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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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●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
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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
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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 (?)
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