AGENDA ITEM COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION ...
AGENDA ITEM COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION: JANUARY 23, 2017 DISCUSSION ITEM DATE
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January 11, 2017
TO
:
Community Sustainability Commission
FROM
:
Christina Ratcliffe, Community Development Director
SUBJECT
:
COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT & WORK PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: Review the draft annual report. Discuss and update the Community Sustainability Commission Work Program for FY 2017-2018. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Community Sustainability Commission reviews its work program annually and submits recommended projects for inclusion in the City Council’s Budget Implementation Plan (BIP) Project Priority List. The work program includes the Commission’s proposed priority projects and serves as a compilation of ongoing topics for discussion and action by the Commission. BUDGET INFORMATION: There are no budgetary impacts associated with the work program other than regularly anticipated staff time, should the Commission wish to pursue a project that requires additional resources or funding in addition to those regularly provided by Community Development Department staff, City Council approval is required. DISCUSSION: An annual report outlining the Commission’s activities for 2016 is attached with this agenda item. This annual report is intended to provide the Commission with a synopsis of its work in the past year and to serve as a further discussion of the Commission’s priorities in coming year. The Commission may wish to provide staff with direction as to the contents of the report.
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The Commission’s work program is reviewed annually. Staff recommends the Commission create a two-year work program to be reviewed and updated in January. This would coincide with the City’s budget process, allowing the Commission’s priorities and projects to be evaluated by the Council and added to the Budget Implementation Plan (BIP) Project Priority List in a timely manner. The proposed work program extends through June, 2019. Staff is requesting the Commission review, discuss, and modify if needed the list of priority projects. FURTHER ACTION: Following the Commission’s update to its work program, staff will finalize and provide it to the Commission for reference. In addition, staff will work with the Chair and Commission to agendize topics for future discussion as time and availability permits. In addition, the Community Sustainability Commission will have the opportunity to present their annual report to City Council in spring 2016. If the Chair is unavailable, the Commission may want to select an alternative member to represent the Commission. Attachments: Draft annual report and work program
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COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT and WORK PLAN The powers and duties of the Community Sustainability Commission are defined in Benicia Municipal Code Section 2.108.090 and 2.109.100 which states as follows: The commission shall: A. Advise the city council on implementation of the Benicia climate action plan and related city strategic plan performance measures, as appropriate. B. Provide recommendations regarding the distribution of climate action and water conservation funds from the 2008 Valero Improvement Plan Settlement Agreement and from future funding sources allocated to support the efforts of making Benicia a more sustained community with reference to the climate action plan. C. Advise the city council on matters related to sustainability, climate change and greenhouse gas reductions, including recommendations on forthcoming innovative programs and amendments to the climate action plan, if necessary. D. Facilitate public outreach, education and collaboration with regards to community sustainability to guide Benicia’s transition towards being a sustainable, socially just, economically vibrant, and green community. E. Prepare an annual report to city council on implementation of this chapter. F. Make recommendations to the city council regarding funding, including the search for private and public grants consistent with the needs of the community. (Ord. 09-16 § 2). Authority Granted by the Benicia Municipal Code: A. The commission may coordinate and hold fundraising activities related to its purpose as stated in BMC 2.108.020. The commission may also solicit and accept donations subject to approval of the city council. All net proceeds from such fundraising activities and donations shall be placed in a city sustainability fund and the city council shall have exclusive power to make distributions in furtherance of achieving sustainability goals, after recommendation from the commission. 85 3
B. The commission shall establish policies for raising, managing and distributing sustainability funds, subject to approved by the city council. (Ord. 15-07 § 1). Alignment with Powers & Duties: Section 2.108.090 and 2.108.100 of the Benicia Municipal Code establishes the Powers and Duties of the Community Sustainability Commission. The Commission’s continued efforts on sustainability and all activities relate to the Commission’s Powers & Duties, as do the 2016 work program items. The Commission annually reviews its work plan which focuses on special projects and the discussion of items of general interest under the Commission’s purview; and provides a written report of its activities, along with recommendations for improvements and special projects, to the City Council. This report will briefly highlight work the Commission has achieved, work in progress and recommendations for the Commission’s consideration. Achievements: In 2016, the Commission met six times. The Commission’s achievements included:
Acquiring and showing of the film: “This Changes Everything” at the Benicia Library Talk by Rainer Hoenicke, Deputy Executive Officer for Science, from the Delta Stewardship Council California Water Issues Requested and received from Council fund-raising authority Review and Recommendation of the Vulnerability Report and Adaptation Plan Review of the Urban Water Management Plan Review of Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Review and Recommendation: Graywater systems permit process Educational outreach and guest speakers, including: January 2016 o Scott Rovanpera Urban Water Management Plan o Marianne Butler Solano RCD o Alice Stover-Cool CA Challenge March 2016 o Martha Amram, WattzOn o Bill Hilliard, Eco Volt April 2016 o Mini Maker’s Faire 86 4
May 2016 o Scott Rovanpera Urban Water Management Plan o Elena Karoulina, Benicia Community Gardens July 2016 o Aaron Newcomb, Mini Maker’s Faire September 2016 o City Attorney Heather McLaughlin, Open Government Training CAP Team Activities
Working with Business Incentive Resource Program (BRIP) Water-conservation programs Installation of EV charging stations in Benicia Benicia Efficiency and Climate Action Team (BECAT) coordination Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy (EPPP) Promoting of MCE Promoting the Cool California Challenge GHG inventory and Third Party Reporting Solar Rebate Program Cash for Grass Program Other grants funded in 2015
Looking Ahead to 2017-2018 The Commission currently has seven voting members and is actively recruiting for a new student member, to fill the position when the current student commissioner’s term is over. Moving forward over the next two years, the CSC will evaluate its work program to identify appropriate time frames and potential budgetary impacts associated with work items. Recognizing the limitations of staff time, as well as the unique expertise and enthusiasm of individual commissioners, the Commission is making more effective use of the sub-committee structure to advance discussion of topics identified on the work program. Work for the next year includes:
Provide input and assistance to implementing the Climate Action Plan Evaluate existing grants and review new grant applications, as needed, and make recommendations to the City Council for disbursement. Conduct fund-raising activities Discuss and reach out/coordinate joint efforts with other Commissions/Boards Organize, promote and hold the Electric Car Event at the MiniMaker Faire in March and for National Drive Electric Week in September. Input on Graywater handouts/outreach. Education and Community Outreach on sustainability topics Organize and participate in events that highlight sustainability, such as: o Earth Day event, April o Bike to Work Day, May o International Coastal Cleanup, September o Bay Day, October
Work Groups Clean Transportation Work Group Includes the electric car event and education and outreach for all forms of clean transportation. Education and Outreach Work Group Supports the CSC in education and outreach per the CAP focus area.
:
January 11, 2017
TO
:
Community Sustainability Commission
FROM
:
Christina Ratcliffe, Community Development Director
SUBJECT
:
COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT & WORK PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: Review the draft annual report. Discuss and update the Community Sustainability Commission Work Program for FY 2017-2018. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Community Sustainability Commission reviews its work program annually and submits recommended projects for inclusion in the City Council’s Budget Implementation Plan (BIP) Project Priority List. The work program includes the Commission’s proposed priority projects and serves as a compilation of ongoing topics for discussion and action by the Commission. BUDGET INFORMATION: There are no budgetary impacts associated with the work program other than regularly anticipated staff time, should the Commission wish to pursue a project that requires additional resources or funding in addition to those regularly provided by Community Development Department staff, City Council approval is required. DISCUSSION: An annual report outlining the Commission’s activities for 2016 is attached with this agenda item. This annual report is intended to provide the Commission with a synopsis of its work in the past year and to serve as a further discussion of the Commission’s priorities in coming year. The Commission may wish to provide staff with direction as to the contents of the report.
83
The Commission’s work program is reviewed annually. Staff recommends the Commission create a two-year work program to be reviewed and updated in January. This would coincide with the City’s budget process, allowing the Commission’s priorities and projects to be evaluated by the Council and added to the Budget Implementation Plan (BIP) Project Priority List in a timely manner. The proposed work program extends through June, 2019. Staff is requesting the Commission review, discuss, and modify if needed the list of priority projects. FURTHER ACTION: Following the Commission’s update to its work program, staff will finalize and provide it to the Commission for reference. In addition, staff will work with the Chair and Commission to agendize topics for future discussion as time and availability permits. In addition, the Community Sustainability Commission will have the opportunity to present their annual report to City Council in spring 2016. If the Chair is unavailable, the Commission may want to select an alternative member to represent the Commission. Attachments: Draft annual report and work program
84 2
COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT and WORK PLAN The powers and duties of the Community Sustainability Commission are defined in Benicia Municipal Code Section 2.108.090 and 2.109.100 which states as follows: The commission shall: A. Advise the city council on implementation of the Benicia climate action plan and related city strategic plan performance measures, as appropriate. B. Provide recommendations regarding the distribution of climate action and water conservation funds from the 2008 Valero Improvement Plan Settlement Agreement and from future funding sources allocated to support the efforts of making Benicia a more sustained community with reference to the climate action plan. C. Advise the city council on matters related to sustainability, climate change and greenhouse gas reductions, including recommendations on forthcoming innovative programs and amendments to the climate action plan, if necessary. D. Facilitate public outreach, education and collaboration with regards to community sustainability to guide Benicia’s transition towards being a sustainable, socially just, economically vibrant, and green community. E. Prepare an annual report to city council on implementation of this chapter. F. Make recommendations to the city council regarding funding, including the search for private and public grants consistent with the needs of the community. (Ord. 09-16 § 2). Authority Granted by the Benicia Municipal Code: A. The commission may coordinate and hold fundraising activities related to its purpose as stated in BMC 2.108.020. The commission may also solicit and accept donations subject to approval of the city council. All net proceeds from such fundraising activities and donations shall be placed in a city sustainability fund and the city council shall have exclusive power to make distributions in furtherance of achieving sustainability goals, after recommendation from the commission. 85 3
B. The commission shall establish policies for raising, managing and distributing sustainability funds, subject to approved by the city council. (Ord. 15-07 § 1). Alignment with Powers & Duties: Section 2.108.090 and 2.108.100 of the Benicia Municipal Code establishes the Powers and Duties of the Community Sustainability Commission. The Commission’s continued efforts on sustainability and all activities relate to the Commission’s Powers & Duties, as do the 2016 work program items. The Commission annually reviews its work plan which focuses on special projects and the discussion of items of general interest under the Commission’s purview; and provides a written report of its activities, along with recommendations for improvements and special projects, to the City Council. This report will briefly highlight work the Commission has achieved, work in progress and recommendations for the Commission’s consideration. Achievements: In 2016, the Commission met six times. The Commission’s achievements included:
Acquiring and showing of the film: “This Changes Everything” at the Benicia Library Talk by Rainer Hoenicke, Deputy Executive Officer for Science, from the Delta Stewardship Council California Water Issues Requested and received from Council fund-raising authority Review and Recommendation of the Vulnerability Report and Adaptation Plan Review of the Urban Water Management Plan Review of Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Review and Recommendation: Graywater systems permit process Educational outreach and guest speakers, including: January 2016 o Scott Rovanpera Urban Water Management Plan o Marianne Butler Solano RCD o Alice Stover-Cool CA Challenge March 2016 o Martha Amram, WattzOn o Bill Hilliard, Eco Volt April 2016 o Mini Maker’s Faire 86 4
May 2016 o Scott Rovanpera Urban Water Management Plan o Elena Karoulina, Benicia Community Gardens July 2016 o Aaron Newcomb, Mini Maker’s Faire September 2016 o City Attorney Heather McLaughlin, Open Government Training CAP Team Activities
Working with Business Incentive Resource Program (BRIP) Water-conservation programs Installation of EV charging stations in Benicia Benicia Efficiency and Climate Action Team (BECAT) coordination Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy (EPPP) Promoting of MCE Promoting the Cool California Challenge GHG inventory and Third Party Reporting Solar Rebate Program Cash for Grass Program Other grants funded in 2015
Looking Ahead to 2017-2018 The Commission currently has seven voting members and is actively recruiting for a new student member, to fill the position when the current student commissioner’s term is over. Moving forward over the next two years, the CSC will evaluate its work program to identify appropriate time frames and potential budgetary impacts associated with work items. Recognizing the limitations of staff time, as well as the unique expertise and enthusiasm of individual commissioners, the Commission is making more effective use of the sub-committee structure to advance discussion of topics identified on the work program. Work for the next year includes:
Provide input and assistance to implementing the Climate Action Plan Evaluate existing grants and review new grant applications, as needed, and make recommendations to the City Council for disbursement. Conduct fund-raising activities Discuss and reach out/coordinate joint efforts with other Commissions/Boards Organize, promote and hold the Electric Car Event at the MiniMaker Faire in March and for National Drive Electric Week in September. Input on Graywater handouts/outreach. Education and Community Outreach on sustainability topics Organize and participate in events that highlight sustainability, such as: o Earth Day event, April o Bike to Work Day, May o International Coastal Cleanup, September o Bay Day, October
Work Groups Clean Transportation Work Group Includes the electric car event and education and outreach for all forms of clean transportation. Education and Outreach Work Group Supports the CSC in education and outreach per the CAP focus area.
