Item A: Ordinance to Create Sustainability Commission

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Ordinance to Create Sustainability Commission Meeting Date: January 24, 2007 Agenda Item Number: A Department: City Manager’s Office Staff Contact: Mary Walston www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5406 ISSUE STATEMENT This is a work session to discuss and provide further direction on a proposed ordinance to create a sustainability commission which will be a standing advisory body to the City Council. Standing advisory bodies such as the Human Rights Commission and the Police Commission are created in the Eugene Code; thus an ordinance is required to codify the creation of the body. BACKGROUND On October 23, 2006, the City Council accepted the report of the Sustainable Business Initiative (SBI). The report listed 11 recommendations for the for the City organization. Of these 11, three were cited as essential in laying the groundwork to attain the vision of the task force members. These three were: 1) a public commitment to sustainability and the promotion of sustainable practices; 2) the creation of a position in the City organization to promote sustainability; and 3) the creation of a standing advisory committee on sustainability matters. On November 13, 2006, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 4893 “publicly committing the City of Eugene to sustainable practices and to businesses that produce sustainable products and services.” The position of sustainability manager has been developed and will be included as a proposal in the upcoming FY08 City Manager’s budget. In addition, a recruitment process is in the final stages to hire a person to serve as the sustainability manager. The creation of a sustainability commission is the next step to implement the major recommendations of the SBI report. After soliciting feedback and comments from the City Council, the ordinance will be set for a public hearing and, subsequent to the public hearing, action on the ordinance will be scheduled. It is hoped that recruitment for the new commission can begin in the spring of 2007. RELATED CITY POLICIES There are several City policies and sections of the Eugene Code which specifically address the creation and functioning of advisory bodies to the City Council. Sections of Chapter 2 outline requirements for the various types of advisory bodies. The creation of the commission to address sustainability issues follows the policies, procedures and practices contained therein. COUNCIL OPTIONS There are several options for the council to consider when reviewing this proposed ordinance. They are: 1. Accept the ordinance as drafted and move the proposed ordinance to public hearing. L:\CMO\2007 Council Agendas\M070124\S070124A.doc