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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 - Natural Resources Advisory Board - Work PlanEnvironmental Services 215 N. Mason PO Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 970.221-6600 970.224-6177 - fax fcgov.com MEMORANDUM FROM THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD DATE: 10/20/2016 TO: Mayor and City Council Members FROM: John Bartholow on behalf of the Natural Resources Advisory Board SUBJECT: Natural Resources Advisory Board (NRAB) 2017 Annual Work Plan Subject to further Council guidance, the general topics we anticipate covering in 2017 include: • Reviewing City policies and planning initiatives for consistency with the City’s environmental goals and values, and the principles of sustainability, through regular and subcommittee meetings; • Addressing specific policies, plans and regulations by participating in task forces and special committees such as the Bicycle Advisory Board, Nature in the City Advisory Committee (if convened), Road to 2020 strategic initiatives teams, regional wasteshed planning stakeholder meetings, and the West Nile Virus Technical Advisory Committee; 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, Water, Land Conservation and Stewardship, and Transportation Advisory Boards; • Evaluating and further refining the role of the NRAB to be of most usefulness to City Council. This work plan (attached) identifies issues that we anticipate will be considered by the NRAB during the year 2017. Of the Seven Key Outcome areas in the Fort Collins Strategic Plan, Environmental Health, Transportation, and Culture and Recreation will largely shape our work. Our priority action items fall into the umbrella categories of: Waste Reduction and Recycling; Water Resources; Road to 2020/Energy; and Transportation Planning. 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 longer-term Policy And Plan Review Schedule to help determine agenda items for our meetings. Finally, as appropriate, we will schedule field trips to further educate ourselves on some of these issues. 2 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 2017. Sincerely, John Bartholow, Chair Natural Resources Advisory Board cc: Darin Atteberry, City Manager Jackie Kozak-Thiel, Chief Sustainability Officer Katy Bigner, Environmental Planner and Project Coordinator Bob Overbeck, City Council Liaison to the NRAB Attachment 3 Attachment: NRAB 2017 Work Plan 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. To address this goal, the NRAB has identified the following areas of specific interest in 2017, with an overall view of integrating the principles of sustainability in each target area: 1) Waste Reduction and Recycling The NRAB is excited to provide input and leadership on the “Road to Zero Waste” initiative, including: Integrated Community Recycling Facility; Community Recycling Ordinance (extending recycling services); increasing availability of yard trimmings collections; collection of food scraps for commercial composting; education campaigns to increase residential and commercial recycling; mandatory recycling of construction debris; expansion of multi-family recycling; and expansion of commercial recycling. Members will continue to participate in Regional Wasteshed Planning efforts. 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: storm water runoff, impacts of development on runoff quality and raw water supplies, 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, and Halligan/Seaman Reservoir Expansion. The NRAB will also review and monitor fire, spill and flooding impacts on water supply and storm and waste water 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 xeriscaping and permaculture (where feeding animals and the environment are considered), “keyline” irrigating, and other actions that promote more efficient water use. 3) Energy/Climate Action’s Road to 2020 NRAB will review and comment on renewable energy issues. The NRAB will work with the Energy Board to provide input on the revised Energy policy. Specific areas of consideration 4 include: FortZed; Use of newly available Smart Grid data; energy efficient development (e.g., building codes); transitioning PRPA power facilities from coal to natural gas and renewable energy sources; residential and small-scale commercial solar rebate program; ongoing conservation and efficiency programs; community solar gardens; and 2017 update of Economic Health Strategic Plan – the Climate Economy. 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 Road to 2020. 4) Transportation Planning Explore, review and comment on regional and local issues affecting transportation planning in cooperation with the Transportation Board, including monitor coordination of Mason Street Corridor into existing transit system; vehicle miles of travel; need for safe pedestrian and bicycle design and function at major intersections in both existing and new construction; implementation of Bicycle Master Plan. The NRAB will also monitor the implementation of the Master Trails Plan. Identification of funding to support the plan has been a major concern of the NRAB. In addition, we may review issues related to trail crowding, including appropriate signage, as well as trail adoption programs. 5) Other Related Issues a. NRAB will monitor progress on the Sustainability Assessment Tool included in Plan Ft. Collins and the progress of the Office of Sustainability. b. 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. c. Local Agriculture. Explore issues and ideas in the local agriculture and food security movements. d. Oil and Gas. Monitor environmental issues related to oil and gas development in Fort Collins.