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HomeMy WebLinkAbout081114_ra02Regular Agenda JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners Philip Morley, County Administrator FROM: Carl Smith, Director Stacie Hoskins, Planning Manager�tv DATE: August 11, 2014 SUBJECT: Resolution Extending the term of the Climate Action Committee STATEMENT OF ISSUE: This matter is before Council to consider a recommendation to extend the term of the Climate Action Committee for the purpose of facilitating action and launching a Community Outreach Campaign as directed in the workplan. A copy of the Climate Action Plan (adopted November 14, 2011 can be downloaded at: htip: / /www.co.iefferson.wa.us/ commissioners /Agenda/2011 %2OAttach/101711 ra0l.pdf ANALYSIS /STRATEGIC GOALS: Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend adopted a joint resolution (County 44 -07 and City 07 -022) to commit to addressing energy use and climate change and global warming. The resolution establishes a joint City /County committee herein called the Climate Action Committee (CAC). 2007 City & County commit to addressing energy City Resolution 07 -022 use and climate change, establish a joint County Res. 44 -07 committee (CAC) tasked with developing a local climate action plan. Goal: Cut greenhouse gas emissions to levels 80% lower than 1990 levels by 2050 with preliminary reduction targets to be set for earlier years January 7, Establish Climate Action Committee (CAC) City Resolution 08 -001 2008 Terms & Procedures, Scope of Work County Res. 02 -08 Sunset: 3 years (1/7/11) January 12, Approve Inventory of 2005 Emissions, Set City Resolution 09 -022 2009 Interim Targets County Res. 06 -09 January 3, Director Al Scalf extends CAC to January 2011 7, 2012 November 14, Adopting the Climate Action Plan & City Resolution No. 11 -036 2011 Approving Revised Climate Change Work County Res. 53 -11 plan, and Extending the term of the CAC. Work plan refers to December 31, 2014 Expiration. Regular Agenda Implementation of the Climate Action Plan jointly adopted by the City and County will require many diverse partners, including neighboring jurisdictions, non -profit organizations, business leaders, and neighborhood associations. The Climate Action Committee provides the forum for these diverse partners to work collaboratively. Due to reduced City /County staffing levels, the CAC has been cut back to quarterly meetings, however the group continues to work on development of a coordinated public outreach campaign designed to inspire individual action and lead the community to significant reductions in green house gas emissions. ATTACHMENTS: 1) Draft Resolution 2) Work plan, approved by the City Council & BoCC on November 14, 2011 FISCAL IMPACT: The Action Plan proposes a phased approach. It addresses specifically what the City and County governments can do to lead by example while recognizing that funding and resources are limited. It also recommends measures that the community should consider, as well as outreach, education, and partnership opportunities. Adopting a comprehensive, long -term plan puts the City and County in a better position to take advantage of funding and other opportunities as they arise. County Planning Department staff work is limited and covered by the department's annual budget. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Board of County Commissioners Move to approve the Resolution Extending the term of the Climate Action Committee. REVIEWED BY: f 'f l F316 Ylu rp orle unt traSo_ Date Attachment 1 Resolution 14 -045 Page 1 of 3 STATE OF WASHINGTON County of Jefferson City of Port Townsend Joint Resolution of the } Board of County Commissioners } County Resolution No. _ And the Port Townsend City Council } City Resolution No. 14 -045 extending the term of the Climate Action Committee The Board of County Commissioners BoCC of Jefferson County Washington and the City Council of Port Townsend Washington do hereby jointly resolve as follows: WHEREAS Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend have jointly committed to addressing energy use and climate change and have made a joint commitment to achieve a community wide standard of cutting greenhouse gas emissions to levels 80 percent lower than 1990 levels by the year 2050 (County Resolution 44- 07 and City Resolution 07 -022) and WHEREAS Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend appointed a citizen Climate Action Committee (CAC) in March 2008 charged with developing a Climate Action Plan; and WHEREAS Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend have adopted a joint resolution (County 53 -11 and City 11 -036) Adopting the Climate Action Plan & Approving Revised Climate Change Workplan, and Extending the term of the CAC to implement the Workplan (i.e, through the end of 2014 as reflected in the minutes of the City Council); and WHEREAS on May 28, 2014, CAC members unanimously voted to support the group's extension to allow continued collaboration between partners, public outreach, and development of measures to reduce greenhouse gases; and WHEREAS The North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development Council, with support from the CAC, has been successful in pursuing a federal NEP grant award to draft a climate adaptation plan for the North Olympic Peninsula in 2014 -2015; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, to amend Section 4 and add Section 5 of City Resolution 11 -036 and County Resolution 53 -11 as follows: Section 4: This committee shall constitute a standing advisory board for the purpose of facilitating action and launching a Community Outreach Campaign as directed in the Attachment 1 Resolution 14 -045 Page 2 of 3 Workplan. The Committee shall continue to facilitate implementation of the Climate Action Plan. No sunset provision is established. Either the County or the City may cease its participation in the Climate Action Committee (CAC) by giving the other entity 30 days' notice. Section 5: The term of office shall be three years and shall be staggered from one to three years so that no more than three members shall have their terms expire in any one year. This amending resolution shall become effective upon adoption by the Board of County Commissioners and the City of Port Townsend. APPROVED AND SIGNED THIS day of 2014 SEAL JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS John Austin, Chairman Phil Johnson, Member David Sullivan, Member Attest: Carolyn Avery, Deputy Clerk of the Board Jefferson County APPROVED AND SIGNED THIS day of 2014 Attest: Attachment 1 Resolution 14 -045 Page 3 of 3 David King, Mayor City of Port Townsend Approved as to form: Joanna Sanders, CMC, City Clerk John P. Watts, City Attorney Attachment 2 Exhibit to Resolution 11 -036 CAC Work Plan Page 1 of 6 'PORT Jefferson County /City of Port Townsend SON Co Climate Action Committee 1 o� TO: Climate Action Committee FROM: Chair Kees Kolff, Zoe Ann Lamp and Judy Surber DATE: October 17, 2011 RE: Government Leading by Example - Reauthorization of the Climate Action Committee /Revised Workplan Background: Our original Workplan (adopted by BoCC /CC on January 12, 2009) proposed to develop a Climate Action Plan that included measures to reduce GHG emissions from both the Government Sector and Community Sector. It was acknowledged that this would be an ambitious undertaking. We have successfully completed many of the tasks on our original work plan; however, we have come to recognize the importance of intensive community outreach to garner support for Community Action. This shift recognizes that encouraging voluntary action in the short -term is more valuable than a detailed set of policies or regulations requiring a formal adoption process that is likely to meet with significant opposition. Recommended Action: We propose 1) Approve and implement the measures for "Government Leading by Example" as soon as possible 2) Adopt Revised Workplan which includes tasking the CAC with facilitating action and launching a Community Outreach Campaign. Given that local government contributes less than 1% of the emissions —will implementation of the government sector measures be worthwhile? "Local government action has symbolic value that extends beyond the magnitude of emissions reduced. Government action demonstrates the savings potential, ease of implementation, and social value of energy saving measures to the community at- large. When awareness of the issue is raised via targeted and well - publicized efforts, the experience gained by the local government can inform and inspire individual action, leading to substantial community -wide reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions." A recent survey conducted by the City of Portland found that 80% of respondents felt local government leading by example was "very important ". Rev. 10 -17 -11 -1- Attachment 2 Exhibit to Resolution 11 -036 CAC Work Plan Page 2 of 6 Can a public outreach campaign make a difference? Everyone contributes to the problem of climate pollution in a measurable way every day. Educating the public on the causes and effects of climate change and the importance of adopting new habits is essential for citizens to reduce their carbon footprints. Over 17 years ago Portland began working to combat climate change — and as of 2008, local carbon emissions were 19 percent below 1990 levels on a per person basis despite rapid population and economic growth. Since 1990, • Portland's recycling rate has tripled • The number of bicyclists crossing bridges has increased five -fold, and • Bus ridership has doubled. Revised Work Plan - Overview: Shifting the focus to Government Leading by Example and Community Outreach: Phase I: 1) Implement "Government Leading By Example" Conservation /Efficiency Measures as recommended by the CAC: These actions measures may be implemented as resources allow. 2) Community Outreach and Engagement — Task the CAC with launching a community engagement campaign which builds on existing efforts, fosters partnerships and develops new initiatives. Raise public awareness, engage community members, promote successes, deliver calls for action, and inspire behavioral change. Phase IL• Climate Action Plan Transportation & Land Use Policy — In coordination with Planning Commission — City /County staff shall review CAC recommend revisions, and make recommend additional amendments, to the Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations. (Note: The GMA mandated Comprehensive Plan update has been extended to 2016: ESHB 1478). Phase III - Climate Change Preparation /Adaptation Plan - Carried over from original workplan. Rev. 10 -17 -11 -2- Attachment 2 Exhibit to Resolution 11 -036 CAC Work Plan Page 3 of 6 Climate Action Work Plan 2011 -2014 Background: In 2009 -2010 the Climate Action Committee completed the following tasks: Approve Inventory of 2005 Emissions Set Interim Targets Identified Strategies and Measures to Reduce Emissions from City /County operations "Government Leading by Example" Resource Conservation Manager Position Created (June 2010) — The Interlocal Agreement Between Jefferson County, the City, PTSD, Chimacum School District, and Fort Worden State Park for RCM Services dated June 14, 2010 calls for a full -time equivalent (FTE) to materially reduce operating costs through resource conservation for a period of three years. Duties outlined for this position implement several of the measures to reduce GHG that have been identified by the Climate Action Committee. The RCM is also tasked with assisting the parties in securing additional grant funding and rebate programs that support relevant energy efficiency projects. The CAC and RCM will mutually benefit from close coordination. Climate Action Work Plan 2011 -2014 Phase I 1. Implement "Government Leading By Example" (Exhibit) - Department heads and the Resource Conservation Manager shall be responsible for implementing these actions as resources allow. The potential is bolstered by the recent Interlocal Agreement Between Jefferson County, the City, PTSD, Chimacum School District, and Fort Worden State Park for Resource Conservation Manager Services dated June 14, 2010 which calls for a full -time equivalent (FTE) to material reduce operating costs through resource conservation for a period of three years. Duties outlined for this position implement several of the measures to reduce GHG that have been identified by the Climate Action Committee. The RCM is also tasked with assisting the parties in securing additional grant funding and rebate programs that support relevant energy efficiency projects. The CAC and RCM will mutually benefit from close coordination. The RCM shall monitor energy use from stationary sources, water and solid waste. Fleet managers shall monitor energy use from transportation (i.e., fuel use in vehicles /vehicle miles traveled). Rev. 10 -17 -11 -3- Attachment 2 Exhibit to Resolution 11 -036 CAC Work Plan Page 4 of 6 2. Community Outreach and Engagement — The CAC shall launch a community engagement campaign which builds on existing efforts, fosters partnerships and develops new initiatives. Goal: Inspire individual action, leading to substantial community -wide reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. - Raise public awareness, engage community members, promote successes, deliver calls for action, and inspire behavioral change. With BoCC and City Council approval, the membership of the CAC shall evolve to include representatives from the following: Jefferson County Builders Association — Built Green Jefferson County Public Health — Green Business Local 20/20 — JeffersonCAN RCM The CAC may make additional membership recommendations to further the outreach mission. Partnering with other organizations and interest groups will be imperative for reaching a broader audience. For example, key partners may include government /non- profit /and grass -roots organizations specializing ineducation (e.g., K- 12 /WSU /Peninsula College /Goodard College); land conservation, business (e.g., Chamber of Commerce/MainStreet); alternative energy, food security, and water resources (e.g., WRIA, PUD). Research has identified a set of tools to promote behavior change: obtaining commitments, using prompts, utilizing social norms, designing effective communications, providing incentives, and removing external barriers. Depending on the audience and available funding, a variety of outreach materials may be produced (e.g., expanded websites, electronic newsletters, email messages, brochures, print ads, flyers, and postcards for direct mailings; newspaper articles; workshops, festivals or fairs, curriculum or lesson plans for grades K -12). At a minimum, the CAC shall: Partner with local media to publish articles and a regular newspaper column with information about sustainability and maintain a reference list and links on the website. (B -1.14) • Engage and inspire other public institutions and private businesses to incorporate climate protection action into their daily affairs. Rev. 10 -17 -11 -4- Attachment 2 Exhibit to Resolution 11 -036 CAC Work Plan Page 5 of 6 • Partner with local non - profits /educational institutions to develop and provide classes for clean energy, gardening, agriculture, sustainability skills. (B -1.15) Resources/Models: htlp://www.icleiusa.org/action- center / learn- from - others / small - communities- toolkitleducation- and- outreach htlp: / /www.ska its county. net / Common / Asp / Default.asp ?d = Sustainability &c = General &p =help .htm 10% Challenge started by the Alliance for Climate Action in Burlington, VT, this program asks participants to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10 %. Keene's program focuses on businesses. http ://www.IOpercentchallen�e.org/ PHASE II — Climate Action Plan Transportation & Land Use Policy (For Inclusion in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan Updates) In coordination with Planning Commission — City /County staff shall review CAC recommended amendments and may recommend additional amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations. Regulatory amendments requiring amendments to the Comprehensive Plan /Development Regulations are subject to the approval process codified in Jefferson County Code Title 18; Port Townsend Municipal Code Title 20. The process includes public hearings and recommendations by the County /City Planning Commissions. Amendments to be considered may include but are not limited to: • implementing a city and county energy code for commercial and residential construction that exceeds current WA state code (e.g. greater insulation, passive solar, Passive House and small footprints) • For new buildings, site development and substantial remodels, consider establishing a minimum compliance target for LEED Silver or similar level for Built Green (or in another green building standard). • Encourage increased urban density through code revisions for items such as setbacks, height restrictions, cluster and mixed - use development. • Consider further reductions in off - street parking requirements in order to increase density and further promote transportation choices • Increase non - motorized transportation infrastructure by completing Non - Motorized Transportation Plans (NMTP) plans for areas in the county. Rev. 10 -17 -11 -5- Attachment 2 Exhibit to Resolution 11 -036 CAC Work Plan Page 6 of 6 Phase III - Climate Change Preparation /Adaptation Plan (Year 2012 — Following the 2011 State Plan) This phase involves an examination of the probable impacts of future climate changes (e.g., increased risk of drought, sea level rise, flooding, forest fires, disease, increased storm damage, and other impacts) and developing strategies to attempt to miminize these impacts. Key resources: Preparing for Climate Change — A Guidebook for Local, Regional, and State Governments. Rev. 10 -17 -11 -6-