Adopt Resolution #141-07-140 Approving the Environmental Policy Board's 2014-2015 Work Plan

As outlined in Section 2-159 of City Code, the primary objective of the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) is to review, consider, initiate and recommend to the City Council such policies, plans or projects which will enhance and preserve the natural environment of the City. Furthermore, the Board’s scope shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, matters of the preservation of the community forest, water quality, wetland preservation, ground water protection, ecological preservation, control of soil erosion and air, noise and light pollution. The EPB is responsible for developing an annual work plan that is subject to the approval of City Council. At their June meeting, the Board finalized its proposed 2014-2015 Work Plan (July 1-June 30) and directed Staff to forward it to City Council for consideration.

The proposed Work Plan is more focused than past years and is limited to only two (2) primary items, recycling and water conservation. The intent of a more streamlined Work Plan is to have an overall greater impact on the specific items/actions. Recycling was identified as an area of focus as there can be quantifiable results that can be reviewed over time (1-3 years) to measure whether certain measures have been effective (program enhancements, targeted marketing/educational materials, etc) in improving participation and/or tonnage recycled.

The second primary item is water conservation. This topic has been considered in the past (e.g. topsoil) but the EPB would like to look more holistically at this topic to explore options for enhancing water conservation. Examples could include revisiting the topsoil requirement to incorporate more options into City Code, such as soil moisture sensors, evapotranspiration (ET) sensors, xeriscaping (drought tolerant landscaping), reviewing whether in-ground irrigation systems should be required for multi-family and commercial developments, or even possibly developing an incentive program to reduce non-potable water demand (irrigation) in the summer months.

The proposed Work Plan also includes a couple recurring items such as participating in the Environmental Expo, the Tree Sale, and utilizing various media (newsletter, website and QCTV) for community awareness and educational pieces on various seasonal topics.

The draft Work Plan was reviewed by City Council at the July 8, 2014 Work Session. At the direction of the City Council, the draft Work Plan has been amended to include a joint, collaborative meeting with EPB and City Council to identify potential relevant topics for further review. This joint meeting will likely be scheduled for September of October of 2014. At the conclusion of that discussion, City Council directed Staff to place the amended draft Work Plan on the consent agenda of an upcoming City Council meeting.

The EPB does not have a budget; however, any expenses associated with the Work Plan would be addressed either with the Recycling or Environmental Services budgets or alternative funding sources, such as grants.

Staff recommends adopting Resolution #14-07-140 approving the EPB's 2014-2015 Work Plan.

Motion to adopt Resolution #14-07-140 approving the EPB's 2014-2015 Work Plan.