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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 08/04/2020 - RESOLUTION 2020-074 MAKING APPOINTMENTS TO THE AIRAgenda Item 16 Item # 16 Page 1 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY August 4, 2020 City Council STAFF Elizabeth Blythe, Senior Public Engagement Coordinator Delynn Coldiron, City Clerk Carrie M. Daggett, Legal SUBJECT Resolution 2020-074 Making Appointments to the Air Quality Advisory Board. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this item is to fill existing vacancies on the Air Quality Advisory Board due to the resignations of previous boardmembers. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION This Resolution appoints three individuals to fill vacancies on the Air Quality Advisory Board. These appointments will begin immediately with terms to expire on December 31, 2020 (per Council discussion at the December 10, 2019 work session). Air Quality Advisory Board Expiration of Term Emily Bitler December 31, 2020 Wayne Chuang December 31, 2020 Nina Forsyth December 31, 2020 ATTACHMENTS 1. Recommendations (PDF) RECOMMENDATION FOR BOARD APPOINTMENTS DATE: July 16, 2020 BOARD Air Quality Advisory Board INTERVIEW TEAM Julie Pignataro and Ross Cunniff NAME EXPIRATION DATE Emily Bitler December 31, 2020 Wayne Chuang December 31, 2020 Nina Forsyth December 31, 2020 NAME (in order of preference) BACKUP CHOICES FOR FUTURE VACANCIES Dan Welsh NOTES Let Dan know that this was an incredibly tough decision but that there may be another vacancy before the end of the year. He should definitely re-apply next time around. By providing backup choices at this time, you can avoid the need to re-advertise and interview for mid-year vacancies that occur due to resignations. ATTACHMENT 1 APPLICATION FOR BOARD OR COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP ATTACHMENTS TO APPLICATION MUST BE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT If you have questions or need more information, contact: City Clerk's Office (300 LaPorte Avenue) at 970.416.2525 Eligibility Requirements - 1 year residency within the Fort Collins Growth Management Area Board or Commission: Air Quality Advisory Board Name: Nina Forsyth Mailing Address: Residence: Home Phone: Work Phone: Zip Zip: Cell Phone: Yes No E-Mail Address: Have you resided in the Fort Collins Growth Management Area for at least one year? Which Council District do you live in? District 1 Current Occupation: Music Teacher Employer: Loveland Academy of Music Recent and/or relevant work experience (please include dates) N/A Recent and/or relevant volunteer experience (please include dates) N/A Are you currently serving on a City board or commission? Yes No If so, which one? Why do you want to become a member of this particular board or commission? I am passionate about keeping our city and air quality clean. I would love to be part of the community and do my part to serve my beautiful home! Have you attended a meeting of the board or commission you are applying to or talked to anyone currently on the board? Yes No If yes, please share your experience: List any abilities, skills, certificates, specialized training, or interests you have which are applicable to this board or commission: I got a degree in music at CSU, so I'm not necessarily qualified in this field. However, I am a passionate advocate for keeping my home clean and beautiful. As a singer, I am affected by poor air quality more than the average citizen. Briefly explain what you believe are the three most important issues facing this board or commission, and how do you believe this board or commission should address each issue? 1) Support of fossil fuels affects our community negatively and diminishes our air quality. I want to create urgency for our leadership to move quickly toward renewable energy. 2) With the city growing rapidly, I believe there are too many cars on the road. We can invest in more rapid transit like the MAX bus and create more bike paths away from vehicles. 3) I am honestly having a hard time thinking of a third issue. One thing that has personally affected me is the large amounts of trucks spewing black smoke. I don't know how this affects air quality in the grand scheme of things, but I think we can do more to keep these vehicles off the road. I have definitely utilized the smoking vehicle hotline, but I think that there is a greater issue with the lack of respect for air quality. I also think that many people don't know about this hotline, so I would love to lead greater activism in our community for clean air. Please specify any activities which might create a serious conflict of interest if you should be appointed to this board or commission: None Upon application for and acceptance of appointment, board and commission members demonstrate their intention and ability to attend meetings. If appointed, frequent nonattendance may result in termination of the appointment. By typing your name in the space provided, I submit my electronic signature and application to the City of Fort Collins and swear or affirm under penalty of perjury pursuant to the laws of the State of Colorado: -that I meet the eligibility requirements of the position sought and -that the information provided in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Signature: Date: Optional: How did you learn of a vacancy on this board or commission: Newspaper Cable 14 City News (Utility Bill Insert) Website Other (please specify) I would love to discuss more of the expectations of being on the board so I can better explain how I believe I would be able to serve well. APPLICATION FOR BOARD OR COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP PLEASE TYPE OR USE BLACK INK. ATTACHMENTS TO APPLICATION MUST BE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT. Return completed applications to: City Clerk’s Office, 300 LaPorte Avenue or mail to P.O. Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522 If you have questions or need more information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 970.221.6515 Eligibility Requirements: 1 year residency within the Fort Collins Growth Management Area (Please complete one application for each board or commission membership. You may apply for 2 boards at a time) Name: Wayne Chuang Mailing Address: Residence: (If different than Mailing Address) Zip: Zip: Home Phone: Work Phone: Cell Phone: Yes No E-mail: Have you resided within the Fort Collins Growth Management Area for one year? Which Council District do you live in? District 6 Current Occupation: Postdoctoral Researcher Employer: Colorado State University Recent and/or relevant work experience (please include dates): From May 2010 to Dec 2016, I was a Ph.D. student at Carnegie Mellon University studying how particulate matter in the air is formed when emissions from trees react in the atmosphere under urban and rural conditions. Since June 2018, I have been a postdoctoral researcher at Colorado State University working on simulations of particle formation from plant and automobile emissions. Recent and/or relevant volunteer experience (please include dates): Since August 2019, I have been a Sustainability Fellow at the School of Global Environmental Sustainability, and I volunteered on the "Ask an Expert" panel at the Fort Collins Climate Action Celebration on Nov. 14, 2019. Are you currently serving on a City board or commission? Yes No If so, which one? Why do you want to become a member of this particular board or commission? After living in numerous urban environments, I am keenly aware of how air pollution affects health. Though I am also conducting scientific research on air pollution, I want to learn about and help solve air quality issues within Fort Collins. Have you attended a meeting of the board or commission you are applying to or talked to anyone currently on the board? Yes No If Yes, please share your experience: I attended the last three meetings and enjoyed how the board members and Cassie discussed projects and Fort Collins air quality issues as they worked on evaluating city development and community needs. List any abilities, skills, licenses, certifications, specialized training, or interests you have which are applicable to this board or commission: I have been researching air quality and air pollution for the past seven years. X X X Briefly explain what you believe are the three most important issues face this board or commission, and how do you believe this board or commission should address each issue? 1) One of the issues facing Fort Collins is the high ozone levels that result in EPA non-attainment. Unfortunately, the sources that contribute to local ozone may not be located within Fort Collins boundaries. The air quality board, and the city, will need to communicate with the county or the state to address these sources. In addition, the board may continue to seek other ways of improving air quality through evolving transportation methods, such as expanding public transportation, reducing traffic and idling, and encouraging electric vehicle adoption. 2) Climate change remains one of the most pressing issues for the city, and the board should continue to assess the city's mitigation and adaptation methods and their effects on air quality. Part of the board's assessment should include public education on air quality, health, and climate change. Encouraging behavioral changes through economic and youth engagement is necessary for achieving our city's ambitious climate action goals, and a factor to potentially be considered by the board in evaluating the long-term efficacy of the city's programs. 3) As the population of Fort Collins grows, land development and the construction of new buildings will continue to have major impacts on the city's resource use and emissions. The board should continue to evaluate whether new construction meets appropriate long-term goals of improving air quality. Specifically, the board should consider the construction of more energy-efficient, multi-unit housing, ease of transportation beyond single-occupancy vehicles, and the impact of increasing traffic standstills due to freight trains. Please specify any activities which might create a serious conflict of interest if you should be appointed to this board or commission: None. Have you ever been convicted of a crime (except for minor traffic offenses that resulted only in a fine)? Yes No If yes, please explain in detail. State the nature and approximate date of the conviction, the sentence imposed, whether the sentence has been completed, and any other information you consider to be relevant. Upon application for and acceptance of appointment, board and commission members demonstrate their intention and ability to attend meetings. If appointed, frequent nonattendance may result in termination of the appointment. By signing and submitting my application to the City of Fort Collins, I swear or affirm under penalty of perjury pursuant to the laws of the State of Colorado: # that I meet the eligibility requirements of the position sought and # that the information provided in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Signature: Wayne Chuang Date: Feb 3, 2020 Optional: How did you learn of a vacancy on this board or commission? Newspaper Cable 14 City News (Utility Bill Insert) Website Other (please specify) X APPLICATION FOR BOARD OR COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP ATTACHMENTS TO APPLICATION MUST BE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT If you have questions or need more information, contact: City Clerk's Office (300 LaPorte Avenue) at 970.416.2525 Eligibility Requirements - 1 year residency within the Fort Collins Growth Management Area Board or Commission: Air Quality Advisory Board Name: Dan Welsh Mailing Address: Residence: Home Phone: Work Phone: Zip: Zip: Cell Phone: Yes No E-Mail Address: Have you resided in the Fort Collins Growth Management Area for at least one year? Which Council District do you live in? District 1 Current Occupation: Air Quality Meteorologist Employer: Colo Dept of Public Health & Env Recent and/or relevant work experience (please include dates) I have been employed since August of 2016 (to present) as an Air Quality Meteorologist for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. During this time I have gained significant experience in air quality monitoring, forecasting, documentation, and public outreach. I am also familiar with the Clean Air Act, EPA conduct and interactions, and am trained in various modeling Recent and/or relevant volunteer experience (please include dates) Are you currently serving on a City board or commission? Yes No If so, which one? Why do you want to become a member of this particular board or commission? As an Air Quality Meteorologist I have developed a passion and expertise in air quality monitoring and forecasting. I would like to use my knowledge and experience to benefit my home community by joining this board. Have you attended a meeting of the board or commission you are applying to or talked to anyone currently on the board? Yes No If yes, please share your experience: I have conversed with Cassie Archuleta on several occasions about several matters, including potential participation in the AQAB. I also attended an AQAB meeting in December of 2019 and spoke with several of the members of the Board. I thought that the conduct of the board was interesting, engaging, and of great value. I would be very glad to be able to contribute List any abilities, skills, certificates, specialized training, or interests you have which are applicable to this board or commission: Satellite applications of air quality forecasting and observation, and exceptional event documentation of blowing dust and stratospheric intrusions affecting surface ozone concentrations are areas of emphasis for me. I have also trained on chemical transport and dispersion software, and trajectory calculation software. Briefly explain what you believe are the three most important issues facing this board or commission, and how do you believe this board or commission should address each issue? 1) Oil and Gas Development- In northern Colorado this is one of the greatest contributors to air pollution and must be considered as a factor for air quality concern. Within reason, appropriate siting, monitoring, and emission regulations must be considered to ensure that public health impacts are minimized from these activities. This will require careful and deliberate coordination and partnership with all concerned parties, so that reasonable conduct can be attained, ensuring mutual benefit with minimal negative impact(s). 2) Transportation-This topic goes hand in hand with population growth and urban expansion. While these things continue to grow rapidly in our area, careful consideration must be given to HOW these things will progress. Be it through cleaner vehicle technologies, mass transit options, alternatives to traditional transportation, or any number of other possibilities, it is necessary to think ahead to allow the needed increases in travel and infrastructural growth, while maintaining adherence to standards that protect our economy, environment, and citizens. 3) Energy Production-I think that energy production closely follows transportation as a topic of needed consideration as our population and energy needs continue to grow. I think that many energy producers in our region have clean and healthy goals and practices defined, so this may have less need to be addressed by the board or City Council immediately, yet warrants due attention in an ongoing manner. Please specify any activities which might create a serious conflict of interest if you should be appointed to this board or commission: My work at CDPHE is the only potential conflict of interest that may arise. I have communicated with my supervisors about this, and we all agree that if I simply abstain from any votes on matters that may be perceived as overlapping or conflicting in these areas, this conflict of interests can be avoided. Have you ever been convicted of a crime (except for minor traffic offenses that resulted only in a fine)? Yes No If yes, please explain in complete detail. State the nature and approximate date of the conviction, the sentence imposed, whether the sentence has been completed, and any other information you consider to be relevant Please see additional notes section for explanation Upon application for and acceptance of appointment, board and commission members demonstrate their intention and ability to attend meetings. If appointed, frequent nonattendance may result in termination of the appointment. By typing your name in the space provided, I submit my electronic signature and application to the City of Fort Collins and swear or affirm under penalty of perjury pursuant to the laws of the State of Colorado: -that I meet the eligibility requirements of the position sought and -that the information provided in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Signature: Date: Optional: How did you learn of a vacancy on this board or commission: Newspaper Cable 14 City News (Utility Bill Insert) Website Other (please specify) Cassie Archuleta General Comments: I have lived in Fort Collins for my entire life, and am now raising a family here. I have a great deal of vested interest in finding ways to use my education and experience to improve and protect the community that I love and am a part of. I want Fort Collins to continue to thrive so that my children can have as great of a place to call home as I have been so lucky to have. Thank you for your consideration. Background Explanation from Step 3: When I was a much younger man, I had the restless urge to experiment with drugs and alcohol. As a result, I had a few infractions with the law related to possession of alcohol by a minor, possession of small amounts of controlled substances, and one noise ordinance violation due to boisterous behavior. All of these lapses in judgment took place more than 20 years ago (all took place in 1998 and 1999). All judgments included court supervision (probation) and community service, and all aspects of these requirements were completed for all cases, many ahead of the court appointed schedule. I have worked hard to put these indiscretions behind me by making many subsequent lifestyle changes including maintaining academic excellence throughout my education, practicing social responsibility, developing a high level of professionalism, and being an extremely devoted father to my two children. These infractions are not actions of which I am proud, but I have worked diligently in the years since they happened to not let my past mistakes define who I am. I hope that you will join me in not letting the poor decisions that I made as a youth stand in the way of my current ability to contribute positively to my community. APPLICATION FOR BOARD OR COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP ATTACHMENTS TO APPLICATION MUST BE LIMITED TO TWO PAGES INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT If you have questions or need more information, contact: City Clerk's Office (300 LaPorte Avenue) at 970.416.2525 Eligibility Requirements - 1 year residency within the Fort Collins Growth Management Area Board or Commission: Air Quality Advisory Board Name: Emily M Bitler Mailing Address: Residence: Home Phone: Work Phone: Zip: Zip: Cell Phone: Yes No E-Mail Address: Have you resided in the Fort Collins Growth Management Area for at least one year? Which Council District do you live in? District 4 Current Occupation: Sr. Project Scientist Employer: Air Resource Specialists Recent and/or relevant work experience (please include dates) Technical studies and evaluations, including air dispersion modeling, regulatory and permit compliance analysis, and interpretation. Air permit application/modifications, emission inventories, emission calculations, and environmental audits.Data collection, validation, analysis, and reporting of air quality monitoring data. Responsible for reviewing final data reports prepared by peers and technical Recent and/or relevant volunteer experience (please include dates) None relevant to this position. Are you currently serving on a City board or commission? Yes No If so, which one? Why do you want to become a member of this particular board or commission? I have worked in the air quality field for ten years in a variety of positions. I think my experience with air quality data analysis and working with industry compliance with state/national regulations would be a great asset to the board. Have you attended a meeting of the board or commission you are applying to or talked to anyone currently on the board? Yes No If yes, please share your experience: I have spoken with Cassie Archuleta who encouraged me to apply as she believed my experience would be a great asset to the board. List any abilities, skills, certificates, specialized training, or interests you have which are applicable to this board or commission: Ten years of air quality experience, from air quality data analysis to interpreting regulations. Briefly explain what you believe are the three most important issues facing this board or commission, and how do you believe this board or commission should address each issue? 1) Climate change. I feel the board should support policies that help support our city's growth in the most sustainable manner possible. Growth and climate change are both inevitable, but we can guide policies that control that growth in a sustainable manner to benefit our community and the environment. 2) Reducing public's exposure to outdoor air pollutants. Our community is very active outdoors. It is the lifestyle that attracts many people here. We don't want them to have to worry that enjoying outdoor activities could be detrimental to their health. If Fort Collins encourages outdoor activities it should be a priority to protect the health of our citizens by supporting efforts to reduce pollutants they are exposed to while enjoying what our community has to offer. 3) Reducing haze/increasing visibility. Many people come to Fort Collins because of the proximity to the mountains. I don't want our community to lose sight (literally) of what drew many of them here in the first place. Please specify any activities which might create a serious conflict of interest if you should be appointed to this board or commission: None Have you ever been convicted of a crime (except for minor traffic offenses that resulted only in a fine)? Yes No If yes, please explain in complete detail. State the nature and approximate date of the conviction, the sentence imposed, whether the sentence has been completed, and any other information you consider to be relevant Upon application for and acceptance of appointment, board and commission members demonstrate their intention and ability to attend meetings. If appointed, frequent nonattendance may result in termination of the appointment. By typing your name in the space provided, I submit my electronic signature and application to the City of Fort Collins and swear or affirm under penalty of perjury pursuant to the laws of the State of Colorado: -that I meet the eligibility requirements of the position sought and -that the information provided in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Signature: Date: Optional: How did you learn of a vacancy on this board or commission: Newspaper Cable 14 City News (Utility Bill Insert) Website Other (please specify) Cassie Archuleta -1- RESOLUTION 2020-074 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS MAKING APPOINTMENTS TO THE AIR QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD WHEREAS, three vacancies currently exist on the Air Quality Advisory Board due to the resignations of previous boardmembers; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to make appointments to fill those vacancies on the Air Quality Advisory Board. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS as follows: Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and findings contained in the recitals set forth above. Section 2. That the following named persons are hereby appointed to fill the three vacancies on the Air Quality Advisory Board as hereinafter indicated, with terms to begin immediately and to expire as set forth after each name: Air Quality Advisory Board Expiration of Term Emily Bitler December 31, 2020 Wayne Chuang December 31, 2020 Nina Forsyth December 31, 2020 Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 4th day of August, A.D. 2020. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: _____________________________ City Clerk