CITY OF SANTA MONICA

TASK FORCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

The meeting was convened at 7:10 p.m. Task Force members in attendance: Susan Mearns, Sandy Grant, Matt Petersen, Bill Selby, and Mark Gold. Santa Monica City staff in attendance: Craig Perkins, Brian Johnson, Karen Ginsberg, Greg Reitz, and Dean Kubani. Others: Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McKeown, Council member Mike Feinstein, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jennifer Wolch, MWD Board member Judy Abdo, Peter Wallerstein, John Zinner, Adam Holtz, Alex Man, Laurel Roennau, Louisa Fish, Marty Rubin, Stacy Brown, Gene Burke, and two other members of the public.

Presentation By Peter Wallerstein of the Whale Rescue Team

Peter Wallerstein of the Whale Rescue Team expressed his concern to the Task Force that practices used by Santa Monica animal control officers in the rescue of marine mammals and birds lead to suffering of the animals and injuries to the officers. He urged the City to designate the Whale Rescue Team as the primary responder for marine animal rescues on Santa Monica beaches. Following questions and discussion, the Task Force unanimously approved the following motion:

“The Task Force on the Environment recommends that the City of Santa Monica work closely with the Whale Rescue Team (WRT) for the rescue of marine mammals and birds in Santa Monica because of their extensive experience and expertise in the field. We recommend that WRT be designated as the primary responder to all requests for marine animal and bird rescues on Santa Monica beaches. And we recommend that appropriate City of Santa Monica staff obtain training from WRT on the proper techniques and procedures for marine animal and bird rescue.”

Minutes

The minutes from the May 19, 2003 meeting were unanimously approved.

Recommendation to Council Regarding Airport Park

The Task Force unanimously approved a letter (see attached) drafted by Task Force member Susan Mearns expressing concerns regarding the proposed construction of Airport Park adjacent to the Santa Monica Airport. The Task Force requested that the letter be forwarded to the City Manager and all Council members.

Decision on a Recommendation to City Council Regarding Transportation Impact Assessment Fee

The Task Force unanimously adopted the following motion regarding the establishment of a transportation impact assessment fee in Santa Monica:

“The Task Force on the Environment supports efforts to establish a Transportation Impact Assessment Fee (similar to that established in the Los Angeles Coastal Transportation Corridor) for all new commercial and industrial developments in the City of Santa Monica. These funds shall be used to improve transportation choices that represent major elements of our Sustainable City Program in Santa Monica.”

Follow-up Discussion and Recommendations Regarding City Budget

Task Force members discussed the draft Environmental Programs Division and Environmental and Public Works Management Department budgets and unanimously adopted the following motion:

“The Task Force on the Environment commends City Council for its leadership in making the Sustainable City Plan a primary focus of the City budget, particularly during these difficult budgetary times.”

Review of Applications for Task Force Vacancies

Following review and discussion of the four applications for the two vacant Task Force positions, the Task Force unanimously recommended that David Hertz and Erik Neandross be appointed by Council to fill the positions.

Sustainable City Plan Update

Dean Kubani provided an update on the process to establish a Sustainable City Advisory Committee. City Council is scheduled to make a decision on the establishment of the committee at their July 22 meeting (Note: this item was subsequently moved to the August 26 Council meeting). A discussion will be agendized for the July 21 Task Force meeting to select a Task Force representative to participate on the committee.

Continued Discussion on Proposed Polystyrene Ban

Task Force members discussed how best to proceed with the proposed ban on polystyrene food packaging and discussed the need for a ban to address not just polystyrene but all single use plastics. Brian Johnson noted that it would be prudent for the Task Force to carefully evaluate all of the potential costs, impacts, and benefits of any proposed ban prior to making a decision. Matt Petersen and Mark Gold agreed to discuss this more following the Task Force meeting and to investigate possible actions on this at the state level and evaluate options for conducting a cost/benefit analysis of a plastics ban.

Follow-up Discussion on Leaf Blower Ordinance Enforcement

Dean Kubani presented information on Leaf Blower Ordinance enforcement actions by the Santa Monica Police Department in 2002 –2003.

Subcommittee Updates

Susan Mearns provided an update on the Airport Ad Hoc Committee and noted that the committee was scheduled to meet on June 17 with officials from the South Coast Air Quality Management District to discuss options for evaluating and addressing air quality impacts due to general aviation airports such as Santa Monica Airport.

Brian Johnson provided an update on the fluoridation process for the City’s water supply and noted that City’s consultants on this project, Black and Veatch, are in the process of reviewing questions submitted to them by Mark Gold and Susan Mearns. Black and Veatch will respond directly to Mark and Susan and will notify them both prior to any additional meeting with the City regarding the design of the fluoridation system. Task Force members expressed frustration that the City Council has not responded to their letter requesting Council action on fluoridation and urged Mayor Pro Tem McKeown and Council member Feinstein raise the issues addressed in the letter with Council.

Metropolitan Water District Update

MWD board member Judy Abdo provided updates on MWD’s recent water purchase from farmers in northern California and latest developments in the quantification settlement agreement (QSA) for the proposed transfer of Colorado River water between Imperial Irrigation District and San Diego. Mark Gold expressed concern that MWD is not adequately funding groundwater recharge programs and Judy asked Mark to meet with her to discuss ways that MWD could address it. Judy also announced that the City of Santa Monica was recently awarded a grant from MWD to construct water efficient demonstration gardens on Pearl Street adjacent to Santa Monica College.

Public Input

Louisa Fish noted that the school district is using styrofoam for food service and recommended that local environmental groups work with them to identify alternatives. She also recommended that flier be included in Santa Monica utility bills encouraging residents to recycle plastic water bottles.

Gene Burke of Santa Monicans for Safe Drinking Water expressed frustration that City Council has not yet responded to the task Force letters regarding fluoridation and recommended that the task Force send another letter asking Council to notify the community that their decision on fluoridation was made without consulting the Task Force or City staff.

Marty Rubin expressed his concern about air quality at Santa Monica parks and suggested the City should study the issue.

Laurel Roennau expressed frustration that the City hasn’t updated its traffic counts in a number of years.

Mark Gold announced that the grand opening of the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium will happen on June 21 in conjunction with Bay Days on the pier.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:55pm