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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainability Cmte - 08-28-2013 � �� �T� CITY OF PALM DESERT CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMITTEEE - 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 order at 2:00 p.m. Ii. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Member Eric Corey Freed Member Tommy Edwards Member Gregory Gritters Member David Koller Member Dean Gatons Member Ralph Raya Member Bruce Kassler Member David Mourhess Member Susan Rosenberg Member Luke Taylor Vice Chair Cleve Langford Chair Robert Leo Also Present: Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development Ruth Ann Moore, Economic Development Manager Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Deborah Schwartz, Management Analy��COUNCILACTION Monica O'Reilly, Recording Secretary APPROVED�______nrNtF,D RECEIVED.;(e- OTI-1F,K I11. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS MECTING DATE �a- /�-�Gl3 � None AYES: �_��n.�c /ni K �niP p � � l��-, �-7��,�,� ,-� • �l1�nP . �"�'�' ��`'____�_ NOES. A13SF,NT: ►.1 nvI e. _.___._ ABSTAIN: NUnP_ - —_---._..--- V E I21 F 1 F.I) 13Y: ���j2���_ �.-_____ Uri�;inal on �ile with Cit3� �'l�a�;�:y Oflicc MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY 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 invited all cities in the Coachella Valley. Upon a motion by Langford, second by Mourhess, and a 9-0 vote of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee, the Consent Calendar was approved as amended with Members Edwards, Koller, and Raya ABSENT. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. DISCUSSION ON AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSATE Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, stated that he received an email from a Palm Desert resident regarding condensation coming from the air conditioners. The resident suggested that the City look into a way of using air conditioner condensate for irrigation. Mr. Bagato stated that information was provided in the agenda packet. He requested that the Committee receive and file the information, and discuss a potential program in the future. Chair Leo requested to add this item to the next agenda. VI1. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VIII. OLD BUSINESS 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 that 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\5-28-13 min.docx 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 authorize the Mayor's signature to send out the letter with the draft ordinance to Coachella Valley cities. Member Bruce Kassler commented that he had reviewed the letter and had a few comments, which Member Freed has incorporated. He said the letter looks good. Member Gatons moved, by Minute Motion, to present the draft letters and ordinance to the City Council. Motion was seconded by Member Freed and carried by a 9-0 vote with Members Edwards, Koller, and Raya ABSENT. 2. Proposed Citywide Education Program Chair Leo stated that he feels they could initiate an education program before the ordinance is passed. He asked the Committee if they had a chance to review the program information provided in the agenda packet. Member Bruce Kassler commented that he spent time in Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo counties prior to and after their ordinances went into effect. He said that the education he saw was a lot of signage. There was signage in parking lots and in the stores along with advance notifications, and reminders of the change. He said that once the ordinance was passed, there was a time period allotted and signage was increased even more. He said that from the small group of people he talked to there were no negative comments and people functioned well with the change. Member Susan Rosenberg suggested educating the store manager to train their clerks to ask people if they need a bag. Member Gatons 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\Moniq OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\8-28-13 min.docx MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AUGUST 28, 2013 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 are mailed out and how often. Mr. Alvarez responded that the newsletters are mailed out every other month to every physical address in Palm Desert. Member Kassler inquired if the Citizens' Sustainability Committee will have an opportunity to submit information in the BrightSide once the Mayor decides to mail the letter to other cities asking for their support. Mr. Alvarez replied that the Committee through staff could propose a request to the City Manager. Member Kassler asked if the City receives feedback from the BrightSide. Ms. Ruth Ann Moore, Economic Development Manager, responded that the City has received responses from different articles, such as when the Energy Program was published. Member Kassler asked if the City has asked residents for comments, and if there is something on the City's website for them to respond. Ms. Moore said that the City does have a Facebook page, and there is also an electronic newsletter. Mr. Bagato asked Member Kassler if he was referring to a survey format. Member Kassler responded that it is an idea to receive feedback on how residents feel about 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 min.docx MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AUGUST 28, 2013 Vice Chair Cleve Langford asked why Palm 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, people will go to neighboring cities. She stated that elected officials are trying to be responsive to both groups, and the way to that is to have the ban valley-wide. Member Freed commented that when it comes time and the City wants to make stickers or magnets, he can assist with the artwork. Member Rosenberg moved, by Minute Motion, to approve the proposed Citywide education program regarding single-use plastic bags. Motion was seconded by Member Kassler and carried by a 9-0 vote with Members Edwards, Koller, and Raya ABSENT. IX. REPORTS AND REMARKS A. Economic Development Director 1. Desert Cities Energy Partnership Update Mr. Alvarez gave a brief update on the Desert Cities Energy Partnership, and presented a PowerPoint presentation. He introduced Mr. Jacob Alvarez, representative from the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) and liaison for the Desert Cities Energy Partnership. Member Freed noted that 1/9 of $4.9 million is approximately $550,000. He asked why Palm Desert only received $160,000. Mr. M. Alvarez responded that Palm Desert received several million dollars through the Set to Save program. Mr. J. Alvarez added that some of the work involved has been completed by the first portion 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 OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes�848-13 min.docx 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 have to produce net zero homes by 2020, and net zero for commercial by 2030. Member Freed inquired if there is anything the Committee could do to encourage or provide an incentive for the Voluntary Code, i.e. an expedited permit. Mr. M. Alvarez responded that they have had discussions on that issue; however, they have not come to a consensus. Member Freed mentioned that in San Francisco they did a priority permit program for anyone that agreed to do LEED gold. However, they ended up having 60 building projects jump to the front. He said Palm Desert is a smaller city, and there should be no problem providing an expedited permit program. Mr. Bagato asked Member Freed what is considered an expedited timeframe. He said that in Palm Desert people are surprised how fast the City does things on a regular basis. He noted that if a plan for a new home is submitted, there is a three-week turnaround. Member Freed recommended a recognition program. He stated that at this time, he does not think anyone would want to do the Voluntary Code. Chair Leo requested that staff report back to the Committee for the next meeting on an incentive program. Mr. M. Alvarez continued with his presentation. Member Freed asked if Palm Desert is benchmarking municipal buildings for energy use. 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 min.docx 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 Desert's Greenhouse Gas Inventory study done in 2008. He briefly went over the study. Ms. Kim Housken, Palm Desert resident, mentioned that the City Council is considering drive-through restaurants Citywide, and asked how it would affect greenhouse gases. Mr. M. Alvarez responded that he does not know what the impact would be of idling vehicles. He mentioned that the City Council has voted to postpone discussion on drive-through restaurants, and to have the Envision Palm Desert Committee take a look at this item. Ms. Aylaian said drive-through restaurants would be of interest to the Citizens' Sustainability Committee. She said if anyone is aware of any research or studies on drive-through restaurants and their impacts on sustainability issues, to please let staff know. Member Kassler commented that an analysis of drive-throughs is very complicated. If there is a study, it would be very complex for it to be accurate. Member Gregory Gritters mentioned that the Palm Desert Greenhouse Gas Inventory study was done in 2008. He asked if the black line showing the projection is still valid. Member Freed stated that from his experience, the projection is based on population growth per capita. The transportation issue, he said that the higher Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards are going online; however, that only fixes new cars and it will take approximately 21 years to flush out the old cars so the standards would not be felt for a while. As far as the electricity 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\Monira OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes\848-13 min.docx 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 looking forward to discuss air conditioner condensate at the next meeting. Ms. Aylaian said that staff may contact Member Taylor in advance to discuss a concept for the air condition condensate. Member Kassler commented that he is happy the issue with single-use plastic bags is moving forward with the letters to the Mayor. Member Gatons thanked staff for providing a meeting schedule. Member Freed asked for an update on Ms. Nale's replacement. Ms. Aylaian responded that Ms. Nale's replacement will start Monday, September 16. She stated that the person they hired has been a planner for the City of La Quinta for seven years. His name is Eric Ceja. She noted that Mr. Ceja does not have a strong background in sustainability so Mr. Bagato will remain the liaison for the Citizens' Sustainability Committee. Chair Leo thanked the Committee for moving the single-use plastic bag issue forward. Mr. Bagato stated that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the reduced parking standards, and will go to the City Council at the end of September. He mentioned there will be an Energy Summit on October 3-4, 2013, in Palm Springs. He will email the information to the Committee. X. ADJOURNMENT 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, Record n Secretary 8 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee�2013\Minutes�8-28-13 min.docx