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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/06/2023 - Natural Resources Advisory Board - Agenda - Regular Meeting Natural Resources Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING – December 6, 2023 Location: VIRTUAL ONLY via Zoom - https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/94115567733 6:00 CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL 1. AGENDA REVIEW 2. COMMUNITY MEMBER PARTICIPATION 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – NOVEMBER (PENDING) 4. NEW BUSINESS 6:10 – 6:45 Finalize and Approve NRAB 2024 Work Plan Board Chair to continue review and approval of 2024 work plan update from November meeting – due Nov. 30. (Action) 6:45 – 7:30 Review 2023 Annual Report Board Chair to lead process for review and finalizing draft annual board report – Due Jan. 31. (Discussion) 5. OTHER BUSINESS / UPDATES • Board Member Reports • The final Super Issue Meeting of 2023 will take place on December 4th at the Lincoln Center in the Columbine Room 5:30PM-7:30PM.  It will be a water-focused meeting and food will be provided • 2024 Super Issues Meetings of Fort Collins Boards and Commissions will be held at the Lincoln Center. The dates are as follows:  Monday, March 25th (Columbine Room)  Monday, June 10th (Founder's Room)  Monday, September 9th (Founder's Room)  March 25th meeting will be dedicated for boards and commissions to learn about each other. Request from City Clerk’s Office to have several members of NRAB present. • In-person training for new board and commission members to take place in Council Chambers on April 8th and April 22nd. Current members welcome to attend.  Topics will include the Code of Conduct and the Anti-Discrimination and Anti- Harassment Policy. • Six Month Calendar Review https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/planning-calendar.php • Revisit action items from previous meetings & preview of next meeting City Websites with Updates: • Natural Resources Advisory Board webpage: https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/natural-resources.php • Our Climate Future: https://ourcity.fcgov.com/ourclimatefuture 6. ADJOURN MEMORANDUM FROM THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD DATE:December 6,2023 TO:Mayor and City Council Members FROM:Dawson Metcalf on behalf of the Natural Resources Advisory Board SUBJECT:Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB)2024 Annual Work Plan Subject to further Council guidance,the general topics we anticipate covering in 2024 include: ●Reviewing City policies and planning initiatives for consistency with the City’s environmental goals and values,supported by Our Climate Future,through the principles of sustainability,via regular and subcommittee meetings; ●Addressing specific policies,plans and regulations by participating in task forces and special committees,and providing feedback to Staff as a result of such participation; ●Developing recommendations to Council through Board discussion and consensus, followed by written memoranda and periodic attendance at Council meetings or hearings; ●Coordinating activities with other City Boards and Commissions as needed,such as the Air Quality,Energy,Economic,Water,Land Conservation and Stewardship,Parks and Recreation,and Transportation Boards. This work plan (attached)identifies issues that we anticipate will be considered by the NRAB during the year 2024.Of the Seven Key Outcome areas in the Fort Collins Strategic Plan, Environmental Health,Transportation and Mobility,as well as Neighborhood Liveability and Social Health will largely shape our work. Other related issues will be addressed by the Board as they are brought before us by Council, Staff,or our own observations with the goal of providing timely input,using Council’s six-month calendar and Policy Agenda to help determine agenda items for our meetings.Finally,as appropriate,we will identify opportunities to promote sustainability in the face of natural resource management priorities. We look forward to a productive year of volunteer service to Council,the citizens of Fort Collins,and our environment.Within the constraints of an advisory board,we will employ our knowledge,talents,and passions to the best of our abilities. As always,please feel free to contact us with any comments or questions regarding our work plan for 2024. Dawson Metcalf Chair,Natural Resources Advisory Board cc: Kelly DiMartino,City Manager Jacob Castillo,Chief Sustainability Officer Honore Depew,Climate Program Manager Julie Pignataro,City Council Liaison to the NRAB 2 NRAB 2024 Work Plan The Natural Resources Advisory Board serves as an advisor to the Fort Collins City Council regarding sustainability policy and programs to achieve the goals and visionary "Big Moves"for Our Climate Future.This board advises on many aspects of community resilience and sustainability with a focus on greenhouse gas mitigation,waste reduction and recycling, sustainable behavior change,and supporting the City's commitment to environmental justice. With an understanding that environmental processes (e.g.,photosynthesis,the water cycle,etc.) are the building blocks of life and that human behaviors are leading to accelerated climate change effects on our natural and social environments,the NRAB works to ensure the sustainability of the Fort Collins community.Utilizing the perspective that the natural environment provides life sustaining services,which is not exclusive to human life,the NRAB prioritizes sustaining ecosystem health and function,as well as building social resilience,to maximize positive systems-level impacts in our approaches and recommendations.The NRAB is particularly interested in and supportive of programs and initiatives that recognize: ●the interconnectedness of natural systems, ●the importance of identifying community vulnerabilities and implementing approaches to increase the capacity to adapt to change, ●and that the inequitable distribution of resources acts as a driver of climate change. To address these priorities,the NRAB will also collaborate with other boards by actively engaging in joint board initiatives to encourage the goals of high functioning government and high impact civic engagement as they pertain to the natural resource management challenges and opportunities faced by the community. Regarding those challenges and opportunities,NRAB has identified the following areas of specific interest in 2024,with an overall view of integrating the principles of sustainability in each target area: 1.Our Climate Future 2.Waste Reduction and Recycling 3.Water Resources 4.Transportation Planning 5.Circular Economy 6.15-Minute City Concept Priority 7.Nature in the City 8.Local Agriculture 9.Oil and Gas 10.Night Sky Protection and Outdoor Lighting Requirements 11.Equity and Environmental Justice 12.Rights of Nature for Cache la Poudre River 13.Resilient Urban Forest 3 NRAB 2024 Work Plan (old draft w/notes from 11/15 meeting) The Natural Resources Advisory Board serves as an advisor to the Fort Collins City Council regarding sustainability policy and programs to achieve the goals and visionary "Big Moves"for Our Climate Future.This board advises on many aspects of community resilience and sustainability with a focus on greenhouse gas mitigation,waste reduction and recycling, sustainable behavior change,and supporting the City's commitment to environmental justice. ●Specific definition in the public health context ○"Life sustaining services"and not exclusive to human life ●Sustaining ecosystem health and function ●Photosynthesis as the foundational building block of life ○What inhibits photosynthesis ■Draught,extreme heat,deforestation ●To ensure the ongoing resilience and help the environment thrive ●Environment is tied to natural resources ●Minimizing negative human impact/maximize positive impact to those systems at scale,using tools and approaches available to do so ●Not just inequitable impacts of climate change -inequity is also a driver of climate change ○Inequitable distribution of resources underpins problems To ensure the sustainability of the Fort Collins community,NRAB With an understanding that environmental processes (e.g.photosynthesis,etc.)are the building blocks of life and that human imp that human-cause The main purpose of the NRAB is to help ensure the Sustainability of Our Community,i.e.,to systematically,creatively,and thoughtfully utilize environmental,human,and economic resources to meet our present needs and those of future generations without compromising the ecosystems on which we depend.We will also strongly consider human health in crafting our recommendations.We work closely with other boards and actively engage in joint board initiatives to encourage the goals of high functioning government and high impact civic engagement. To address these goals,the NRAB has identified the following areas of specific interest in 2024, with an overall view of integrating the principles of sustainability in each target area: 1.Waste Reduction and Recycling 2.Water Resources 4 3.Our Climate Future 4.Transportation Planning 5.Circular Economy 6.Nature In the City 7.Local Agriculture 8.Oil and Gas 9.Night Sky Protection and Outdoor Lighting Requirements 10.Equity 11.Rights of Nature for Cache la Poudre River 12.Resilient Urban Forest 13.15-Minute City Concept Priority 1)Waste Reduction and Recycling The NRAB is excited to provide input and leadership on implementation of the Regional Wasteshed Plan as part of “Our Climate Future”,including:monitoring and responding to impacts of the Cameron Peak fire on the lifespan of the landfill;hauling services oversight; Timberline Recycling Center;Community Recycling Ordinance (extending recycling services); Community Composting Project;education campaigns to increase residential and commercial recycling;mandatory recycling of construction debris and Hoffman Mills Road grinding facility; expansion of multi-family recycling;and expansion of commercial recycling. As needed,we will also review and comment on:hazardous waste or spills,toxic substances,air and water pollution prevention and remediation programs;and associated community outreach and education. 2)Water Resources The NRAB will focus on the variety of city-wide water resource issues including:Water Supply Vulnerability Assessment;the Stormwater Master Plan;Low Impact Development (LID) requirements for development and Metro Districts;Greywater Ordinance Development;and monitoring and reporting of water quality in Fossil Creek,Spring Creek,and the Poudre River. NRAB will continue to monitor and coordinate with Staff and other boards'review of water related projects and issues;e.g.,NISP/Glade,City of Fort Collins Water Conservation Plan, Development of 1041 Regulations,Thornton Pipeline,and Halligan/Seaman Reservoir Expansion.The NRAB will also review and monitor fire,spill and flooding impacts on water supply and storm and wastewater discharges. We will continue to review and comment on policies and funding affecting the health of the Poudre River ’s ecology,including Poudre River restoration and stabilization projects;health of aquatic organisms;Downtown River Master Plan;river rehabilitation projects;and Poudre River ecosystem modeling and health status projects.As appropriate,we will also look at near-river water resources such as gravel pits.We may also review city policies with respect to 5 xeriscaping,permaculture,and urban agriculture,“keyline”irrigating,and other actions that promote more efficient water use. As appropriate,the NRAB will work together with the Water Commission to provide input on water,wastewater and stormwater policy issues as they pertain to the goals for the City and the City’s Climate Action Plan and inform Our Climate Future. 3)Energy/Climate Action NRAB will review and comment on energy and climate-centered issues and work to identify opportunities and needs to ensure equity and inclusion in each of these initiatives.The NRAB will work with the Energy and Economic Health Boards to provide input on the Climate Economy Action Plan,Metro District incentives,EV Readiness Roadmap.Specific areas of consideration include:energy efficient development (e.g.,building codes that can contribute to CAP goals);plastic pollution;transitioning PRPA power facilities from coal and natural gas to renewable energy sources;residential and small-scale commercial solar rebate program;ongoing conservation and efficiency programs;and community solar gardens. As appropriate,the NRAB will work together with the Air Quality Board,Energy Board,and Transportation Board to provide input on the greenhouse gas emission goals for the City and the City’s Climate Action Plan and inform Our Climate Future. 4)Transportation Planning With the goal of reducing emissions,improving public health,safety,and the transportation experience for citizens,NRAB will review and contribute to local and regional issues affecting transportation planning in cooperation with the Transportation Board,Bicycle Advisory Committee,and others noted below.This includes specific support for revising and implementing the Active Modes Plan,with a push for aggressive mode shift goals (away from single occupant travel).Ongoing focus will remain on advocating on behalf of all citizens on the criticality of safe pedestrian and bicycle design and function across the city.Focus will further be placed on opportunities to increase connectivity across and between all potential corridors and trail surfaces,whether soft surface or paved,to increase routes supporting alternate modes of transportation.Based on an important and logical connection between transportation and access to nature,NRAB will also participate in planning and implementation activities related to the Natural Areas Plan and the Parks &Recreation Master Plan. 5)Circular Economy NRAB will review and comment on circular economy practices as it pertains to the Economic Health Outcome of the City of Fort Collins’Strategic Plan.NRAB views the further inclusion of circular economy practices as significant for fostering sustainable economic growth while reducing environmental impact and elevating the resilience and resource-efficiency of the Fort Collins community.This includes,but not limited to,advocating for platforms that promote sustainable consumption and purchasing;policies and incentives for more local green jobs; requirements for utilizing sustainable materials in construction. 6 6)Other Related Issues a.Nature in the City:The NRAB is excited about the Nature in the City program.The NRAB will look for opportunities to explore public-private partnerships to enhance “natural”areas available to city residents. b.Local Agriculture:Explore issues and ideas in the local agriculture and food security movements including the Northern Colorado Foodshed Project. c.Oil and Gas:Monitor environmental issues related to oil and gas development in Fort Collins. d.Night Sky Protection and Outdoor Lighting Requirements:Monitor environmental issues related to impact of outdoor lighting. e.Participate in the Bicycle Advisory Committee,with specific focus on the revised Active Modes Plan. f.Equity:Work to advance equity in our community to lessen the negative impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations,enhance vulnerable populations’ability to access nature and support environmental stewardship,and ensure the wellbeing of the greatest number of residents. g.Rights of Nature for the Cache la Poudre River:Explore issues and ideas regarding the development and implementation of a Rights of Nature framework for the Cache la Poudre River. h.Resilient Urban Forest:Work to enhance and maintain an urban forest that is resilient in the face of climate change to positively impact the social well-being and physical health of community members.This includes the effective implementation of the Emerald Ash Borer Management and Response Plan. i.15-Minute City Concept Priority:Advocate for the implementation of development practices that facilitate the 15-minute city concept.This includes monitoring the impacts of new updates to the Land Use Code. How do we define "Environmental Health"? ●Specific definition in the public health context ○"Life sustaining services"and not exclusive to human life ●Sustaining ecosystem health and function ●Photosynthesis as the foundational building block of life ○What inhibits photosynthesis ■Draught,extreme heat,deforestation ●To ensure the ongoing resilince and help the environment thrive ●Environment is tied to natural resources 7 ●Minimizing negative human impact/maximize positive impact to those systems at scale,using tools and approaches available to do so ●Not just inequitable impacts of climate change -inequity is also a driver of climate change ○Inequitable distribution of resources underpins problems What are ways the City can help achieve this Outcome? ●Programs and initiatives that recognize the connectedness of systems -how different aspects are related ●Incentivizing and encouraging behavior change -using "hope-framed"context ●Using equity as a lens and driver for policy and program development and service delivery ●Taking bold action to prioritize environmental health -even if it causes some discomfort ●Promoting pride in Fort Collins environmental commitments and connection to this place and its unique ecosystem 8 MEMORANDUM NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD DATE:January __,2024 TO:Mayor and City Council Members FROM:Dawson Metcalf on behalf of the Natural Resource Advisory Board SUBJECT:2023 NRAB Annual Report In 2023,the Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB)held ten regular meetings during which over 27 agenda items were addressed,resulting in three memoranda sent to City Council,as well as three motions of support.The June meeting was canceled due to summer recess and lack of items to discuss.The October meeting was canceled due to a lack of quorum.Input to the City Council was based on presentations by Staff and outside experts with discussion.Additional items of interest provided education for the Board,provided updates on current projects,and allowed us to be a sounding board for Staff.We would like to express our appreciation for the professionalism and dedication of Staff. The table below lists agenda items considered and formal actions taken by the NRAB during 2023.These agenda items fall within the priority areas addressed by the NRAB and reflect the Agenda Items scheduled for Council in 2023.Additional items were added when requested by Council or Staff.Priority areas for NRAB include Waste Reduction and Recycling;Water Resources;Our Climate Future;and Active Modes Plan. During 2023,one member of the NRAB served as a designated representative to the Bicycle Advisory Committee and two participated on 1041 Regulations Committees.Guests included community representatives from the Rights of Nature for the Cache la Poudre River initiative. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.We hope that we have added value to Council’s and the City’s goals, objectives,and operations. Respectfully Submitted, Dawson Metcalf, Chair,Natural Resources Advisory Board 2023 Members:Dawson Metcalf (Chair),Kelly Stewart (Vice Chair),Lisa Andrews,Danielle Buttke (outgoing), Bryan David (resigned),Drew Derdarian (resigned),Kevin Krause (?),Barry Noon,and Matt Zoccali. cc: Kelly DiMartino,City Manager Jacob Castillo,Chief Sustainability Officer Honore Depew,Climate Program Manager Julie Pignataro,City Council Liaison to the NRAB 1 City of Fort Collins Natural Resources Advisory Board 2023 Annual Report Date:Topic/Agenda Item Memo to Council/Other action January Colorado Open Meeting Law Review No Urban Lakes Water Quality Management Update Yes -Motion of Support Impacts of the Cameron Peak Fire on Water Quality No 1041 Memo Yes -Memo 2022 Annual Report Yes -Motion to Approve February Waste Hauler Contracting Yes -Motion of Support Urban Forest Strategy and Policy No Board Elections No March Economic Health Strategic Plan -Circular Economy No Sustainable Revenue No 1041 Regulations Update No April Land Use Code No Sustainable Revenue No 1041 Regulations Update Yes -Memo May Council Liaison Discussion No Regional Water Update No June Canceled due to a lack of business items to discuss/Council recess July Sustainable Funding Revenue Measures No Oil and Gas Operational Standards No Oil and Gas Reverse Setbacks No August Landscape Standards Code Revisions Yes -Motion of Support NRAB Memo Review:Oil and Gas Yes -Memo September Platte River Integrated Resource Plan No Downtown Parking System Update No October Canceled due to a lack of quorum November Board Inputs to City Strategic Plan Yes -Comments to Council NRAB 2024 Work Plan No December NRAB 2024 Work Plan Approval Yes -Motion to Approve (?) 2023 Annual Report Draft No (?) 2