City or the Committee could help address those issues. Chair Rosenberg commented she works with property managements and homeowners' associations. She said there is a group that meets monthly called Community Association Institute (CAI). She stated that everyone is struggling with landscaping, water, and managing budgets. Every month the group brings in a speaker, and they discuss issues that are in common with all the communities. Member Raya recommended a newsletter to keep the communities more informed of what the City is doing, and also to get feedback from the communities. 4 GAPlanningWonica ORedlylSustainabihly Committeel2 l Minutesl5-23-16 min docx MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MAY 23, 2016 Member Courtney Lingle asked how animal agriculture, water, and other resources directly impact the City of Palm Desert. Mr. Stendell responded that there is a lot going on with water in agriculture, and noted they are charged different water rates, which does not affect the City too much, Councilman Jonathan mentioned that the state governor's executive order for those that use two-thirds of water in the state, which is agriculture, are exempt from water saving mandates. He also mentioned that the City Council recently adopted a backyard bee ordinance, which has to do with sustainability because an issue facing the world is the lack of pollonization. Chair Rosenberg asked what the backyard bee ordinance is Councilman Jonathan explained that the ordinance allows backyard beekeeping, up to two apiaries in a residential home. Ms. Glickman asked the Committee to let her know if they think of sustainability issues they would like to be addressed. C. PRESENTATION ON THE CITY OF PALM DESERT GENERAL PLAN UPDATE BY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT RYAN STENDELL. Mr. Stendell gave a PowerPoint presentation on the City's General Plan Update. At this point, there was brief discussion on how development came to a stop in the north sphere during the recession and the demise of the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency. Member Guinaw asked what the reaction to the Vision San Pablo event was. Mr. Stendell briefed the Sustainability Committee on the Vision San Pablo event, which had an overwhelming positive response from the community. He noted that the Draft General Plan Update is available on the City's website. He said to let staff know if the Committee has any comments or questions. Chair Rosenberg asked staff to email the link to the Committee for the Draft General Plan Update and the Palm Desert in Touch app. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VI11. OLD BUSINESS None 5 (3APlannin9\Monica ORedly\Sastainability Committee=161Minutes\5-23-16 min dccx MINUTES CITIZENS' S U STAINABILITY COMMITTEE MAY 23, 2016 IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Committee Members Comments Vice Chair Gatons inquired if the Citizens' Sustainability Committee would be meeting in August. Ms. Glickman responded that she would assess the information the Committee has provided her, and answer questions the Committee had during the meeting. She said staff would schedule a meeting, if needed. X. ADJOURNMENT With Committee concurrence, Chair Rosenberg adjourned the meeting at 4:38 p.m. Monica O'Reilly, Recording Secretary 6 GTlanning\Monica OReilly\Sustainabdity Committoo=15\Minutes\5-23-16 min.doex