HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7: Ordinance Creating Sustainability Commission
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Action: An Ordinance Creating a Sustainability Commission;
Amending Section 2.013 of the Eugene Code, 1971
Meeting Date: February 26, 2007 Agenda Item Number: 9
Department: City Manager’s Office Staff Contact: Mary Walston
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5406
ISSUE STATEMENT
This is scheduled final action 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 via 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.
A work session to discuss the proposed ordinance was held on January 24, 2007. At the work session,
several revisions were made to the draft. These included a revision to the language in Section 2.380 (1)
and a revision to the composition of the commission itself. The first revision to Section 2.380 (1),
replaced the language in (b) to that suggested by the Mayor.
2.380 Sustainability Commission.
(1) Created. A sustainability commission is hereby created to act as a policy advisory body to the
council and city manager in the development or initiation of programs or actions that will enhance,
develop and create sustainable practices within the community. The commission shall advise on
policy matters related to a) sustainable practices, b) publicly committing the city of Eugene to
sustainable practices and to businesses that produce sustainable products and services, c) city
building design and infrastructure, and d) related issues that directly affect sustainability efforts
considered by the city council.
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The second revision changed the number of commissioners from 12 to 13 by adding a member of the City
Council to the commission.
The staff-recommended clarification of desired language to Section 2.380(1)(b) which read : “b)
businesses that produce sustainable products and services” was unanimously approved by the council on
February 20, 2007. The attached draft ordinance reflects this change.
At a public hearing on February 20, 2007, councilors received testimony from six people, virtually all of
whom spoke in favor of the proposed ordinance. Several commented that they hoped the commission
retain its mission as set forth by SBI to retain the “three-legged stool” concept focusing on sustainable
practices in economic, social and environmental arenas.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
There are several City policies and sections of the Eugene Code that 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
The council may choose to:
1. Adopt the ordinance as proposed; or
2. Consider additional revisions.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends adoption of the ordinance as submitted.
SUGGESTED MOTIONS
Move to adopt an ordinance creating a Sustainability Commission; amending Section 2.013 of the Eugene
Code, 1971.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Proposed Ordinance (as amended on February 20, 2007)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Mary Walston
Telephone: 682-5406
Staff E-Mail: mary.f.walston@ci.eugene.or.us
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ATTACHMENT A
ORDINANCE NO. __________
AN ORDINANCE CREATING A SUSTAINABILITY
COMMISSION; AMENDING SECTION 2.013 OF THE
EUGENE CODE, 1971; AND ADDING A NEW SECTION
2.380 TO THAT CODE. (CB #4942)
THE CITYOF EUGENE DOES ORDAIN A FOLLOWS:
Section 1.
Subsection (1) of Section 2.013 of the Eugene Code, 1971, is
amended by adding the following entry for the Sustainability Commission in alphabetical
order therein:
2.013 City Council - Boards, Commissions and Committees.
(1)
Except for boards, commissions or committees established pursuant to
ordinance, state statute, or intergovernmental agreement, the following
are the presently constituted boards, commissions and committees of the
city with the number of members and names of the appointive authority
indicated thereafter, together with the term and the authority for such
board, commission or committee:
Sustainability Commission
No. of Members 12 Citizens
1 Councilor
Appointment Process 1 Citizen appointed by each
Councilor
4 Citizens appointed by full
Council
1 Councilor appointed by
Mayor
Term 4 years citizen members
Councilor during term of office
Authority EC 2.013 and EC 2.380
Section 2.
A new Section 2.380 is added to the Eugene Code, 1971, to provide:
2.380 Sustainability Commission.
(1) Created. A sustainability commission is hereby created to act as a
policy advisory body to the council and city manager in the
development or initiation of programs or actions that will enhance,
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develop and create sustainable practices within the community. The
commission shall advise on policy matters related to a) sustainable
practices, b) businesses that produce sustainable products and
services, c) city building design and infrastructure, and d) related
issues that directly affect sustainability efforts considered by the city
council.
(2) Membership. The commission shall consist of 12 citizen members
and one city councilor. Members to be selected are to represent a
diverse range of interests and experiences with due regard to the
geographic distribution of the membership. The members of the
commission shall be selected from, but are not limited to, several but
not necessarily all of the following groups: youths, students of the
University of Oregon and Lane Community College, persons with a
demonstrated interest in sustainable business practices, building
and design, energy conservation or alternative energy sources,
economic development, educators, members of community or
neighborhood groups, persons with a diversity of ethnic and cultural
affiliations, and persons with diverse economic backgrounds and
interests.
(3) Appointment and Term of Office. Each councilor shall appoint a
single member to the commission, four members shall be appointed
by vote of the full council, and the mayor shall appoint the councilor
member. The councilor member shall serve during his or her term of
office, and citizen members shall serve for four-year terms, except
for the first appointees, who shall serve for the following terms: four
members shall serve initially for four-year terms (appointed by
councilors for wards 1 through 4); four members shall serve initially
for three-year terms (appointed by councilors for wards 5 through 8);
and four members shall serve initially for two-year terms (appointed
by full council). All members shall be limited to two consecutive
terms. A vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original
appointment, and the appointee shall hold office for the remainder of
the unexpired term. A member who is absent from three
consecutively scheduled meetings without having been excused by
the chair of the commission may be removed by the council and the
vacancy filled.
(4) Officers, Meetings and Rules of Procedure. The officers of the
commission shall be a chair and vice-chair, elected by majority vote
of the commission. The chair shall preside at meetings of the
commission and shall have the right to vote. The vice-chair shall, in
case of absence or disability of the chair, perform the duties of the
chair. Officers shall serve for terms of one year or until their
successors are regularly elected and take office. The commission
shall hold meetings at such times as it deems necessary, and shall
also meet upon the call of the chair. The commission shall meet not
less than four times each calendar year. The commission shall
adopt by-laws, operating agreements, and may make and alter rules
for its conduct and procedure, providing they are consistent with
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state law and applicable provisions of the city charter, ordinances
and policies. Seven members of the commission shall constitute a
quorum. The concurring vote of a majority of members present shall
be required for approval or disapproval of any motion or other action
of the commission. All meetings shall be open to the public. No
formally constituted committee of the commission may be created
unless the purpose, scope and tenure of the committee is included in
the annual work plan and is approved in advance by the city council.
(5) Powers and Duties. The commission shall:
(a) Make recommendations to the council and city manager for
programs or actions designed to implement the
recommendations contained in the Sustainable Business
Initiative Task Force Report as accepted by the city council on
October 23, 2006;
(b) Create and present an annual work plan to the city council;
(c) Meet annually with the city council to secure approval of the
work plan;
(d) Provide a forum for addressing public concerns related to
sustainable policies and practices;
(e) Work on sustainability-related projects as directed by the
council and city manager;
(f) Provide input on sustainability policies and practices that
reflect community values; and
(g) Assist the city council and city manager in balancing
community priorities and resources by advising them on
sustainability issues.
Section 3.
The City Recorder, at the request of, or with the concurrence of the
city attorney, is authorized to correct any reference errors contained herein or in other
provisions of the Eugene Code, 1971, to the provisions added, amended or repealed
herein.
Passed by the City Council this Approved by the Mayor this
____ day of ____________, 2007 ____ day of _____________, 2007
___________________________ ___________________________
City Recorder Mayor
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