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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017.05.24 Conservation Commission Agenda Packet ASHLAND CONSERVATION COMMISSION Meeting Agenda May 24, 2017 — 6:00 PM Community Development Building, Siskiyou Room 51 Winburn Way 1. Call to Order 2. Consent Agenda 2.1. Minutes April 26, 2017 Commission meeting 3. Announcements (10 min) 3.1. Next Regular Meeting: June 28, 2017 3.2. Upcoming Sub-committee meeting 3.3. Other Announcements from Commissioners 4. Public Forum 0 0 min to be evenly divided by public wishing to speak) 5. Reports / Presentations/Updates (20 min) 5.1. SOU Update (5 min) 5.2. Council Update- (5 min) 5.3. City Conservation Programs and Operations—Hanks(5 min) 5.4. Water Subcommittee Update—Weir(5 min) 6. Old Business (60 min) 6.1. Commission Monthly Column in Sneak Preview (5 min) June—Water related article(Cruickshank) July—CEAP Update—McGinnis August—Storm Drain article(??) 6.3. Conservation Commission—Powers/Duties Discussion(55 min) 7. New Business (30 min) 7.1. Commission recommendation to Council—Commission powers/duties (for June 5 Council Study Session) 7.2. Additional North Mountain Class Opportunities(Buck) 7.3. Southern Oregon Land Conservancy(SOLO) —Presentation on Potential Imperatrice Property Possibilities (Koopman) 8. Wrap Up 8.1 Items to be added to next agenda CITY 0, F CONSERVATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL ON CEAP COORDINATION 23 May 2017 MISSION — The Mission of the Conservation Commission is to educate and advocate for the wise use of resources by the city government and the people of Ashland. The Conservation Commission was established in 1996. The Commission recommends to the City Council the adoption of policies, implementation strategies, and funding related to recycling, electricity conservation, water conservation, resource conservation, renewable energy, and education of citizens around energy efficiency issues. Yet even more than its advisory role, and unlike many of the other City Commissions, the Conservation Commission conducts independent and collaborative projects and educational outreach based the expertise brought by the Commissioners. Some examples of activities carried out by the Conservation Commission in recent years include: • Storm Drain Marking 0 Catchment Education • Car Wash Kits 0 Monthly Sneak Preview Column • Plastic Bag Ordinance 0 Compost Classes at Recycling Center • Bottle and Can Recycling Baskets 0 Low Impact Living Classes at North Downtown Mountain Park • Downtown Cigarette Butt Collection 0 Graywater Conference Pilot 0 Green Business Committee • Climate and Energy Action Planning 0 Fourth of July Parade Subcommittee 0 Leaf Bags • Sustainability Planning (ICLEI) 0 Garden Club Subcommittee 0 Sustainability Awards • Recycle Center Ad-hoc Committee 0 Earth Bowl Participation 0 Earth Day Event • Master Water Plan Participation 0 Anti-idling Campaign at Schools 1 RECOMMENDATION — In light of the potential new Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP) Commission, the Conservation Commission recommends that the CEAP Commission and Conservation Commission remain separate entities. The Conservation Commission will continue to serve the City with research, advocacy, and outreach on issues pertaining to conservation. Reasoning—The Conservation Commission offers expertise and specific focus on issues of sustainability and conservation, far beyond the specific targets and actions identified within the CEAP. Conservation Commission outreach on waste reduction, water conservation, and education on sustainability are likely outside the scope of a CEAP Commission. The CEAP, by design, affects all departments, Commissions, local businesses, and residents in Ashland. The CEAP Commission will represent a diverse and wide-reaching subset of Ashland's residents and businesses, including schools, young people, retirees, local businesses, communities of color, and others. All the City's Commissions, including Parks, Planning, Airport, Forest Lands, Housing and Human Services, and others, as well as City Staff and Departments, will be affected by the CEAP. The Conservation Commission is just one of many Commissions expected to receive additional direction and guidance by the CEAP Commission, in order to ensure that activities and research align with the needs and mandates of the CEAP. Conservation Commission will become even more vital—As the new CEAP Commission and the City identify options for meeting our aggressive emissions targets and for adapting to climate change, the Conservation Commission will become even more vital as a body of experts able and willing to do research and make recommendations on the most effective and/or feasible approaches. The Conservation Commission will also continue to provide an outreach and advocacy body that participates in community events, offers classes, and builds buy-in. The activities listed above are vital for continued progress on sustainability and conservation in Ashland. And yet, these activities are unlikely to be carried out by the CEAP Commission, both because of more diverse membership and expertise, as well as a different mandate. The Conservation Commission anticipates and welcomes direction and prioritization from the CEAP Commission and City Council on specific research needs and topics. Conservation Commissioners represent a depth of expertise on issues pertaining to water, natural systems,, energy, waste management, and other topics that are unlikely to be matched by the CEAP Commission's more diverse membership. Appendix 1. Examples of Powers and Duties of Ashland Commissions and their Relevance to CEAP (Note: This is not a comprehensive list) CEAP Commission Powers and Duties(from proposed ordinance) • Monitor and advise on the Implementation of the CEAP for the Community and City Operations • Recommend modifications to benchmarks,targets or implementing actions contained in the CEAP as needed to incorporate the best available science and practices to achieve CEAP related goals and targets • Monitor progress toward achieving the reductions of GHG emissions prescribed by this ordinance • Work to ensure that the CEAP considers public input and long-term social,economic and environmental impacts • Recommend changes in city ordinances, rules and processes that facilitate and/or incentivize residents and businesses to reduce their GHG emissions • Work to ensure the plans are socially equitable for all community members including low-income,young people, persons of color,elderly and those living with disabilities • Work to ensure the CEAP protects Ashland's quality of life by identifying, benefiting, and preserving long- term natural resources,services,amenities, institutions, industries,and community characteristics valued by Ashland residents Airport Commission Powers and Duties • To advise the Mayor and City Council on all matters relating to the management,operation,and further development of the Ashland Airport • To investigate Federal,State,County and private funding for airport improvements • To review and recommend project applications for funding to the City Council CEAP Actions Relevant to Airport Commission • BE-1-3. Facilitate and encourage solar energy production. • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) Forest Lands Powers and Duties • To develop forest management plans for the City of Ashland's municipal forests • To provide direction and oversight to planning teams concerning wildland urban interface (wildfire lands) and Ashland Creek Watershed • To develop community volunteer programs to assist in implementation of the Ashland Forest Plan and other project plans • To submit recommendations to the City Council regarding forest management practices • To ensure that plans integrate diverse opinions of citizens and private land owners • To promote public knowledge and acceptance of the Ashland Forest Plan programs CEAP Actions Relevant to Forest Lands Commission • NS-1.1. Manage forests to retain biodiversity, resilience,and ecosystem function and services in the face of climate change. Use best available science to inform fire management and planning. • NS-1-2. Use green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable pavement, other pervious surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads. • NS-1-3. Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish and riparian species. • NS-1.4. Map and protect areas that provide ecosystem services • Manage Ecosystems and Landscapes to minimize climate related health impacts • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) Housing and Human Services Powers and Duties • To monitor and assess the continuum of housing and human services needs of the community,and utilize this information to advise the City Council regarding policy and funding strategies relating to housing and human services 3 • To consider the feasibility of and advise the City Council on programs that assist in addressing the unmet utility, medical,transportation,and food needs of seniors,children and families in Ashland, and other related human services programs • To review and make recommendations to the City Council on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) related allocations • To monitor projects funded with the Community Development Block Grant(CDBG), City of Ashland Social Service Grants, and the Housing Trust Funds • To investigate federal,state,county and private funding for implementation of housing and human services programs • To foster public knowledge and support of official city housing and human services programs • To enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors by promoting integrated approaches that provide decent housing,a suitable living environment, and expanded opportunities for low-and moderate-income persons • To evaluate, review,and recommend to the Planning Commission and City Council innovative land use strategies targeted at promoting a broad variety of housing types • To monitor housing discrimination complaints and corrective actions within the City,and to report to the City Council measures taken to further equal opportunity to all persons to live in decent housing facilities regardless of race,color, religion,sex, sexual orientation,gender identity, national origin,source of income,or familial status CEAP Actions Relevant to Housing and Human Services Commission • PHSW-1-1. Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning • PHSW-3-1.Work with vulnerable populations to create specific adaptation strategies that address public health • PHSW-4-2. Identify and address populations and essential City services within the 100-year flood zone • BE-1-2. Promote switching to low and non-carbon fuels • BE-2-1. Expand participation in energy efficiency programs&promote climate-friendly building/construction • BE-2-2. Require building energy scores to identify and incentivize cost-effective energy efficiency improvements • BE-2-3. Identify and adopt strategies to reduce energy efficiency barriers in rent/lease properties • BE-2-4. Establish minimum energy efficiency standards for the affordable housing program • BE-5-1. Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool roofs and passive cooling • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) Parks and Recreation Powers and Duties • Adopt by-laws, rules and regulations for the proper conduct of public recreation in the City • Coordinate recreational facilities now within the City,or hereafter to be constructed or created • Conduct any form of recreation or cultural activity that will employ the leisure time of the people of Ashland and vicinity in a constructive and wholesome manner CEAP Actions Relevant to Parks and Recreation Commission • NS-1.1. Manage forests to retain biodiversity, resilience,and ecosystem function and services in the face of climate change. Use best available science to inform fire management and planning. • NS-1-2. Use green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable pavement,other pervious surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads. • NS-1-3. Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish and riparian species. • NS-1.4. Map and protect areas that provide ecosystem services • BE-1-3. Facilitate and encourage solar energy production. • BE-5-1. Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool roofs and passive cooling. • CM-1-1. Implement an education campaign for waste and consumption reduction strategies • CM-2-2. Expand community gardening and urban agriculture. • PHSW-1-1. Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning. 4 • Manage Ecosystems and Landscapes to minimize climate related health impacts • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) Planning Commission Powers and Duties • Responsible for the city's comprehensive plan and development standards that implement that plan CEAP Actions Relevant to Planning Commission • BE-1-2. Promote switching to low and non-carbon fuels. • BE-2-1. Expand participation in energy efficiency programs&promote climate-friendly building/construction • BE-5-1. Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool roofs and passive cooling. • BE-2-3. Identify and adopt strategies to reduce energy efficiency barriers in rent/lease properties • ULT-1-1.Coordinate with neighboring local governments to promote use of transit,carpooling,and car- sharing • ULT-1-3. Establish policies to support development near transit hubs without displacing disadvantaged populations • ULT-2-2. Explore opportunities to convert to shared streets where appropriate to provide multimodal connectivity • ULT-4-1. Regulate new development in the Wildfire Lands Overlay part of the urban growth boundary • ULT-4-2. Revise community development plans to favor walkable neighborhoods and infill density • CM-2-2. Expand community gardening and urban agriculture • NS-1-2. Use green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable pavement,other pervious surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads • NS-2-2. Explore water-efficient technologies on irrigation systems and consider requiring them during permitting. • PHSW-1-1. Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning • PHSW-3-2. Identify and minimize potential urban heat impacts • PHSW-4-2. Identify and address populations and essential City services within the 100-year flood zone. • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) Conservation Commission Powers and Duties • Recycling,source reduction and solid waste/landfill issues • Recycling,source reduction and solid waste/landfill issues • Electric conservation issues • Air Quality Issues • Water conservation issues • Resource conservation issues • New power resource decisions, but not decisions involving wholesale power contracts • Renewable Resource decisions • Education of citizens about resource efficiency issues CEAP Actions Relevant to Conservation Commission • BE-1-2. Promote switching to low and non-carbon fuels. • BE-2-1. Expand participation in energy efficiency programs&promote climate-friendly building/construction • BE-2-3. Identify and adopt strategies to reduce energy efficiency barriers in rent/lease properties • CM-2-2. Expand community gardening and urban agriculture • CM-3-1. Improve recycling programs, implement new education and outreach,and expand public space recycling • CM-4-1.Support edible food donation • CM-4-2. Provide a best practices guide to help households and businesses reduce food waste and consumption • CM-4-3. Evaluate opportunities for recycling of commercial food waste 5 • NS-1-2. Use green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable pavement,other pervious surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads • NS-1-3. Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish and riparian species • NS-2-1. Evaluate incentives for practices that reduce use of potable water for nonpotable purposes and recharge ground water • NS-2-3. Expand water conservation outreach and incentive programs for residents and businesses • PHSW-1-1. Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning • PHSW-2-1. Engage leading employers in a dialogue on climate action • PHSW-3-2. Identify and minimize potential urban heat impacts • CC-1-1. Create a formal public outreach and education plan to inform the community about climate actions • CC-1-3.Assess the feasibility of a City-sponsored carbon offset program • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) Transportation Commission Powers and Duties • Proactively plan for a transportation system that is integrated into the community and enhances Ashland's livability,character and natural environment • Focus must be on people being able to move easily through the city in all modes of travel • Modal equity then is more than just a phase. It is a planning concept that does not necessarily imply equal financial commitment or equal percentage use of each mode, but rather ensures that we will have the opportunity to conveniently and safely use the transportation mode of our choice, and allow us to move toward a less auto-dependent community. CEAP Actions Relevant to Transportation Commission • BE-1-2. Promote switching to low and non-carbon fuels. • ULT-1-1.Coordinate with neighboring local governments to promote use of transit, carpooling, and car- sharing • ULT-1-2.Work with RVTD to implement climate-friendly transit. • ULT-1-3. Establish policies to support development near transit hubs without displacing disadvantaged populations • ULT-1-4. Evaluate feasibility of expanded local transit options • ULT-2-1. Implement bicycle-and pedestrian-friendly actions in the Transportation System Plan and Downtown Parking Management Plan • ULT-2-2. Explore opportunities to convert to shared streets where appropriate to provide multimodal connectivity • ULT-3-1. Implement a local fuel-related tax. • ULT-3-3. Develop and provide information about electric and hybrid vehicles on the City website • ULT-5-1. Provide carpool and vanpool parking,charging stations, and parking for EVs for City employees • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) 6