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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 - Air Quality Advisory Board - Annual ReportCITY OF FORT COLLINS AIR QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor Weitkunat and City Council members FROM: Greg McMaster, Chair DATE: January 24, 2012 RE: 2011 Air Quality Advisory Board Annual Report In 2011, the Air Quality Advisory Board held twelve regular meetings. The Board took the following actions:  Recommended that Council adopt the Transportation Master Plan but strongly recommended a greater sense of urgency in implementing the new transportation-related paradigm such as enhanced multi modal transportation included in the plan. (February 8, 2011)  Recommended that Council adopt the Building Code Green Amendments, noting that benefits far outweigh the costs and that the amendments align with other Council initiatives such as the Energy Policy, Water Conservation Plan, and Climate Action Plan, and stated also that an additional staffing of 1.5 FTE would be needed to successfully implement it, urged immediate implementation of the electric heating amendments, and encouraged urgent action to address long-term sustainability. (February 28, 2011)  A majority recommended that City Council allow e-bikes on the Spring Creek and Mason Corridor trails for a 1-yr trial period following the establishment of a comprehensive operational plan, at which time Council re-considers the matter. (Passed 5-3-1, sent June 21, 2011)  Recommended to City Council that the City should continue to use E85 as an alternative fuel on the current upward trajectory, that staff should be encouraged to look for options and alternatives to traditional oil-based fuel sources, that the City should develop and implement a plan to encourage Eco-Driving, and that the City should maintain the City’s focus to reduce greenhouse gasses and meet the goals of the Climate Action Plan. (October 21, 2011)  Will submit a recommendation to City Council that the Air Quality Advisory Board supports the Planned Development Overlay District (PDOD) as a concept to advance progressive infill development. (December 19, 2011 meeting) 2  Will submit a recommendation to City Council that the Air Quality Advisory Board supports the adoption of tiered electric rates and encourages Council to support the flexibility required by special case electrical users (e.g. electric cars, medical devices, etc.) (December 19, 2011 meeting)  A representative of AQAB continued to participate on the Bicycle Advisory Committee.  A representative of AQAB continued to participate on the West Nile Virus committee. In addition, the Board received information and updates and discussed the following programs and issues:  Air Quality Plan Update  Plan Fort Collins  Transportation Master Plan  PRPA’s Integrated Resource Plan  Fort Collins Utilities Solar Program and AMI  Energy Policy and FortZED  Climate Action Plan progress  City Fleets progress  Solid Waste Program  Mason Corridor  Air quality survey  Healthy Sustainable Homes program  NFRMPO’s Transportation Demand Management Plan  Air Quality outreach and the AQ Web page  Return of motor vehicle emission testing to the North Front Range  West Nile Virus  Status of the Bike Advisory Committee In 2011 the AQAB wrapped up their nearly year-long discussion on City Plan, the Transportation Master Plan, and the Air Quality Plan. We provided input into the Air Quality survey questions and gave advice on improvements to the air quality Web page, many of which were implemented by staff. Citizens comments were made at three meetings (Sam Fox-April; Eric Sutherland August and December) and CSU students attended two AQAB meetings during 2011 (March and November). Planning Development and Transportation (PDT) Director Karen Cumbo attended one board meeting and provided a background on PDT and answered Board member’s questions. Council liaison Ben Manvel attended two meetings. Please let me know if you have any questions.