October 16th

MINUTES

JUNE 18, 2007 MEETING OF THE

CITY OF SANTA MONICA

TASK FORCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

The meeting was convened at 7:30pm.

Task Force members in attendance: Matt Petersen, David Hertz, Mark Gold, and Susan Mearns. Santa Monica city staff in attendance: Dean Kubani, Brenden McEneaney and Shannon Parry. Others in attendance: Council Member Kevin McKeown and MWD Representative Judy Abdo.

Public Input on Agenda Items

There was no public input on agenda items

Approval of Minutes from the May 21, 2007 meeting

The minutes for the May 21, 2007 meeting were unanimously approved.

Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Implementation of Measure V

Shannon Parry provided an update on the implementation of Measure V from Craig Perkins. The task force agreed that it was important for Santa Monica to have well prepared strategy to move forward with Measure V implementation in a strategic and timely manner. Mark Gold agreed to meet with city staff, including Dean Kubani, Craig Perkins and representatives from engineering to discuss. Further discussion of this topic was postponed until a future meeting.

Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Water Rates, Waste Water, and Refuse Service

Shannon Parry provided an update on water rates, waste water and refuse service from Craig Perkins. Craig Perkins will provide a more thorough update at a future meeting. The task force requested that the future update include the impacts of groundwater clean-up on the water and waste water rate increases, as well as a summary of the impacts of shifting water supply from MWD to local sources.

Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Santa Monica Solid Waste

Shannon Parry introduced the item. She reported that the Environmental Programs Division has hired an as-needed employee to work on the implementation of the non recyclable food packaging ordinance. The new employee, Josephine Miller, will be developing resources for city staff and local business to support compliance with the ban. This will include fact sheets and informational materials as well as vendor lists. The task force requested that staff from the Environmental Programs Division and Josephine Miller attend a future meeting to report on their progress.

Mark Gold and Matt Petersen informed the task force about a news article that they were both contacted about. The reporter is concerned that Santa Monica, one of the leading sustainable cities in the country, does not have a covered solid waste diversion facility. The task force recommended that this issue be addressed.

Update on Sustainable City Task Force

Shannon Parry provided the update. The Sustainable City Task Force has hired the Community Sustainability Liaison and is working with city staff to release the RFP for a Strategy for a Sustainable Local Economy. The Community Sustainability Liaison, Traci Reitz, is working to engage community stakeholders in achieving the goals established in the Sustainable City Plan.

The task force requested staff to invite Traci Reitz to a future meeting to introduce herself and the project scope. The task force stated the importance of developing a community wide approach to green tourism and to strategies that reduce the negative impacts of tourism on the local community while recognizing the importance of tourism as a local and regional economic driver.

The task force identified a carbon offset program, strategic messaging and possible parking and/or congestion mitigation fees as options to address the environmental impacts associated with beach tourism in Santa Monica. After discussion of the impacts and associated benefits and challenges of these possible options, the task force asked staff to look into the possibility of imposing a congestion mitigation fee, a parking rate increase or other price based strategies to increase sustainable practices. Staff agreed.

The task force also requested that jobs/housing balance be included in the RFP for a Strategy for a Sustainable Local Economy. Staff agreed to look at including it in the RFP or in the initial discussions with the consultant as appropriate.

Update on Sustainability Advisory Team

Shannon Parry provided the update. The Sustainability Advisory Team is meeting quarterly to focus on implementing sustainable practices within the city government. They are currently focusing on enhancing the quality and consistency of reporting for the annual update of the Sustainable City Progress Report and Report Card. They will be reviewing the draft Sustainable City Progress Report and Report Card content at their August 13, 2007 meeting.

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

Susan Mearns provided the update. Craig Perkins provided an update on the Santa Monica Airport Sustainability Plan. The task force asked to agendize an update on the Santa Monica Airport Sustainability Plan at a future meeting.

Metropolitan Water District Update

Judy Abdo provided the update which included information on the shutdown of the Bay Delta. She also provided an update on the discussions around the design and construction of the peripheral canal.

Setting of Agenda for July 16, 2007 Meeting

· Update from the Community Sustainability Liaison

· Discussion and Recommendations Regarding the Village at Civic Center

· Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Implementation of Measure V

· Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Plastic Bags

· Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Airport Sustainability Plan

The task force identified the following items for future agenda items: Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Alternative Fuels, Discussion and Recommendations Regarding Use of LED Lighting for Use in Public Illumination, Discussion and Recommendations Regarding AB 1338, an Update on Santa Monica Green Streets, and an Update on the SMMUSD Facilities Master Plan.

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

There was no public input on non-agendized matters within the task force’s jurisdiction.

Comments and Announcements

Brenden McEneaney announced the Solar Santa Monica Seminar Series to be held at the Santa Monica Main Library on Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm- 8:30pm.
Mark Gold announced a proposed constitutional amendment to exempt flood control and storm water from AB218 requirements. He would like to get City and SCAG support.
Council Member Pam O’Connor became the new Chair of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board of Directors on July 1, 2007. She will place a special focus on Metro’s environmental sustainability.
SMMUSD has released the preliminary draft of the Facilities Master Plan. It can be reviewed online at www.ourschoolplan.com.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45pm.