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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-29 CSC Regular Meeting Agenda PacketCITY OF PALM DESERT CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEEE AGENDA , MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2013 — 2:00 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL I11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Any person wishing to discuss any item not otherwise on the Agenda may address the Citizens' Sustainability Committee at this point by giving his/her name and address for the record. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Committee. Because the Brown Act does not allow the Citizens' Sustainability Committee to take action on items not on the Agenda, members will not enter into discussion with speakers but briefly respond or instead refer the matter to staff for report and recommendation at a future Citizen's Sustainability Committee meeting. This is also the time and place for any person who wishes to comment on Agenda items. It should be noted that at Citizen's Sustainability Committee discretion, these comments may be deferred until such time on the agenda as the item is discussed. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes unless additional time is authorized by the Citizens' Sustainability Committee. Reports and documents relating to each of the following items listed on the agenda, including those received following posting/distribution, are on file in the Office of the Department of Community Development and are available for public inspection during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260, telephone (760) 346-0611, Ext. 484. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR ALL MATTERS LISTED ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ROUTINE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY ONE ROLL CALL VOTE. THERE WILL BE NO SEPARATE DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS UNLESS MEMBERS OF THE CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE OR AUDIENCE REQUEST ITEMS BE REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND ACTION UNDER SECTION V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER OF THE AGENDA. POSTED AGENDA CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE APRIL 29, 2013 A. MINUTES of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee meeting of March 20, 2013. Rec: Approve as presented. Action: V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. ELECTION of Vice Chair Rec: Action: VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. UPDATE BY SUBCOMMITTEE ON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS Rec: Oral report, receive and file. Action: B. RECOMMENDATION BY SUBCOMMITTEE ON DEASPHALTIFICATION Rec: Oral report and direct staff to present recommendations to the City Council for consideration. Action: C. UPDATE ON OUTDOOR LIGHTING Rec: Oral report and discussion. Action: IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Committee Members 2 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Canmittee�2013Wgenda\4-29-13 a.docx POSTED AGENDA CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE APRIL 29, 2013 X. ADJOURNMENT I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California, that the foregoing agenda for the Citizens' Sustainability Committee was posted on the City Hall bulletin board not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Dated on this 25tn day of April, 2013. ' �� Monica O'Reilly, Recording Secre Please contact the Planning Department, 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260, (760) 346-0611, for assistance with access to any of the agenda, materials, or participation at the meeting. 3 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013Wgenda\4-29-13 a.docx CITY OF PALM DESERT CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMITTEEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2013 —10:15 A.M. ADMININSTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM ��SERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Robert Leo called the meeting II. ROLL CALL Present: Member Tommy Edwards Member Eric Freed Member Gregory Gritters Member John Greenwood Member Dean Gafi�art������ Member David k�i�fl�r � :� Member Davic�,Ntourhess Member Sus���Rosenberi Member Ralpi�:���ra �; Vice Chair Rober� Let� �=a"' V�n Tanner, Coun�ilmember�� Sus�r�uMarie Webe�; �ouncil�member at 10:44 a.m. John V�t�hlmuth, Cit� lt%lanager , Lauri Ay��Ian, Direcf� of Community Development Martin Alv�r��, E��rB�tor of Economic Development Missy Nale, ���t��ant Planner Lisa Ream, Re�ycling Technician Monica O'Reilly, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS r at 10:23 ber Bruce Kassler ber Luke Taylor • Cleve Langford New members to the Citizens' Sustainability Committee, Tommy Edwards and Gregory Gritters introduced themselves to the Committee. PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE IV. CONSENT CALENDAR and 1 apprc A. MINUTES of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee Meetings of August 8, 2012. Rec: Approve as presented. Member David Koller noted he was present at the last mee#ing, and his name was not listed on the minutes. � Member Dean Gatons also noted his last name Upon a motion by Greenwood, second by Sustainability Committee, the Consent Calen� Members Kassler, Langford, and Taylor ABSE�I�f V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. ELECTION of ��i�ur.�erson By Minute John Greenwoo� VII. CONTINUED VIII. �LD BUSIN MARCH 20, 2013 led on Pages 4 and 5. of the Citizens' amended with Vice � ir Leo �u�s� appointed as Chairperson, and Member Chair�����, on. The m�tion carried unanimously. A. ��� �ATE ON Slf��iLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS ���;` �� Ms. Mis�'�\�lale, A�Sistant Planner, gave a summary of the 2008 Palm Desert COze emissio����i�r the new members, she commented that the City's previous Councilmembe��ill Kroonen first mentioned environmental concerns of single- use plastic bags. For the new members, she has a presentation if they would like to see it. She reported that Assembly Bill 158 (AB 158) is currently being proposed to the state. The existing bill requires the collection of plastic bags through January 1, 2020. With AB 158, the collection of plastic bags would continue after January 1, 2020. On January 1, 2015, stores that gross $2 million or more in sales, or that 2 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\3-20-13 min (3).docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MARCH 20, 2013 have 10,000 square feet or more of retail space, will prohibit single-use plastic bags. On January 1, 2016, there would be an additional bag prohibition at convenient food marts, Type 20 and 21 license issued by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and certification is required to be submitted for the Department of Recycling at the state level. The proposed AB 158 would allow civil penalties for non-compliance. On January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, reusable bags distributed would have to be a minimum 2.25 mils thick or machine washable. After July 1, 2016, there is a more strict definition of reusable bags distributed (carrying 22 Ibs. 125 times over 175 feet, ma�hin°e washable, and label information), and the Women, Infant, and Children (1111[�� and Supplemental Food programs are exempt. She stated the stores would tiave to provide those in the programs with a reusable bag or a paper carry Qu� bag. Ms. Nale stated that the state is allowing the local jurisdiction the dis� tion to implement a compostable bag for purchase, if a curbside food compQ� � g program is'auailable. On July 1, 2017, reusable bags are required to�� t� �"�`20 percent postci�i�sumer recycled material. She noted that the bags use� x meats an produce are nqt included in the proposed AB 158. � � �s' Ms. Nale stated that the C has no action plan in place looked at the issue of Subcommittee's issues at additional informatio�� and said CVAG is follc�wEnq Pal two cities researching � cities) were ��ked to pl p.m. She sar��Palm C meeting. If the^ Recycli said that fh� �ity Palm Spring�:��s �a�iella Valley �� `' iation of Governments (CVAG) �����d the Ener�;� s d Environment Subcommittee � sir�g�g u�; �Iastic ��t° about a year ago. The th�� �ime� �� �� budg� onstraints, they wanted to find�4ut t�c�� he�'-�ommunity members. She � a� F � ��;�. �: m Des�r�����'�Palm �� �-���� gs lead, which are the only �roject T�t`� CVAG Recycling Group (staff from local t �lastic bac� on the agenda for May 13, 2013, at 3:00 rk and Pal� Springs will provide an update at that irc��� re�Qmrriends approval, it would be elevated to ent c�f., �?alm Desert is continuing with research and education. havinc� a plastic bag mitigation study session on March 28, Memb�� �ric Freec,� �oposed providing information (legislation) to the Recycling �_, „ �� Group or� May 13 � ; ' Chair Leo ask�d� if the Citizens' Sustainability Committee is reaffirming their position they made several months ago that the Committee supports curbing the use of single-use plastic bags. Member Freed inquired if this is something they put forth to the City Council for a vote or would the City Council give to the people for a vote. 3 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\3-20-13 min (3).docx PRELfMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MARCH 20, 2013 Mr. John Wohlmuth, City Manager, said that he doubts the City Council wouid put this to a vote of the citizens due to the expense. He stated it is important to the Council, however, a regional approach would be fair and staff was directed to work with CVAG. Due to CVAG's budget constraints, plastic bags have not risen to the top of their priority list. Mr. Wohlmuth said if it is taken to the City Council again, their concerns are going to be the same. Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development, ,�nentioned� that the City Council also directed staff to work with retailers, which I���lale has been doing. Chair Leo commented that he was art of the ra�` ��t met with smaller store retailers, and asked if they should m et with the ��t,���� oX s� es. �� Ms. Nale stated that it was difficult to g���p�i't�icipation frori�� : e big box stores. Their response was that they did not ha�r�_-�he time allocation t�� i�staff to the meeting or they were not interested ir� �a�iicipating. � ���� Member Ralph Raya asked what the co Mr. Freed mentioned that Int�t��`��� exp not taken it further than that �`�� ���`������ Member Raya back to the mE Ms. Aylai c�d �f CVAG h�� c �C� � ��y � y„ � � nded thai thev do nc Member Ra susta���k��li#�r r Leo n G, and other cities is. interest; however, they have ty committee that reports °tk�a� fi�e� ��ommend CVAG develop a citizens' from ea���af the cities. Council would have to make that recommendation to n or Mr. Wohlmuth if that would be the process. Ms �ty�aian agreecl t�at it would have to go through City Council. She explained that tl�� �itizens' S�Stainability Committee is an advisory committee to the City �E6�� � , CounciL��� r: � �, , ��° Member Edwar�s noted that he is a new member, but from what has been said, the Committee has made a position statement regarding single-use plastic bags. The Committee should reaffirm that statement, which would help Palm Springs with their efforts to move it forward. Chair Leo also said to modify the statement to add and recommend that CVAG create a citizens' advisory committee. 4 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\3-20•13 min (3).docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MARCH 20, 2013 Member John Greenwood suggested another approach by providing more education by asking CVAG and other cities to allocate funds to educate the community so that they are able to make a decision on their own. Member Freed stated that Ms. Nale has done a lot of research. He suggested sharing the information with Palm Springs and CVAG. Member Gregory Gritters agreed with Member Gree attractive option. Member David Mourhess asked Ms. Nale if 158 i Ms. Nale responded yes. She stated that i State is ready to move forward on plastic �� Councilman Tanner inquired if biodegradable. Ms. Aylaian answered that they are recyclable in other Member Edwards also agreed community. s � Chair Leo suc� ed for�1 report back t4� � e Citizens �a5�. Member Free & �� � still �t�������nissr�� t�sh� , : �� � �� l�s�Nale replie� �r�s � �` � . M���isa Ream, Re���cling pub���ccess chanr��� are recycl a su stain� it. estion on educating the mittee to come up with a program, and Committee. license for Bag It, and does the City nician inquired if the movie could be shown on the Ms. Nal��� r�e�t��that the movie is available on Netflix. She mentioned that there is a p����E��iit� of announcing the movie in the BrightSide. Member Gatons requested that for the next meeting staff provides the statement the Committee is reaffirming for the new members. Ms. Nale added that she would like to meet with the members who are new to the Citizens' Sustainability Committee so she could show them the presentation on single-use plastic bags. Mr. , which is more of an assembly bill. opinion sFte,does not think the �s� used for new'spapers are �, .,: .�;v Palm Desert. She is not sure if 5 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\3-20-13 min (3).docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MARCH 20, 2013 Mr. Wohlmuth stated he is confused and is not clear on how the group feels about AB 158. He communicated that bills are amended and changed. He also mentioned they have a legislator (Brian Nestande) in the Coachella Valley that is attentive to these issues. Mr. Wohlmuth stated he would like to know what the Committee likes or dislikes about the bill, and then have a discussion about it. They could then write a letter to the State to cover any issues. Member Koller commented why reinvent the wheel. He what the State is doing. Chair Leo asked the Citizens' Sustainability Comm�tt�E subcommittee to discuss the bill, reaffirmation, and,me d they should look at ey would like to form a kh Mr. Nestande. After a much review and discussion, Ghair' Leo appointed: Members Freed, Greenwood, Gritters, and Rosenberg �a ,the subcommittee. The subcommittee would look at the bill, follow up on 111��:: Nale's analysis, and loak at contacting CVAG to form a citizens' sustainability committee � Member Gatons requested th �, Committee's �c�sifion that they are reaffirming for the next meeting. `���� ��� ��� Chair Leo asked Ms. Nale to e Member Gatoi see what the� He also ga��t and did not 'r� the charge at market`the� ar r the ,c�ntrnu�;t�to say t � "domg': C�a they exampl� ht�w he e it un#r��:_�tie got h � stor� :Fi� stat� :tt�i1'��tg to, which 'i Ms I���e stated t furthe�; ��e asked ;; informati�t��Q;n sinc After a brief dis�u; agenda item. �� shoul"e���rk with major corporations to to work with the manufacturers as well? into a store and was charged for a bag, He noted that they did not tell him about ,,��ubcommittee should also analyze the ust a local community. that as a community they have an opportunity to �ere. the subcommittee would discuss single-use plastic bags new Committee members to contact her if they want more se plastic bags. ion about the Bag It movie, Ms. Nale moved on to the next B. RECOMMENDATIONS ON PARKING COUNTS Ms. Nale reported that she sent the Committee members a Power Point presentation of the parking counts. She said staff is hopeful that the information is part of a zoning update. She mentioned that Mayor Harnik requested a study it to t�t�;��mmittee members. 6 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\3-20-13 min (3).docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MARCH 20, 2013 to be conducted during black Friday. Ms. Nale gave an example of one the parking studies. She mentioned that she sent an email to the Committee members with items of the proposed zoning changes. Member Gritters asked if the options are changing the zoning. Ms. Nale responded that staff is looking at updating the parking requirements associated with various uses. ,. Member Greenwood commented if big box additional parking, he asked if staff is looking allocate for that parking, such as pavers. Ms. Nale replied that staff has been di to decide if it should be something sep� willing to pay for the the materials used to those issues�����d they are trying Ms. Aylaian also mentioned that ott��� cities _�r��' changing fr�s� having a minimum amount of parking to having a maximurr+, and that Palm Desert could do this with an exception cla��e The excepti�n= clause would allow a developer to build more, provided that �������ve a greater amount of it landscaped, or with pavers or other material. ����e r��m Member Freed they are not in1 heat island eff+ �..,: planning issue`� Ms. Aylaian mu�t�.t��::t�t� �nm�nted that � , far ��kr� �i� ,ens�``Sustainability Committee, st�� i�i��the num�' � t��`�arking'�� ces as much as reducing the �of usir����„asphalt: �,� said the number of parking spaces is a itionet� ti��� tfi��=rtu�nb��:`i�f parking spaces does tie in with how ci�g is� paved over. She said that they could look at other things r re�ail�rs with existing over-parked developments. [Vlember Gritters����nmer�i���that you can reduce some of the parking by planting %3' rnc�re shade trees . il °'>,. Ms I��l�� stated �h�t in a previous meeting they discussed incorporating � bioswaC��,�She s�€�a lot of sites are required to have onsite water retention, and making a�i��w��e�that is fully landscaped rather than having small tree wells, as the City requir�s, would make more sense. Ms. Aylaian stated that the purpose of the zoning ordinance update is to make readable, useable, understandable, comprehensible, and consistent guidelines without changing the underlying policy. Generally, they are making the update a major rewrite, but not a change in policy. She said that staff would like to revisit the parking requirements because staff believes the requirements are not well 7 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\3-20-13 min (3).docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE that at Qesert `,�� e area sha �� �'. ��� is� ; sion reg� � r� ��recommen ������;�3� `��� �ihat the �oa) i grounded for this community. The City Council has indicated they are okay with it, as long as it goes through the public hearing process. Member Freed commented if the Planning Department does not want to change the parking counts yet, the solar reflectance index (SRI) of materials used could be anything specified to be 29 or higher. Ms. Aylaian responded that would be a little sneaky,;because it is a policy change. ��� Member Gritters asked if shade trees are added tc� a p���Cing lot, what happens to the SRI. ' ,'' �� Member Freed replied it eliminates the SR.,, » ��n. �, ��M' , Member Gritters commented that ya��� ouldn't h�ve to elimin�t�� asphalt. He said you could set a SRI requiremen��. E, t give ���n different oppartunities to meet that. He thinks adding more trees ar���i����" the City is a good idea. Member Edwards mention�t and provide no shade, which Member Gritters note� important that t�����t�t' ` �, ���.,� �� Following s€��e brief d subcommitt�� � work � ��� � Me�t��� �ratons a�fc+�t�� : . , ;, � a I�is. Nale respc�r�ded t� �aht now. M�r���r Gatons trees b ina that �: MARCH 20, 2013 used now are not doing well �� to be considered. �ells are too small. So it is for a tree to survive. ing trees, Ms. Nale suggested another �ion to amend the parking ordinances. Is it for future buildings? is for future development, which staff is working on about the recommendation. Ms. Na������plie��i��commendations such as a shade tree ordinance, solar canopies, ar �%rc��i�iales. She added that they have also discussed incentives if a property owrr�����has certain number of extra parking spaces that they could possibly build new leasable area. Ms. Aylaian also added that when there is a remodel, they would have to meet the current standards, whatever those are. Chair Leo recommended forming a subcommittee. The subcommittee would consist of the following members: Leo, Freed, Gritters, and Edwards. 8 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\3-20-13 min (3).docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE to draft the ordinance C. UPDATE ON OUTDOOR LIGHTING Ms. Nale reported that staff time is limited, and the City has contracted with MRC Engineering, Inc., which is owned by Member Raya. She stated Member Raya would be working on the final draft of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance to present to the Citizens' Sustainability Committee. She noted that she checked with the City Attorney, and Member Raya is able to vote on the matter because the Citizens' Sustainability Committee is an advisory Comm� tee to the City Council. The City Council would make the final consideration. ,�� �� Member Raya noted that he initially declined, for the Committee. Ms. Nale interjected that the City could he was contracted. She displayed pho lots. Ms. Nale continued with Item B under IX. REPORTS AND REMAR A. ECONOMIC DEVELOPME Mr. Martin Alva City endeavor�+ 30 percent eThe as a pilot prbgr; formed with Sot Gas. �orr�r�anv. MARCH 20, 2013 mber Raya and hting in parking LVAREZ) e�,;��irector of Ec�i�c� t�` DeveTo��rtent, stated that in 2007, the to take � challeng���� reduce energy consumption Citywide by program w�S fundec�,k��the California Public Utilities Commission �m. The e�t�blishment����a Palm Desert Energy Partnership was ity of 'ovid ������ Edis�n, ��e Energy Coalition, Southern California Pa�rn Desert. He said the goal of the pilot program e rebates and incentives to property owners to energy efficiency. He stated that the program 2012, and noted that the City did not reach the 30 ed 17 percent energy reduction in six years, 124 M M kWh, and eliminated 87K metric tons of CO2 u�grade their�" �ir�pertie� in cancluded on De��ember 31, peC�ent goal. The �i�r achiev' kWf� uersus a go�� `�f 215 emissro�i� � Member S� with how m basis. �rg asked if Southern California Edison provided the City everybody (residents and businesses) used on a monthly Mr. Alvarez responded they provided information on a quarterly basis. Member Mourhess asked how many metric tons of CO2 the Centinal plant would put back into the atmosphere. Gke advantage illustrate diffei marks. 9 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\3-20-13 min (3).docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE of Mr. Alvarez replied that he did not know. Member Koller inquired if the 17 percent Citywide Energy Reduction is per capita or overalL Mr. Alvarez replied overall. Member Edwards commented that the educational piece very successfuL A,�,� Mr. Alvarez mentioned that the City recently jo The City will help in bringing programs and idea: Councilmember Tanner asked when communities. Mr. Alvarez responded that the City h Energy Partnership. Mr. Wohlmuth briefly mentio Councilmember Tanner asked Mr. Alvarez ; couple of slid Mr. Alvarez rf energy loans $162;2"�Q �: in..._ #h�y do have ;! �tidministration (�� seVen other entiti sho�l�.�ot be in ; Appeal� r�cently i n energy reduction was s Energy Partnership. ,�e Coachella Valley. MARCH 20, 2013 rhe '�i�y is going f� already jo�r��d the reg onal PA�E Program. is n the regional rt Cities to begin. k more about it in the next i that ir� 2012, the Er��rgy Independence Program provided 30 �la�-pr�je�t� �nd 2���nergy efficiency projects) and funded H���`said the �s#imated program totals for 2008-2012 are pr4jects completed and $6.5 million funded. He stated that me challenges with the Federal Housing and Finance �A). Mr.\Alvarez said that the City filed a lawsuit along with k;that challenged FHFA's position, which FHFA feels the City ritC�rity position on the lien. The Ninth Circuit Federal Court of �c�`in favor of the FHFA. Member Fre'�c! cl�"rified if FHFA's issue was that the City was getting paid back , before FHFA: - `' Mr. Alvarez explained that in an event of a foreclosure or default, the property taxes and assessments get paid first versus the mortgage. Member Freed.asked if it is a bad thing to be in a lower position of the lien than the FHFA. 10 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\3-20-13 min (3).docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE J Mr. Alvarez replied that it is a risk. Member Freed asked how many defaults there are. Mr. Wohlmuth responded that there only have been two or three defaults. He stated that it is not only the risk. It is also the interest rate that they could loan it at. Member Freed asked if Fanny Mae has interrupted the City's loaning program. Mr. Alvarez responded that it has not. He said that. fhe City has included a disclosure form as part of the loan package. T��; "disclosure states that the property owner shall check with their mortgage ler�der tc� it�ake sure there are no ��,. issues before moving forward. ���,,:, ��.,,� r Mr. Wohlmuth commented that the FHF� � ng impacted the Cr�'.s loan program. The loans went from 30 a year to no r�����han four �month. Councilmember Tanner inquired if the are being leased. _ Member Mourhess respo At this point there �r���,isc Member G available. . Mr. Alvarez repf��t� En�rg�����t�ersi�� p�t��t�rs��� �it � �����ation Distr`rc � ��� � ��s emissions, �; ii���'�tives for muri' by I��Wohlmuth, CVA� ut���be contr ,„ briefly w��r�`�ver t�i there MARCH 20, 2013 as an impact if solar panels en attached with a lease. panels. Energy Program, are pool pumps still ���'t��`�����i� i,��will be offered through the Desert Cities �� the City� i�:;��w a member of. He said CVAG has a ��ern California Edison, The Gas Company, Imperial �����'urisdictions. CVAG's goals are to reduce greenhouse ��. ide =� ��� facility energy upgrades, and increase rebate al en��gy projects. Mr. Alvarez stated as mentioned earlier �/AG is creating a Regional PACE Program valley-wide. �hg with Ygrene, a consultant for the PACE program, and he rogram. Member Free��`�ked if CVAG would be making money on the loans. Mr. Alvarez responded that it is very little. There are administrative and legal costs associated with the loans that need to be recouped. He mentioned that Ygrene will be doing a contractor outreach meeting at the University of Riverside Palm Desert, which would kick off the introduction to the program. He said the program has to go through a judicial validation, which would take three to four months. The program could be up and running by the end of the year. 11 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\3-20-13 min (3).docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MARCH 20, 2013 Chair Leo thanked Mr. Aivarez for his report. B. ASSISTANT PLANNER (MISSY NALE) 1. Informational: Sustainability Plan Progress & City Council Direction Ms. Nale reported that she emailed a Sustainability Plan Progress report to the Citizens' Sustainability Committee. The report was giver� to the City Council for direction. She stated that the City Council decided to\�t���� on the top 20 action items, and prioritize the Citizens' Sustainability Comt�����'s objectives as well. Ms. Aylaian mentioned that the City Council ha���ne �r� est on the issues that the Citizens' Sustainability Committee has t�k�P� on as ���� � own, such as the :� �a parking and outdoor lighting ordinance. She said the City ��� � cil voted to not work on those issues, and to only work ot� the top 20 list. Sh� rt�ed that during the budget session, staff is going to as#� for clarification on their dir�+�°�i�n. Ms. Nale commented that the Citizens' �ustain�bility Committee is important to the City. She asked the Cor�,,. ittee if Wednes�lays at 10:00 a.m. still works for everyone, and mentioned tt� E��v had one request to change the meeting to Mondays. ��� �� ' x � ���a � � Member Greenwood stated tha� ; ednes�a����es not work for him so if the _ meetings could b� rescheduled, �t���c�lLt��e grea��� Chair Leo ask�d the Comm�ttee if Mond.ays would work for everyone. Ms. Nale replied th conf�re�t�� :�oom is � ;_ �,. Member Ray� a�ked It��� Nale respond�+�:,. merg�d with the En� Member� ��va cc�t'�t�'� with everyone, and make sure the avai the Committee woutd be meeting. hat they initially were meeting four times a year. Since they �y Committee, they could meet more often. that more often is better. Chair Leo proposed that the Citizens' Sustainability Committee meet monthly for the next three months to develop some action items then go back to bi-monthly or quarterly. Ms. Nale would check the availability for the meetings and send an email to the Committee. She updated the Committee on the resource areas of their Environmental Sustainability Plan. She also mentioned that she would give the new members the Environmental Sustainability Plan binders. 12 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\3-20-13 min (3).docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MARCH 20, 2013 C. COMMITTEE MEMBERS Chair Leo thanked the Councilmembers Tanner and Weber for attending the meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT Upon a unanimous vote of the Citizens' Sustainability Cor��mittee, Vice Chair Leo adjourned the meeting at 11:59 a.m. ���° �F �� ��,� O'Reilly, Re�c��C�l,ing Secretary 13 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\3-20-13 min (3).docx Plastic Baq Subcommittee The Palm Desert Plastic Bag Subcommittee proposed to meet with the Palm Springs Plastic Bag Subcommittee so the two cities could confer and come to an agreement on terms of a proposed ordinance. Once the two groups come to an agreement, one ordinance would be presented to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) member cities to move forward a Coachella Valley-wide approach. The subcommittee decided that proposals of this type have gone to the State for several years with no action, and that they should continue moving forward on a local valley-wide initiative. Palm Desert and Palm Springs Plastic Bag Subcommittee Meeting: April 30th at 3pm, Palm Springs City Hall. Palm Desert and Palm Springs presentation to CVAG members: May 1St at 9am, Palm Springs City Hall. Parkinq Lots Subcommittee Parking Counts: • Recommend revised ratios per square foot and maximums as a part of the City Council Zoning Update Study Session in May. Material Concerns: • At least 50 percent of all impervious surfaces have SRI of 29 or > and/or open-grid paving (impervious areas under open cover such as drive-thrus are included in the overall calculation). Design Layout: • Reviewed by staff. Time of Use: Design parking lots appropriately for daily use not seasonal use. Shading/Landscaping/Carports: At least 50 percent of the on-site parking spaces must be located under cover; remove existing code requirement for one shade tree for every three parking spaces. (Allows for landscape design flexibility and/or grouping of shade trees in larger planter areas where they can grow larger, provide more shade, and require less pruning or allows the use of carports to provide shade cover). Infill Space: If a center has 50 percent of parking spaces underutilized, the property owner would be able to infill unused parking spaces with 20-30 percent leasable space, depending on proposed use and parking requirements. Staff would evaluate proposed infill and parking requirements on a case-by-case basis.