CITY OF SANTA MONICA

TASK FORCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

The meeting was convened at 7:15 p.m. Task Force members in attendance: Tim Carmichael, Bill Selby, Susan Mearns, Sandy Grant, and Matt Petersen. Santa Monica City staff in attendance: Craig Perkins, Brian Johnson. Susan Munves, and Dean Kubani. Others: Mayor Mike Feinstein, Councilmember Kevin McKeown, Recreation and Parks Commissioner Heather Trim, MWD Board member Judy Abdo, Bruce Rankin, Catherine Wagar, Louisa Fish, and Laurel Roennau.

Minutes

The minutes from the meeting of May 21, 2001 were unanimously approved.

Discussion on Community Gardens and Food Self Sufficiency

Bruce Rankin, Executive Director of the Westside Food Bank, initiated the discussion. His organization distributes food to social service organizations on the Westside. They are working with other groups to promote community food self-sufficiency. Bruce expressed interest and support for achieving the SCP goal of adding new community gardens in Santa Monica. The Task Force thanked Bruce for his input and recommended that he also provide input to the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission since they are in a position to significantly influence attainment of that goal.

Business Energy Efficiency Pledge

Susan Munves presented information on an Energy Conservation Declaration of Action, which seeks commitments from California businesses to reduce energy usage. She asked for input from the Task Force on whether the City should use this to help promote energy conservation among Santa Monica businesses. The Task Force agreed that the declaration would be a good tool to help identify local businesses that are interested in reducing energy usage. A general strategy discussion followed regarding energy conservation outreach to local businesses. Ideas included sponsoring a breakfast for local CEOs to discuss energy issues and providing promotional incentives (such as recognition on CityTV) for local businesses taking measures to reduce energy use. Tim Carmichael and Matt Petersen volunteered to contact the Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Business Green Team to discuss the declaration and other ways to promote energy efficiency locally.

Polystyrene Ban – Update and Discussion

Dean Kubani initiated the discussion and noted that Environmental Programs staff do not have sufficient time available to organize and coordinate the outreach effort to obtain feedback from the business community regarding the proposed ban. He asked for Task Force input on how they wish to proceed with the outreach effort. Bill Selby noted that he and his students from SMC are available to make presentations to business groups about the proposed ban and available alternative products. Following a discussion of possible options, Bill Selby and Tim Carmichael agreed to arrange a meeting with Dean Kubani and representatives from the Business Green Team and the Chamber to discuss how the Task Force presentation should be structured and targeted. They will report back at a future Task Force meeting. Tim recommended that any Task Force proposal on how to proceed with the ban should include a consumer education component.

Civic Center Working Group Update

Sandy Grant presented an overview of the process to date. The Civic Center Working Group met on a bi-weekly schedule between April 2 and May 21 to develop recommendations to guide the planning process for the development of a new Civic Center Specific Plan. Topics addressed included Recreation and Open Space, Housing, Civic Culture and Childcare, and Infrastructure and Transportation. The Working Group is scheduled to host a Community Planning Day on July 1 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium to obtain additional public input and present visions and opportunities for the site. Tim Carmichael requested that Sandy advocate for photovoltaic applications in whatever is built at the Civic Center at the July 1 meeting.

Task Force Vacancy

Three applications were received for the Task Force seat vacated by Tom Nelson. All three applicants appeared to be well qualified with background in green design and construction. The Task Force recommended that a sub-committee of Task Force members meet to interview the candidates and make a recommendation. (Note – Tim Carmichael, Susan Mearns, Matt Petersen and Dean Kubani interviewed all of the candidates on June 25 and the group voted to recommend Bobby Rees, an architect with Marmol Radziner and Associates, for the vacant position. This recommendation will be forwarded to City Council at their August 14 meeting for final approval). Laurel Roennau recommended that the Task Force should seek someone with expertise in traffic/transportation planning to fill the vacant seat.

Metropolitan Water District Update

MWD Board member Judy Abdo provided the update. The MWD legislative committee met last week to discuss SB 221, a proposal by Sheila Kuehl that would require developers of large projects to demonstrate that they have enough water supply for the project prior to construction. Judy indicated that if this went to a vote now the MWD board would oppose it. Her goal is to get the MWD board to take no position on the bill. MWD representatives from Orange County are strongly opposed to the bill. In other news, the board passed the budget with no significant comment or discussion.

Public Input

Louisa Fish requested information on trash collection and recycling services for the Santa Monica courthouse. She noted that the courts generate a large amount of paper waste and they could do a better job of recycling.

Dean Kubani announced that the Task Force meeting date in September would be moved from the 17^th to the 24^th because of Rosh Hashanah.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 pm.