Item A: Sustainability Commission Work Plan

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to identify the specific action items that could be undertaken within each “cell” of the work plan, more discussion is required to identify work being undertaken by other groups. It is also apparent the commission will need to establish priorities as it is unlikely the commission will be able to work an all of the issue areas in its first year. The commission acknowledges it needs time within each meeting to respond to time sensitive requests for commission involvement or endorsement of grants, events, speaking engagements and the like. Criteria will need to be developed to guide commission participation in such requests to ensure the commission is a supportive partner to the community and other organizations on sustainability initiatives and is involved with appropriate projects. Time is also needed to respond to emerging issues that arise during the year that require commission input. Resources required In order to make progress enhancing sustainability within Eugene, the commission believes more resources are required to staff the commission. At present the Sustainability Manager has three main roles: staffing the Sustainability Commission; coordinating and championing the internal City sustainability initiatives; and partnering with external groups and organizations to help create a regional vision and action on sustainability. As the Office of Sustainability is currently configured, there are not sufficient staff resources for in- depth research of specific issues that the Commission may wish to take action on, or staffing of the anticipated committees working on the specific issue areas. The need for additional staff is apparent. The Sustainability Commission requests a 1.0 full time equivalent (FTE) plus $50,000, be funded in FY 09 budget to help the Commission lay the necessary groundwork in the community and begin to implement the work plan. RELATED CITY POLICIES The Sustainability Initiative Goal supports and builds on the numerous sustainability resolutions that the council has adopted. On February 28, 2000, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 4618, which outlined a definition and statement of intent regarding the application of sustainability principles to the City of Eugene, and affirmed the commitment of City elected officials and staff to uphold these principles. To further this commitment, the City Council adopted Resolution Nos. 4884 and 4887 in the summer of 2006 regarding a sustainable buildings policy for City-owned and occupied buildings. In November 2006, Resolution No. 4893 was adopted, committing the City to sustainable practices and to businesses that produce sustainable products and services. This was followed in February 2007, by Ordinance No. 20379 which created the Sustainability Commission. COUNCIL OPTIONS The council could: 1. Approve the work plan framework, or 2. Approve the work plan framework with changes, or 3. Request changes to work plan before approval CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends Option 1, approval of the Sustainability Commission work plan framework. F:\CMO\2008 Council Agendas\M080423\S080423B.doc