October 16, 2006

MINUTES

October 16, 2006 MEETING OF THE

CITY OF SANTA MONICA

TASK FORCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Task Force members in attendance: Erik Neandross, Bill Selby, David Hertz, Mark Gold, Rob Lempert, and Susan Mearns

Staff in attendance: Craig Perkins, Dean Kubani, and Shannon Parry

Members of the public in attendance: Kristina Deutsch, Chris Reese, Anthony Quo, Cheryl Richardson, Council Member McKeown, MWD representative Judy Abdo, Sustainable City Task Force liaison Jim Ries, and a member of the public

The meeting was convened at 7:15pm.

Public Input on Agenda Items

There was no public input on agenda items.

Approval of Minutes from September 18, 2006 Meeting

Bill Selby moved to approve the August meeting minutes. Eric Neandross seconded and the Minutes were unanimously approved.

Eric Neandross moved to approve the September meeting minutes. Bill Selby seconded and the Minutes were unanimously approved.

Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Recommended Ordinance to Require Clean Fuel Taxis in Santa Monica

Rob Lempert moved to formally approve the following:

Motion 1

The Santa Monica Task Force on the Environment recommends that the Santa Monica City Council direct staff to develop an ordinance which will set air quality performance standards for awarding taxi franchise agreements within the City of Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Task Force on the Environment recommends that the air quality performance standards require taxi franchises be awarded to taxi fleet operators which utilize only vehicles certified to SULEV emission standards. It is recommended that staff develop a scoring and award criteria that provides additional consideration and priority to taxi fleet operators that exceed the SULEV standard, that reduce petroleum usage, and/or can demonstrate reductions of greenhouse gas emissions to the maximum extent possible.

The motion was unanimously approved.

Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Proposed Pier Gangway

This item was postponed until the November 20, 2006 meeting.

Council Member McKeown introduced the concept of a “green sail” certification that would require motor craft to meet defined environmental criteria. The Task Force discussed the “green sail” idea and the possibility of utilizing existing standards for ‘green’ boats. The Task Force was not certain if progressive green initiatives for boats were in place anywhere in the world.

Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Water Quality, Watershed Management Plan and Beaches

Craig Perkins gave the update. He reported that Council had approved Measure V and it will be placed on the November 7, 2006 ballot.

Sustainable City Task Force Work Plan Presentations

Jim Ries gave the update. The Sustainable City Task Force is focusing on the Resource Conservation, Environmental and Public Health and Economic Development goal areas in the Sustainable City Plan. They recently completed a strategic planning workshop and are developing work plans to further sustainable practices in these three goal areas. It is their intention to utilize the expertise on the Task Force on the Environment as a resource. Currently, the Sustainable City Task Force is working on three major efforts. These include the Community Sustainability Liaison, the Sustainable Economic Development Strategy, and the expert forums.

The Task Force on the Environment encouraged the Sustainable City Task Force to move from the assessment phase to the implementation phase of their work.

Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Draft Disposable Food Service Packaging Ordinance

Dean Kubani introduced the item. This issue is scheduled to go to Council in a staff report on November 14, 2006. Staff has met with grocers, plastics associations, and others to clarify the demands of the ordinance and will be working with businesses to address their education and procurement needs.

The ordinance defines recyclable plastics as #1 - #5. The Task Force asked if plastics #3 – #5 are recycled in Santa Monica. Staff responded that plastics #1 - #5 are recycled in Santa Monica. The Task Force expressed concern about where, how and how much of the #3 – #5 plastic is being recycled.

After discussion, the Task Force made the following motion:

Motion 1

The Task Force on the Environment expresses concern about the current non-recyclable plastics ordinance and encourages Council to amend the ordinance to express a commitment to provide recycling services for plastics #1 - #5 and provide incentives for businesses to use compostable materials. In addition, the Task Force requests that, at a minimum, no business receive the Green Business Certification without utilizing compostable materials.

The motion passed unanimously.

The Task Force also discussed the possibility of a resolution that would require city managed entities eliminate plastics and use compostable materials within six months, unless precluded by current contract. Such a resolution could also include a city commitment to phase out plastic packaging within six months.

Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Plastic Grocery Bags

Dean Kubani introduced the item. He reported that AB2449 currently prohibits local governments from taking action on plastic bags.

Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Task Force Priority Objectives Calendar

The Task Force requested that the calendar be oriented by time, and beach front activities and civic center redevelopment be added.

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

Susan Mearns gave the update. The augmentation study is underway and the results should be available starting in June 2007. An update on the Santa Monica Airport Sustainability Plan will be available to the Task Force at the November 20, 2006 meeting.

Metropolitan Water District Update

Judy Abdo gave the update. She reported that Timothy Brick, the longest tenured member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, was elected as chairman of the agency’s board.

Setting of Agenda for November 20, 2006 Meeting

I. Public Input on Agenda Items

II. Approval of Minutes from the October 16, 2006 meeting

III. Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Proposed Pier Gangway (30 min)- Attachment 1

IV. Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Water Quality, Watershed Management Plan, and Beaches (30 min)- Attachment 2

V. Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Citywide Recycling Services (30 min)

VI. Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Santa Monica Airport Sustainability Plan (30 min)- Attachment 3

VII. Update on SCAQMD Air Quality Study at Van Nuys and Santa Monica Airports (20 min)

VIII. Metropolitan Water District Update

IX. Setting of Agenda for December 18, 2006 Meeting

X. Public Input on Non-Agendized Matters Within the Task Force’s Jurisdiction

XI. Comments and Announcements

XII. Adjourn

Public Input on Non-Agendized Items

There was no public input on non-agendized items.

Comments and Announcements

Bill Selby announced a lecture, “Making Santa Monica Bay Beaches Safe for Swimming and Surfing”, to be held at 6:30pm on November 8th at Santa Monica College.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20pm.