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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAir Quality Advisory Board - Minutes - 04/21/2008AIR QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DATE: Monday, April 21, 2008 LOCATION: 200 West Mountain — Suite A — Conference room. TIME: 5:30 -8:00 P.M. Dinner is served starting at 5:15 For Reference: Eric Levine, Chair - 493-6341 David Roy, Council Liaison - 407-7393 Brian Woodruff, Staff Liaison - 221-6604 Board Members Present: Eric Levine, Nancy York, Dale Adamy, Dennis Georg, Katrina Winbom, Greg McMaster, Kip Carrico Absent — Jeff Engell Also present — Council member Ben Manvel Staff Present: Brian Woodruff, Alexis Hmielak Guests: None Opportunity for Public Comment: None Eric Levine called the meeting to order at 5:37 pm Approve March 24, 2008 minutes Nancy York moved and Greg McMaster seconded a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously A Conversation with Ben Manvel Ben Manvel is the Fort Collins City Council liaison to the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which coordinates transportation and air quality planning in the Greeley -Loveland -Fort -Collins area. He is also considered the other AQAB liaison because he represents Fort Collins as the MPO liaison to the Regional Air Quality Council (RACQ), which is preparing the ozone control plan for northern Colorado. One of his roles is to bring proposals to the MPO from the RAQC. Ben Manvel addressed the Air Quality Advisory Board and described what he has been doing with the MPO Council and the Regional Air Quality Council. • Ben explained the North Front Range MPO coordinates transportation planning between the various municipalities in the area. It also distributes available federal funds, suggests projects and sets priorities where money goes. Its main role is to manage and maximize the efficiency of transportation and its relationship to air quality. • Ben also serves on the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) which meets the same day as the MPO - the first Thursday of the month. Because of the pressing business to reduce the ozone level in this area, the RAQC is also meeting more than once a month for the next few months. North Front Range MPO • Ben showed the AQAB a copy of the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan that the MPO has just produced. It has a lot of information about demographics of the area, existing transportation, and possible future transportation and where the people are going to be. However, the largest consideration is air quality. o Ben pointed out there are many federal requirements in order to get federal money and they have a technical advisory team to review the stats. o Fort Collins is very valuable in this process because it has a high level of experts on ozone and the ozone level is also higher in Fort Collins than in Denver. • The big effort for the MPO is to develop a regional transportation authority. They want to base it on the experience of Colorado Springs who organized an RTA project with the local United Way to talk about transportation needs, proposed a one cent tax to fund it, put it on the ballot and it passed. However, Colorado Springs is a major municipality in one county. In Northern Colorado there is more controversy because there are 13 municipalities and each want different things. For example: o Fort Collins is mainly interested in having maintenance money in the proposal to repair roads along with transit. o Greeley very interested in maintenance and highway construction money. o Loveland feels the need to fix the I-25 interchanges on highway to keep business flowing in Centerra. o Coordination between the various municipalities is not going smoothly and Greeley and Loveland don't want to support transit between them. o Fort Collins City Council decided to withdraw Fort Collins from the process because they felt it was not going anywhere and that monies from a one cent sales tax should be spent on things in addition to transportation. • The MPO is still trying to get a regional transportation district together. They now have a subcommittee talking about alternate funding sources including a special tax for transit. • Air quality is a factor in federal money contributions because there are projects for pedestrian and alternative modes of transportation in the plan such as van pools. The Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) • The council has existed for years in the Denver metro region and has just recently decided to expand their scope to the north Front Range mainly because of the increasing number of oil and gas wells in Weld County and their effect on ozone pollution in the area. The MPO selected Ben Manvel to be the Fort Collins representative for the RAQC. • There are 12 members on the RACQ with diverse backgrounds. • The Council had previously instituted,Frograms to solve pollution, but because of ozone non compliance they are now developing new modeling in reaction to the new ozone violations. Focus is on both short and long term programs. • The RAQC is looking at many of the same programs and issues as the AQAB. The AQAB discussed Ben Manvel's presentation and asked questions. • In answer to Dennis Georg, if the RAQC was in a position to make short term recommendations in May, 2008, Ben stated they are going to have an extra meeting this month to identify and describe the programs and attach numbers to each. 2 • Eric Levine asked if Fort Collins had an IM program would it be geared to NOX instead of CO. Ben related this was a topic of interest but the RAQC has not reached any consensus. Lucinda stated there were four approaches under consideration: o Bring the whole program here. o Have an onboard diagnostic test and supplement for older vehicles. o Use the previous 2 speed idle test, however the equipment is outdated o Use remote sensing • Ben stated it is very likely the IM program will be reinstated in Fort Collins. The question is who is going to pay for it. • Eric commented the air quality of fleet emissions since testing went away is degrading plus the vehicles are larger, consume more gas, have better pollution controls but also more catastrophic failure modes. Lucinda pointed out some states use OBD for emission tests. • Eric stated he was concerned the AQAB was out of the loop with the RTA regarding ozone. Nancy stated the AQAB's charge is to advise City Council and the MPO about air quality but the AQAB didn't get to weigh in until after many decisions had already been made. o Brian clarified that back when people were worried about carbon monoxide levels there was an administrative arrangement made whereby public input to the MPO would come from the Fort Collins Air Quality Advisory Board. It is unclear, however, if that relationship still holds for ozone. o Ben Manvel said he would check on it. He also stated it is not clear how ozone is related between the RAQC and MPO and one of his jobs is to determine what they expect of each other. He hoped the AQAB can inform him since Ben's responsibility is to coordinate the air quality effort between the two groups. • In answer to a question by Greg McMaster, Ben stated the most effective way of communicating to him would be to communicate directly with him or staff in order to raise his awareness. He will also get back to the AQAB with what is happening at the RAQC and MPO regarding air quality. • Nancy York referenced a document that shows transportation is the largest contributor to green house gasses and ozone; however, it didn't address automobile use as a problem. She also wondered why Fort Collins isn't more progressive to raise awareness, encourage transportation alternatives and discourage single occupancy vehicles. o Ben shared an idea about a hand-held GPS device that could coordinate ride sharing. Brian said he had heard of a similar program called "Smart Jitney" from The Community Solution. o Dale Adamy asked how diesel vehicles fall into strategies of emission. ■ Ben said there are some serious programs in Denver to clean up diesel emission such as refits to improve efficiency, with a suggested subsidy. However, there are long waiting lists. There are lots of creative things that can be done with good payback. • Dennis asked Ben what the AQAB could do to be more effective at giving advice to the Council. o Ben asked if there were things other than the MPO that the AQAB felt it did not have the opportunity to give input on. ■ Eric elaborated that, in addition to the MPO, other issues the AQAB was out of the loop on were: the hookah bar issue, the uranium mining issue, 3 ozone, cuts in Dial -a -Ride and the zoning change on the I-25 interchange. In addition, presentations on West Nile Virus, the green building and building code were presented to the AQAB too late in the process. o Ben skated the AQAB can have more impact and be more effective by lobbying people on council to get them interested. He suggested getting 2-3 advocates on Council and push the issues. o Greg McMaster asked where in the stack of Council Meeting documents are the board recommendations. Is there a way to sort the packet to highlight Board recommendations? o Ben stated whatever comes from the boards that impacts the Council's work is treated with respect, but he suggested a call or email from the AQAB to the board to point out what's in the packet would be helpful. Dennis referenced a Harvard study that states ozone severely impacts children's developing lungs and challenges the EPA standard as msutticient in aaaressmg me impact of ozone. He will send the article to the AQAB. Ben stated the MPO and RAQC are going to do everything they can that they have money for in order to get back into compliance. Regarding penalties for not getting back into compliance, Ben elaborated that if the area is doing its best to reduce ozone, it may be given time extensions to comply. However, if the area has been lax, there are penalties and the EPA can dictate exactly what measures it must do to comply. He does not know what the EPA thinks of Ft. Collins' efforts. Ben Marvel thanked the AQAB for inviting him to the meeting. He will try to keep the group in mind as he does his job and will make sure staff liaison Brian Woodruff is kept apprised of what is happening regarding regional air quality. The group discussed the suggestion received from both David Roy and Ben Manvel that the AQAB take a personal approach to the City Council to get their recommendations heard through phone and email conversations. • Nancy suggested a member of the AQAB could read the recommendations at the Council meetings. • Greg suggested the group could do pre -alerting before the recommendations are submitted. • Regarding Council work sessions, Eric felt board and commission output should be prioritized with members present at the Council table. • Brian pointed out the AQAB will have a board review in July and these issues could be discussed with Council at that time. o Eric suggested this be discussed at the May AQAB meeting. The group discussed how to make interaction with other boards and commissions and staff presentations more effective. • Eric suggested various boards and committees interface with each other regarding presentations and to alert the boards and commissions what will be requested of them. • Nancy felt the new Transportation Director should be invited to an AQAB meeting to get to know them because the AQAB is very concerned about reduced air quality as a result of transportation. • Dennis felt the Council's six month calendar is a valuable tool regarding issues that have air quality impact, such as building and transportation, but the AQAB shouldn't try to address all issues. Also, the City should become more efficient in coordinating the boards and commissions regarding policy. • Brian pointed out there is no person or department that is assigned to make sure policies are adhered to, nor are there penalties. The Budgeting for Outcomes process has somewhat supplanted the former reliance on adopted City policy to guide programs and implementation. • Greg stated the AQAB needs to pick issues they are passionate about, get more political in how to have Council understand their positions, and figure out where they want to put their time and attention, since the AQAB is only one piece of the puzzle. • Dennis pointed out policies need funding to make them viable. • The group agreed it would be helpful for the city to cull out policies that no longer belong. Regarding the impact transportation has on air quality, Nancy stated there are several large parking garages being proposed in the city. She also stressed Fort Collins needs to seriously find substitutes for vehicles because they cause many health, food and economic problems. Suggested priorities need to be set and then action taken by the city to meet them. • This would take political will. • Alternative mobility needs to be in place to reduce vehicle use. • Brian suggested the AQAB has an opportunity to package issues for the City Council, to tie together various components and their air quality benefits in order to help the Council see the relationships among them. • Dale Adamy suggested the AQAB could take the lead in integrative leadership for Council by wording a recommendation to councils such as "In order to achieve lower air quality, the AQAB advises working in collaboration with (a certain) board and other agencies of the city." • Dennis summarized that the AQAB should take on fewer items and take them on in a more coherent fashion. The group agreed. BUILDING CODE UPDATE Eric handed out a short memo from Building Code Administrator Mike Gebo that explains that the commercial building insulation requirements are being further strengthened. These amendments will be heard by Council on first reading May 6, 2008. The AQAB reviewed a draft letter of recommendation to Council regarding the building code revision. The group agreed to insert a graphic to illustrate the large percentage of CO2 generated by buildings. The Air quality Advisory Board recommends. unanimously that City Council adopt the International Building Code with local amendments on first reading. The Board focused its review on two issues: energy conservation standards for commercial buildings and radon requirements for multi family buildings. Buildings placed into service today will last for many decades. Although the proposed energy conservation standards are a step in the right direction, Board members feel that 5 more needs to be done. We must continue to improve the energy efficiency of new buildings, especially in view of their high contributions to overall energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. (shown in the graph below) We therefore urge Council to consider adopting stronger energy standards, such as those contained in the Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) criteria, in our next code update. The new radon requirements are a natural extension of the current requirements on single-family homes, which the Board has long supported. WE feel it is appropriate and important that multi family residents have the same health risk protections as single-family. Greg McMaster moved and Dave Dietrich seconded a motion to approve a recommendation that City Council adopt the International Building Code with local amendments on first reading. Motion Passed Unanimously Brian Woodruff will put the letter in the City Council's packet The AQAB will write a note to Felix Lee telling him the Board appreciated the opportunity to review the Building Code update, but would like to be involved earlier in the process next time. MOBILITY MANAGEMENT Dave Dietrich, who is a member of the Mobility Management Committee, had given AQAB a draft letter at the April meeting for their review, including a recommendation to City Council on mobility management based on a proposal from the Committee. The group discussed and edited the following letter to City Council regarding mobility management best practices: The City of Fort Collins contracted with the Brendle Group, Inc. in 2006 to review the City's mobility management practices and recommend future strategies and programs to improve travel options and encourage more eff dent forms of transportation. The Air Quality. Advisory Board thoroughly reviewed the August 2006 report titled "Mobility Management Best Practice Review " and finds it to be an informative report highlighting how innovation and action by city governments, institutions, businesses, and citizens can yield positive reductions in vehicle miles traveled. We realize that effective, safe, clean, and efficient movement of goods, services, and people are critical to the economic and cultural viability of our community, and the mobility management practices outlined in this report will move our city toward continued success in these areas, while improving local and regional air quality. We understand that Council members rely on the Transportation Board for transportation advice; however, the effective management of transportation demand is a goal that both the Transportation and Air Quality Boards have in common. The Transportation Board focuses on mobility management issues that reduce traffic congestion and the need for certain capital projects. The Air Quality Advisory Board focuses on how mobility management can reduce vehicle emissions, the largest source of air pollution in Fort Collins. Every vehicle trip removed from city streets helps to achieve air quality goals. The Air Quality Advisory Board encourages City Council to continue to: 1. Prioritize new and existing programs and institutional reforms that improve our community's mobility management by: o Providing infrastructure and incentives necessary to encourage alternative modes of transportation (walking, cycling, ride sharing, public transit); o Improving traffic management; o Adopting synergistic land use policies; and o Implementing other transportation -related policies that ensure the city meets its stated economic, social, environmental, and quality of life goals. 2. Develop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan that incorporates key mobility management strategies. Moving forward, the AQAB strongly encourages City Council to: o Authorize, require, and empower the City Manager and staff to integrate mobility management best practices into all phases of cityplanning. o Encourage enhanced mobility management cooperation with the City's partners (CSU, Poudre School District, individual businesses, non profits, and others) to further achieve mobility management success and further compound the community benefits. Key mobility management Issues are described in the report, "Mobility Management Best Practices Review, " http://www.fckov.com✓airgualioy/ d /mm-best- practicesMydf. We welcome any questions or requests for more detail on this topic, and we would be pleased to meet with Council or city staff to discuss mobility management issues. Dennis Georg moved and Dave Dietrich seconded a motion to adopt the mobility management recommendation letter for mobility management best practices. Motion Passed Unanimously Brian will deliver the letter to Transportation Board. UPDATES West Nile Virus Technical Advisory Committee Greg McMaster has been advocating that West Nile virus information should be more accessible to the public to help them better understand the process. 7 Eric suggested the more eyes on the policy the better since there are only a few people making the decisions. There are various lags in the season and other waiting factors. The call is actually an expertise call. But because it is a public health issue, when the call comes, they need to move quickly. Greg McMaster pointed out when the recommendation to spray comes; the City Manager will make the call, not a committee. NEW BUSINESS Items for May meeting • Discuss the AQAB July review • Address comments on West Nile Virus policy • Climate Task Force recommendation • Downtown parking structures Adjourn Nancy York moved to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Submitted by Alexis Hmielak, Administrative Secretary I Approved by the Board on �! 7 2008 Signed / Date Administrative Secretary I Extension: 6600