CC Minutes - 09/08/99 WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." He suggested that the definition could be a starting point for the council's discussion. The council viewed a PowerPoint presentation on sustainability. Mr. Torrey commended the presentation and asked for council comments on the options outlined in the staff notes. The options were: 1. Adopt a definition of sustainability as it relates to the use of the term in Council Goal 2. 2. Do not adopt a definition of sustainability; defer to a future discussion of council goals. 3. Direct the City Manager to further explore actions that the City might tal~e to incorporate sustainability in local government activities. Ms. Taylor also commended the presentation and indicated support for options 1 and 3. She asked if the council could do anything to stop unsustainable City practices, such as the use of asphalt. She asked if someone planned to do the staff sustainability training mentioned in item 6 on page 19 of the meeting packet. She also asked how the City could foster an environment in which individual employees were dedicated to a sustainability ethic, also mentioned in item 6. Ms. Taylor supported the development of an overarching sustainability policy to guide staff for council adoption as described in item 5 on page 19. Mr. Kelly noted that sustainability was on the minds of many, including the Chamber of Commerce. He said that the chamber's monthly meeting would feature a presentation entitled "Sustainability is Profitable by Definition." The speaker is the president of Collins Pine, a company that has embraced sustainability principles through an approach known as the Natural Step. He encouraged council attendance and circulated information about the event. Mr. Kelly said that the University of Oregon was sponsoring a sustainable business symposium with world- renowned speakers such as Paul Hawken. That event is scheduled for November 5-7, and he indicated he would provide information about the event in the future. Mr. Kelly commended the background memorandum and presentation and endorsed Ms. Taylor's comments regarding the adoption of an overarching policy to guide City departments. He said that there is a council goal regarding sustainability and a definition that articulated that goal would be the start toward an overarching policy. Mr. Kelly said that feedback from constituents indicated to him that the City's attitude toward environmental and sustainability issues varied from department to department, so such a policy would be useful. Mr. Kelly said that the statement on page 3 that sustainability was "also a filter through which growth and development options are viewed as decisions were made" was a great concept and he wanted to see the City make decisions in that manner. MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 8, 1999 Page 3 5:30 p.m.