HomeMy WebLinkAbout12. Green Task Force Final Report
AGENDA MEMO
DATE: July 27, 2010
TO:
Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM
: Councilmember Mario A. Guerra - Chair of the Green Task Force
Mayor Pro Tem Luis H. Marquez - Vice-Chair of the Green Task Force
SUBJECT
: Green Task Force Final Report
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receive the Green Task Force Report, consider and act upon its
recommendations, and recognize the members of the Green Task Force for their
service.
BACKGROUND:
At the March 10, 2009 City Council meeting, the City Council at the request of Mayor
Mario Guerra directed the formation of a volunteer Green Task Force that would
collaborate for one year, commencing on Earth Day, April 22, 2009, and culminating with
th
the 40 anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2010. The Council appointed the Task
Force members on April 28, 2009. The group, chaired by Councilmember Mario Guerra
and Mayor Pro Tem Luis Marquez and comprised of community representatives, local
utility representatives and industry representatives, began meeting the first Tuesday of
every month in May 2009. The Green Task Force was charged with performing a high-
level review of city policies, procedures, and practices as they relate to the Sustainable
Cities principles. They first developed a mission statement and goals for the term of the
Task Force.
DISCUSSION
:
Throughout the 2009-2010 year, Green Task Force members met regularly to discuss
community issues and initiatives related to the seven key impact areas of the United
Nations Urban Environmental Accords. In addition to regular meetings the Green Task
Force formed two sub committees, the Education Subcommittee, chaired by Lars
Clutterham, and the Sustainability Subcommittee, chaired by Robert Ciatti. They met
regularly and were charged with making recommendations and direction to be brought
back to the entire Task Force.
The key areas considered by the Task Force and its subcommittees are: energy,waste
reduction, urban design, urban nature, transportation, environmental health, and water.
As a group, Task Force members discussed the impact of pending legislation, public
utility conservation programs, and nonprofit and community organization initiatives.
CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
Green Task Force Report
July 27, 2010
Page 2 of 4
While the fundamental goal of the Task Force was to formulate recommendations that
would ensure the City of Downey’s sustainable operations into the future, the Task
Force members also undertook projects that would make an immediate difference.
As part of their quarterly reports to the City Council, the Green Task Force also made
recommendations for immediate implementation, including:
Development of a Downey Green Page on the City’s website
Authorization and sponsorship of, and participation in, a conservation
gardening workshop
Institution of a “Day without A Bag” (third Thursday of December)
Implementation of a pilot education program in the Downey Unified School
District
Participation in a high efficiency toilet retrofit program for multifamily buildings
Reduction of solar installation permit fees to incentivize installation
Installation of recycling trash containers in City Hall
The City Council approved these recommendations throughout the last year and these
events and plans have been highly successful.
Ultimately, the Task Force condensed their action list into thirteen broad
recommendations for implementation in both the short and long term. These
recommendations are summarized below in priority order and are classified according
to the focus areas set forth by the United Nations Urban Environmental Accords.
Short-Term Goals
1) That the City Council re-commission a permanent Green Task Force, to be
comprised of two volunteer members appointed by each member of the City
Council, in cooperation with the City Manager’s Office. While continuing to
implement the Task Force’s mission and goals, members would also be
responsible for maintaining the portion of the City’s website pertaining to “Green”
information, including information on current promotions, programs, rebates, and
other topics of interest.
2) Designate Earth Day,A Day Without A Bag,Downey Street Faire,Downey Kids’
Dayand similar occasions as opportunities to celebrate sustainable living and
educate the community about environmental issues. Activities at these City
events include: dissemination of sustainability literature and other engaging
Green Task Force Report
July 27, 2010
Page 3 of 4
activities such as the creation and hosting of City-wide competitions for reusable
bag design, student recycling competitions, and student production of Public
Service Announcements.
3) Publicize, reinforce, and enhance water conservation and energy efficiency
programs including municipal programs (irrigation with reclaimed water,
standards for rainwater capture and reuse, and grey water standards and reuse
policies) and residential distribution programs (including high efficiency toilet and
low-flow showerhead distributions and agency partners that provide lighting
retrofit rebates).
4) Install recycling bins in public parks and municipal public areas.
5) Promote business sustainability through the creation and distribution of
sustainable business practices kits to Downey business license applicants;
develop a program to incentivize, recognize, and promote business recycling; the
distribution of conservation tips in City mailers; and institute a “green” recognition
program for businesses and organizations to recognize exemplary sustainable
practices.
6) Enhance sustainable building opportunities through code updates and review
municipal fees associated with sustainable construction and retrofit programs to
identify possible incentives to increase implementation of sustainable practices.
Develop a recognition program similar to the Keep Downey Beautiful Annual
Beautification Awards.
7) Establish a City-wide policy to refrain from using expanded polystyrene
(“Styrofoam”) at City functions or in the conduct of City business.
8) Publicize and expand “Green Streets” program, including practices such as water
runoff reduction, streetscape improvements, tree planting and aesthetic
enhancements.
9) Provide links to sustainable and green-oriented organizations from the City’s
website and consider joining “Green City” organizations such as ICLEI, Smart
Cities or Green Cities California.
Long-Term Goals:
1) Establish an ongoing strategy for implementing drought-tolerant landscaping
practices on both private and City property.
2) Establish a City policy for replacement of City vehicles with electric, hybrid, CNG
or other low-emission vehicles and development of appropriate charging stations
throughout the community.
Green Task Force Report
July 27, 2010
Page 4 of 4
3) Establish a long-term plan to promote low-emission mass transit in conjunction
with the City’s specific Plan for Downtown development and expand throughout
the City as the program evolves.
4) Establish a City policy for retrofitting municipal and industrial buildings with
photovoltaic panels.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The costs or savings of implementing the recommendations of the Green Task Force
are unknown but there will likely be potential savings as a result in energy saving
investments. The institution of a permanent Green Task Force with regular meetings will
require existing personnel in their current positions to expend additional staff time to
assist the Task Force. Should the Green Task Force be recomissioned the Green Task
Force members will not receive compensation for their time served on the Task Force.
Attachments: Green Task Force Report with appendix