CITY OF SANTA MONICA

TASK FORCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

The meeting was convened at 7:15 p.m. Task Force members in attendance: Susan Mearns, Sandy Grant, Matt Petersen, Bill Selby, Tim Carmichael, Bobby Rees, and Mark Gold. Santa Monica City staff in attendance: Craig Perkins and Dean Kubani. Others: City Council member Pam O’Connor, Recreation and Parks Commissioner Jennifer Wolch, MWD Board Member Judy Abdo, Marty Rubin, Jerry Rubin, Gene Burke, Stacy Brown, Laurel Roennau, Brian Hutchings, and one other member of the public.

Minutes

The minutes from the meeting of November 18, 2002 were unanimously approved.

Request by Jerry Rubin for a Task Force Endorsement for the Creation of a Santa Monica Youth Advisory Commission

Community member Jerry Rubin asked the Task Force to endorse the creation of a Santa Monica Youth Advisory Commission. He indicated that the Commission would be made up of Santa Monica youth (which he defined as residents not old enough to vote) who would advise the City Council on issues in the city relevant to youth. Task Force members unanimously endorsed the creation of such a commission.

Update on Implementation of the City’s Strategic Energy Plan

Craig Perkins provided the update. City Council adopted a statement of Energy Guiding Principles in 1998 and a Strategic Energy Plan in 1999. These documents provide the framework for the City’s efforts to reduce energy use and increase the use of renewable energy in the city. Accomplishments to date include: Santa Monica became the first city in the US to purchase 100% renewable energy in 1999; between 2000 and 2001 staff reduced energy use by 19% in City Hall and the Police headquarters; photovoltaic systems have been installed at 3 City sites, at the Colorado Court affordable housing complex, and are planned at 3 SMMUSD school sites as well as the new Main library, the bus yards and the Civic Center. Santa Monica has been participating since 2000 in the Regional Energy Efficiency Initiative (REEI) along with the City of Irvine, Southern California Edison and the California Energy Coalition. REEI provides funding for residential and business energy efficiency programs. This program has recently been extended and Santa Monica will receive $700,000 over the next 2 years through the Six Cities Energy Project to continue these efficiency efforts. Over the past two years the City has held several events to encourage energy efficiency including a small business energy efficiency expo, a compact fluorescent bulb sale, and a halogen torchiere trade-in event. The City also funds implementation of the PEAK Program at John Adams and Lincoln Middle Schools in Santa Monica to educate students and their families about energy conservation. Future plans include continuation of the PEAK school program, compact fluorescent bulb distribution, construction of energy efficient affordable housing projects, small business energy efficiency grants, energy efficiency retrofits of mobile homes, and energy efficiency projects in the local schools.

Airport Ad Hoc Committee Update

Tim Carmichael and Susan Mearns provided the update. The committee last met on November 21 and drafted a letter to the South Coast Air Quality Management District requesting assistance in addressing air quality issues related to jet aircraft operations at general aviation airports, including the Santa Monica Airport. A meeting between members of the committee and the SCAQMD to discuss strategies for action is planned for February 2003.

Santa Monica College Center for Environmental and Urban Studies Speakers Series, Spring 2003

Bill Selby indicated that the speakers’ series has been very successful and will continue on Thursday nights. He asked for Task Force members interested in participating again this spring to contact him within the next week with their availability so he can finalize the agenda.

Metropolitan Water District Update

MWD Board member Judy Abdo provided the update. The Imperial Water District Board did not approve the proposed water transfer deal between the water district and San Diego. Unless a deal can be completed by December 31, California will lose a significant amount of surplus water from the Colorado River. MWD reports that they have a 2-year supply of water for the region if they do not receive their full allocation from the Colorado River.

Public Input

Brian Hutchings discussed energy policy at the national level. Laurel Roennau asked if the Task Force would endorse a resolution of the Neighborhood Council asking the Planning Commission to set a timeline for completion of new draft Traffic Analysis Guidelines prior to issuance of contracts for preparation any new EIRs in the city. The Task Force agreed to agendize this for their January 27, 2003 meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm