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Home My WebLink About2013-11-06 CSC Regular Meeting Agenda PacketCITY OF PALM DESERT CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEEE AGENDA WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2013 — 2:00 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. 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 NOVEMBER 6, 2013 A. MINUTES of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee meeting of August 28, 2013. Rec: Approve as presented. Action: V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VI. NEW BUSINESS None VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. UPDATE ON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS (Tony Bagato, Principal Planner) IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Ygrene Presentation B. Strategic Plan: Energy and Sustainability Focus Group (Member David Mourhess) C. Committee Members Comments 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 31St day of October, 2013. ` ' L _ �i � Monica O'Reilly, Recor Secretary 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. 2 G�.\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee\2013�Agenda\11-6-13 a.docx CITY OF PALM DESERT CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMITTEEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013 — 2:00 P.M. ADMININSTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM dESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Robert Leo called the meeting to 0 II. ROLL CALL Present: Member Eric Freed Member Gregory Gritters Member Dean Gatons Member Bruce Kassler Member David Mr��t��: f: �� Member Susa� ��en�s Member Luk�"��ylor ' Vice Chair� ��e Langfo�� Chair Robert �e� '� �auri Aylaian, Qt�� N(ark Greenwooc�; Martin Alvarez, Di Ruth ��? Moore, Tony ��o, Pri� Deborah .��w��t; Monica O'aeit`�"�� r of.��mmunity Development ector a��Public Works or of Economic Development inomic Development Manager il Planner agement Analyst ing Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 2:00 p.m. ber Tommy Edwards ber David Koller , r Ralph Raya None PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILfTY COMMITTEE AUGUST 28, 2013 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee meeting of July 8, 2013. Rec: Approve as presented. Member Dean Gatons noted that the Palm Desert subcommittee and Palm Springs did not meet with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. He clarified that Palm Springs hosted a meeting, and� ��ited all cities in the Coachella Valley. ��`�-,�� Upon a motion by Langford, second by Mc Sustainability Committee, the Consent Calend Members Edwards, Koller, and Raya ABSENT ,,; V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. DISCUSSION ON AIR CON�� , �� :. Mr. Tony Bagatc�� F�rir�cip�.l Planne� Desert residen% i�egardin��;�onden: resident suc�c��sted that t�te City condensate fr��arrigation , �tlir. Baga agenda packet H�:reqi:iest�d t�tat:t . � and cti��s � poteri#i�E program ir� t Cl�air Leo requas��,d to a� VII. �f'�NTINUED BUSr�ESS �.. � None ,��. ; ; VIII. OLD BUSII��S�.� �'W �nd ��,�-:,0 vote of the Citizens' appro��`� as amended with TE � that Ti�zr�ceived an email from a Palm coming from the air conditioners. The into a way of using air conditioner �d that information was provided in the �mittee receive and file the information, ire. this item to the next agenda. B. UPDATE ON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS 1. Draft Letters and Ordinance Member Eric Freed gave a brief background on single-use plastic bags. He stated #hat the Palm Desert plastic bag subcommittee tact is to join forces with the City of Palm Springs, and try to pass the ordinance valley-wide. The 2 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\8-28-13.docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AUGUST 28, 2013 subcommittee's approach is writing a letter to Mayor Harnik from the subcommittee asking to support the ordinance to regulate single-use plastic bags valley-wide. In addition, provide the Mayor with a draft letter that she would send out to the other cities asking them to support the ordinance. Mr. Bagato stated that staff was ready to take the draft ordinance and letters to the City Council; however, staff thought that the Committee would want to see the letters beforehand. If the Committee endorses the letters, staff will write a staff report to the City Council to authoriz� t�� Mayor's signature to send out the letter with the draft ordinance to CoacE��iia Valley cities. � , ,. Member Bruce Kassler commented that he Y��revierau�hd the letter and had a few comments, which Member Freed h�� incorporated�, He said the letter looks good. ' ��' �.�, Member Gatons moved, by Minut�; �llotion, to present the dr�;f�r,,letters and ordinance to the City Council. Motion was secci�rded by lklfember Freed and,�arried by a 9-0 vote with Members Edwards, Koller, and R��r� �►B�ENT. �:�. 2. Proposed Citywide Edu�a�rc��„Program � , , Chair Leo stated that he fee.�s they e�uld in.itiate a�;education program before the ordinance t�� ssed. He �sked=th�e��€arn�ittee� if they had a chance to review the c`�� " �rmatiort �ro�tded in the �genda packet. P ��.�:..Y Memb�, "�� San Lui �� He said tha� ��t'��g lots ±�� tiie e��t� period alla�+ small group �eople funci r �� M��rt�r Su their e��rks t �ce Kassl� -commented that he spent time in Los Angeles and �spo co �� rior to art� after their ordinances went into effect. .�� .� a�d��ii� ��dw�s a lot of signage. There was signage in �� e stores �� i��with advance notifications, and reminders �.� �� e. 1-�� id that once the ordinance was passed, there was a time �; anc��` �n�age was increased even more. He said that from the �;�eop�� talked to there were no negative comments and � iort��well v� the change. i�senberg suggested educating the store manager to train people if they need a bag. Member �,�fons commented that when the subcommittee met with Palm Springs, they discussed that it is an ordinance versus a ban. He said when the word "ban" is used; it has a negative connotation to it. He mentioned that the City of Palm Springs is running a commercial on single-use plastic bags. Chair Leo suggested that staff get a copy of the commercial so they can view at the next meeting. 3 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\8-28-13.dxx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE publis Mr. Bagato reported that funds for the reusable bag purchase program would come from the recycle program account. He briefly went over the program. Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development, commented that in the past the City has used the BrightSide to reach out to the community, which all residents and business owners receive in the mail. He also mentioned that there is a cable channel that airs City Council meetings that can be used, if funds are available. ___ Member Kassler asked how many newsletters Mr. Alvarez responded that the newslette to every physical address in Palm Desert.; Member Kassler inquired if the Ci opportunity to submit information mail the letter to other cities askin Mr. Alvarez replied that to the City Manager. Member Kassler asked if Ms. Ruth A City has re� Prograr� �'s'` ��:. Member !�� t�� t� sort � �6 � F�;� q,� �� // Ms. Moor�; an electroni M� hBagato j:�.. MerrmE��I�� K� residen�� AUGUST 28, 2013 ed out and how often. every other month Sustainability Comr BrightSide once the �eir su�a��. will have an r decides to : Committee thrQugh staff could propose a request �� i� �ity rec�iu�s feedba�k from the BrightSide. -�, � . E � .� ,�� . nort��t'�ul��ielopmer�t,:�llanager, responded that the � .� ;s fra� different articles, such as when the Energy r e��i� h�s asked residents for comments, and if AfEEIP �� n the Citj� �` site for them to respond. City does have a Facebook page, and there is also mber Kassler if he was referring to a survey format. responded that it is an idea to receive feedback on how ut single-use plastic bags. Member Freed commented that they should only ask for feedback if they are going to do something with it. Otherwise, the City would be asking for trouble. Member Kassler clarified sending something out after the Mayor agrees on signing the letter. 4 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\8•28-13.docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AUGUST 28, 2013 Vice Chair Cleve Langford asked why Paim Desert wouid not want to standout in a positive way. Ms. Aylaian responded that Palm Desert is walking the line or doing a balancing act between environmental and sustainability issues that have been a concern for a long time. She said that there is a spoken and unspoken concern from many business merchants that if Palm Desert alone prohibits the use or dispensing of single-use plastic bags, peo�i e will go to neighboring cities. She stated that elected officials are trying .�: e responsive to both groups,� and the way to that is to have the ban val�� ide. Member Freed commented that when it make stickers or magnets, he can assist�� Member Rosenberg moved, by Citywide education program regarding singl� Member Kassler and carried by a 9-0 vote ABSENT. IX. REPORTS AND REM A. Economic Development Dir��r 1. Desert M r. A Member F asked why � tir��nd the City wants to ;� Motion, to apprc plastic ba,�c s. Motion Mem��dwards, ate proposed ;onded by and Raya \gave a bri�f update o�the Desert Cities Energy Partnership, and � PowerF��i�rit present�,�i�n. He introduced Mr. Jacob Alvarez, iv��orn t�t� ��ac�i��la.,V�,��y Association of Governments (CVAG) for tf��-E��sert Cities Ertergy Partnership. � � �,. ��not��l:t�iat 1/9 of $4.9 million is approximately $550,000. He Pa�r�;Deser��'�nly received $160,000. I�I�R ��V1. Alvarez thrt�up�i the Sei Mr. J. � the first ed that Palm Desert received several million dollars program. �dded that some of the work involved has been completed by of the project. Mr. M. Alvarez continued with the PowerPoint presentation. Member Freed asked what the incentive for someone to do a Voluntary Code is. 5 G:\Planning\Monica OFieilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\&28-13.docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AUGUST 28, 2013 Mr. M. Alvarez replied that there are no monetary incentives. He noted that it does incorporate some elements of LEED, Green Building, and other sustainability components. Mr. J. Alvarez said that for a program they could point to the rebates offered from Southern California Edison, Imperial Irrigation District, or Coachella Valley Water District. Additionally, educate the local contractors and developers. He said that essentially they would hav� to produce net zero homes by 2020, and net zero for commercial by 203�. ,, ° Member Freed inquired if there is anything �t�t�" C encourage or provide an incentive for the Vc��i�ntar� t permit. .� Mr. M. Alvarez responded that th�y have had disc however, they have not come to a�€�nsensus. mmittee could do to �de, i.e. an expedited that issue; Member Freed mentioned that in Sar�: Fran�isco they did a priority permit program for anyone that ac�reed to do LE�C�`gold. However, they ended up having 60 building project��art'��a to the front, He said Palm Desert is a smaller city, and there should be n�: p.robl�r� providing arr expedited permit program. Mr. Bagato asked � �:, � .,. He said that ► ;�{�r on a regul " � sis. is a thre��-� ek turn Member F Chair Leo�� ,; meeting on a Alvarez Memki� energy ber Fre�d what is considered an expedited timeframe. . �. sert peo�le �re" surpri��how fast the City does things ��ted tha��%f�a plan for a new home is submitted, there �gnition program. He stated that at this want to do the Voluntary Code. at staff report back to the Committee for the next �coaram. nued with his presentation. if Palm Desert is benchmarking municipal buildings for Mr. M. Alvarez replied that they currently do not have benchmarking or energy tracking for municipal buildings; however, they are looking at utility managing programs for tracking utility usage. Member Freed asked how many City-owned buildings there are. Mr. M. Alvarez responded approximately 10 buildings. 6 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\8-28•13.docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AUGUST 28, 2013 Member Freed asked if the City could get energy stats for free. He said they have to grant Southern California Edison permission to release the information. If they start today, they will have a year's worth of information by next August. Mr. J. Alvarez responded that the utility manager program that Mr. M. Alvarez mentioned in his presentation would provide information. Mr. M. Alvarez handed out information on Palm Inventory study done in 2008. He briefly went over��; Ms. Kim Housken, Palm Desert resident, considering drive-through restaurants City greenhouse gases. , and Mr. M. Alvarez responded that he d�es not knc idling vehicles. He mentioned that the City C discussion on drive-through restaurants� and t€�: Committee take a look at this item. Ms. Aylaian said drive-througk� r�s��urants wau Sustainability Committee. �h�. said`��' �.��rone studies on drive-thrpugh restaurants anc��t��r�i� to please let s��f�'� ��a'iv�� _„ t's Greenhouse Gas dy. the City Council is how it would affect at the impact;,would be of il has voted f� postpone the Envision Palm Desert of interest to the Citizens' �vare of any research or s on sustainability issues, Member .��ssler commented th��,an analysis of drive-throughs is very complicai��.,If there i��"study, it wou�d be very complex for it to be accurate. regc�i�`�G�itters mentFQne� that the Palm Desert Greenhouse Gas ►�udy was� done in 2008. He asked if the black line showing the rojection �ember Freeci :��ated tfiat from his experience, the projection is based on p�p�,lation growt� �er capita. The transportation issue, he said that the higher Cor��te Aver��e Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards are going online; howev��,�that t�r��'� fixes new cars and it will take approximately 21 years to flush ou� �� t�Y�cars so the standards would not be felt for a while. As far as the electrici�i `mix, Member Freed stated that it is based on Southern California Edison's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). Member Gritters asked how Palm Desert is going to get to the dashed blue line (Target Reduction) as indicated in the study. 7 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\8-28-13.docx PRELIMINARY MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AUGUST 28, 2013 Mr. M. Alvarez mentioned that there has been quite of bit of movement on the electricity side. Since 2007, the City implemented the Set to Save program and offered solar panel loans. B. Strategic Plan: Energy and Sustainability Focus Group No report. C. Committee Members Comments Member Luke Taylor commented that he is ��o�irtg, forward to discuss air conditioner condensate at the next meeting. Ms. Aylaian said that staff may cor concept for the air condition conde Member Kassler commented that he bags is moving forward with the lette Member Gatons Member Freed asked for a Ms. Aylaian��S��i`i Septembe�;��She : the City t��a Quinta Mr. Ce�a '�'`��s not h� will remain t�t�(iaiS�� .� ti � ,�� " � �. � �` ��t�ir� L�«�:�E�i�nk�� forward. ` _ ��. �`�::> �[e�ber Taylor in'�i�'��nce to discuss a . ��, �:� �appy,th� issue with sing��=�use plastic i th� Mayor. ng 2�. meeting schedule. �: �s.: Nalers realacement. that MsF �ale's r��cement will start Monday, I that th� person they hired has been a planner for �even y�a�s. His name is Eric Ceja. She noted that strong ��Cground in sustainability so Mr. Bagato `� � n�''Sustainabilit Committee. �..��, Y Committee for moving the single-use plastic bag issue �/1, Bagato sta�ed� that `t�e Planning Commission recommended approval of �Ft �educed par�rig standards, and will go to the City Council at the end of Se�f� ,�ber. He �%�ntioned there will be an Energy Summit on October 3-4, 2013;° �,Palm ��ings. He will email the information to the Committee. X. ADJOURN Upon a motion by Member Gatons, second by Member Taylor, and a 9-0 vote of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee, Chair Leo adjourned the meeting at 2:59 p.m. with Edwards, Koller, and Raya ABESENT. Monica O'Reilly, Recording Secretary 8 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\8-28-13.docx