HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM Sustainability Priorities 2018____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
File No.: 13-1
Council Meeting: 3/19/2018
Disposition: Accepted report
Agenda Item No: 8.c
Meeting Date: March 19, 2018
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: CITY MANAGER
Prepared by: Cory Bytof,
Sustainability & Volunteer Program Coordinator
City Manager Approval: __________
TOPIC: 2018 SUSTAINABILITY PRIORITIES
SUBJECT: INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON PROPOSED 2018 CITY COUNCIL SUSTAINABILITY
PRIORITIES
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the report.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Each year the City Council Sustainability Liaison works with the City Manager’s office and the president
of Sustainable San Rafael to identify key priorities taken from our Climate Change Action Plan to be
implemented during the year. This establishes a work plan for staff so that we can be efficient with City
resources and not get sidetracked by other activities. This is all in service of the City’s greenhouse gas
emission reduction targets: 25-percent reduction by 2020 and 80-percent reduction by 2050 from a
2005 baseline. This report, along with the attached Proposed 2018 San Rafael Sustainability Program
Priorities (Attachment A), outlines the priorities for calendar year 2018.
BACKGROUND:
The San Rafael Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP), adopted by the City Council in 2009 and
subsequently incorporated into the City’s General Plan in 2011, is the guiding document for our
sustainability efforts. It was developed through extensive public input via a seventeen-member ‘Green
Ribbon Committee’, co-chaired by then Planning Commissioner Kate Colin and local business owner
Jennifer Islas. Dozens of individuals, businesses, and organizational representatives took part in the
process, which was developed over a ten-month period. Subsequent to the adoption of the CCAP by the
City Council, the City has hosted quarterly community forums to provide updates on implementation
and solicit community input on our work plans.
A City Council Sustainability Subcommittee was formed in January 2012 by Mayor Phillips and then
Councilmember Damon Connolly with the purpose of reviewing and considering progress and priorities
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
in the implementation of the CCAP. Councilmember Colin replaced Mayor Phillips on the Subcommittee
in 2013. In 2016 the Subcommittee was replaced with a Liaison structure, owing to the fact that the
CCAP implementation has become firmly established as a part of the City’s daily operations.
Councilmember Colin continues to be the City Council Liaison.
The Liaison meets quarterly with primary staff involved with implementing the CCAP as well as the
president of Sustainable San Rafael, with occasional additional meetings as needed to address specific
initiatives of high importance. The Liaison also chairs the quarterly public CCAP implementation forums
comprised of staff and interested members of the community, although other Councilmembers fill in
when she is not available. The Liaison’s role is critical in helping staff prioritize requests from the public
and in shaping projects and programs for City Council action.
ANALYSIS:
The CCAP sets out goals and implementation strategies for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in
accordance with State objectives vis-à-vis AB32, the Global Warming Solutions Act signed by Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006. The target reductions in our CCAP require a 25-percent reduction of
2005 emissions by 2020 and an 80-percent reduction by 2050. The Sustainability Liaison provides
guidance and support to the City’s sustainability programs and activities by helping set agendas for
community meetings and reviewing and setting priorities for work projects.
The proposed 2018 priorities for the sustainability program are shown in Attachment A. Activities are
prioritized as low, medium or high, taking into account past accomplishments and community input, as
well as available staffing and resources. The high priorities identified by the Liaison with input from
community members and staff are listed on the bottom of page two. They continue several GHG
reduction efforts that were started in 2017 and identify some new efforts as well.
This year reflects a reduced number of priorities, owing to the fact that there are two high priority
actions that should continue to consume a significant amount of time. The first item is the update to
our CCAP for 2018 with the new 2030 State targets. Currently staff and Councilmember Colin are
working with our consultant from the Marin Climate and Energy Partnership and a twenty-member
Green Ribbon Working Group to review and develop draft measures for the updated CCAP. These
meetings will continue through April and then a draft will be developed for community input and for
discussion at a future Council Study Session. Once adopted, staff will work with our General Plan
consultant and Community Development Director to incorporate into the General Plan.
The second high-priority activity pertains to the Marin Sanitary Service rate setting methodology review
and meet-and-confer process. The City is working with a consultant and four other jurisdictions that
have similar franchise agreements with Marin Sanitary Service to revise how refuse rates are set, and
how to address ongoing recycling losses to the company. The timeline for this is to bring forward a new
methodology and procedure for addressing the recycling losses this summer in time for the 2019 rate
setting this fall.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH:
The structure of the sustainability program includes regular and frequent community engagement,
including:
• Meeting with President of Sustainable San Rafael on a quarterly basis to review priorities and
set agendas for quarterly CCAP implementation update meetings
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
• Hosting quarterly public CCAP implementation update meetings, which are attended by
members of the public and various community groups and agencies
• Sending updates and requests for input several times each year to members of the public who
sign up for our email newsletters, including Snapshot and the Green Initiatives e-news
• Convening project specific working groups and events to engage members of the public in
priority activities
• Engaging community members as volunteers in sustainability projects
• Engaging the business community through San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Green
committees, meetings, and activities
FISCAL IMPACT:
No direct fiscal impact is being made by accepting this report. Each item in the priority list has its own
fiscal impact and would either be supported by General Fund expenditures allocated in department
budgets or through grant seeking or other sources. For example, the CCAP update has incurred some
consultant expenses, which are partially funded through the General Fund, and partially offset by
contributions from the Marin Climate and Energy Partnership.
OPTIONS:
The City Council may choose to:
1. Accept the report.
2. Direct staff to come back with more information.
3. Take no action.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Accept report
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Proposed 2018 San Rafael Sustainability Program Priorities
1
2018 Sustainability Program Priorities
San Rafael’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) is organized by:
• Our Lifestyles – transit-oriented development, non-auto, energy efficient vehicles, waste reduction
• Our Buildings – resource & energy conservation, renewable energy, water conservation
• Our Environment – urban forestry, local food, habitat protection, adaptation to climate change
• Our Economy – green businesses, social equity, affordable housing
CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN UPDATE
This year we will conclude an update to our Climate Change Action Plan, adopted in 2009, in order to remove programs
that have been completed, update our targets to meet the new 2030 State target, and include new programs to assist us
in meeting our goals. This continues to be a high priority item, and the city will adopt an updated CCAP in summer 2018.
OUR LIFESTYLES
2017 Accomplishments
• Commenced a multi-jurisdictional review of our recycling revenue fund, rate-setting methodology and franchise
Agreement, and started required meet-and-confer process with Marin Sanitary Service
• Continued to utilize Zero Waste Grant funds for a Climate Corps Fellow to assist with zero waste outreach,
including single-use take-out plastics reduction at restaurants, illegal dumping research and outreach,
waste reduction activities in City facilities and augmentation of other community outreach activities
2018 Goals
High priority Complete multi-jurisdictional review of recycling revenue fund, rate-setting methodology and franchise
agreement, and required meet-and-confer process with Marin Sanitary Service
Low Work with stakeholders to develop a county-wide electric vehicle readiness plan
Ongoing Work with SMART, TAM and Marin Transit to improve low-carbon transit connectivity, alternative fuel
vehicle promotion, and public outreach
Ongoing Support efforts of Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and assist with revision of Bicycle Pedestrian
Master Plan
OUR BUILDINGS
2017 Accomplishments
Completed three solar installations for City facilities. Conducted material salvage and reuse from Fire Station 51 and
Economic Development building during demolition to make way for the new public safety center. Converted all City
electricity accounts to 100% renewable Deep Green energy.
2018 Goals:
High priority Complete construction of solar power system on City Hall with electric vehicle charging infrastructure
High priority Support and advise for successful implementation of LEED Gold certification of new public safety center
OUR ENVIRONMENT
2017 Accomplishments:
Completed Local Hazard Mitigation Plan with climate overlay. Completed work with County to develop a sea level rise
vulnerability assessment.
2018 Goals:
High priority Work with local stakeholders and interested agencies to host an emergency preparedness workshop
2
OUR ECONOMY
2017 Accomplishments:
Continued to support Chamber Green Business Committee , including development of sustainability workshops and
lectures. Sponsored and presented at Marin Sustainable Enterprise Conference.
2018 Goals
Ongoing Support Chamber Green Business Committee and green business events, including Marin Sustainable
Enterprise Conference
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND EMPOWERMENT
2017 Accomplishments
• Secured 3 year funding grant for full time Resilient Neighborhoods assistant to promote and grow the program
• Continued to promote and develop City Green Team and Employee Commute Program, including popular Earth
Day events and waste-reduction efforts at City events
• Continued active membership with Marin Climate Energy Partnership
2018 Goals
Ongoing Support Chamber Green Business Committee and green business events, including Sustainable
Enterprise Conference
Ongoing Support Resilient Neighborhoods program
Ongoing Host CCAP Quarterly meetings
Ongoing Support City Green Team and Employee Commute Program
Ongoing Participate in Marin Climate Energy Partnership
Ongoing Continue participation in the Beacon Award for Sustainability
Ongoing Convene county-wide meetings of sustainability coordinators to further our collective efforts
MONITORING
2017 Accomplishments
Convened CCAP Green Ribbon Working Group and began CCAP 2030 update
2018 Goals
High Priority Complete annual Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy report
High Priority Complete 5-year City operations greenhouse gas inventory
High Priority Integrate updated CCAP 2030 into General Plan
Ongoing Meet annual commitments of Compact of Mayors
SUMMARY OF 2018 HIGH PRIORITY GOALS
• Climate Change Action Plan 2030 adopted
• Climate Change Action Plan 2030 integrated into General Plan 2040
• MSS rate setting methodology, recycling meet-and-confer, and contract revisions completed
• Solar power on City Hall with EV charging stations completed
• LEED Gold certification for new public safety facility
• Emergency preparedness workshop hosted with local stakeholders
• Greenhouse Gas Inventory completed for City operations and facilities
• Annual Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy completed
STAFF REPORT APPROVAL
ROUTING SLIP
Staff Report Author: Cory Bytof Date of Meeting: 3/19/18
Department: City Manager
Topic: 2018 Sustainability Priorities
Subject: INFORMATIONAL REPORT ON PROPOSED 2018 CITY COUNCIL SUSTAINABILITY PRIORITIES
Type: (check all that apply) ☐ Consent Calendar ☐ Public Hearing
☐ Discussion Item ☐ Resolution ☐ Ordinance
☐ Professional Services Agreement ☒ Informational Report
*If PSA, City Attorney approval is required prior to start of staff report approval process
Was agenda item publicly noticed? ☐ Yes ☒No Date noticed: ☐Mailed ☐Site posted ☐Marin IJ
Due Date Responsibility Description Completed
Date Initial / Comment
DEPARTMENT REVIEW
FRIDAY
noon
Director Director approves staff
report is ready for ACM,
City Attorney & Finance
review.
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CONTENT REVIEW
MONDAY
morning
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
Finance
ACM, City Attorney &
Finance will review items,
make edits using track
changes and ask questions
using comments. Items will
be returned to the author
by end of day Wednesday.
3/7/2018
3/5/2018
3/6/2018
☒
DS
☒
LG
☒
MM
DEPARTMENT REVISIONS
FRIDAY
noon
Author Author revises the report
based on comments
receives and produces a
final version (all track
changes and comments
removed) by Friday at
noon.
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ACM, CITY ATTORNEY, FINANCE FINAL APPROVAL
MONDAY
morning
Assistant City Manager
City Attorney
ACM, City Attorney &
Finance will check to see
their comments were
adequately addressed and
sign-off for the City
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Finance
Manager to conduct the
final review.
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TUES
noon
City Manager Final review and approval Click here to
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