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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNatural Resources Advisory Board - Minutes - 05/16/2018Page 1 of 6 NRAB – April 18, 2018 NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 222 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins May 16, 2018 – 6:00 PM BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Nancy DuTeau – Chair, 2018 Elizabeth Hudetz Drew Derderian Luke Caldwell – Co-Chair, 2018 Danielle Buttke Jay Adams BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Ling Wang Barry Noon Bob Mann STAFF PRESENT: Lindsay Ex, Environmental Program Manager – Staff Liaison Honore Depew, Environmental Planner Lucinda Smith, Environmental Services Director Lisa Rosintoski, Customer Connections Manager GUESTS & PRESENTERS: David Tweedale –Land Conservation & Stewardship Board Mark Houdashelt – Air Quality Advisory Board Mike Kendrick – City of Fort Collins Resident I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER: At 6:05 PM the meeting was called to order by Nancy DuTeau. II. PUBLIC COMMENT: Members of the Public (listed above) introduced themselves. There were no public comments. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Initial discussion re a few updates to the April 2018 Natural Resources Advisory Board (“NRAB”) draft meeting minutes. Luke Caldwell made a motion to approve, as amended, the April 2018 minutes; seconded by Jay Adams. The Vote Passed unanimously. IV. REGIONAL WASTESHED PROJECT UPDATE: Honore Depew - Environmental Planner, City of Fort Collins (“City”) offered an “executive-level” summary (“Agenda Item Summary”) of his discussion to the NRAB members. Honore began his discussion by noting that the landfill will reach capacity in 2025 and the current location does not provide opportunity for expansion. Projections, said Honore, display a high level of accuracy and new infrastructures and policies require attention. The department is devising plans with a 20 to 50-year range of vision. Final infrastructure recommendations leading to City Council support and adoption is necessary. He expects the Larimer County Board of Commissioners to adopt a master plan late this summer, which will include recommendations for infrastructure and policy. Seminal work on a draft Intergovernmental Agreement, ordinance language, and environmental/economic analysis results tentatively scheduled for the August 14 “Work Session”. Honore stated that Mayor Wade Troxell and Councilmember Ross Cunniff have been closely involved and staff is seeking City Council’s approval of the plan to keep driving towards an agreement with Larimer County. Indispensable to this effort is an “Intergovernmental Agreement” encapsulating the following elements: Larimer County finance and construction commitment, Municipality development of Waste Handling Protocol, Licensing Page 2 of 6 NRAB – April 18, 2018 Scheme, Data Compilation and Analytic Reporting, Public Outreach and Education, and formation of an Advisory Board. He began his review by expressing approbation for the efforts of the groups primarily collaborating in this effort. The Technical Advisory Committee (“TAC”), Policy Advisory Committee (“PAC”) and the Stakeholder Advisory Group make up the Wasteshed Coalition (“Coalition”). Nancy DuTeau and Bob Mann represented NRAB in the Stakeholder Advisory Group. The Stakeholder Advisory Group has over fifty (50+) diverse members, held eight (8) meetings in the past ten (10) months and voiced strong support for the recommendations. Estimated recommended facilities build-out (beginning in 2019) is between Two (2) and Six (6) years at a total cost of $53 million (Source: Handout). The Five (5) recommended facilities are a new County Landfill, Central Transfer Station, Yard Waste Composting Facility, Food Waste Composting Facility and a Construction and Demolition Debris Processing Facility. All facilities, other than a new landfill, could be developed at the current Larimer County Landfill site on south Taft Hill Rd. The County owns 620 acres north of Wellington that could be developed into a new landfill. The Larimer County Solid Waste Division is an enterprise fund, which uses no taxpayer dollars, has accumulated an infrastructure replacement balance sufficient to fund the majority of new facilities. Important steps are an intergovernmental agreement and policies (such as flow control for certain materials) and the formation of an Advisory Board. He expects customer costs to increase with any of the options, including a “do nothing” option. Honore Depew noted that, while the Coalition is excited about the composting capabilities, there is recognition that organic waste can produce nuisance odors. There is an integral aeration plan to mitigate the effects. The Coalition is enthusiastic about the potential for the Construction and Demolition processing facility. Separation of (for example) cardboard, metals and wood can forecast a secondary market for these products. Opportunity for public and private economic development of incorporating waste material into new products is a consequence. Market development in this area is crucial. Danielle Buttke said that a secondary market is Sod Lawn Growers who would be interested in compost. Nancy DuTeau mentioned that the lack of a Municipal Waste service provides challenge with education to the resident through the Private “Waste Haulers.” Danielle Buttke was curious about water rights for the facility operations. Honore Depew agreed water access is limited at the current landfill site, but including high-water-content feedstock into the compost system can mitigate some need for additional water. Jay Adams followed up with an inquiry about personal and residential involvement. Honore Depew replied that those details originate and will emerge at the “County” level. They also discussed the potential components of the potential advisory board. Jay Adams segued to the “Chinese Recycling Issue” (which received weighty commentary at a previous NRAB meeting.) Honore Depew replied that Organic and Construction Debris will stay local for handling, which is the focus of the proposal. High quality materials remain a local priority. Nancy DuTeau mentioned Momentum Glass located in Boulder County, Colorado. Their website states that their goal is 50% glass recycling in Colorado. Honore Depew added that their State of the Art Facility could recover over ninety percent (90%) of product. Turnaround of a bottle from origin to new product could be quick as a week. Elizabeth Hudetz was quite interested in plans for Public Outreach and Education. She observes that the plan must be multi-faceted (through television, social media, flyers and posters, etc.) to advise a variety of residents and entities of the recycling programs. Lindsay Ex added that Lucinda would make an “offer” for funding for recycling education that she outlines in her presentation later this evening. Page 3 of 6 NRAB – April 18, 2018 Drew Derderian brought up a current issue with the Ash trees that now are in danger due to the “Emerald Ash Borer” (EAB). (This ravenous pest has required the removal upwards of 700 Ash Trees in the City of Boulder.) Danielle Buttke said that the current Federal Administration has lifted the quarantine initially enacted in Boulder in response to the exigency. Honore added that Colorado State University (“CSU”) and the City of Fort Collins’ Forestry Department are collaborating to design a system for mitigating the effects of EAB in for Fort Collins, where Ash Trees are 15% of the urban forest. During the evening, Honore Depew made some mention that the neighboring City of Loveland, Colorado provides effective recycling and waste management programs. One important factor for implementation factor here is that, unlike some cities, Fort Collins does not have a “Municipal Waste” service therefore, private “Waste Companies” assistance is integral to the outreach and compliance efforts as well. Luke Caldwell segued to the issue of compliance. Honore Depew said that primary compliance would stem from public education and outreach. Private “Waste Companies” will need to work directly with their customers. Luke was also concerned about the issue of the rent or purchase of bins for recycling and how that extra fee (if any) might affect residents with less financial resources. Honore said that it was a good point and that the department has not presently broached that level of detail, but will be modeling local economic impacts. Luke expressed his support and enthusiasm for the plan overall. Nancy DuTeau mentioned that communities such as Estes Park and Red Feather Lakes might have “Transfer Stations” (site for temporary waste handling) for waste destined for the landfill. Honore Depew said there are several alternatives surrounding this issue, and County-run “Convenience Centers” will continue to operate around Larimer County. Discussion ensued about secondary market opportunities and challenges. Honore noted the value of amended soil. Nancy DuTeau mentioned that there are some regulatory limits of enhanced products. Approval and quality of secondary products are of consideration. She mentioned Hoffman Mill Road where the City of Fort Collins Crushing Operations Facility is located. Honore iterated that “marketing” is crucial. Nancy DuTeau asked if the City expects to handle organic and yard waste. Honore responded that by creating a nimble operation we can scale up or down. Nancy DuTeau and Luke Caldwell thanked Honore Depew for his presentation and members indicated NRAB support for the project. Page 4 of 6 NRAB – April 18, 2018 V. BUDGETING FOR OUTCOMES PROCESS & OFFERS OVERVIEW: Lucinda Smith, Director Environmental Services Department – City of Fort Collins, presented an overview of the budget and current offers. She explained that the City budget aligns to seven outcomes and the principles of the “Triple Bottom Line” objectives. The budgeting process spans May to November and June 8 and September 28 are the “Feedback Windows”. The Budgeting for Outcomes Teams review all offers and proposes recommendations to the City. Lucinda also mentioned that the City has updates its Strategic Plan with a 2-5 year outlook to inform offer development. All funding is competitive. She explained that an “Offer” works like a “Proposal” in competition for funding allocations. Each offer must address several enumerated criteria. Environmental Services’ on-going offers are for appropriations for the Timberline Recycling Center and the Environmental Services Department. Environmental Services offers varied such as funding requested for Energy Policy Updates (43.12) or a request for Municipal Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment (43.6). Also, department salaries, inspection of plugged and abandoned wells, “night sky” issues and other diverse needs comprised the offers. Discussions began with Jay Adams inquiring about enforcement of regulations and ordinances also considering whether the fine structure was prohibitive. Lucinda Smith shared that a position was funded in the 2017-2018 budget whose primary responsibility is to oversee compliance within Construction and Demolition debris diversion. The position is establishing cooperative relationships and distributing education, encouraging compliance. She explained that this is an example of an area of opportunity and high-impact. Additionally, she said the objective is voluntary compliance through education and outreach. The group discussed whether enforcement occurred on natural habitats via the Land Use Code, and Lindsay Ex said that the three (3) year policy with Inspection Bonds have been used and released when success criteria had been met. Nancy DuTeau asked about the inspections and method of communication in compliance matters. Lindsay Ex said that complaints trigger the inspections, and that the preference for dealing with complaints was education rather than enforcement. Education is a typical enforcement tool. Nancy DuTeau and Lucinda Smith discussed that the “Triple Bottom Line” (Economic, Social & Environmental Health) approach is the third iteration (since conception several years ago) and close to introduction. Luke Caldwell viewed a presentation at the “Super Board” meeting demonstrating the “tool” for enacting the requisites of the “Triple Bottom Line Approach”. Lucinda added that integration of people across projects is one of the results. Lisa Rosintoski, Utilities Customer Connections Manager – City of Fort Collins, began her presentation providing a Utilities Budget Overview. Utilities is an enterprise fund focusing on the outcome areas of Environmental Health, Economic Health, High Performing Government, and Safe Communities. Customer have expressed their values through the Climate Action Plan, Water Efficiency Plan, Energy Policy, Storm Water Management, Water Quality, and Water Supply and Demand Management Policy to name a few, which is how Utilities manages funding through BFO. Lisa Rosintoski reviewed the overall financial performance for Utilities providing an understanding of operating expenses, revenues and reserves. She commented that “Light and Power” recognizes that operating expenses slightly exceed operating revenue causing a negative for operating income. She also highlighted the role of each service funds reserves, with L&P experiencing constraints on reserves based on the ten (10) year Capital Improvement Plans. Nancy DuTeau asked about plans for funding the Broadband initiative. It appears that a funding request for Broadband will arise in a separate “Offer”. Page 5 of 6 NRAB – April 18, 2018 Lisa Rosintoski announced that “Time of Day” Utility rates will be in effect October 1, 2018. The months of May through September have peak rates from two o’clock (2:00) PM to seven o’clock (7:00) PM. During the period of October to April, five o’clock (5:00) PM to nine o’clock (9:00) PM. With appreciation for their time, Nancy DuTeau thanked Lucinda Smith and Lisa Rosintoski for their presentation. VI. UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: Lindsay Ex gave an overview of the City’s current investments in Climate Action beginning with 2016 which was $5.9 million, 2017 at $3.3 million and currently, in 2108, funding is at $2.4 million. Lindsay made a notable point reporting that for every $1.00 invested; the City has leveraged $1.70. Also, the average savings over the lifetime of these investments is $220 annual savings per household. Current (2017) results show 17% below 2005, with the goal at 20% below in 2020. If, however, current projections stay firm, exceeding 20% in 2020 is feasible. She reported noteworthy projections that, with other initiatives such as wind power, 2021 could be 35% below and, with 75 MW of wind, 40% is possible. Luke Caldwell asked about other potential initiatives. Lindsay said an increase in Rooftop Solar or curtailing automobile use would be the most prominent examples. Elizabeth Hudetz thought riding a bike could also have negative effects because of air quality. Danielle Buttke provided some additional insight to Elizabeth’s observation. She explained that when riding a bicycle in high stress situations such as traffic the positive effects still outweigh negative effects. The negative effects of air quality fade if the situation changed to a low stress workout. Lindsay Ex said that there is 80% polling in support of Climate Action. An effort to illustrate climate action at the local and individual level might include LED light bulb promotion and encouraging, perhaps, one car-free trip a week. Danielle Buttke said she is riding her bike more often. Danielle Buttke is interested in expedition of review of solar projects. Council adopted income-qualified rate reduction that is expected to impact renewable energy as well. Lindsay Ex said that contingent on funding for the “Plan Update”; programs will enter a “modeling“ period. Addressing policy and infrastructure first is essential. Luke Caldwell iterated his concern for the effects of waste management regulatory compliance on the lower income population. Nancy DuTeau mentioned that California has enacted solar requirements on new construction. Lindsay said that the primary consideration is energy efficiency on existing (residential and commercial) buildings and renewable sources thereafter. Lindsay Ex said that, in West Nile Virus Mitigation, the recommendations from the NRAB were accepted. A “Human Case” requirement was removed as well a leaving the “Vector” index unchanged. Lindsay Ex surveyed the City Calendar: • May 22 is the City Plan Update. • July 3rd is Oil and Gas Codes Updates and discussion. • October lists “Residential Burning” follow up. • Budgeting matters populate the calendar throughout the next few months. Page 6 of 6 NRAB – April 18, 2018 Danielle Buttke mentioned that on May 29 a tentative “Special Meeting” is scheduled to discuss NISP (Northern Integrated Supply Project – Poudre River diversion and storage). Danielle questioned whether any of the City Boards and Commissions recommended NISP. Luke Caldwell mentioned that the Parks department has “Community Meetings” upcoming, beginning the first week of June. Elizabeth Hudetz attended the “Superboard meeting”. Impressed by the overview of “Budgeting for Outcomes” and the “Triple Bottom Line” enterprises, Elizabeth Hudetz said it was helpful. She mentioned that Sam Solt and Ted Settle continue to work on addressing the “silo” effect of the numerous boards and commissions working independently. Also, there is debate about the balance of listening to presentations and discussion therefore because the time constraints curtail the ability to conduct undiluted discussion. Lindsay Ex added that Ginny Sawyer is heading up part of this effort to incorporate the work of the various Boards and Commissions. Lindsay Ex said that City Council wants the Boards and Commissions to feel unencumbered as they go about their discussions and issue analysis. There had been some tension in the past trying to find the perfect balance of interplay. Luke Caldwell theorized that perhaps once yearly interplay might be acceptable. Lindsay followed up by saying that the City Council was grateful for recent comments from the Boards and Commissions. Nancy DuTeau said she attended the Women’s Commission Breakfast. Collaboration amongst various Boards and Commissions was a topic of discussion. While admitting that inter-agency connections are valuable, Nancy added that collaboration (2 or more) is not easy because any meeting requires a great deal of administrative support. (“Sunshine Laws” require some government proceedings to be open to the public). Without any further items for discussion, Nancy DuTeau thanked the members for their time commitment and the meeting ended. VII. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 8:37 PM.