HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Advisory Board - Minutes - 03/19/2008MINUTES
NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD
Regular Meeting
DATE: Wednesday, March 19, 2008
LOCATION: 200 West Mountain Ave. Suite A
TIME: 6:00pm
For Reference: Alan Apt, NRAB Chair 221-9875
Ben Manvel, Council Liaison 217-1932
John Armstrong, Staff Liaison 416-2230
Board Members Present
Alan Apt, Joe Piesman, Liz Pruessner, Rosemarie Russo, Ryan Staychock
Board Members Absent: Linda Knowlton, Glen Colton, Clint Skutchan,
Staff Present Natural Resources Dept: Lucinda Smith, Alexis Hmielak
Call meeting to order
Alan Apt called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Introduction of Guests
Ann Hutchison — Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce
Agenda Review
none
Public Comments
none
Review and Approval of Minutes: February 20, 2008
Ryan Staychock moved and Joe Piesman seconded a motion to approve the minutes as
presented.
Motion passed unanimously
Establishing a NRAB Sustainability Committee
Ryan Staychock gave the board a copy of "What does a sustainable society look like?"
This schematic was created by a friend and former masters advisor who teaches a
sustainability class at CSU. Ryan stated he put this in the board packet as a talking piece
and a potential model that could be used to guide discussions of what a Sustainability
Committee could do.
Alan stated it was a very comprehensive model. He also wondered how this new
subcommittee would overlap with the mission of the NRAB itself.
Ryan stated he was trying to facilitate a discussion on the concepts of
"sustainability". The word is used frequently, but he's not sure most people are
aware of what it really means because it is such a nebulous issue.
o His desire is to move the discussion forward to look at our market, our
environment and our culture and how they can be sustainable. It's time
for the City of Fort Collins to start talking about this and to create a plan
and momentum for the public with achievable goals.
o A city-wide sustainability plan could be used to showcase the city as a
forward -thinking sustainable city. It would also be a vision that
summarizes what is going on and holds people accountable.
The Board discussed what a Sustainability Committee would do.
o Joe Piesman wondered if the goal of the Sustainability Committee would
lay out the bare bones of a sustainability plan for the city or just be a
forum to talk about the issues, which would be helpful also.
o Liz Pruessner suggested it could make a roadmap to tie things together.
o Ryan said it would be a big undertaking and asked the NRAB to think
about what it would want out of the plan. What does the NRAB think
needs to be done in order for us as a city to develop a sustainability plan.
o Ryan suggested the issue deserves two months of meetings to determine
what needs to happen to put this package together to inform to sell
sustainability to the community. He also felt it was more appropriate for
this effort to be started by a sub -committee, rather than the NRAB itself.
o Rosemarie Russo liked the model and the idea of a roadmap and to help
the community with tips.
o Joe Piesman thought the subcommittee could be a bit more informal. It
could brainstorm and have experts lecture to describe what sustainability
means and what ways it works or doesn't work. He also suggested the
subcommittee meet 5:00 or 4:30 before the NRAB meeting.
o Ryan agreed to be chair of this committee and will meet before the April
16, NRAB meeting. He will draft an agenda and make arrangements to
post a public announcement. Rosemarie Russo will help him organize the
sub -committee.
o Alan Apt suggested a possible starting point would be the City's plan they
wrote in 2004.
o The group discussed which staff person should be present for the meeting.
Lucinda Smith mentioned Natural Resources will be hiring a'/z time
internal sustainability coordinator/ %: time external solid waste planner
who should be on board in the in about six weeks. She also liked the
possibility of external presenters at the sub committee.
o Alan pointed out the first step should be to look at what the city's
sustainability plan is for itself and then set course for city as a whole.
Ryan Staychock moved and Joe Piesman seconded a motion that
the Natural Resources Advisory Board establishes a City Sustainability Sub -Committee.
Motion passed unanimously
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New procedure for presentations:
Regarding presentations, Alan Apt asked the board members to hold their questions until
the end of the presentations and then have roundtable discussions.
Harmony Corridor Plan Amendment
City Planner Clark Mapes had previously presented the Harmony Corridor Plan to the
NRAB and was here tonight to briefly discuss a PowerPoint presentation that explains the
parameters and vision of an amendment to the Harmony Corridor Plan. The amendment
is in response to input and changing conditions since the original plan was developed in
1991.
• The amendment would include a vision of the area that had not been addressed in
1991. This vision would combine a dense multi -story mixed -use suburban
pedestrian district with the Arapahoe Bend Natural Area and a reshaped gravel
mine on south of Harmony Road.
• Clark pointed out that there was nothing new on the big parameters of the plan
since he talked to group last time. He asked if the board members had any
particular questions and issues regarding the project.
• The presentation Clark brought tonight will be presented at the City Council work
session March 25. It will be broadcast on Channel 14 and suggested the NRAB
watch it.
• As Rosemarie Russo is a new NRAB member and did not see Clark's previous
presentation, Clark showed the group a map and described the borders of the
Harmony I-25 corridor area.
o The corridor is one mile on either side of I-25 at Harmony Road.
o Arapahoe Bend Natural area is on the north side, plus commercial
property and the Transportation Transfer Center.
o On the south side to Kechter Road is a now -finished, privately -owned
gravel mine and a 100 acre landscape nursery. The gravel company is
transferring ownership to a development team and is not within city
management area. The development team is planning to annex this land
and work with the city to develop this property. The amendment to the
plan is needed for the plan to proceed.
• Clark pointed out that about 1-1 /2 yr ago the town of Timnath sent Fort Collins a
letter inviting the city to a hearing on a proposed amendment to annex the area on
the south side of Harmony Road and incorporate that subject property into the
Town of Timnath's growth management area.
o Timnath has designated area across I-25 as planned regional commercial
with large scale uses that have visibility and access from the interstate.
o The north east corner of I-25 at Harmony Road will have a Super Wal-
Mart shopping center.
• Clark pointed out one of the most promising CDOT alternatives includes a
potential commuter rail causing the Poudre and Fossil Creek trails to be linked by
a trail under Harmony Road.
• Alan Apt asked about possible flooding because the gravel pits are in the flood
way and who's going to pay for flood mitigation.
o Clark explained the land is not developable as it is, so the vision is to
raise the flood plain and the flood way would be channelized and
incorporated into the center of the development and be managed to have
water in it as a waterway with landscaped banks. It would be a unique
and focal point for this development.
Joe Piesman asked if updating the interchange would require a major investment
by the city.
o Clark explained this proposal would have negligible affect on the
interchange even though traffic is projected to increase on Harmony and
I-25 and Timnath expects growth of 20,000-30,000 more residents.
There have been no traffic studies done, however. Part of the thinking is
that, as a transit -oriented plan, the vision is to be an alternative -type exit,
taking advantage of the transit. There would he a major entrance going
west on Harmony and minimized development.
• One of the biggest issues with the public on this project is building height. The
plan amendment is proposing to limit buildings to six stories along Harmony
corridor. In fact, Clark stated there may be a community -wide height limit as a
result of discussion about sustainable development.
• The group discussed various aspects of the project.
o Alan stated it's hard to grow unless you grow up.
o San Francisco and Fort Collins are approximately the same acreage 75-
77 square miles.
o Rosemarie pointed out Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Canada were built
on a gravel pit. Clark is investigating examples of restoring gravel pits.
o Ryan learned the interchanges on north of Denver #136 to #148 were
great examples of cross boundary partnerships to where they share sales
tax resources — We are far from that happening. Clark stated they had
multiple funding sources including urban renewal.
Clark pointed out Harmony is a well —functioning interchange. It might
make some changes to signals, but the bridge is up to standard.
Alan stated Glen had concerns about the separators and height of the
buildings.
• Clark pointed out a community separator study was done and
suggested how the communities could work together to make the
idea of separators happen. However, Timnath has rethought
participation in this and is developing regional commercial across
the highway. The Natural Areas will continue to purchase habitat
for separator purposes, but nothing is formally being done on that.
There may be some opportunities for part of these gateway areas to
be open lands.
Joe Piesman questioned how lending practices and the current economy
could have a negative impact on the size of the development proposed
by the developer. Clark didn't know, but stated some ambitious projects
have come to a halt because of funding.
Liz also questioned if this project went belly up would the city change
its vision to make it easier for the next one to develop. Clark stated
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standards and guidelines for ordinances will be in place for whoever
comes in. Future proposals would require another plan amendment. The
vision does allow for ambitious development program
Clark Mapes stated he will be returning in April to ask the NRAB for a recommendation
to City Council to adopt this amendment.
Climate Task Force update and setting long-term reduction goal
As background, Alan Apt related that Fort Collins City Council is having a work session
on Tuesday, March 25, to discuss Climate Task Force's recommended goals. Tonight's
discussion could result in a memo to Council from the NRAB recommending the Climate
Task Force's goals and/or specific items we would hope they consider.
Lucinda pointed out tonight's presentation will be the same presentation she will give to
City Council at their work session. At end of this presentation Liz Pruessner will address
anything that wasn't touched on.
Fort Collins' Greenhouse Gas Goals
Background
o The Climate Task Force was created in 2007, to update the City's
greenhouse gas plan.
o Feb 26, 2008, City Council discussed the appropriateness of the existing
2010 greenhouse goals.
Challenges of 2010 planning horizon
o Precluded including longer term strategies i.e. land use and transportation
planning
o Might lead to choices that bring short term reductions at the expense of
more strategic long-term investments, offering greater community benefit.
o Higher cost associated with ramping up strategies for high level of
implementation by 2010.
Looking at goals in context
o Vision = goals = implementation plans = budget. Goals follow a vision
and one or some council members requested more input on a vision for
council's consideration.
o It is through the budget -setting and other Council actions that specific
actions necessary to meet goals are authorized by Council.
o Council can prioritize greenhouse gas reduction efforts in the context of
other City needs and priorities when making decision.
The Climate Task Force suggested the following draft vision statement and
guiding principles:
o "Fort Collins will be a carbon neutral, environmentally sustainable,
economically healthy community that offers its citizens a high quality of
life. We will build on our culture of `heroic pragmatism' to lead by
example and do our part to thwart the known global environmental threat
of climate change. We are inspired to action now so that as future
generations look back on this period, they too can be inspired and know
that we did everything in our power to create a future world that is
thriving, vibrant, sustainable and full of possibility."
• Other key points from the Climate Task Force rationale
o Fort Collins has demonstrated its leadership on climate protection and
should continue to act from a position of leadership and focused intent to
inspire others.
o The community will realize tremendous ancillary economic,
environmental, and social benefits when taking responsible steps to
combat climate change
o Recognize the importance of getting additional actions underway soon,
even if Council set a longer term goal and interest.
• Other Colorado communities have set goals
o Aspen setting a longer term goal of 30% below 2004 by 2020 and 80%
below 2004 by 2050.
o Boulder has a comprehensive plan of 7% below 1990 by 2012
o Denver has a per -capita goal of 10% per capita reduction below 1990 by
2012, which is very stringent.
o Basalt, Durango, Frisco, Glenwood Springs, Gunnison, Nederland, new
Castle, Pagosa Springs, Telluride and Westminster have also signed on to
the Kyoto protocols
• Other communities around the US have also set goals: Austin, TX, Berkeley, CA,
Burlington, VT, Cambridge, MA, Los Angeles, CA, Portland, OR and Seattle,
WA.
• The Climate Task Force chose three options to consider as alternatives for the
Council to consider:
o Reduce 20% below 2005 by 2050 (from State of Colorado) and reduce
80% below 2005 by 2050 (from State of Colorado)
o Reduce 30% below 2004 by 2020 (from Aspen)
o Reduce 10% per capita below 1990 by 2012 (from Denver)
• The Fort Collins Goal recommended by the Climate Task Force is:
0 20% reduction below 2005 levels by 2020.
0 80% reduction below 2005 by 2050.
• Reasons for recommendation
■ The goals are consistent with statewide goals, would increase cohesion and
unify a focus, and potentially reduce confusion for the public.
■ 2020 goal resulted from the recommendations of the Climate Action Panel
initially addressed at the state level.
o The Climate Action Panel was composed of 37 members across the
state along with several mayors and city leaders and they believe it is
consistent with the goal of an efficient, robust Colorado economy.
o The panel recommended 55 policy actions to address carbon
mitigation - 33 of which were quantified and were to get 75% of the
goal and the other 22 were non -quantified recommendations that could
fill in the rest of the gap.
o After the Climate Action Panel released their report, the Colorado
Action Climate Plan was released by the governor's office.
■ The plan called for the same goals to reduce emissions 20%
below 2005 levels by 2020 and 80% below 2005 levels by
2050.
■ It also set a goal for utilities to reduce emissions 20% by 2020.
2050 goal represents the global scale of greenhouse gas reductions that
scientists are currently saying is needed to avert the most significant impacts
of climate change.
The goals are consistent with the S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, measurable,
Attainable, Results -oriented, Time -sensitive) profile.
Proposed Next steps
o March — receive Council direction. Do they want to set new goals, if so,
when to adopt — or in conjunction with an implementation plan.
o April — Climate Task Force complete recommendation.
o Late April — staff develop recommended implementation steps.
o May — public review
o June 10 —council work session
o July — Council action
Liz Pruessner explained that she was encouraged by the way City Council received the
Climate Task Force's recommendations.
■ She felt they clearly got the difficulty of the task and were song the CTF hadn't
brought it to them earlier to show how hard it would be to achieve the goal.
■ They had a good discussion about many issues including the potential to grow the
local Fort Collins Economy.
■ Eric Levine wrote good letter addressing things that have a big cost, but there are
savings if we are going to a longer time frame. Plus there could be benefits of
energy reduction, traffic and health to show a net savings of the program.
■ Liz hopes the plan could show an overall net savings for reduced energy, traffic
and health to prevent negative feedback and get momentum for the plan.
Alan Apt suggested a systems approach and a new way of thinking for a renewable
energy economy. He complimented Ben Manvel on conveying the point that these
investments have great payback and the net was significant. Alan also stated he thought
the Council will back off on the short term goal. He asked the group if there are there
specific things the NRAB should suggest to Council.
• Ryan stated doing all these things in two years is not achievable - the long term
strategy is crucial. However, he would not solely support a long term strategy at
the expense of nothing happening the short term. There are some inexpensive
things on the list we could do tomorrow.
• Liz Pruessner related that Kelly Ohlson did suggest at the Council work session
there are actions we could do this year and in 2009 and 2010 such as a community
wide challenge to build energy and excitement for ideas. Also, people can use
investment dollars (RECs) in this community to do carbon reduction and bring
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more money to things the City is already doing such as weatherization, low
income assistance and show clear quantified reduction of energy.
o Liz pointed out that if you're doing a short term plan there would be more
RECs However, in a long term plan there may still be purchasing of
RECs, but we can shift the focus away from that to investing in a
renewable energy economy in the city.
Ryan Staychock asked what is the Climate Task Force's stand on renewable
energy credits.
o Liz responded that because of the diverse group of people on the Climate
Task Force, the opinions varied widely, but as a group they do not have
overall policy about RECs.
o Lucinda clarified they identified and quantified the strategies and then
refined them however, the opportunity to revise the package hasn't
happened yet.
o Ryan stressed that, especially if there's political momentum for this, the
NRAB needs to back the Council on this issue.
Alan Apt stated he saw in the paper that the Platte River Power Authority was
going to 50% budget on RECs and that the NRAB should weigh in on this.
Joe Piesman questioned if there were to be a short tern goal, could ever have one
year where we had less emissions. Because how can you start reducing the levels
if you can't maintain them.
o Lucinda explained that on the graph between 2005-06 the curve got less
steep, and the CTF noticed the net amount of natural gas use and solid
waste use was down. She checked with Xcel Energy regarding the
downturn. This data factored in weather conditions, so the price was
likely the determining factor.
Alan Apt suggested that, regarding long tern vs. short term, if we're going to get
a 20% reduction by 2020, the goal should be divided by the number of years and
annual goals set that are reviewed every 6 months. One way to accomplish that
should be to immediately redirect RECs to the local economy.
o Eric Levine's letter pointed out where are the dollars going, and with an
increased energy efficiency program, the payback is relatively fast - 2.3
years.
o Alan also pointed out the biggest bang for the buck is energy efficiency —
"negawatts" If we take RECs and invest the money in efficiency we make
a big impact on the 2% per year goal.
Rosemary Russo asked why vehicle inspections are not required in this area.
o Lucinda pointed out in the Denver area there are remote roadside censors
to screen out dirty vehicles, but they are talking about bringing emissions
test requirements back to Fort Collins because of our non -attainment in
ozone.
• Rosemary also asked for clarification of what the PRPA is.
o Lucinda stated the PRPA (Platte River Power Authority) is owned by four
cities - Ft. Collins, Estes Park, Longmont and Loveland.
o It provides the power and the cities' utilities provide the transmission and
deliver the power.
o It is run by a board comprised of the Mayor, the City Manager and utilities
director from each of the four cities; each having an equal vote.
o Liz stated the PRPA needs to meet the 20% statewide reduction goal.
o They are responding to requests for renewable energy.
o Ryan wondered where the money to build infrastructure such as
transmission lines comes from. For example, if Fort Collins requests
renewable energy, PRPA builds it. We pay for it, although all types of
energy is indistinguishable once it's on the grid.
o Alan pointed out some of Fort Collins power comes from Glen Canyon
Dam and is less expensive than from power plants.
In response to a question from Rosemary, the group discussed why the reduction
goal isn't quantified as "per capita."
o Lucinda explained framing the goal as per capita could be a good idea,
however, the goal is to get a net reduction in emissions.
o Alan thought citizens might need to understand how much greenhouse gas
each of us is generating.
o Rosemary suggested 20% reduction doesn't mean anything to the public,
but if it were quantified per person, people might be willing to do their
part for the total goal.
o Liz clarified the CTF tried put greenhouse gas reduction in something
tangible such as 5 trips in my car. They also talked about a formal
program to have to have the community to buy into it. Education is the
key.
In summary, Alan Apt asked the group specifically what does the NRAB want to
recommend to council.
• Liz stated that re -defining the goals is what's on the agenda.
• Lucinda added that the leadership team was interested in what impact the 2020
goal would have on per capita. She has not heard back from the Planning
Department with a firm growth rate figure, so she used the conservative number
of 1.6% growth per year in her projections. This number was used by the state
demographer for the region from 2005 to 2020. If we use 1.6% growth rate it
could translate into a 20% reduction in per capita emissions from the 1990 level
by 2020.
• Liz pointed out another challenging thing is that the per capita energy use keeps
going up. The public needs to realize all the electronic devices they have
plugged in at home use energy as long as they are plugged in.
o Ryan thought it could be addressed in the building codes.
o Alan pointed out we are steadily getting more efficient in building
materials and building efficiency.
• Ryan suggested the NRAB support the Climate Task Force's recommendations
that match the state goals, but only with caveats so there is no inaction in the
short term.
• Joe stated one potential goal would be to see an annual decrease in the immediate
future.
• Liz referred to Eric Levine's letter that said... "It's not a reduction; just a slowing
of emissions."
• The group discussed the wording of a recommendation to City Council.
Joe Piesman moved and Liz Pruessner seconded a motion to send the following
recommendation to City Council as a memorandum.
Motion Passed Unanimously
The Natural Resources Advisory Board enthusiastically supports the Climate Task Force's
recommendations of greenhouse gas reduction of:
20% below 2005 by 2020 and 80% below 2005 by 2050
However, we feel that an aggressive, proactive approach should be taken on short term
goals. Since we will have 12 years to achieve these goals, we agree with Council's request
that annual goals be considered. We suggest that an annual goal of no less a 2% reduction
be implemented.
As part of an implementation plan we would like to see most of the Green Power funds
redirected to energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that support the local
economy and community; such as Fort Zed.
Staff will put this motion into a memo format to be presented before the Council work
session on Tuesday, March 25, 2008.
Alan Apt pointed out that recommendations on solid waste is an issue the NRAB sent to
Council about nine months ago and asked the group if they want to revisit that now or
wait until after the Climate Task Force recommendation.
o Liz pointed out that one of the CTF's recommendations is to achieve 50%
reduction in solid waste, plus major items such as commercial recycling, better
pay as you throw, yard waste diversion, and construction and demolition waste
recycling. She felt it will be more effective for the NRAB to highlight solid waste
when the CTF formally launches their package. The group agreed.
o Joe Piesman suggested Susie Gordon revisit in May and give an update on the
trash and recycling.
New Business
Reminder: Future NRAB meetings will be held at 215 N Mason Ave,
Conference Room 1A - starting with the April 16.
Access to the meeting room is from the north door on the west side of the
building.
Building doors are locked at 6:00. There is an intercom to the Conference
room 1-A to buzz you in.
Alan Apt announced that Amy Dean has resigned from the NRAB due to other
obligations. Heather Manier will be joining the NRAB in April.
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Amy Dean had been on the West Nile Task Force. Joe Piesman agreed to take
her place on this committee.
Possible future agenda items:
Craig Foreman from Parks and Recreation suggested the turf management people
could come and discuss herbicides and pesticides and their potential impacts.
Lucinda will follow up on it.
Liz Pruessner is concerned about the presence of pharmaceuticals and hormones
in the drinking water.
o Ryan Staychock wondered if there is a relationship to the water treatment
plant. Also, is it possible to remove these chemicals?
o Lucinda will check on what information is available on drug and hormone
levels in water.
Joe Piesman wondered about the status of the NISP environmental impact
statement on NISP
o Alan stated the NRAB has asked council to oppose NISP.
o Lucinda informed the group the EIS has been delayed again and may be in
early June. When it does come out the City has requested an extension on
the comment period from 90 to 180 days.
I-25 Harmony Corridor
• West Nile update
Announcements
Liz Pruessner suggested the NRAB have a meeting at the Primrose Studio at the
Reservoir Ridge Natural Area.
Committee Meetines
Ryan will organize a Sustainability Committee meeting and perhaps engage CSU
students to join the committee.
Ryan Staychock moved and Joe Piesman seconded a motion to adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
Submitted by Alexis Hmielak
Administrative Secretary I
Approved by the Board on c 2008
Signed
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