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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Advisory Board - Minutes - 01/17/20181 NRAB - January 17, 2018 NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 222 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins January 17, 2018 – 6:00 PM BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Nancy DuTeau, Chair Bob Mann Elizabeth Hudetz Drew Derderdian Luke Caldwell Jay Adams Ling Wang Danielle Buttke Barry Noon BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Lindsay Ex, Environmental Program Manager – Staff Liaison Susan Strong, Environmental Regulatory Specialist - Presenter Basil Hamdan, Stormwater Quality Engineer - Presenter Matt Zoccali, Environmental Regulatory Affairs Manager – Staff Honore Depew, Environmental Planner - Presenter GUESTS: Ted Settle, Economic Advisory Board Member - Presenter Sam Solt, Economic Advisory Board Member Chair - Presenter David Tweedale –Land Conservation & Stewardship Board At 6:03 PM the meeting was called to order by Chair Nancy DuTeau. PUBLIC COMMENT: David Tweedale, with the Land Conservation & Stewardship Board, shared that Natural Areas is Celebrating 25 years - Party at Lincoln Center – Columbine Room 4:30 – 6:30 on January 19. INTRODUCTIONS & WELCOME TO NEW COMMISSION MEMBERS: Introductions of all members were conducted, each providing a summary of their background and interests pertaining to the Natural Resources Advisory Board. New members Danielle Buttke and Barry Noon were introduced for the 2018 session. Note: Danielle Buttke was appointed to complete Katherine DeLeon’s term in the 2017 session. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Elizabeth Hudetz made a motion to approve the Minutes for December 20, 2017, seconded by Jay Adams. Board members discussed edits re same. Nancy DuTeau made a motion to approve the December 20, 2017 minutes as amended, seconded by Jay Adams. The motion passed unanimously. PROPOSAL FROM ECONOMIC ADVISORY BOARD Sam Solt (Chair, Economic Advisory Commission) and Ted Settle (Economic Advisory Commission member) presented the Natural Resources Advisory Board (hereafter “NRAB”) Members with an overview of their “Proposal to Enhance the Effectiveness of Boards and Commissions.” A copy of the written proposal will be forwarded to members via Lindsay Ex. 2 NRAB - January 17, 2018 Sam Solt solicited Commission consideration and commentary on the proposal’s goal to improve the overall effectiveness of the Five Boards and Commissions that are supported by Sustainability Services. These five Boards and Commissions, he explained, are the “pilot” areas for the seminal attempts to create a fresh framework for the future. Ted Settle began a high-level discussion to clarify the proposal’s genesis, environment, issues, propositions and ultimate goals that are open- ended. The proposal is an attempt to advance the “Triple Bottom Line” approach to Sustainability – which is an environmental, economic and social examination of and solution to issues and problems faced by the citizens. The ultimate goal is a more holistic approach to our analysis and recommendation to City Council. The “Triple Bottom Line Scan Tool” that the Economic Advisory Commission learned about today would be an example of the type of tool this broader group could discuss. He further explained that the proposal suggests addressing any gaps in planning, reducing the overlapping Board and Commission dynamics, enhancing interagency communications, synergy of the aligned goals from each Board and Commission thus, leading to an enhanced, more engaged and effective advisory process with the City Council. A major part of this proposal is that (apart from the “Super Board” meeting) biannual, three-hour meetings will be held (in place of the regular monthly meetings) to discuss goals, activities and issues in common. Integration of our separate efforts is the foundation of this concept. The proposal will be presented to the “Futures Committee” of the City Council, probably in April or May. The NRAB could consider a liaison for this purpose. Ted said that the Boards and Commissions currently operate in a “silo”, whereas increased collaboration across the “silos” will lead to elevated analysis and policy-making. The structure of the Board and Commissions interconnection is currently being examined with a focus on the areas that Jacqueline Kozak-Thiel, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Fort Collins oversees. Ted mentioned that they seem to have articulated a sentiment sustained by many Board and Commission members regarding the effectiveness of the current structure. Mere presentation is not helpful without serious engagement leading to direct action on areas of common concern. General agreement on this point among the NRAB members. In reply to Elizabeth Hudetz, Ted gave a specific example of the Woodward Governor project, which encompassed social, environmental and economic questions. This matter embodied diverse and numerous topics which needed to be examined with various Boards and Commissions of the Sustainability Services area. Barry Noon wanted to explore the City Council agenda item re leasing and purchasing of land by Natural Areas. With regard to this proposal, a change in structure would be helpful with bringing expertise to topics (such as lease and purchase of land) across the various Boards and Commissions. Danielle Buttke offered that she was “very enthusiastic” about this endeavor and said that her experience was positive with an inter-disciplinary convergence to problem solving. Additionally, she found helpful a “newsletter” approach to expedite circulation of common information. One concern discussed among the group is the “ad-hoc” group approach for specific action. A point was advanced that the avoidance of becoming cumbersome combined with requiring extra administrative support is important. Sam Solt and Ted Settle concluded their presentation by thanking the NRAB members for their time and iterating that they hope the Board considers becoming a part of this endeavor. Subsequently, they exited the meeting at 6:55 PM. Nancy DuTeau stated that the NRAB members would review and discuss the proposal, including the consideration of a liaison, at the next meeting in February. No specific resolution was made at this time with regard to the proposal. OVERVIEW OF 2017 MS4 STORMWATER PERMIT ACTIVITIES AND LOW-IMPACT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Susan Strong, Environmental Regulatory Specialist and Basil Hamdan, Stormwater Quality Engineer from the City of Fort Collins Utilities Department provided an overview of their compliance work on the MS4 Permit and Water Quality improvements efforts. The Storm Sewer System helps prevent pollution entering our water system. A “Permit Deadlines Status Report” was provided to NRAB members. Susan Strong gave an overview on the MS4 Permit purposes, criteria, and internal processes. She explained that, while in previous years the permit language was nebulous, the current language is more prescriptive, which requires extended consideration and innovation to meet the requirements. This language leaves cities somewhat constrained to meet the revised permit criteria. In previous years, Susan expended considerable effort reviewing various sources for guidance and inspiration, including analyzing compliance efforts of several other municipalities for example. This proactive investigation has positioned the City to be able to meet permit goals ahead of schedule. The most significant change in recent years is the considerable amount of documentation required. Staff is also working on public education and outreach on these matters. One such endeavor is the development of a “Think Outside” program with the goal of encouraging citizens to consider the “secondary effects” of their actions that could affect our streams and the Poudre. An extension of this education component is child-centered in conjunction with the local school system. 3 NRAB - January 17, 2018 In response to Nancy DuTeau, Susan Strong explained that the bulk of illicit discharge (spill) notifications to her department transpires by telephone. A particular challenge is keeping up with construction site requirements with three inspectors. Barry Noon inquired as to whether there was a water quality analysis protocol after a major storm event. Basil Hamdan and Susan Strong replied that there is currently not a process in place. In supplementary response to Barry Noon, she and Matt Zoccali explained that at the State Water Quality Control Division, EPA and USGS level, cumulative effects of water pollutants are monitored. Impairments may be tasked at the City level for action, and sometimes expense to address the issues at this level can be a problem. Matt offered that local community groups have undertakings to monitor, but it is not a formalized effort by the City. Susan continued that the Low Impact Development (LID) Program in Fort Collins is very progressive because most municipalities did not previously have a water quality standard for development sites. Another development is that the State has defined a “Base Standard” for water quality treatment of stormwater runoff. She ended her segment by noting that she was in the process of a “Self Audit/Gap Analysis.” Additionally, she is prioritizing her tasks by date, potential cost, and dependencies on other groups, for example collaboration with the City Attorney’s office for guidance in some issues. The updated Stormwater Criteria Manual is in the process of being finalized; “public outreach” will be conducted. Thereafter, Basil Hamdan, Stormwater Quality Engineer with the Utilities Department proceeded with his component of the presentation. Basil explained that the new purpose statement was changed to address “Triple Bottom-Line” goals. The 2007 flood response and safety efforts precipitated the new environmentally oriented focus of the department. His presentation began with an explanation of the Low Impact Development (LID) program, “Green Infrastructure” and a visual overview of the various types of LID technologies. One major objective of these stormwater control design efforts and construction features is to minimize rather than eliminate new development impact on the environment. A difficult problem was impervious runoff issues that change hydrology and cause stream degradation for example. some of the adopted technologies with the new LID Implementation Manual include permeable pavement (which directs runoff to the subsurface), vegetated buffer zones, sand filters and constructed wetland ponds. “Co-benefits” to these water treatment technologies include aesthetically pleasing landscape design and irrigation of plants and trees with stormwater runoff. There are several examples of these solutions in Fort Collins such as the Lincoln Street Corridor, Odell Brewery and Bucking Horse Development. As opportunities arise, the City is going forward with “Green Rehabilitation” efforts throughout the City. Development plans are required to include LIDs in their plans. Susan Strong added that CSU has its own MS4 Permit - separate from the City. Costs to developers for different LID technologies depend on land values and design parameters for the particular development under consideration. Danielle Buttke wondered about retrofitting private projects to which Basil emphasized that the “Code” requires LID to new and re-development plans depending on the amount of impervious pavement involved. Danielle contributed that cities such as Portland and New Orleans have incentive programs. Basil explained that an analysis of other municipality programs was evaluated for successes (such as incentives) and were partially adopted and updated to correspond with our local climate for example. He added that the result of testing programs on various alternatives was positive. Susan Strong commented that the CSU website is a wealth of information in this area with more ideas for future projects. For example, she added, “How to Build your own Rain Garden” would be a good program for public outreach. Basil wanted to formally recognize the CSU Graduate Student team as indispensable in this undertaking, especially in the areas of monitoring, research and data. The presentation completed at 7:45 PM. WASTESHED PLANNING UPDATE Honore Depew, Environmental Planner – Waste Reduction & Recycling, presented an update to the Regional Wasteshed Planning efforts from his last presentation two years ago. He began his presentation by handing out the agenda item summary from the January 9 work session on this topic. He pointed out that there is great collaboration between all parties - Regional Governments and the County Solid Waste Department - with respect to our Wasteshed Projects. Some of the City of Fort Collins specific goals are 1) Reduction of Greenhouse Gases, 2) 2013 Road to Zero Waste Plan and, 3) Infrastructure – Yard Trimmings & Construction Waste was a paramount concern to this effort. The Residential and Commercial recycling rate is stable and the Industrial recycling rate is variable. Within the City, the Woodward Governor expansion and FootHills Mall projects were particularly large undertakings recently. High priority is Organic waste recycling, especially relevant to the Climate Action Plan. An identified obstacle to this effort is distance and/or travel to a waste and recycling area as well as demographics. Nancy DuTeau is drawn to small regional stations for a given area with both gathering and treatment of waste. 4 NRAB - January 17, 2018 Honore added that the Landfill is projected to be at capacity in 2025. North Front Range Wasteshed Coalition has done quite a bit of foundation on this, which started with the informational gathering phase, then segued to policy making efforts and then the infrastructure, stakeholder advisory and technical issues being addressed. 2018 will be important with recommendations forthcoming for viable infrastructure as well as supportive policies and ordinances along with consideration of financing options and public-private partnerships. Consistent public engagement throughout the process is essential as well. He highlighted several reports from the recycling section of the City of Fort Collins website such as: “The Road to Zero Waste” plan which incorporates year 2020, 2025 and 2030 goals, (2030 is targeted to be 100% zero waste. He said the “Triple Bottom Line” is taken into account throughout the processes. Thereafter, he solicited questions regarding the Waste Programs from the NRAB members. Ling Wang began a discussion about China’s 2017 “Operation National Sword” which is a restrictive quota for contamination of certain types of international recyclable materials. This program has prompted many US jurisdictions to seek alternatives end markets for the materials from their recycling programs. He said public education on daily recycling decisions is essential. Decades of manufacturing have presented special problems across the country with the new China regulations. Honore noted that there are some private markets for several types of items. Boulder County, which has a nimble and highly upgraded system, impresses the city. He concluded his presentation by pointing out inspiring statistics in the Waste Reduction efforts by the City. He finished his presentation at 8:12 PM. NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT OVERVIEW Nancy DuTeau verified that all members had a copy of the report and she believes that there should be a review and feedback period before approval. She explained that the report was a summary of activities for the prior session (2017) and that it will be forwarded to City Council for their review. NRAB members will exchange email discussion re same with a Monday - January 22, 2018 – end of business day deadline. Subsequently, she will forward the finalized report. Elizabeth Hudetz moved to review the Annual Report further and delay adoption, seconded by Bob Mann. The motion passed unanimously. UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Nancy DuTeau said that the February 2018 meeting would include officer elections. Lindsay Ex announced that, on February 12, the Department would host an Innovation Summit facilitated by Dr Roger Firestein, a national expert on creativity to support the Innovate Fort Collins Challenge (www.fcgov.com/innovate), with focus areas around energy, waste, transportation, and behavior change. If anyone would like to attend, please contact her. Lindsay also drew attention to an effort by The City and CSU’s combined efforts to recruit a group to tackle climate issues. Interested parties can fill out a survey at FCGov.com/elevate for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Luke Caldwell said that as Chair of the Bicycle Advisory Committee, he wrote a fact-based White Paper on “E-Bikes” and their use on the bicycle trails in Fort Collins. He discussed the challenges and advantages of creating the report with NRAB members. Lindsay Ex said she could forward the White Papers to interested NRAB members if Luke sends her a copy. Bob Mann said he would be absent in February. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.