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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B: Sustainability Commission Work Plan and Annual ReportECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Sustainability Commission Work Plan and Annual Report Meeting Date: November 28, 2012 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Central Services Staff Contact: Babe O’Sullivan www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5017 ISSUE STATEMENT The Sustainability Commission reports annually to the council on its progress, accomplishments and challenges – and obtains direction for its pending work plan. BACKGROUND The Sustainability Commission is charged with advising on policy matters related to sustainable practices, businesses that produce sustainable products and services, City building design and infrastructure, and related issues that directly affect sustainability efforts considered by the City Council. The commission first met in November 2007, and it meets as an entire commission 10-11 times a year. Its 13 members include eight who are appointed by each individual councilor; a council liaison; and four at-large members. Monthly meetings typically include public comment, reports from commissioners, and discussion of a wide range of topics – with emphasis this last year on climate change, and land use and transportation policies. Challenges in developing an achievable work plan are to:  Ensure integration of social, economic and environmental considerations into any action proposed;  Establish priorities, given the enormous scope of potential work;  Link effectively with related efforts of other advisory groups, other agencies, City staff, community groups and elected officials; and,  Respond strategically to time-sensitive issues. During the last year, the commission has received direct staff support from Sustainability Liaison Babe O’Sullivan and Climate and Energy Analyst Matt McRae. Staff’s key responsibilities also include coordinating continued progress on the Community Climate and Energy Action Plan, Internal Climate Plan, and education and analysis using a triple bottom line framework that incorporates social equity, economic and environmental impacts. While all City departments contribute significantly to sustainable policies and practices, the commission does not have dedicated staff resources for all in-depth research and special projects. S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M121128\S121128B.doc RELATED CITY POLICIES  Resolution No. 4618 (February 2000) 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.  Resolution Nos. 4884 and 4887 (summer 2006) established a sustainable buildings policy for City-owned and -occupied buildings.  Resolution No. 4893 (November 2006) committed the City to sustainable practices and to businesses that produce sustainable products and services.  Ordinance No. 20379 (February 2007) created the Sustainability Commission. TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE IMPACTS Work plan focus areas include the Transportation System Plan/Pedestrian/Bicycle Master Plan, regional planning, sustainable business practices, carbon fee and the triple bottom line framework. The outcomes of these planning efforts have significant implications for social equity and human rights, economic prosperity and fiscal stewardship, and environmental health. Although the work plan does not explicitly describe how the commission will address the triple bottom line, those considerations will be part of the group’s ongoing work. COUNCIL OPTIONS The council could: 1. Approve the proposed work plan framework. 2. Approve the work plan with changes. 3. Request changes to the work plan before approval. CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends acceptance of the work plan. SUGGESTED MOTION Move to approve the Sustainability Commission FY13 work plan. ATTACHMENTS A. Sustainability Commission FY 13 Work Plan B. Sustainability Commission FY 12 Annual Report FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Babe O’Sullivan Telephone: 541-682-5017 Staff E-Mail: Babe.osullivan@ci.eugene.or.us S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M121128\S121128B.doc