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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-0316 Study Session PACKET CITY OF -ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AGENDA Monday, March 16, 2015 Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way 5: 30 p.m. Study Session 1. Public Input (15 minutes maximum) 2. Look Ahead review 3. WISE Project Update 4. Ashland Conservation Commission - Community Climate and Energy Action Plan proposal 5. Discussion of utility billing surcharge for Ashland Forest Resiliency project In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735- 2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title I). COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE BROADCAST LIVE ON CHANNEL 9. STARTING APRIL 15, 2014, CHARTER CABLE WILL BROADCAST MEETINGS ON CHANNEL 180 OR 181. 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GO 0 N O (D N N N .N - !tp L.•~ c ~ c . U1 t7f u v cu o c a~) 3 7 N m 0 'o O c c o O O O E N C in r_ 0 o L O U Q O U O p o E y E n E.N ~o LL O N - p E L S N. `N C U o U E E E E E = E O c c 4 d L o 'u) c E U E o a o Z Cl) d m ul d cM m N 'u 0 p c° U cu U O c N o E E .9 ~ r c. O in N E o Z° Q w e o rp t%1. N m c U g co m et o o m d o ~ in Qu=a c c a~ o a w OFF w°° N U Q •H r co U- co N N N c ~ 2INrn N N w Ei E a 7 E CC O C G i= N p a c p N N c o m m>>> o u o a°i 3 Z l Q U L ~QQcnO 1? 7 c~ l` 'O r N N N cb 16 CITY OF ASHLAND Council Communication March 16, 2015, Study Session WISE Project Update FROM: Dave Kanner, city administrator, dave.kanner@ashland.or.us SUMMARY Councilor Voisin requested a study session update on the current status of the WISE Project. The WISE (Water for Irrigation, Streams and Economy) Project is a regional project that has been underway for more than a decade, with the goal of improving the Bear Creek and Little Butte Creek watersheds. BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: The WISE Project, a collaborative effort by 19 participating partner agencies, is, according to the project web site, "a regionally-supported water management project that will improve the health of the Bear Creek and Little Butte Creek watersheds in Jackson County, southern Oregon. This collaborative effort will enhance the viability of regional agriculture, critical habitat, and quality of life." One of the key strategies being pursued by the project is the piping of irrigation canals, a short-term strategy also called out in Ashland's 2012 Comprehensive Water Master Plan (project S-11, page 7-7). COUNCIL GOALS SUPPORTED: 1. Leverage our regional and state relationships to increase effectiveness in relevant policy arenas 21. Be proactive in using best practices in infrastructure management and modernization. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: N/A STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REQUESTED ACTION: N/A SUGGESTED MOTION: N/A ATTACHMENTS: WISE Project fact sheet Page 1 of 1 WATER FOR IRRIGATION, STREAMS & EcONOMY WHAT Is WISE? Reu n'or WISE (Water for Irrigation, Streams and Economy) is a " k regionally-supported water management project that will improve the Bear Creek and Little Butte Creek watersheds in Jackson County, southern Oregon. This pivotal effort will 4 enhance the viability of regional agriculture, critical habitat, and e . i - R u quality of life. Project momentum is reestablished after a two- year delay while congressional authorization for a lead agency Rs n~„ k, was obtained. For more details, visit www.wiseproject.org Medlerd 'JOCkfonvAle BENEFITS j, Moen°: ' Rcscnroir fakM r 7 i WISE will address irrigation availability and reliability % R.-k issues, municipal summer source water quality, and degraded ` water quantity and quality for native anadromous salmonids. 1 Hnrg': Elements include replacing open canals with closed pipe system, utilizing reclaimed water, and increasing reservoir" storage capacity. STATUS WISE Project Area The Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement (FS/EIS) effort is underway. The analysis will identify a range of alternatives to improve irrigation reliability, water quality, aquatic habitat for anadromous salmonids, and water supply for municipal treatment and distribution. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2011 or 2012. FUNDING The City of Medford, Oregon is funding the second phase of the FS/EIS through June 2009 with an Environmental Protection Agency grant. Additional funding is required to complete the FS/EIS by the end of 2010 and keep the project on track for design, permitting and construction. The funding will leverage critical regional support and result in a more efficient process. Project partners are seeking funding through local, state, and federal agencies to implement the entire WISE Project. ANTICIPATED TIMELINE 2003 -2006 Initial Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement effort 2003 - Ongoing Public and stakeholder involvement 2008 -2009 Renewed Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement effort 2010 -2011 Design and permitting 2011 Construction of first phase 2013 Completion of first phase continued STAKEHOLDER PARTNERS WISE is supported by 19 stakeholders who comprise a Project Advisory Committee (PAC). They are dedicated to working together to identify solutions via the FS/EIS. Bear Creek Corporation Oregon Water Trust Bear Creek Watershed Council Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Jackson County Rogue Basin Coordinating Council Jackson County Farm Bureau Rogue River Valley Irrigation District Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District Rogue Valley Council of Governments Little Butte Creek Watershed Council Rogue Valley Sewer Services City of Medford Talent Irrigation District Medford Irrigation District United States Bureau of Reclamation Medford Water Commission WaterWatch Oregon Water Resources Department CONTACT US! Steve Mason WISE Project Coordinator Phone: (541) 951-0854 E-Mail: smason@wiseproject.org Web: www.wiseproject.org CITY OF -ASHLAND Council Communication March 16, 2015, Study Session Ashland Conservation Commission Community Climate and Energy Action Plan Proposal FROM: Adam Hanks, Management Analyst, Administration - adam@ashland.or.us SUMMARY Based on direction from Council at the September 15, 2014 Study Session, the Conservation Commission began a focused effort to develop a process, goals and resources framework for a community climate and energy action plan. The plan includes high level goals, sectors to be addressed, project scope, timeline, resource requirements and an outline of suggested steps to begin implementation of the plan process. Also included in the plan proposal is a review of climate action planning in other communities within the state and beyond, which were utilized to develop the community plan proposal for Ashland. The Commission is seeking comment and feedback on the plan framework and recommends that the project to be funded in the upcoming biennial budget process (FY2015-17). BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: The Conservation Commission has for some time been interested in the City increasing its efforts and focus in the area of sustainability and has spent many years working on both individual sustainability related projects as well as the development and approval of more broad policy level sustainability initiatives to embed sustainability principles into City and community decision making. This current proposal and request is a result of the Commission's request for Council consideration for the 2011-12 Council goal setting process. The following goal was approved as part of the final Council goals for 2011-12, as amended by Council in May of 2012: "Develop a concise sustainability plan for the community and for City operations, beginning with development of a plan framework, suggested plan format, timeline and resource requirements for City Operations that can be used as a model for a community plan to follow " In November of 2012, Council approved the Commission's suggested Operational Sustainability Plan Framework, Plan Format and Process Outline document that staff has subsequently used as the basis for development and implementation of a formal Operational Sustainability Plan. In September of 2014, the Commission presented Council with a proposal to adopt and utilize the STAR Communities framework, a tool developed originally by ICLEI, Sustainablity for Local Governments, then spun off as its own national template for local government sustainability planning, Page 1 of 3 CITY OF ASHLAND implementation and measurement. At that meeting, Council reviewed the broad matrix of topics/issues covered by STAR Communities and, rather than moving forward with the complete set, asked the Commission to instead develop a plan that would address climate and energy action specifically (one of seven major topic categories of STAR). The Conservation Commission re-focused the existing sustainability sub-committee of the Commission and began work on developing a plan to address climate and energy action that would meet the goals and objectives of the Council and the community. The sub-committee met twice a month over the past five months and provided three reports to the full Commission with the end result being the Climate and Energy Action Plan included in this meeting packet. A significant component of their work involved research and review of other community level Climate and Energy plans from different communities within Oregon and beyond. The results of this research can be found in Appendix II of the document and include the following summary: Overall assessment: MOST plans are: • Based on a long-term positive vision for the community • Sponsored and/or led by City or County government • Based on a community-wide greenhouse gas assessment • Focused on time horizons of 15-25 years (mostly due to California mandates) • Iterative in nature, with regular monitoring and reassessing to track progress • Both City and Community in scope • Based on greenhouse gas emissions targets set at the state level But SOME communities go further and create more robust plans. MANY plans have: • Goals/strategies specific to near, mid, and long term time horizons • Greenhouse gas savings calculated for each specific action • Cost and/or cost savings calculated for each specific action • Adaptation strategies incorporated in with mitigation strategies for each sector • Strategies developed from highly collaborative community-based workshops and meetings • Education on climate change as a primary strategy • Social equity goals also addressed • Population and business growth calculated into the emissions savings equation • Goals for carbon neutrality • Acknowledgement of the urgency of the issue • Plans for more adaptation strategies to be developed over time Additionally, the sub-committee found the Eugene Climate and Energy Plan especially relevant and has provided a more in depth review of that document as well, which can be found in Appendix V of the action plan. Page 2 of 3 CITY OF ASHLAND COUNCIL GOALS SUPPORTED: Energy and Infrastructure 22. Prepare for the impact of climate change on the community 22.1 - Develop and implement a community climate change and energy plan FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: The Commission recommendation includes a funding request for the FY2015-17 biennium based on the equivalent of a.5 FTE project coordinator level position. This funding would allow for the use of contract employment, consultant work or new City staff depending on need as the plan development moves forward. Staff has estimated the equivalent cost of the .5 FTE position at $60,000 per fiscal year for a total proposed resources request of $120,000 for the FY2015-17 biennium. This would be in addition to existing staff participation in the plan development, including general project management, subject matter staff expertise (Public Works, Electric, Conservation, Administration) STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REQUESTED ACTION: No formal action requested of Council, this item is for discussion, feedback and general direction. SUGGESTED MOTION: N/A ATTACHMENTS: Conservation Commission Community Climate and Energy Action Plan - March 9, 2015 Rogue Climate, Oregon Action - Letters of Support September 15, 2014 Council Study Session Minutes - http://www.ashland.or.us/Ay,endas.asp?Display=Minutes&AMID=5788 Page 3 of 3 Fla Conservation Commission Recommendations for a Climate and Energy Action Plan for the Community of Ashland, Oregon March 9, 2015 Background: Climate change poses a severe threat to the health, safety and livelihoods of current and future residents of Ashland, as well as people around the globe. Climate change also severely threatens the natural world and the resources we depend on. We are already feeling the impacts of climate change at the local level. Without emissions reductions, severe drought, floods, and wildfires are all expected to worsen and accelerate over time. Local impacts are already being felt, including a lack of snow and loss of revenue at Mt. Ashland; water restrictions during severe drought, such as those in 2014; and smoke from forest fires affecting the tourist industry when plays are cancelled and rivers are closed for rafting. By reducing emissions locally we can contribute to preventing increasingly severe impacts. Because many changes are inevitable due to gases already emitted, we also need to prepare our community for the changes ahead. The community of Ashland, with its strong history of conservation and a population engaged in the issue, is poised to take truly meaningful action on this extremely important issue. State Level Efforts and Policies: In 2004, the state of Oregon passed a resolution to combat climate change by setting short and long term targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions statewide. The state has goals to reduce emissions by 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 75% below 1990 levels by 2050. A recent report (Oregon Global Warming Commission 2013) shows that progress has been made and our state is on a trajectory to meet its targets, but that success is tenuous and sustained efforts are not yet in place. Success at the state level relies heavily on actions taken at the local level. See Appendices I and II for more information on state and local actions. The vast majority of state universities in Oregon, including SOU, has created Climate Action Plans and has dedicated sustainability staff. Why our community needs to take action: As climate change has progressed unabated and new scientific evidence has become available, the urgency of immediate and forceful action has become increasingly clear. The state will not be able to meet its short and long term goals without action on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the local level. Many communities in Oregon are already taking action to reduce emissions. Because of this, there are numerous plans and frameworks that Ashland can model its efforts after, reducing the investment in planning and moving more quickly to action. Action on climate change provides numerous benefits besides greenhouse gas emissions reductions - it also provides cleaner air and water, locally sourced energy that creates a stronger local economy, and monetary savings for residents that conserve energy. In addition to GHG emissions reductions, the community needs to become more resilient in the face of increasing likelihood of extreme events such as heat waves, drought, severe wildfire and floods. Addressing community vulnerabilities and developing cross-sector strategies are both vital for increased community resilience. Goals of a plan for Ashland: 1. Conduct a highly collaborative cross-sector effort on climate change, driven by a City/Citizen Oversight Group, which in turn is supported by a Technical Advisory Committee and City Staff (Appendix III); and with extensive community input, engagement and ongoing educational outreach. 2. Develop a Climate and Energy Action Plan for the Community of Ashland (including city operations as well as all residents, businesses, schools, and others) that includes greenhouse gas emissions targets, specific goals and strategies, an implementation plan, timelines, and monitoring requirements for reducing GHG emissions throughout the Community of Ashland. 3. Identify risks and vulnerabilities of a changing climate to the community and resources of Ashland; develop, prioritize, and implement strategies to protect the community from climate change impacts. 4. Participate in regional efforts to reduce emissions across jurisdictions, including city and county. Specific sectors to be addressed: • Infrastructure • Renewable Energy & • Land use & Transportation • Economics & Tourism Energy Efficiency • Consumption & Waste • Natural Resources • Food & Agriculture • Health & Social Services 1 Scope: The Community of Ashland, City Operations, the Ashland watershed and other areas of influence. Timeline: Planning to begin in spring of 2015 with implementation of initial actions to begin no later than spring 2016. The plan will continue to be revised over time to include more adaptation strategies and update mitigation strategies, as needed. Resource needs: At least 0.517TE staff time or equivalent in contracted assistance this FY15-17 to manage the development of the Climate and Energy Plan (year 1) and begin to implement the plan (year 2). Steps in chronological order: 1. Greenhouse Gas Inventory - The City conducts or contracts a greenhouse gas inventory that includes a subset for city operations (transportation is included); this inventory will also benefit the city operational sustainability plan that has already been adopted by City Council. The purpose of the GHG inventory is to identify local sources of GHG emissions so we can direct resources in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. 2. Leadership - Appoint a City/Citizen Oversight Group, which will create a Technical Advisory Committee to set scientifically valid GHG emission goals, engage community members, interface with other groups, conduct outreach, guide strategy development, and prioritize actions. City Staff will support the Oversight Group as needed. See Appendix III for more information. 3. Set Emissions Reduction Targets - Many communities use targets set by state government, while others decide on more stringent targets for their community. The Technical Advisory Committee will investigate and recommend appropriate targets for Ashland. 4. Public Outreach - Hold a public kick-off event that informs community members about the effort, engages them on the issue, collects their input on areas of highest priority, and showcases positive stories and successes in energy savings and renewable energy. 5. Engage Local Experts - Convene sector specialists to develop initial lists of strategies and prioritize them in a collaborative manner, based on cross-sector discussions of synergies, short- vs. long-term goals, areas with the greatest/fastest potential energy savings, most vulnerable resources and populations, and issues of equity and local values. 6. Consult with City Council and City Staff - Hold a working session with City Council and City Staff to further refine and prioritize emissions reduction strategies and climate change preparedness strategies. City to identify a number of actions for immediate implementation. 7. Finalize the Plan - The plan should include emissions targets, a timeline, high level goals, specific strategies, and actions that are organized by short and long term implementation horizons. The plan should include an implementation plan that specifies who is responsible for specific actions, a monitoring plan to assess progress, and periodic updates to the plan. 8. Get Feedback - Hold an open forum workshop(s) to share information and collect feedback. Also use online forums, local TV and radio, printed media, and other outreach tools. Report the results online in other venues, as appropriate, with recap of the process, detailed strategies, and timeline. 9. Implement - Implement strategies in phases, following implementation plan. 10. Assess performance - Measure and report on results periodically (every 1-3 years) 11. Reassess - Revise based on new information, ongoing trends, new technologies, and results from monitoring. Develop additional measures to protect the community from climate change impacts. 12. Educate - Continue with public outreach and education for sustained efforts. 2 Appendix I - Roadmap 2020 In 2010, the Oregon Global Warming Commission developed the Roadmap 2020 with recommendations on how to meet its 2020 greenhouse gas emissions goals and get a head start on its 2050 goals. Six technical committees were convened to address actions in specific sectors (energy/utilities, industry, forestry, agriculture, materials/waste management, and transportation/land use). Recommended actions came from each technical committee as well as additional "integrating" actions that work across sectors. Some key actions included: • Work with state agencies and local governments to conduct greenhouse gas inventories across the state • Advocate for a carbon price signal across goods and services, through an emissions cap or a carbon tax • Reduce (prevent) waste of food at the retail and consumer level by 5-50% • Ramp down emissions associated with coal generation • Provide financial incentives to reduce lifecycle building-related greenhouse gas emissions by 80% • Eliminate reliance on a gas tax for funding transportation infrastructure • Develop new funding streams to support climate-friendly transportation options, including high speed rail from Eugene to British Columbia • Encourage agricultural practices that increase carbon sequestration in soils • Prepare the agricultural industry for reclining reliability of water resources For more information on the Roadmap 2020 and the full report go to this link (http://www.keeporegoncool.org/content/roadmap-2020). For the third biennial report (2013) to Legislature from the Oregon Global Warming Commission go to this link (http://www.keeporegoncool.org/view/ogwc-reports). 3 Appendix II - Review of Climate Action Planning in other Communities The Climate and Energy Subcommittee of the Conservation Commission reviewed numerous Climate and Energy Action Plans from other communities. We found certain aspects of the different plans to be informative in our efforts to develop strategies for Ashland. We have listed plans that we think are good examples in Table 1, along with some of their more outstanding or unique features (shown in bold in Table 1). Definitions • Mitigation refers to reduction in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere in order to reduce the overall magnitude of climate change. Effective mitigation requires concomitant emissions reductions throughout the U.S. and other key nations, as well as increased carbon uptake in forests. Mitigation is needed to protect people from the most severe impacts over the long term. • Adaptation refers to actions taken to protect people and resources from the impacts of climate change. As climate change is already being felt and impacts will worsen for decades based on emissions already released, adaptation is needed along with mitigation. Overall assessment: MOST plans are: • Based on a long-term positive vision for the community • Sponsored and/or led by City or County government • Based on a community-wide greenhouse gas assessment • Focused on time horizons of 15-25 years (mostly due to California mandates) • Iterative in nature, with regular monitoring and reassessing to track progress • Both City and Community in scope • Based on greenhouse gas emissions targets set at the state level But SOME communities go further and create more robust plans. MANY plans have: • Goals/strategies specific to near, mid, and long term time horizons • Greenhouse gas savings calculated for each specific action • Cost and/or cost savings calculated for each specific action • Adaptation strategies incorporated in with mitigation strategies for each sector • Strategies developed from highly collaborative community-based workshops and meetings • Education on climate change as a primary strategy • Social equity goals also addressed • Population and business growth calculated into the emissions savings equation • Goals for carbon neutrality • Acknowledgement of the urgency of the issue • Plans for more adaptation strategies to be developed over time 4 Table 1. Cit Communit Climate and Ener Plans reviewed for this effort. Lead Mitigation, GHG Targets City i Pop. Year i Entity,.,& Adaptation Invento + Austin, TX 845,000 2014 City Mitigation Yes in 2010 City fleets and operations carbon neutral by 2020 Net Zero community wide b 2050 Details: Austin City Council adopted a resolution in 2007 and another one in 2014. Their 2014 resolution states that they will develop a community wide climate action plan, with the following topics to be addressed: targets (the resolution specified the targets, as listed above), specific sectors and populations to assess (energy use, transportation, landfills, manufacturing, with community growth factored in), community input and advisory groups, accountability, barriers to progress, monitoring and updates, and responsible entity (City Manager). Chico, CA 100,000, 2010 City, CSU Mitigation Yes 5°h below 2005 by 2015 (includes Chico' 20%) below 2005 by 2020 rural Cornnmnity areas memhers Details: Chico developed a Climate Action Plan to reduce emissiom across the Energy, Transportation, and Waste sectors. 'Their plan provided specific emissions targets for each sector and also provided a breakdown for City vs. Community emissions. The Chico plan provides detailed steps for how they created their plan and could be a useful guide for Ashland. Their plan also includes a cost-benefit analysis. They are developing an Adaptation Plan. Some notable actions include: (1) expand landfill methane capture; (2) consider carbon emissions in contracting for city projects; (3) pursue installation of purchase power agreements on city property; (4) weatherization ro ram for low income homes; 5 develop an urban forest plan. Corvallis, 55,000 2014 Task Force Both Yes in 2012 100f, L Blow 1990 by 2020 OR draft (volunteer) 75% below 1990 by 2050 Reduce fossil fuel use 50% b 2030 Details: Corvallis' plan is being created by a volunteer Task Force working with the Urban Services Committee (City). They held 2 public forums to collect input. Their plan is created with a sense of urgency, focused on City Council and Staff, and through a lens of social equity. Some notable actions include: (1) support the Georgetown Energy Prize effort; (2) re-write building codes to follow Architecture 2030 or another maximum efficiency standard; (3) transition to 100% renewable by 2030 by supporting renewable energy projects and carbon tax efforts; (4) establish car-free streets downtown. Eugene, OR 160,000 2009 City, Both Yes in 2007 City Ops carbon neutral by 2020 Springfield, 0~';~ belni~1990 by 2020 Other C~~nununitv~;iJe _ partners Po,.~il fuel 50~!~bc-lokv 1990 by2030 Details: Eugene City Council asked City Staff to develop a Climate Action Plan. They worked with many partners, from universities to NGOs and private citizens to develop a joint mitigation and adaptation plan for the whole community. The sectors they looked at included Buildings and energy, Food and agriculture, Land use and transportation, Consumption and waste, Health and natural resotu-ces, and Urban natural resources. Some notable actions include: (1) target multi-family housing for energy efficiency upgrades; (2) public institutions purchase climate friendly goods and services; (3) create. 2-111inute neighborhoods for basic needs and services in walking distance; (4) support electric charging stations in multi-family housing; (5) conduct a Vulnerability Assessment for health and I[u man Services impacts from climate change. Fort 152,000 2008 City I-1igati0n Yes 20% below 2005 by 2020 Collins, CO 80% below 2005 by 2050 Details: Fort Collins created a Climate Action Plan that works across the community with both mandates and voluntary measures and a significant public outreach campaign. They are currently working on 5 Adaptation strategies to complement their mitigation strategies. They showed the cost savings of the measures in their plan. Some notable actions include: (1) increase tree canopy to reduce energy demand; (2) outreach to business community; (3) require green building to get public financing; (4) aim for 50% waste diversion; 5 promote Net Zero read homes. Grand 188,000 2013 City and Both Yes in 2009 7% reduction in emissions by 2012; Continue to reduce emissions 1% per Rapids, Ml 1CLEI I year Details: Grand Rapids was awarded the Climate Protection Award by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. They completed a "Climate Resiliency" Report that outlines cross-sector strategies for preparing; tar climate change impacts and reducing their emissions. They addressed economics (energy, intrastructrnre, transportation, agriculture, risk management), environmental issues (water, land use, wetlands, forests, parks), and social impacts (emergency response, health, crime). Some notable actions include: (1) increase tree canopy by 40% to reduce energy use; (2) use porous pavement as tlood abatement; (3) power 100% of cite operations k1Tith renewable power by 2020; (4) Protect underser~7ed, minority, and low income populations from the disproportionate climate change impacts; (5) R rivers to more natural state to im rove tivater q quality and enhance flood protection. Missoula, 69,000 2012 City Both Yes in 2008 10% below 2008 by 2015 MT Operations 50% below 2008 by 2020 carbon neutral b 2025 Details: The City of Missoula, Montana committed to become climate neutral by 2025. Their Conservation and Climate Action Plan focuses on conservation and energy reduction measures, along with carbon offsets. They plan to track costs, energy/monetary savings, and avoided emissions over time, specific to each implemented strategy. Their plan focuses on city operations. They used the Climate and Air Pollution Planning Assistant ~CAPPA) online tool available through ICLEI, to calculate energy savings, avoided emissions, and dol'l'ar savings. Some notable actions include: (1) need for immediate action; (2) they dedicated a FULL TIME staff position to implementing the plan; (3) replace city vehicles with electric/hybrid vehicles over time; (4) recommission city buildings to reduce energy use 16%; (5) incentives for ridesharing and flexible work schedules; (6) include sustainability measures in all job descriptions and performance reviews; (7) increase PV s stems on city buildings fi-om 2 buildings to 23; 8) and Conservation Lands _Program. Oberlin, OH 8,400 2011 City Mitigation Yes in 2007 50x hr low X007 by '015 70°obiJow 001 1)t,1030 1001!-" belm"' 21007 by 2050 _ Details: Oberlin College committed to become climate neutral by 2025. The city joined the pledge in 2011 with their Climate Action Plan that focuses on renewable energy, energy efficiency, transportation, green building, waste management and education. Some notable actions include: (1) increased efficiencies in heating, cooling, and lighting; (2) embrace the Architecture 2030 Challenge; (3) reduce solid waste 2% peryear; (4) create community and business environmental awards; 5 hold community workshops, San Luis 46,000 2012 City, Cal Both Yes in 2008; 15% reduction from 2005 baseline by Obispo, CA Poly, City/Community 2020 Contractor Details: The city provides specific greenhouse gas emissions goals for each sector (Buildings, Renewable energy, Transportation and Land Use, Waste, Government Operations, and State Policies) and details the carbons saved with EACH strategy. A table on pages 59-62 shows the GHG savings for each strategy, timescale for each, cost, and the responsible entity. Some notable actions include: (1) expand energy efficiency retrofits; (2) work with the County to develop network for renewable energy financing; (3) mandate electric vehicle charging stations; (4) install renewable energy systems on City buildings; 5 allocate hire staff to implement CAP programs. 6 Fig. 1. Example from Missoula, Montana's Climate Action Plan. Comparative energy and cost savings/monetary costs for each proposed strategy. Figure 3-1: Comparison of Conservation and Climate Action Strategies (nett the graph) • water Wise Park Areas • Paper and Printing Policies • Water Wise Bathroom Features • Shut Off/Remove Water Fountain Coding • Efficient Fleet Vehicle Purchasing (Fuel economy) $400 - m g $300 Eco Drivers Manual Continuous Building Retro and Re-commissioning for Existing Buildings Bike Fleet Infrastructure Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Purchasing Expand Route Optimization Software/GPS $2DO . Reduce Electronics Energy Use f LEEO for New Construction and Major Renovations Policy LEED Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Policy m $100 tlw Micro-hydropower ElectricGeneration at WWTP Real-time Energy Monitoring Systems Urban Tree Planting and Maintenance t Rideshare Scheduling plan for employees Flexible Work Scheduling Z' i -$100 € Employee Commuting Incentive Program j r € Enhance Methane Utilization at WWTP c 4200 -1 Solar Thermal Heating System and Thermal Pool Blanket at Splash + Montana and Similar Energy Efficiency Improvements at Currents F s Poplar Plantation near Wastewater Treatment Plant $300 . a Solar PV Installations on Municipal Buildings Missoula Open Space Portfolio -$400 Groundwater Cooling Systems (off the graph) ! Visual Comparison of Strategies This graph is a visual comparison of strategies based on annual emissions reduction and cost. The benefit of having this graph is the ability to quickly compare strategies to see which have larger emissions reductions and best cost benefits. The Width of each bar is relative to the amount of emissions reduced annually. The wider the bar, the more emissions are avoided every year. The height of each bar above or below the horizontal axis is relative to the savings (positive) or cost (negative) per metric ton of emissions avoided. The savingstc ost value is a way to take three important metrics from each strategy (implementation cost, annual savings, and annual emissions reduction) and combine them into one value that can be used to compare all of the strategies at once. Bars extending above the axis generate a net savings. Bars extending below the axis generate a net cost. The strategies are listed in order of greatest savings (left) to greatest cost (right). CONSERVATION AND CLIMATE ACTION STRATEGIES CITY OF MISSOULA CONSERVATION & CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 19 Appendix 111- Oversight Group, Advisory Committee and City Staff Recommendation - City/Citizen Oversight Group and Technical Advisory Committee to be comprised of a mix of people from many the following areas. The Oversight Group will create a Technical Advisory Committee to help set scientifically valid GHG emission goals, engage community members, interface with other groups, conduct outreach, guide strategy development, and prioritize actions. City Staff will provide support to the Oversight Group, as needed. • Ashland School District • Rogue Climate and/or SOCAN • Chamber of Commerce • RVTD • Transportation and Planning • Clean Energy Works Commissions • City Councilors • Conservation Commissioners from • City building/engineering experts the Climate/Energy Subcommittee • OCF, other community foundations • Watershed oversight • Tourism sector (e.g. OSF, hotel • Jackson County Housing Authority facilities experts) and/or ACCESS • Recology Ashland Sanitary Service • Utilities • Community at large • SOU Appendix IV - Some initial actions that other cities are taking and that Ashland could consider implementing quickly • Virtual net metering - allows for renewable energy to be generated on a separate site but owned by people with other accounts and in other areas. Allows cooperatives and other investment sharing opportunities (Eugene) • Expanded education and outreach on climate change impacts, preparedness, renewable energy opportunities, and energy conservation (San Luis Obispo) • Evaluate incentives for highly energy efficient buildings aiming for net-zero construction and retrofits (Eugene and Corvallis) • Energy performance score program for new residential construction - voluntary • Explore possibilities for utility scale solar • Assess viability of Bonneville hydroelectric generation with climate change • Conduct a pilot project at waste water treatment plant to determine the system ability to co-digest food waste and bio-solids to generate electricity (Eugene) • Develop and implement master pedestrian and bike plan (Eugene) • Ultimate goal for becoming platinum level bike friendly citX • Diversify funding sources to increase long term reliability and affordability of mass transit (Eugene) • Conduct a climate and energy vulnerability assessment that assesses the mid-term and longer-term climate and energy vulnerabilities of essential services - water, food, health, housing, and sanitation. • Install renewable energy systems on city buildings (Grand Rapids, Oberlin, San Luis Obispo, Missoula, etc.) and/or school district buildings • Strategically increase tree canopy cover to reduce cooling costs over time, especially near schools and other public buildings without air conditioning (Fort Collins, Missoula) • Work with Jackson County to develop a network of renewable energy financing and joint projects (San Luis Obispo) • Support mitigation and adaptation measures at the state level (San Luis Obispo, etc.) 8 Appendix V - OUTLINE OF CLIMATE AND ENERGY PLAN FOR EUGENE, OREGON Population -160,000 Plan developed - Winter 2008/2009 City Council asked staff to develop plan Plan Development - Assembled in May 2009. 11 team r r r members. r City of Springfield UO Climate Leadership Initiative Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce Eugene Water and Electric Board Friends of Eugene F= Eugene Human Rights Commission Lane Transit District Lane County Neighborhood Leaders Council City of Eugene Planning Commission City of Eugene Sustainability Commission Goals: 1. All city operations and City-owned facilities were to be carbon-neutral by 2020. 2. Reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2020. 3. Reduce community-wide fossil fuel use 50 percent by 2030. 4. Identify strategies that will help the community adapt to a changing climate and increasing fossil fuel prices. Action Areas: 1. Buildings and Energy 2. Food and Agriculture 3. Land Use and Transportation 4. Consumption and Waste 5. Health and Social Services 6. Urban Natural Resources Public Engagement Process: 1. Kickoff event September 2009 2. One public forum held on each of the six identified action areas between Oct 2009 and March 2010. a. 8-12 topic specialists were identified in each of the six topic areas. b. Strategy list was compiled using information submitted by regional experts and gleaned from municipal and state level climate and energy plans from 9 across the nation. The list was reviewed and refined by the topic specialists and used as a starting place for the public forums. c. Public forums in each of the topic areas. i. Attended by topic specialists ii. Neighborhood leaders iii. Sustainability Commissioners iv. 50-120 community members. d. Topic specialists reviewed proposed actions and strategies that emerged from public forums, provided input on priorities, clarified ideas, identified opportunities and challenges, and helped to ground the process in Eugene's unique economic, social, and environmental conditions. e. Advisory team members weighed information form background documents, input for the public forums, and topic specialist meetings. Team completes a final review of strategies and comments on the draft Community Climate and Energy Action Plan. f. Additional research was conducted after the draft was released to clarify some of the relative costs and benefits of actions. Targets and measures were also added. 3. Final plan only includes action items expected to reduce fossil fuel consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and to prepare Eugene for the impacts of energy price volatility and climate uncertainty. 4. Funding - In 2011 $200,000 of one-time funding was earmarked for use in implementing the Community Climate and Energy Action Plan. Unique Factors in the Eugene Plan - 1. Internal Climate Action Plan. City of Eugene operations will be climate neutral by 2020. Strategies include: a. Increase energy efficiency b. Increase waste prevention c. Improve purchasing methods d. Offset energy use by purchasing quality carbon offsets. 2. Waste reduction plan - Reduce waste 90% by 2030. 3. Food Scope Document. Worked towards improving food security in Eugene. 4. Inventory of Community Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report done in 2007 Objectives and Actions for Buildings and Energy 1. Reduce total GHG emissions from existing buildings by 50% by 2030. 2. Reduce total GHG emissions from new construction by 50% by 2030. 3. Expand Development of Renewable and District Energy Systems 4. Increase the implementation of climate change preparation strategies for the built environment (adaptation) Objectives and Actions for Food and Agriculture 1. Reduce consumption of carbon-intensive foods 2. Reduce GHG emissions associated with agriculture and food waste 10 3. Increase food security by preserving the productive capacity of the local and regional foodsheds. 4. Prepare food systems for the uncertainties created by climate change and rising energy prices. 5. Increase availability of home-grown and locally-sources food in Eugene Objectives and Actions for Land Use and Transportation 1. Create 20-minute neighborhoods, where 90 percent of Eugene residents can safely walk or bicycle to meet most basic, daily, non-work needs, and have safe pedestrian and bicycle routes that connect to mass transit. 2. Increase density around the urban core and along high-capacity transit corridors 3. Include the potential for climate refugees when conducting land use planning. 4. Continue to expand and improve Eugene's bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and connectivity to increase the percentage of trips made by bike and on foot. 5. Increase the supply of integrated, convenient, efficient, and cost- effective public transit 6. Expand outreach, marketing and education about climate-friendly transportation alternatives 7. Ensure maximum efficiency in current and future freight systems 8. Increase the use of low-carbon vehicles and fuels to improve overall fuel-efficiency and reduce vulnerability to fluctuating oil prices. Objectives and Actions for Consumption and Waste 1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by addressing purchasing habits 2. Increase waste diversion by improving recycling 3. Increase waste diversion rate for organic wastes 4. Conduct research to determine the most effective next steps in the area of consumption and waste 5. Reduce greenhouse gases in municipal operations by changing purchasing practices and reducing waste Objectives and Actions for Health and Social Services 1. Prepare community systems for longer-term climate and energy challenges including fuel shortages, increased summer drought and increased storm intensity 2. Reduce exposure of human populations to climate-related disasters 3. Increase the capacity of Eugene's health sector, and the community at large, to meet the health-related challenges of climate change and rising fuel prices by fostering greater involvement of the public health system in climate change and energy planning Objectives and Actions for Urban Natural Resources 1. Protect sensitive urban natural areas including riparian areas, wetlands, and floodplains, for multiple benefits including improved water and air quality, reduced water and air temperatures, and reduced flooding 2. Manage and update urban natural resource information, and make data available to public and policy-makers 11 3. Update vegetation management plans. 4. Educate community members about the importance of urban natural resources 5. Manage stormwater to reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and improve water quality 6. Expand public and private programs to manage, and invest in, trees to cool buildings, pavement, and waterways 7. Encourage ongoing water conservation 8. Strengthen protections of drinking water sources. Following are select introductory pages from Eugene's plan. m/80 The full plan is available at https://www.eugene-or.gov/Archive/ViewFile/Ite 12 M. y,a~A7~ he •r. . is 3 ,y t / t ..d C:wMATE&EN . _EM, n . September 2010 ~a ,:J] 1,l.~n fK9CUtiV9 Summary The decade from 2000 to 2009 was the warmest ever recorded.'] Over the last three decades, each has been warmer than the one before and science is telling us that this trend will continue. E21 In addition, the inexpensive fossil fuels that our community and country depend on for transportation, food production, and industry are projected to become increasingly expensive."' Eugene is joining a growing list of cities around the world that are addressing these climate change and energy concerns with a plan to meet the challenges with vision and creativity. In developing this local plan, community leaders and citizens have clearly recognized the need to re-imagine how we live, eat, travel, and play. As we work to adapt to the uncertainties ahead, we can be sure that the boldness of our actions today will determine the quality of life in Eugene now and into the future. Eugene's first Climate and Energy Action Plan: In 2008, in response to increasing concern about global climate change and the potential for volatile and rising fuel prices, Eugene's City Council asked staff to develop Eugene's first Community Climate and Energy M Action Plan. X M n The Community Climate and Energy Action Plan goals: 1. Reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent m below 1990 levels by 2020. c 3 2. Reduce community-wide fossil fuel use 50 percent by 2030. 3 CU 3. Identify strategies that will help the community adapt to a changing climate and increasing fossil fuel prices. The Six Action Areas: Buildings and Energy looks at energy used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in Eugene. This section includes recommendations to reduce energy use in existing buildings and new construction, expand use of renewable energy, and prepare buildings for climate change. Food and Agriculture includes everything related to our food production, delivery, distribution, and waste disposal. This section includes recommendations to reduce consumption of meat and dairy foods, reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with agriculture and food waste, protect regional farmland, increase home- and locally-grown foods, and prepare our food systems for an uncertain future. ' 'State of the Climate Global Analysis, ° National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, June 2010. 2 °IPCC Fourth Assessment Report Climate Change 2007,' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change, 2007. 3 `Peaking of World Oil Production: Recent Forecasts,' US Department of Energy, 2007. 3 Land Use and Transportation considers the use of land and the transportation of people and goods. This section includes recommendations to increase urban density and mixes of land use and a focus on improving systems for bike, pedestrian, transit, and electric vehicles. Consumption and Waste looks at everything in the lifecycle of consumer goods from extraction of raw materials to manufacturing, packaging, distribution, product use and finally, disposal. This section includes recommendations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with consumption of goods, improve recycling and composting, improve municipal purchasing practices, and adapt consumption strategies based on new findings. Health and Social Services addresses mental and physical health care and assistance programs for disadvantaged populations. This section contains recommendations to prepare health and social systems for a different future and reduce the impacts of climate-related disasters. E E Urban Natural Resources considers the soil, air, water, plants, kn and animals of our city. This section contains recommendations to > manage land, trees, and water for multiple benefits, update resource management plans, improve access to natural resource data, and expand drinking water and stormwater management programs. X W 4 from the Ma or a The City of Eugene has a long history of environmental stewardship. It is a legacy to be proud of. Our planet faces both finite resources and climate change, and the Eugene City Council has committed to an entire new level of local action. + The impacts of climate change and increased energy costs affect all of us, regardless of politics, background, or socioeconomic status. These are not simply environmental issues. They are health, economic, social equity and environmental issues. We have learned that climate change is affected by carbon emissions, and that carbon footprints are linked to the food and goods we purchase. All Mayor Kitty Piercy of us need to rethink our consumption of goods, we consume too much and at an unsustainable rate. Our city is part of a broader community, we are part of a world that requires each of us to make significant changes in our lives as governments, businesses, and social service agencies and as individuals - we must all work together more effectively to meet these challenges and -n to mitigate negative impacts. o 3 "These are not simply environmental issues. They are health, economic, social K equity and environmental issues." o Four years ago we began this journey with the Sustainable Business Initiative to foster our city's leadership in sustainable practices, the triple bottom line of environmental stewardship, economic success and social equity. The Sustainability Commission was formed. Innovative policies and practices moved forward throughout the city, but none more ambitious than the Climate and Energy Plan. The steps outlined in this plan will not only help us reduce our contribution to climate change and improve community resilience, they will also save taxpayer dollars through improved energy efficiency and less expensive transportation options. They will help build the local economy, provide jobs, improve air quality and public health, and community livability. This plan is a true collaborative endeavor and the result of many hours of hard work. I am very appreciative of the remarkable efforts of everyone involved in its creation. Thank you all for this investment in our community. We join over 100 cities in developing emissions reduction targets and creating climate action plans. Together we are a powerful force. Each city, small and large must do its part. Eugene, though modest in size is large in its commitment to the future. We move forward with optimism and a commitment to do our part to ensure a quality future for our city, our country, and our planet. September 2010 5 Timeline ad Goals • Climate Leadership Initiative, et.al. creates report: "Preparing for Climate Change in the Upper Willamette Basin of Western Oregon" - Oregon legislature first highlighting impacts of establishes carbon climate change to reduction goal Eugene and surrounding 'i area State of State of Eugene City COW)CH Oregon Goal: Oregon Initiative tecorri- instructs staff to create a Reduce Goal: Rio Earth Summit Community greenhouse Reduce mends creation of (United Matrons greenhouse Energy Action Pian 1 gas emissions 1) ~ustainabjfity framework City of Eugene creates 10% below gas convention on 1990 levels emissions metropolitan the first Intetnal (city climate change) 750,'o below climate action operations) Climate 1990 levels plan Action Plan ~g I Eugene Mayor signs the Eugene SUStainabil- City of Eugene mayor's us conference of Mayors ity commission is VJorks v,,~th "us • City of Eugene protection • "City of Portland Goal: Reduce striving locally to meet or create Descending the Oil overall beat the Kyoto protocol Eune's first :Peak" report community targets highlights challenges fossil fuel use Kyoto 50% below of ossil fuel depletion AP 4 ;1 protocol 2005 levels ° • City of Eugene completes a commu- ` pity greenhouse gas • Oregon strategy for inventory Greenhouse Gas Reductions completed f { d r fir. # , . It it 1 ills r. 4 j in. 14 _ ~ c' !111! ' / c~ # Ak M; f s s ~a S Introduction PREPARING FOR CHANGE In the winter of 2008/2009, Eugene's City Council unanimously directed staff to develop a Community Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP).«, All City operations and City-owned facilities were to be carbon-neutral by 2020. During the same year, the Council committed the City to work with its partners to develop a plan to set carbon emission goals, to suggest effective emission reduction strategies, and to identify ways in which the community can adapt to the anticipated changes. Four months later, the Council expanded the action plan to include steps for achieving a 50 percent reduction in community-wide fossil fuel consumption by 2030. This plan is the product of those efforts to understand what climate change and fuel cost increases could mean for Eugene, and to find ways that lessen the expected impacts and meet the goals for reducing emissions and fossil fuel consumption. While there is considerable discussion and some debate on the issues of climate change in the community and beyond, this plan was undertaken in response to Council direction and is informed by the scientific evidence available at the time of its publishing. 0 c THE COMMUNITY CLIMATE AND ENERGY ACTION PLAN (CEAP) 0 0 Goals 1. Reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions to 10 percent less than 1990 levels by 2020 and 75 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.151 2. Reduce community-wide fossil fuel use 50 percent by 2030.161 3. Identify strategies that will help the community adapt to a changing climate and increasing fossil fuel pricesY] Geographic Scope and Timeline Citizens, topic experts and partners from inside and outside of the City of Eugene were invited to develop a plan for the broader community. This public engagement process identified challenges and opportunities and presented options and action items that will require partnerships and 141Morepolaydetail andbackground canbe joint efforts across the community. found in Appendix 9. ' This goal rrvitches Oregon's stated GHG reduc- The CEAP establishes general directions and offers specific actions tion targets from House Bill 3543. While this target is not equivalent to the fossil fuel reduction over the next three to five years; however, the scientific and general target, it reflects the degree of GHG reductions community's understanding of climate and energy challenges are evolving that are necessary, according to scientific research. rapidly and Eugene's direction and goals will likely need to be updated. targts on pa 14ofAppe Appendix targets begins on page e 14 of Appendix 8. A' This goal, unanimously adopted by Eugene City Council February 2009, will use the base year 2005, the year of data used for the 2007 com- munity greenhouse gas indent-y R1 The full text of the City Council directives re- lated to the CEAP can be found in Appendix 9. 7 s ~iM HOW WAS THE PLAN DEVELOPED? The Climate and Energy Action Plan Advisory Team The CEAP advisory team was assembled in May 2009 and was composed of 11 community members and representatives of partner agencies. In June 2009, the team began providing input on the public outreach and general planning processes. The group brought expertise to the public meetings, observed and participated in topic discussions, provided feedback on the development of the plan and the plan document, and provided background data. Team Member Partner Agency/Group Chuck Gottfried City of Springfield Sarah Mazze Resource Innovation Group and The UO Climate Leadership Initiative Joshua Proudfoot Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce Jason Heuser Eugene Water and Electric Board a David Hinkley Friends of Eugene Lorraine Kerwood/Twila Souers Eugene Human Rights Commission Joe McCormack Lane Transit District Mike McKenzie-Bahr Lane County Jan Wostmann Neighborhood Leaders Council Heidi Beierle/Bill Randall City of Eugene Planning Commission Shawn Boles City of Eugene Sustainability Commission The Public Engagement Process News releases, print and online calendars, website announcements, and emails invited members of the public to participate in seven public forums. A kickoff event was held in September 2009 and one public forum was held on each of the six topics between October 2009 and March 2010. More than 500 members of the public participated, sharing concerns about climate uncertainty and fuel price volatility, and weighing in on what should be the community's highest priorities. Below are the six topics or action areas: Buildings and Energy ,t,- Food and Agriculture Land Use and Transportation Consumption and Waste Health and Social Services Urban Natural Resources 8 The process for identifying action items for each of the six topic areas was as follows: 1. A strategy list was compiled using information submitted by regional experts and gleaned from municipal- and state-level climate and energy plans from across the nation. The list was reviewed by the topic specialists, refined, and then used as a starting place for the public forums. 2. Topic specialists were identified from across the community. Eight to twelve expert community members with broad knowledge of the topic and the ability to bring a variety of perspectives to the public forums were invited to assist with the plan. The topic specialists contributed to the development of the strategy lists, provided technical information support at the public forums, and assisted with the prioritization of strategies. A complete list of Topic Specialists can be found in Appendix 3. 3. Public forums were held to engage members of the community who are interested in climate and energy challenges as they relate to each of the six topics. Each of the forums were attended by 50 to 120 community members, including topic specialists, CEAP advisory team members, neighborhood leaders, and Sustainability o Commissioners. Forum participants reviewed the strategy list a for the subject topic, provided perspectives on which actions should be given the highest priority, identified missing actions or o strategies, and provided detail on how individual actions could be implemented. 4. Topic specialists reviewed proposed actions in greater detail, provided input on priorities, clarified ideas, identified opportunities and challenges, and helped to ground the process in Eugene's unique economic, social, and environmental conditions. 5. Advisory team members weighed information from background documents, input from the public forums and the topic specialist meetings, and offered their varied perspectives on each topic area. The team completed a final review of the strategies and reviewed and commented on the draft Community Climate and Energy Action Plan. 6. Additional Research was conducted after the draft was released to clarify some of the relative costs and benefits of actions. This adds confidence that the priorities included in the plan are the best places for our community to take action. Targets and measures were also added."' This information is compiled in the attached spreadsheet, Appendix 1. THE OUTCOMES Of the several hundred possible action items suggested, reviewed, and discussed in the public engagement process, the plan only includes those that are expected to best reduce fossil fuel consumption and GHG emissions, and to prepare Eugene for the impacts of energy price %Thetargets associated YvMob*tivesand actions in the Plan relkrt best estimates of the re- volatility and climate uncertainty. A strict cost-benefit analysis wasn't ductionsnecessary. Creating targetsthatarecare- feasible, but the project team designed a process that weighs the relative fully calihmredto theoverall otGandfo_ssilW importance of potential actions in the context of the three stated goals. reds`n°"y"als` Yrequireadditionalresea,rn. 9 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Funding: In the 2011 fiscal year budget, $200,000 of one-time funding was earmarked for use in implementing both the Community Climate and Energy Action Plan and the City's Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan. These funds are in addition to the work already underway across the City organization in Solid Waste management, the Green Building program, Stormwater Management, Urban Forestry, and many other existing City programs. Reporting back: The City Council will receive annual reports assessing the progress being made on each of the multiple objectives included in the plan. Updating the plan: Our understanding of the complex issues around climate change and greenhouse gas sources is continually improving, and as our community moves forward on the priorities included in this plan, it will be important to revisit, revise, and update Eugene's Community o_ Climate and Energy Action Plan every three to five years. HOW IS THE COMMUNITY CLIMATE AND ENERGY ACTION 0 PLAN ORGANIZED? The strategies are divided into six action areas. The first four are the primary targets for greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel reductions, and the last two focus on actions necessary to adapt to climate change and rising fuel prices. Buildings and Energy a,- Food and Agriculture Land Use and Transportation a~ Consumption and Waste Health and Social Services Urban Natural Resources Please note that the actions in each area are not organized by priority. The first action in each section is not necessarily the most important, nor is the last the least important. A table containing all of the actions and associated targets, measures, estimated financial impacts, and estimated greenhouse gas reductions data is available in the Compiled Priority Action Items Tables in Appendix 1. Terms in italics are defined in the glossary located in Appendix 2. 10 Lill I City of Ashland City Council 20 East Main St. PO Box 1980 Ashland, Oregon 97520 Phoenix, Oregon March 5th, 2015 97535 Re: Climate and Energy Action Plan (541)-840-1065 Dear City of Ashland City Council, It is with great pleasure that we extend the support of Rogue Climate Info(c~rogueclimate.org to the Conservation Commission and the City Council to develop a Clean Energy and Climate Action plan for the City of Ashland. Cities and counties across the country are taking the lead in stepping up to the challenge of climate change and transitioning to cleaner energy. Due to Ashland's municipally owned utility, Ashland's strong history of leading the state in terms of energy efficiency, and the local impacts we are already feeling in regards to climate change, we are in a great position to take the next step by developing a Community Energy and Climate Action Plan. We look forward to supporting Ashland in these efforts, and believe that any efforts taken in Ashland will have a positive impact in demonstrating to other communities in the Rogue Valley what is possible. We will support this effort by using our network to educate local citizens about the initiative. We will promote participation to our members both through email and at meetings. We can help with publicity efforts by writing about it on our website and facebook page. We can provide a volunteer or staff member to sit on the advisory council and we will continue to work with the conservation commission to find other appropriate roles for our group as they arise. Sincerely, Hannah Sohl Director, Rogue Climate 33 N Central Ave OCreTgoRn Medford, Oregon 97501 7SI-1. Action (541)-772-4029 alex@oregonaction.org City of Ashland City Council 20 East Main St. Ashland, Oregon 97520 March 9th, 2015 Re: Climate and Energy Action Plan Dear City of Ashland City Council, Oregon Action would like to express our support to the Ashland City Council and the Conservation Commission for your desire and efforts to develop a Clean Energy and Climate Action plan for the City of Ashland. As a grassroots, member-led organization dedicated to advancing economic, racial, health, and social equity for everyone throughout the Rogue Valley, we recognize that climate change does not and will not affect everyone equally. Those members of our community already vulnerable or marginalized will likely be hit sooner and harder by the impacts of climate change in the Rogue Valley and will have fewer resources to adapt to a changing climate. We believe our collective efforts to combat climate change-such as municipal Climate and Energy plans-need to account for this. Those most directly affected-including low-income members of our community and those with limited access to political processes-need to be at the table and a part of the process of developing solutions and strategies to address climate change. As such, we appreciate the emphasis put on collaboration and community engagement in the Conservation Commission's recommendations to the City Council, and we look forward to engaging our members, supporters, and the broader community in the planning process. We believe Ashland is in a unique position to take bold leadership as a community in responding to climate change, and we are proud to see Ashland moving forward with that process. Oregon Action and our members look forward to supporting the City in these efforts, and to participating and engaging in that process. Sincerely, Alex Budd Oregon Action Minutes for the City Council Study Session September 15, 2014 Page 1 of 2 MINUTES FOR THE STUDY SESSION ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL Monday, September 15, 2014 Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way Mayor Stromberg called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. in the Siskiyou Room. Councilor Morris, Rosenthal, Marsh, Voisin, and Lemhouse were present. Councilor Slattery was absent. 1. Look Ahead review City Administrator Dave Kanner reviewed items on the Look Ahead. 2. Public Input (15 minutes maximum) Winston Friedman/935 Oak Street/Thanked the Council for considering the resolution supporting fossil fuel divestment. Southern Oregon Climate Action Now (SOCAN) was a group that strongly supported divestment and were concerned with the bigger picture of climate change. He read from a document submitted into record on the impacts of climate change, fossil fuel extraction and how major corporations negatively affected sustainability efforts. Ken Deveney/206 Terrace Street/Spoke in support of the Conservation Commission's Community Sustainability Framework proposal and explained mental health was a major component of climate change preparedness. Many people will experience stress that could result in an increase of domestic abuse and crime due to the heat. The climate change will affect illness, food prices, changes in employment, and acute trauma from extreme weather events. The National Wildlife Federation collaborated on a report regarding the psychological effects of climate change that stated the affects of global warming will require a large-scale mental health care response and no one was prepared. 3. Discussion of a Resolution in support of fossil fuel divestment City Recorder Barbara Christensen explained the resolution would not change the City's investment policy and only support the position Southern Oregon Climate Action Now (SOCAN) was taking on fossil fuel divestment. SOCAN was asking Council to move the resolution to a regular Council meeting for approval. If approved, the resolution would go to the Oregon Short Term Board and the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Ms. Christensen used the City of Eugene's resolution on divestment as a template for the one before Council. Council noted an opinion editorial from State Treasurer Ted Wheeler that concluded divestment was not in the best interest of the state. That made the resolution more of a symbolic gesture. However, an earlier conversation with Mr. Wheeler and the governor revealed they needed the support of municipalities in order to give the resolution power. The Mayor expressed concern regarding unintended results due to divestment. Council supported putting the resolution on a formal agenda. 4. Community Sustainability Framework proposal from the Conservation Commission Management Analyst Adam Hanks provided history on the Conservation Commission's interest and efforts regarding sustainability. With the approval of the Operational Sustainability Plan Framework, Plan Format, and Process Outline November 2012, the Commission shifted focus to a community sustainability plan using the STAR Framework. Conservation Commission Vice Chair Roxane Beigel-Coryell defined sustainable as something able to be Minutes for the City Council Study Session September 15, 2014 Page 2 of 2 used without being completely used up or destroyed involving methods that did not completely use up or destroy natural resources or able to last or continue for a long time. A sustainable community included common elements that were healthy environment, strong economy, and the well-being of the people living in the community. She shared several guiding principles of sustainable communities. Conservation Commissioner Jim McGinnis provided an overview of the STAR Framework that consisted of Guiding Principles, Goals, Objectives, Measures, and Actions. STAR was Sustainability Tools for Assessing and Rating communities. The STAR Framework was a current and comprehensive way to track and assess sustainability. The STAR approach represented a multiyear process and was not a plan. The Guiding Principles served as a reference point when planning or taking actions. The STAR Framework was based on the following goals: • Built Environment • Climate & Energy • Education, Arts & Community • Economy & Jobs • Equity & Empowerment • Health & Safety • Natural Systems Each goal contained several objectives with measurable items and best practices. Vice Chair Beigel-Coryell reviewed a matrix of goals and actions taken by the City and Southern Oregon University (SOU) and submitted an example of Climate & Energy and Health & Safety into the record. Commissioner McGinnis further explained the Conservation Commission had followed through on the 2011-2012 City Goal of developing a concise sustainability plan for city operations and community. The city operation was underway and the next step was the community portion. The STAR Framework created a network with other communities. The Conservation Commission was asking Council to adopt the framework as a successor to the Valdez Principles, instruct staff to provide regular reporting within the STAR Framework, and allocate adequate resources to administer the program. Resource allocation would start with half of a Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employee for the 2015-2017 budget and grow to a FTE in the 2017-2019 budget. Council comments thought the STAR Framework was too broad and complex, wanted the focus on Climate and Energy only while other comments noted STAR could serve as a good resource. Council directed the Conservation Commission to bring back a proposal on what steps they would take to develop a Climate and Energy Plan. Meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Dana Smith Assistant to the City Recorder CITY OF ASHLAND Council Communication March 16, 2015, Study Session Discussion of utility billing surcharge for Ashland Forest Resiliency project FROM: Dave Kanner, city administrator, dave.kanner@ashland.or.us SUMMARY Councilor Marsh requested a study session discussion of the merits of paying for future fuels reduction maintenance work in the watershed via a dedicated surcharge on utility bills. It's estimated that $175,000 is required annually to maintain the fuels reduction work being done as part of the Ashland Forest Resiliency Stewardship Project. That money could be raised through a surcharge on utility bills ranging from $1.15 per electric bill to $1.68 per water bill. BACKGROUND AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Ashland and partners the U.S. Forest Service, the Nature Conservancy and the Lomakatsi Restoration Project have been engaged in a stewardship initiative for more than six years, aimed at reducing wildfire fuel loads in the Ashland watershed. Fuels reduction work to date has been done primarily with $6 million in economic stimulus funds, leaving about $4 million worth of work still to be completed. It's estimated that $175,000 is needed annually to maintain this fuels reduction work. Ashland assesses about 9¢ per $1,000 less than its maximum property tax rate. At the February 19 Budget Committee meeting, I indicated that I would propose assessing that 9¢ and committing the money to the AFR project. Councilor Marsh subsequently asked whether the same amount of money could be raised through a utility billing surcharge, thus leaving the property tax available for other purposes if or when it is needed. Councilor Marsh further requested a study session discussion of a utility billing surcharge. A utility billing surcharge has the merit of generating revenue from all properties, including those that do not pay property taxes. However, the idea raises many, many questions. Among those are the following: • Should the surcharge be applied to all utility accounts? (12,662 monthly utility accounts would require a surcharge of $1.15 per month to raise $175,000/yr.) • Should the surcharge be applied only to water meters? (8,680 monthly water bills would require a surcharge of $1.68 per month to raise $175,000/yr.) • Should the surcharge be a flat fee or a percentage of the bill? • If a percentage, should it be charged to all utility revenue or just water revenue? • If a flat fee, should the fee be higher for commercial (or governmental/municipal) accounts than for residential accounts? (Note: without such differentiation, a flat fee becomes regressive.) • Should non-profits, schools, churches and the university be excluded? The City and Parks? This list of issues is not by any means all-inclusive. It is intended to be a launching pad for discussion. Page 1 of 2 1~, CITY OF -ASHLAND COUNCIL GOALS SUPPORTED: 8. Protect the integrity and safety of the watershed. 8.1 Implement and maintain the Ashland Forest Resiliency project. 8.5 Fund the AFR & AIR programs. FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: The City should budget $175,000 annually to maintain the fuels reduction work done by the AFR stewardship project in the watershed. A reliable, ongoing source of funding for this work should be identified. The current biennium budget includes $350,000 ($175,000/yr.) for this work, although no revenue source was identified. The funding instead came from beginning working capital in the Water Fund, which is unlikely to be available in the next biennium due to the sharp decline in water revenue in the current fiscal year. STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REQUESTED ACTION: N/A SUGGESTED MOTION: N/A ATTACHMENTS: None Page 2 of 2