MINUTES

APRIL 18, 2005 MEETING OF THE

CITY OF SANTA MONICA

TASK FORCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

 

The meeting was convened at 7:00 p.m.  Task Force members in attendance: Bill Selby, Erik Neandross, David Hertz, Sandy Grant, Susan Mearns, and Mark Gold.  Santa Monica City staff in attendance: Craig Perkins.  Others:  Council Member Kevin McKeown, Mayor Pam O’Connor, MWD Board Member Judy Abdo, Mike Feinstein, Marty Rubin, Jerry Rubin, Laurel Roennau, Adam Holt, Georja Umano Jones, Susan du Rende, Mary Hubbell, Elaine Gervasi, and Gary Cadish.

 

Public Input on Agenda Items

Laurel Roennau and Marty Rubin commented on agenda items.

 

Minutes

The minutes from the meeting of February 28, 2005 were unanimously approved.

 

Follow-up Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Proposed Off-Leash Dog Area on Santa Monica Beach

 

Several members of the group Unleash the Beach and members of the public spoke in favor of the dog beach proposal including Georja Umano Jones, Mary Hubbell, Susan du Rende, Jerry Rubin, Elaine Gervasi, and Gary Cadish.  Following lengthy discussion the Task Force adopted the following motion by a vote of 5 – 1:

 

“The Task Force on the Environment recommends that if the City Council approves the establishment of a pilot off-leash dog beach, the following minimum conditions must be met:

 

1)      The off leash dog beach area must contain an adequate number of enclosed waste receptacles and bags, and a proper collection and disposal program for dog waste must be maintained;

2)      Near shore surface water quality monitoring must be conducted up and down gradient from the dog beach area;

3)      Monitoring must be performed by qualified professionals;

4)      Testing of water samples should include tests for total coliform, fecal coliform and enterococcus;

5)      Water quality monitoring must be conducted on a daily basis;

6)      Operation of the dog beach must not cause beach water quality standards to be exceeded;

7)      Operation of the dog beach must not significantly impact any other animal life; and

1)      The pilot program should be structured in such a way as to minimize net fiscal impacts to the city.”

 

Presentation, Discussion and Recommendation Regarding the Proposed Exposition Corridor Light Rail Project

 

Mayor Pam O’Connor gave the presentation.  She discussed the background of the proposed project, its projected ridership and its significance for Santa Monica and regional transit opportunities.  She also discussed the project approval and funding process and noted that City Council has been supportive of this project for many years.  Following questions and discussion, the Task Force expressed its unqualified support for the project and its future advocacy.

 

Update on Community Energy Independence Initiative

Discussion on this item was deferred until the May 16, 2005 meeting

 

Presentation on the Precautionary Principle Discussion Paper

Discussion on this item was deferred until the May 16, 2005 meeting

 

Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Sustainability Criteria to Consider in the Selection of a New Planning Director

 

Following discussion on this item the Task Force recommended that the following criteria be forwarded to the City Manager for consideration during the selection of the new Director of the city’s Planning and Community Development Department.

The candidate should have:

1. Knowledge of, and experience in, sustainability and environmental planning
2. Experience working with community groups
3. Background and awareness of green building design and construction
4. Background and experience with multi-modal and sustainable transportation policies aimed at reducing dependence on automobile transportation

In addition the Task Force recommended that the selection panel should include individuals who have knowledge and expertise in sustainability issues.

 

 

Update on SCAQMD Air Quality Study at the Van Nuys and Santa Monica Airports

Susan Mearns provided an update on current progress with development of the study and Erik Neandross shared the latest information on analysis of ultra-fine particulates.  Task Force members discussed potential air sampling locations at Santa Monica Airport.  Susan noted that the next planning meeting for the study is scheduled for May 4, 2005.

 

Update on the Sustainable City Task Force

Sandy Grant provided the update.  She noted that SCTF members are meeting with community representatives, including the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees and the SMMUSD PTA, to obtain endorsements for the Sustainable City Plan and to encourage them to adopt sustainable practices.  She also provided a brief update on the Santa Monica Green Business Certification Program, which is a collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sustainable Works and the City to certify business that have incorporated environmentally friendly practices into their operations.

 

Metropolitan Water District Update

MWD Board member Judy Abdo provided the update.  She noted that MWD has hired a new CEO – Dennis Underwood, and she gave an update on current issues at MWD.

 

Public Input on Non-Agendized Matters

Several members of the public provided input:

Marty Rubin discussed environmental issues related to Santa Monica Airport; Jerry Rubin spoke regarding smoking in outdoor dining areas; and Laurel Roennau discussed the update process for the Land Use Element and Zoning Code.