CITY OF SANTA MONICA

TASK FORCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

The meeting was convened at 7:15 p.m. Task Force members in attendance: Bill Selby, Tim Carmichael, Bobby Rees, Sandy Grant, and Mark Gold. Santa Monica City staff in attendance: Craig Perkins, Brian Johnson, and Dean Kubani. Others: Mayor Mike Feinstein, Planning Commissioner Arlene Hopkins, Recreation and Parks Commissioner Jennifer Wolch, MWD Board Member Judy Abdo, Dr. Howard Pollick, Dr. Ian Trowbridge, Bernie Weintraub, Dr. Marsha Epstein, Dr. David Nelson, Dave Heumann, Jeff Album, Jane Jeffries, Dr. Stephen Tarzynski, Dr. Robert Ettenger, Alyssa Tennenbaum, Mark Tennenbaum, Dr. Tim Collins, Louise Jaffe, Genevieve Allen, Joyce Martino, Anita Phillips, Ferris Kawar, Tom Rogers, Ruth Bryzer, Clifford Stern, Peter Benjamin, Barbara Filet, Marty Rubin, Gene Burke, Laurel Roennau, and three other members of the public.

Minutes

The minutes from the meeting of September 23, 2002 were unanimously approved.

Presentation by Proponents of Water Fluoridation

Dr. Howard Pollick, professor with the School of Dentistry at UCSF, initiated the presentation on behalf of the proponents of water fluoridation. Dr. Pollick indicated that there is a need to fluoridate public water supplies to treat an epidemic of dental caries. He discussed the history of fluoridation of drinking water; studies regarding the environmental impacts of fluoridation; sources of fluoride used in water systems; and addressed specific arguments against fluoridation. He concluded that scientific evidence supports the fluoridation of water supplies as safe for the environment and beneficial for people. Dr. Ian Trowbridge, director of the Cancer Biology Laboratory at the Salk Institute, indicated that fluoridation of water decreases tooth decay and presents no harm to humans from exposure to levels introduced to drinking water systems. He also addressed specific arguments against fluoridation. Bernie Weintraub, and environmental health specialist with the Southern California Public Health Association discussed the public acceptance of other public health measures such as the chlorination of water, pasteurization of milk, and immunization of children and related it to fluoridation of water. Dr. Marsha Epstein of the LA County Department of Health Services discussed the need for fluoridation to address high levels of tooth decay among California children. Dr. David Nelson of the California Department of Health Services discussed levels of fluoridation in drinking water and levels of potentially associated contaminants such as arsenic and lead. He indicated that these contaminants are found to be significantly below allowable levels in fluoridated drinking water. Dave Heumann, an engineer with the LADWP discussed the certification standards for fluoride chemicals introduced into drinking water systems. Jeff Album from Delta Dental indicated that fluoridation of water supplies reduces the costs to businesses for dental insurance. Jane Jeffries, a nurse with SMMUSD noted that dental caries are the number one chronic disease among SMMUSD students and indicated that the SMMUSD school board supports water fluoridation. Dr. Stephen Tarzynski, chief of pediatrics with West LA Kaiser Permanente, indicated that fluoridation of water provides many benefits and no risks and sees no reason for City Council to revisit its decision regarding fluoridation.

Following the presentations, Task Force members asked questions of the presenters regarding how optimal levels of water fluoridation are determined, why hydrofluosilicic acid is the chemical of choice for drinking water fluoridation, what are the potential impacts to aquatic life from free fluorine, the potential for accidents where too much fluoride is introduced into water systems, and about the availability of studies regarding the safety of ingesting hydrofluosilicic acid. Mark Gold noted that City Council members had not yet responded to the Task Force request from the September 23 meeting that Council formally ask the Task Force to study this issue and that Council direct staff to postpone execution of the design phase of the contract for the fluoridation system for three months to allow the Task Force to complete its study. Craig Perkins indicated that a design consultant for the system has not yet been selected but the selection process is proceeding. No additional action was taken by the Task Force on this item.

Sustainable City Program Update

Dean Kubani presented the full draft of the Sustainable City Plan, which was amended to incorporate public input, and input from the Sustainable City Working Group, City staff and Task Force members following completion of the public input process in September. Following review and approval of the draft by the Task Force the draft will be forwarded to City Council for final adoption. Task Force members provided input on approximately half of the document and recommended continuing the discussion at the November 18 Task Force meeting due to time constraints.

Update on Sustainable Works Business Greening Program

This item was postponed until the November 18 meeting due to time constraints.

Sustainable Schools Program Update

This item was postponed until the November 18 meeting due to time constraints.

Metropolitan Water District Update

MWD Board Member Judy Abdo provided a brief update. She indicated that the MWD board recently voted not to proceed with the Cadiz water-banking proposal. She said she would provide additional information at future meetings.

Public Input

There was no public input.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:20pm