MINUTES
APRIL 16, 2007 MEETING OF THE
CITY OF SANTA
MONICA
TASK FORCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
The
meeting was convened at 8:00pm.
Task
Force members in attendance: Bill Selby,
Robert Lempert, Susan Mearns, Erik Neandross, and Mark Gold. Santa Monica city staff
in attendance: Craig Perkins, Dean Kubani and Shannon
Parry. Others in
attendance: Council Member Kevin
McKeown, Pier Restoration Corporation
Executive Director Ben Franz-Knight, Sustainable City Task Force member
Genevieve Bertone, Louisa Fish and Jerry Rubin.
Public Input on Agenda Items
There
was no public input on agenda items.
Approval of Minutes from the March 19, 2007 meeting
Rob
Lempert corrected the attendance report in the March 19, 2007 minutes to
reflect that he was in attendance. The minutes were approved unanimously with
the suggested correction.
Discussion and
Recommendations Regarding Water Rates, Waste Water, and Refuse
Service
Craig
Perkins introduced the item. He explained the current water and wastewater rate structures, described
the projected revenue shortfalls in the funds, identified the primary cost
factors that are responsible for projected revenue shortfalls, and discussed
rate adjustment options. Craig Perkins highlighted a rate structure for water
and wastewater that significantly increases the financial incentives for conservation.
The elimination of the fixed bi-monthly charge and adoption of a rate structure
where customers are charged for what they use is intended to be an incentive
for conservation.
Craig
Perkins also contextualized the proposed rates in relation to other Los Angeles area cities.
The proposed Santa Monica rates are consistent
with the rates found in other Southern California
cities and are often less than other communities. Craig Perkins also touched on the fee structure for refuse.
The fees for refuse collection will be impacted by the outcome of the current
Solid Waste RFP solicitation processes and will thus be addressed at a later
time.
The
Task Force discussed the timeline for commenting on the proposed rate
structures, as well as the impacts on the fund in the event of drought or
increased infrastructure needs. Additional areas of discussion included the
impacts of fluoridation on the water and wastewater funds and the importance of
appropriate pricing for natural resources.
Discussion and Recommendations
Regarding Implementation of Measure V
This
agenda item was postponed until the May Task Force meeting.
Discussion and Recommendations
Regarding Santa Monica
Pier Projects
Pier
Restoration Corporation Executive Director Ben Franz-Knight introduced the Smiley
Sand Tram. The Smiley Sand Tram is
proposed to run from the southern beach parking lots to the Santa Monica Pier
and north to 415 PCH. The open air
Smiley Sand Tram would be a unique way to visit Santa Monica beaches and access main
attractions. It would also reduce parking congestion and increase the use of
the southern beach parking lots. The Smiley Sand Tram would be pulled by a
tractor and run on the beach sand in proximity to the bike path.
The
Task Force recognized the benefits of activating under utilized parking
resources and connecting the city’s beachfront venues. The Task Force
encouraged the creation of a safe and clearly designated route that takes
advantage of existing infrastructure for passenger loading and unloading. They
also asked that the Smiley Sand Tram route tie into existing public transit
routes that access the larger community and
community resources. The Task Force also
expressed an interest in utilizing the Smiley Sand Tram as a showcase for clean
fuel technologies and encouraged the use of an environmentally preferable fuel
source.
The
Task Force identifies a few areas of concern that the Pier Restoration
Corporation should consider as plans for the Smiley Sand Tram develop. They
identified the ponding at Pico Kenter
as a possible route impediment as well as the occasional use of the area as
bird habitat. They were also concerned about the possible impacts of light
pollution on the beach environment.
Jerry
Rubin commended the Pier Restoration Corporation on this idea and asked that
emphasis be placed on an environmentally responsible fuel source and the
designation of a clear route to protect public safety. Louisa Fish commented on the need for the
Smiley Sand Tram to interact with the Big Blue Bus and as well as other public
transportation services in the city.
Discussion and Recommendations
Regarding Santa Monica
College Environmental
Audit
Genevieve
Bertone introduced the item. She presented the completed 2007 Santa Monica
College Environmental Audit and summarized the key findings and
recommendations. She requested the Task Force endorse the 2007 Santa Monica
College Environmental Audit.
After
discussion, the Task Force unanimously agreed to endorse the 2007 Santa Monica
College Environmental Audit. Genevieve
Bertone agreed to work with Mark Gold to write a letter finalizing the Task
Force’s endorsement.
After
further discussion, the Task Force unanimously approved the following motion:
The
Santa Monica Task Force on the Environment recommends the creation of a
designated staff position at Santa
Monica College
to implement and oversee the recommendations made in the 2007 Santa Monica
College Environmental Audit.
Update on SCAQMD Air Quality Study
at Van Nuys and Santa Monica
Airports
Craig
Perkins gave the update. The city Santa
Monica is meeting with legislative representatives and
community stakeholders to address areas of concern at the airport. Particular attention is being placed on
opportunities to simultaneously measure aircraft movements and perform air
quality sampling.
Metropolitan Water District Update
No
update was given.
Setting of Agenda for May 21, 2007
Meeting
I.
Discussion and
Recommendations Regarding Water Rates, Waste Water, and Refuse Service
II.
Discussion and
Recommendations Regarding Implementation of Measure V
III.
Discussion and
Recommendations Regarding Santa Monica
Solid Waste Transfer Station and Commercial Waste Hauling
IV.
Update from
staff on the LUCE
V.
Update on SCAQMD Air Quality Study at Van Nuys and Santa Monica Airports
VI.
Metropolitan Water District Update
VII.
Setting of Agenda for June 18, 2007 Meeting
Public Input on Non-Agendized
Matters Within the Task Force’s Jurisdiction
There
was no public input.
Comments and Announcements
Genevieve
Bertone announced the Eco Fabulous to be held at Santa Monica College
on April 24th, 2007 and invited the Task Force members to attend.
Adjourn
The
meeting was adjourned at 10:00pm.
