HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-2017 Item 11 - Climate Action Task Force Memorandum of Understanding and Assignment of Council Member Liaison to the Task Force
Meeting Date: 10/24/2017
FROM: Derek Johnson, City Manager
Prepared By: Marcus Carloni, Sustainability Coordinator
SUBJECT: CLIMATE ACTION TASK FORCE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
AND ASSIGNMENT OF COUNCILMEMBER LIAISON TO THE TASK
FORCE
RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (Attachment A) between the City of San Luis
Obispo and the Climate Action Task Force (Task Force) establishing the Task Force as the
“Community Climate Action Coalition” that would help achieve the Climate Action
objectives of the Climate Action Major City Goal work program; and
2. Designate a Councilmember to serve as the liaison between the City and the Task Force
DISCUSSION
Background
In January of this year, the City Council made Climate Action a Major City Goal for the next
two years in the 2017-19 Financial Plan. As a part of the Major City Goal process, a work
program was established and approved by the City Council on June 20, 2017 (see Attachment A,
Exhibit 1). One of the primary objectives of the work program is to “Support the establishment
of a ‘Community Climate Action Coalition” by engaging other jurisdictions, professionals,
elected officials, and residents to enhance community education, participation, and advocacy in
all City and regional climate action adaptation and GHG emission reduction efforts.”
Throughout the major city goal work program review process with the City Council, Mr. Eric
Veium, a local resident, has expressed interest in involvement with the Community Climate
Action Coalition. Mr. Veium has prior climate action experience and is currently Cal Poly’s
Energy and Sustainability Analyst as well as being a founding member of SLO Clean Energy – a
local unincorporated association of individuals who have come together around
education/outreach for Community Choice Energy. Staff has been working with Mr. Veium on
this topic for about six months and mutually decided to develop a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) to formally establish the Task Force as the City’s Community Climate
Action Coalition. The Task Force will be a subgroup of SLO Clean Energy, which is a wholly
independent group of interested individuals and is not considered a “legislative body” within the
meaning of the Brown Act. The Task Force is created through the network already established by
SLO Clean Energy and the City will have no appointment or voting powers. The intent of the
MOU is to ensure clarity of intent, roles, scope, and objectives as the City and the Task Force
work toward achieving the City’s Climate Action goals which are of mutual interest to both
groups.
Packet Pg 257
11
Memorandum of Understanding
The MOU (Attachment A) establishes a relationship with the Task Force and City and provides
general requirements and responsibilities for each group. Key features include the following:
1. The Task Force will function as an independent group working with the City to support
and encourage major city goal work program objectives by assisting with research,
evaluation, public engagement, design, and implementation of objectives.
2. The Task Force will establish a lead role (e.g. chair) and determine their own
membership (e.g. eight-person board). Member selection is expected to be a process open
to individuals interested in supporting the City’s climate action objectives. Meetings will
be open to individuals to attend who are interested in being involved in climate action
efforts.
3. The Task Force will create a Charter/Annual Work Plan which will include their mission
and anticipated scope of activities for the year. The task force is required to operate
within the scope of the climate action major city goal objectives identified in the work
program.
4. The Task Force will help achieve the objectives/timelines outlined in the Major City Goal
work program with particular focus on helping to 1) update the Climate Act ion Plan, 2)
develop an enhanced incentives program, and 3) research and assess the requirements to
achieve a net zero city target including pursuit of Community Choice Energy.
5. The Task Force will work to be a primary voice in the community to engage the public
and promote the City’s climate action efforts and organize community education
materials such as an informational pamphlet to inform residents and businesses about
greenhouse gas reducing opportunities. The Task Force will also help to organize/sup port
community outreach around events such as Net Zero Energy Day.
6. The Task Force will submit an annual report on their annual work plan that describes the
actions taken during the previous calendar year and actions to be taken in the upcoming
calendar year.
Sustainability Coordinator and Councilmember Representative
As discussed with Council during development of the Climate Action Major City Goal work
program, the City’s Sustainability Coordinator and a Councilmember will be assigned to provide
support to the Task Force, as well as be an attendee of Task Force meetings. This is identified in
the MOU as Term 2(c). The role of the designated Councilmember will be to express the
position of the Council and provide input as a Council representative, keep council abreast of
Task Force progress, and to maintain familiarity with the membership, work program, and efforts
of the Task Force.
Staff is looking to the City Council to designate a Councilmember representative for the Climate
Action Task Force.
Packet Pg 258
11
CONCURRENCES
The Memorandum of Understanding has been reviewed and discussed with the Climate Action
Steering Committee and City Green Team as well as the City Attorney’s office; all concur with
the recommendation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The act of approving this MOU is not subject to the provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project as defined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15378
(Definitions – Project).
FISCAL IMPACT
The City Council has already established funding of $5,000 per year to provide support to the
Task Force. As identified in Term No. 6 of the MOU, these funds are to be associated with
objectives/tasks outlined in this agreement and use of funds must be approved by the City. There
is otherwise no direct fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Modify the MOU. The City Council should provide specific direction on what parts of the
MOU should be modified.
2. Do not approve the MOU. This is not recommended as no other groups are currently
interested in being in the role of supporting the City’s climate action efforts.
Attachments:
a - Task Force Memorandum of Understanding
Packet Pg 259
11
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AND THE COMMUNITY CLIMATE
ACTION TASK FORCE
This Memorandum of Understanding (“Agreement”) is entered into this ___ day
of ______ 2017 (the “Effective Date”), by and between the City of San Luis Obispo, a
municipal corporation and charter city (herein referred to as “City”) and the Community
Climate Action Task Force, a subgroup of SLO Clean Energy, an unincorporated association
(herein referred to as “the Task Force”). City and the Task Force are sometimes referred to
herein as “the Parties.”
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, in January 2017 the City made Climate Action a Major City Goal in the
2017/2019 Financial Plan with an overall goal of reducing citywide greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions; and
WHEREAS, the Major City Goal work program includes fourteen objectives (provided in
Exhibit 1), which include to update/implement the Climate Action Plan, assess
requirements/achieve a net-zero city target, develop energy efficiency incentives, improve
energy efficiency in City facilities, and to identify/assign resources to perform the work needed
to achieve the objectives; and
WHEREAS, The Major City Goal work program indicates that the City will support the
establishment of a community climate action coalition by engaging other jurisdictions,
professionals, elected officials, and residents to enhance communit y education, participation,
and advocacy in all City and regional climate action adaptation and GHG emission reduction
efforts; and
WHEREAS, the city’s intent in supporting a coalition is to work with community
members/leverage experience in climate adaptation as well as involve, and keep informed, the
community’s residents and businesses in the city’s climate action efforts; and
WHEREAS, the Climate Action Task Force, a group of citizens, has proposed to become said
coalition – to function as an independent group working with the City to accomplish major city
goal work program objectives by assisting with research, evaluation, public engagement,
design, and implementation of objectives; and
WHEREAS, City recognizes that the members of the Task Force will have complimentary
experience in climate adaptation and will be able to support the City’s GHG reduction and
community outreach goals, and through this MOU, the Parties wish to work together toward
the attainment of mutual goals; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, conditions, promises, and
agreements herein set forth, City and the Task Force hereby agree as follows:
Packet Pg 260
11
Memorandum of Understanding
City of San Luis Obispo / Climate Action Task Force
2
TERMS
1. Recognition of Mutual Benefit. It is in the interest of the City to explore opportunities
for partnership in achieving the goals of the climate action major city goal – reducing
communitywide greenhouse gas emissions. The City and the Task Force have aligned goals in
this regard and this agreement may serve as a first step for future agreements and a broader
scope relative to future climate action objectives.
2. Task Force Charter/Annual Work Plan. Within two months after this agreement is
signed the Task Force will provide the City with a Task Force Charter/Annual Work Plan. The
charter/annual work plan will include the mission of the Task Force and include the anticipated
scope of activities for the year.
a. The Task Force will determine their own membership which will be structured with a
core group of members (e.g. 8-person board). Task Force member selection is expected
to be a process open to individuals interested in supporting the City’s climate action
work program objectives as provided in section 3 and Exhibit 1 herein.
b. The Task Force will select a lead role (e.g. task force chair)/primary point of contact
between the Task Force and the City’s Sustainability Coordinator.
c. Meetings of the Task Force are expected to be open to individuals who are interested in
being involved in climate action efforts and meetings will be as inclusive as possible to
those who want to contribute.
d. The City’s Sustainability Coordinator and a Councilmember will be designated to
provide support to the Task Force on an ongoing basis.
3. Scope and Objectives. The Task Force will operate within the scope of the major city
goal work program (attached hereto as Exhibit 1) with particular attention given to the high
impact objectives noted in bold in the action plan and will work to enhance community
education, participation, and advocacy in all City and regional climate action adaptation and
GHG emission reduction efforts; and
a. By January 31 of each year: The Task Force will submit an annual report on the annual
work plan to the City Manager or their designee that describes the actions the Task
Force undertook during the previous calendar year and actions the Task Force plans to
take in the upcoming calendar year.
b. The Task Force will work to be a primary voice in the community to engage the public
and promote the City’s climate action efforts and organize community education
materials, forums and events to inform residents and businesses about greenhouse gas
reducing opportunities.
Packet Pg 261
11
Memorandum of Understanding
City of San Luis Obispo / Climate Action Task Force
3
i. The Task Force will work to develop outreach materials, such as an
informational pamphlet, to inform residents and businesses about greenhouse
gas reducing opportunities consistent with the intent of the City’s climate action
goals. The pamphlet and/or other outreach materials will be delivered to the
community on a quarterly basis.
ii. The Task Force will coordinate a booth/informational stand or other form of
outreach presence at regular community events (e.g. Farmer’s Market, Good
Morning SLO) on a quarterly basis.
iii. The Task Force will take the lead on organizing/supporting community outreach
around city-initiated community events such as Net Zero Energy Day, and
assisting/supporting other similar events that are not necessarily initiated by the
city (e.g. drive electric week).
iv. The Task Force will designate a member(s) to be involved in local and regional
climate action groups such as Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition and the
Central Coast Climate Collaborative.
c. The Task Force will work to help achieve the objectives/timelines outlined in the
climate action major city goal work program (Exhibit 1) in particular;
i. The Task Force will help with the Climate Action Plan update by researching
best practices in other jurisdictions and recommending new/updated GHG
reduction measures.
ii. The Task Force will help to develop an enhanced incentives program to
encourage energy efficiency and reduction of GHG emissions in the community.
The incentives program will include incentives for retrofits to existing structures
as well as incentives for new development projects to reduce GHG emissions
and provide efficient structures (e.g. LEED certified buildings).
iii. The Task Force will help to research and assess the requirement to achieve a net
zero city target including helping to identify opportunity sites in the City to
create net zero district(s).
iv. The Task Force will assist with research and implementation of a Community
Choice Energy program including providing technical resources and other
support to evaluate, design, and implement the program.
v. The Task Force will help to research, design, and implement electric vehicle
charging infrastructure and help to support electric vehicle adoption in the
community.
5. Facilities. The City will allow the Task Force to use City facilities, pending availability,
and waive rental fees associated with the use of City facilities such as the Ludwick Center.
Packet Pg 262
11
Memorandum of Understanding
City of San Luis Obispo / Climate Action Task Force
4
6. Funding. The Climate Action Major City Goal work program identified limited funding
to be available from the City to support a Community Climate Action Coalition. These funds
are to be associated with objectives/tasks outlined in this agreement. Written proposals for use
of funds will include cost, purpose, and expected outcomes for use of funds and will be provided
to the City two weeks in advance of when funds will be needed.
7. Termination of Agreement by City. Either party may terminate this MOU for any
reason whatsoever upon written 90-day notification of such termination.
8. Relationship of Parties. The Task Force shall be considered an independent organization
and not an agent, officer or employee of the City. Task Force officers, members, affiliates,
volunteers, employees and independent contractors shall not be considered agents, officers or
employees of the City.
9. Compliance with Laws. The Task Force shall comply with all applicable statutes,
ordinances, or regulations now or hereafter adopted by any federal, state or county
governmental entity, and with all ordinances, regulations, policies and guidelines now or
hereafter adopted by the City. Upon request by City, the Task Force agrees to have its members
execute waivers and releases of liability for any activities which in City’s opinion warrants such
waivers and releases to be executed prior to participation in such activity.
10. Amendments. The City Manager or designee will consider any proposed amendments
to this MOU. Proposed amendments that do not significantly affect scope, objectives, outcomes
or deliverables that are considered minor in nature may be approved by the City Manager or
designee. Other material amendments shall be reviewed for approval by the City Council.
11. Counterparts. This MOU may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original and all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same
instrument, binding on each signatory thereto.
ATTEST CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
Carrie Gallagher
City Clerk
Date Heidi Harmon
Mayor
Date
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
COMMUNITY CLIMATE
ACTION TASK FORCE
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
Date [Name: ]
President
Date
Packet Pg 263
11
MAJOR CITY GOALS 5
CLIMATE ACTION WORK PROGRAM
Exhibit 1
GOAL STATEMENT
Implement Climate Action Plan, assess requirements to achieve a “net -zero carbon City” target, and implement
cost-effective measures, including implementation of a Sustainability Coordinator and formation of a Green Team.
OUTCOME – FINAL WORK PRODUCT
The Climate Action Major City Goal will further the community’s effort to achieve environmental goals that address
climate change adaptation and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
DISCUSSION
The Climate Action Plan (CAP) was adopted by Resolution in 2012 and serves as the City’s policy document that
sets forth objectives and strategies that the City and community can in turn use as a road map to achieve the City’s
GHG reduction goals. The CAP is a dynamic strategic document that requires continual updates to address changes
in State policies, technologies and the natural environment. One of the overarching reasons is that if the City is not
meeting GHG reduction goals as measured and reported, then the City should adjust strategies and polic ies as
necessary.
In August 2016 two assessments, the 2016 Climate Action Plan Progress Report (Progress Report) and the City of
San Luis Obispo Energy Baseline Report (Energy Baseline Report), were prepared to:
1. assess the progress of the near-term CAP implementation strategies to reduce GHG emissions, and,
2. assess the City’s energy use and cost for City-owned facilities between June 2013 and May 2016.
Both assessments concluded that although the City was making progress towards achieving the objectives identified
in the CAP, there were several action items that could be pursued in the near -term. The identified actions would
position the City for continued success at achieving the 2020 GHG emissions reduction targets, and position the
City to be a leader in the development, implementation and export of renewable energy and emissions reduction
programs. These activities would create local economic opportunities, enhance community well -being and
resilience, and inspire and enable our regional partners to participate in reducing carbon emissions and stabilizing
the climate.
Building upon the recommendations from the Progress Report and the Energy Baseline Report a cohesive climate
change strategy, that includes existing and future work efforts, will be develo ped and implemented over the next
two fiscal years.
Proposed Scope of Work
The proposed work program includes the following key actions:
▪ Reprioritizing and assigning Sustainability Coordinator responsibilities to the Special Projects Manager to
oversee the implementation of the City’s strategies to address climate change adaptation and the reduction
of GHG emissions.
▪ Create a City “Green Team” to assist the Sustainability Coordinator with the implementation of the City’s
CAP strategies. The Green Team will be comprised of representatives from each department with expertise
in environmental policy, transportation/mobility, energy efficiency, water conservation, recycled water,
consumption and solid waste reduction, food and agriculture, open space conservation/wildland protection,
flood control and hazard mitigation, urban forestry, housing, land uses planning and building construction,
government operations, climate change adaptation and resiliency, advocacy and public outreach/education.
Packet Pg 264
11
MAJOR CITY GOALS 6
CLIMATE ACTION WORK PROGRAM
▪ Assess and report the requirements to achieve the “net-zero carbon City” target. Including feasibility
analysis and implementation of Community Choice Energy program.
▪ Re-evaluate the feasibility or relevance of the GHG emissions reduction implementation measures in the
CAP, and identify implementation funding sources.
▪ Support the establishment of a “Community Climate Action Coalition” by engaging other jurisdictions,
professionals, elected officials, and residents to enhance community education, participation, and advocacy
in all City and regional climate action adaptation and GHG emission reduction efforts.
▪ Update the City’s GHG emissions inventory.
▪ Update the Climate Action Plan to reflect changes in State and Regional legislative policies, technologies
and resilience due to changes in the natural environment.
▪ Ensure accountability and monitoring of the effectiveness and progress for all CAP implementation
strategies and measures.
▪ Develop enhanced incentive programs to encourage energy efficiency and reduction of GHG emissions in
the community.
▪ Perform energy assessments/audits on all City-owned facilities.
▪ Implement energy and cost saving measures and projects identified in the energy assessments.
▪ Monitor and measure City-owned facility and infrastructure performance on a biennial basis.
▪ Prepare an Energy Baseline Report and Rate Analysis for City-owned facilities and infrastructure on an
annual basis.
▪ Report on the effectiveness of individual climate action adaptation and GHG emission reduction strategies
and measures to provide City Council with an indication of the overall achievement towards the defined
objectives and targets annually.
Work Underway or Ongoing
The following is a list of work efforts being conducted by the City that are currently underway or are ongoing in
nature. All the activities have some bearing on the City’s ability to achieve its climate action goals. With the Major
City Goal of Climate Action, the Sustainability Coordinator and the Green Team will evaluate these work efforts
to ensure consistency with the Climate Action Plan, and identify and recommend adjustments or modifications on
a prioritized basis.
Work Efforts Underway (Responsible Department)
▪ Subdivision Regulations Update (Community Development)
▪ Zoning Regulations Update (Community Development)
▪ Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Update (Community Development)
▪ Conversion of City Fleet to Electric/Alternative Fuel Vehicles (Public Works)
▪ Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) project (Utilities)
▪ Toilet Retrofit (Utilities)
▪ Green Waste Composting Facility (Utilities)
▪ Plastic Bottle Reduction (Administration)
▪ Community Choice Energy Assessment (Administration)
Ongoing Work Efforts (Responsible Department)
▪ Green and Energy Conservation Building and Construction Code Updates (Community Development)
▪ Construction and Demolition Recycling Plan (Community Development)
▪ Housing Element Update and Implementation (Community Development)
▪ Land Use Element Update and Implementation (Community Development)
▪ Near-Term GHG Emission Reduction Implementation Measures (All Departments)
▪ Circulation Element Update and Implementation (Public Works)
▪ Short Range Transportation Plan Implementation (Public Works)
▪ Bicycle Transportation Plan Implementation (Public Works)
Packet Pg 265
11
MAJOR CITY GOALS 7
CLIMATE ACTION WORK PROGRAM
▪ Bicycle Path Maintenance Program (Public Works)
▪ Sustainable Solutions Turnkey (SST) project (Public Works)
▪ Building Maintenance and Improvement Program Implementation (Public Works)
▪ Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan (Utilities)
▪ Water and Wastewater Element Update and Implementation (Utilities)
▪ Wastewater Collection Infrastructure Renewal Strategy (Utilities)
▪ Water Efficient Landscaping Standards (Utilities)
▪ Recycled Water Master Plan (Utilities)
▪ Historic Resource Protection, Preservation and Reuse of City Owned Facilities (Parks & Recreation)
▪ Open Space and Trails (Natural Resources and Parks and Recreation Ranger Service)
▪ Trees and Urban Forestry (Public Works)
▪ Creek and Flood Control Program Implementation (Public Works and Natural Resources)
▪ Wildlands Fire Protection (Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Ranger Service and Fire)
▪ Vegetation Management Program Implementation (Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Ranger
Service, and Fire)
▪ Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Implementation (Fire)
▪ Natural Resource Protection Program Implementation (Natural Resources & Parks and Recreation Ranger
Service)
▪ Greenbelt Protection Program Implementation (Natural Resources)
▪ SLO Stewards Program Implementation (Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Ranger Service and
non-profit partners)
▪ Laguna Lake Natural Reserve Conservation Plan Implementation (Natural Resources and Public Works)
▪ Environmental Restoration and Invasive Species Management (Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation
Ranger Service, and non-profit partners)
▪ Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP) for City Employees (Human Resources)
▪ Economic Development Strategic Plan Implementation (Administration)
▪ Support of Empower and other financing programs designed to specifically retrofit existing commercial
and residential buildings.
WORK PROGRAM CONSTRAINTS AND LIMITATIONS
Greenhouse gas emissions are contributing to the warming of the atmosphere which is resulting in drastic changes
to our climate. The current trajectory of global warming is alarming and requires significant and critical actions to
prevent further escalation of the GHG emissions that have already caused changes in the climate, resulting in
noticeable and significant impacts. The associated consequences of increased temperatures are extreme weather
events, acceleration of polar ice melt, rising sea levels, increasing ocean acidity, accelerated species loss, increased
risk of high intensity wildfires, and increasing numbers of “excessive heat days” (above 95 degrees Fahrenheit).
Actions to address climate change require significant financial and resource investment. However, there are grants,
state and federal funding, and public/private partnership opportunities available to help offset the cost associated
with some climate action adaptation and GHG emission reduction implementation strategies and measures.
When the CAP was adopted the estimated cost was $1.3 million dollars over a ten -year time frame to implement
all the identified CAP strategies. The estimate to implement the proposed work plan over the 2017 -2019 Financial
Plan period is $307,500, this includes $105,000 in Capital Improvement Plan projects. Provided below is a line item
break down of the estimated expenses:
Packet Pg 266
11
MAJOR CITY GOALS 8
CLIMATE ACTION WORK PROGRAM
Implementation FY 17-18 (one-time/ongoing) FY 18-19 (one-time/ongoing)
1.0 FTE – Sustainability Coordinator $112,217 (one-time) $118,754 (one-time)
Offset by Department Budget: 1.0
FTE Special Projects Manager
-$112,217 (one-time) -$118,754 (one-time)
.25 FTE – Green Team Coordination
Efforts
$28,054 (one-time) $29,688 (one-time)
Offset by Department Budget: 0.25
FTE Deputy Director CDD – Long
Range Planning
-$28,054 (one-time) -$29,688 (one-time)
Consultant Services: GHG Inventory
Update
$15,000 (one-time) $0
Training $10,000 (one-time) $5,000 (one-time)
Offset by Department Budget:
Training
-$10,000 (one-time) -$5,000 (one-time)
Consultant Services: Energy
Assessments/Audits of City-Owned
Facilities and Infrastructure
$15,000 (one-time) $10,000 (one-time)
Potentially Offset by Matching Grant
Funds: Energy Assessments/Audits
of City-Owned Facilities and
Infrastructure
-$7,500 (one-time) -$5,000 (one-time)
City facilities and infrastructures
energy efficiency and cost saving
projects
$55,000 (one-time) $40,000 (one-time)
Potentially Offset by Matching Grant
Funds: City facilities and
infrastructures energy efficiency and
cost saving projects
-$27,500 (one-time) -$20,000 (one-time)
Green Fleet Charging Stations (CIP) $30,000 (one-time) $75,000 (one-time)
Enhanced Incentive Programs to
encourage energy efficiency and
GHG emissions reduction
$0 $50,000 (one-time)
CAP Update $35,000 (one-time) $0
Potentially Offset by Matching Grant
Funds: CAP Update
-$17,500 (one-time) $0
Assessment of Net-Zero Carbon City $10,000 (one-time) $0
Community Choice Energy -Engage
in JPA Formation
$25,000 $0
Community Choice Energy Initial
Operations
$0 $TBD
Community Climate Action
Coalition Support
$5,000 (one-time) $5,000 (one-time)
Public Education and Outreach $5,000 (one-time) $5,000 (one-time)
Monitoring and Reporting of
Progress
$3,000 (one-time) $2,000 (one-time)
Subtotal $348,271 $340,442
Offsets -$232,771 -$253,442
Total $115,500 $87,000
Packet Pg 267
11
MAJOR CITY GOALS 9
CLIMATE ACTION WORK PROGRAM
There are several other constraints that might limit program implementation and success, beyond cost. Climate
action adaptation requires commitment from residents, business owners, developers, other local jurisdictions,
energy providers, etc. Collaboration and consolidation of resources will be necessary to achieve success on a large
scale. Provided below are a list of some of the specific obstacles that can reasonably be expe cted during
implementation of this goal.
1. Ongoing compliance with State and Federal regulations may require periodic amendment and or update of our
climate action adaptation and GHG emission reduction policies and implementation strategies.
2. The availability of grant funding may be limited, uncertain, or highly competitive to secure.
3. Competing staff priorities which may delay implementation of the work program over a longer period than
originally anticipated.
4. Significant public involvement or coordination with business, community or neighborhood groups will be
required since more than 2/3 of the GHG emissions produced in the city come from the community.
Therefore, it will require voluntary behavioral changes throughout the community to make significant
progress toward achieving the GHG emission reductions targets.
5. Willingness to implement regulations that require shared costs between the public and private sectors to
achieve GHG reduction goals.
6. Ongoing reliance on support from jurisdictional partners (e.g. County of San Luis Obispo Energy Watch and
Energy Wise programs)
By utilizing local and regional resources and collaborating with jurisdictional partners to consolidate scarce
resources and efforts, the challenges listed above may be overcome. For example, the County of San Luis Obispo
Energy Watch and Energy Wise programs have resources (funding and staffing) to assist with the technical
preparation of the energy assessments/audits, GHG emissions inventory update, CAP update, grant writing, the
development of annual monitoring and reporting tools and best practices.
STAKEHOLDERS
Due to the broad nature of this goal, stakeholder involvement will need to be equally broad. City residents remain
the primary stakeholders. Generally, outreach will also be targeted to other government agencies associated with
projects and programs, in addition to interested parties, advocacy groups and neighborhoods near the vicinity of
projects will be consulted. Other stakeholders include the County of San Luis Obispo, Air Pollution Control District
(APCD), San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG), Caltrans, Cal Poly University, Cuesta College,
California Men’s Colony, SLO Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Chamber of Commerce, Home Builders
Association, City sponsored advisory bodies (i.e. PC, ARC, BAC and MTC), bike advocacy groups, citizen groups,
neighborhood groups, and environmental and business associations. The involvement of each stakeholder will vary
by implementation measure.
Packet Pg 268
11
MAJOR CITY GOALS 10
CLIMATE ACTION WORK PROGRAM
ACTION PLAN (High Impact Objectives shown in bold)
Task Lead Department Target Date
1. Identify Resources
a. Introduce Sustainability Coordinator
to the City.
b. Creation of a City “Green Team” and
establishment of roles and
responsibilities.
c. Support for the establishment of a
“Community Climate Action
Coalition”.
2. Net Zero Carbon City
a. Assessment of the requirements to
achieve a “net-zero carbon City”
target.
b. Identify opportunity sites to create
“net zero carbon district(s)”
c. Feasibility analysis and
implementation of a Community
Choice Energy Program.
3. Updating the Climate Action Plan.
4. Re-evaluation of the feasibility or relevance of
some of the identified GHG emissions
reduction implementation measures that are
identified in the CAP, and identification of
potential implementation funding sources.
5. Updating the City’s GHG emissions inventory.
6. Biennial reporting on the effectiveness of
individual climate action adaptation and GHG
emission reduction strategies.
7. Ongoing accountability and monitoring of the
effectiveness and progress for all CAP
implementation strategies and measures.
8. Development of enhanced incentive
programs.
ADMIN
ADMIN
ADMIN
ADMIN
CDD
CDD
CDD
CDD
CDD
ADMIN
July 2017
September 2017
November 2017
June 2018
December 2018
March 2018
June 2018
May 2019
June 2019
June 2019
Packet Pg 269
11
MAJOR CITY GOALS 11
CLIMATE ACTION WORK PROGRAM
9. Performance of energy assessments/audits on
all City-owned facilities.
10. Implementation of energy and cost saving
measures and projects that were identified in
the energy assessments/audits on all City-
owned facilities.
11. Monitoring and measuring of City-owned
facility and infrastructure performance.
12. Preparation of an Energy Baseline Report and
Rate Analysis for City-owned facilities and
infrastructure.
13. Implement Plastic Straw Regulations
14. Implement Plastic Bottle Regulations
PW/UTILITIES
PW/UTILITIES
PW/UTILITIES
PW/UTILITIES
ADMIN
ADMIN
March 2018
July 2018
August 2018
March 2019
October 2017
April 2018
KEY WORK PROGRAM ASSUMPTIONS
1. The City will commit the necessary staff and financial resources to implement this work program.
2. The City cannot solve Climate Action Adaptation and GHG emission reductions on its own or in a financial
plan or two. Achieving the targets set forth in the CAP will require ongoing commitments and
involvement/coordination with residents, local businesses, community/neighborhood groups, and
local/regional government agencies.
3. The City will receive significant technical assistance from the County of San Luis Obispo Energy Watch
and Energy Wise programs and staff.
4. The City will be awarded grant funding to offset the cost associated with the energy assessments/audits for
City-owned facilities and infrastructure, GHG emissions inventory update, CAP update, grant submittals,
and the development of monitoring and reporting tools and best practices.
5. Discontinuation of the availability of assistance from the County of San Luis Obispo or grant funding will
result in significant changes to the operational budget.
RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENTS
The Administration Department will be the lead department responsible for coordination and implementation of the
Climate Action Major City Goal. All City Departments will provide implementation support as needed for specific
tasks. Each assigned City Department will be accountable for completing the identified action plan tasks by the
target date.
The primary role of the Sustainability Coordinator will be to coordinate all the existing and proposed work efforts
that have bearing on the City’s ability to address climate change adaptation and reduction of GHG emissions by the
2020 target. Specifically, the Sustainability Coordinator will be direc tly responsible for securing grant funding;
coordinating the efforts of the Green Team; providing assistance and support to community “Climate Action
Coalition” group(s); overseeing the update and maintenance of the Climate Action Plan web page and resourc es;
overseeing the update of the City’s GHG emissions inventory and CAP; development and monitoring of incentives
programs; and supporting energy efficiency programs such as PACE and Community Choice Energy. Community
Packet Pg 270
11
MAJOR CITY GOALS 12
CLIMATE ACTION WORK PROGRAM
Development will provide ongoing support and assistance to the Sustainability Coordinator. Community
Development will be directly responsible for updating the City’s GHG emissions inventory and CAP documents,
monitoring and reporting on implementation progress, and assessing the effectiveness of individual climate action
adaptation and GHG emission reduction strategies. Public Works and Utilities will provide support work efforts
associated with energy efficiency and cost saving improvements to City-owned facilities and infrastructure. All
departments will designate at least one staff member to serve as the Green Team representative for their
department/division.
FINANCIAL AND STAFF RESOURCES REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL
Accomplishing this goal will require leadership commitment and ensuring appropriate staff and financial resources
are available to work on and fund these efforts. The Administration Department does not have the capacity or
expertise to take on the efforts outlined in the work program without adding 1.25 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff
in additional resources. This additional staff resource will consist of 1.25 total FTE (1.0 Sustainability Coordinator
and 0.25 Green Team coordination efforts). The Sustainability Coordinator role will be provided by re -allocating
the entire 1.0 FTE Special Projects Manager position, and Green Team coordination efforts will be offset by 0.25
FTE of the Deputy Director CDD - Long Range Planning position to achieve the identified work efforts during the
2017-19 Financial Plan. The Green Team will consist of approximately 0.25 FTE in the form of various positions
from each City department with expertise to assist the Sustainability Coordinator. All City Departments will
contribute a portion of their departmental training budget to offset any necessary training that is requested for the
Sustainability Coordinator and/or the Green Team representatives.
It is anticipated that there will be a series of Minor Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) requests related to the work
program because of the energy efficiency and cost saving projects that are identified via energy assessments and
audits. One-time funds in the amount of $55,000 in FY 17-18 and $40,000 in FY 18-19 have been budgeted, using
one-time savings in the Community Development Department’s FY 2016-17 budget, for anticipated energy
efficiency projects. In addition, a new Capital Improvement Project is proposed to install electric City vehicle
charging stations in the 919 Parking Structure. The stations will support the City’s Fleet of five plug -in hybrid
vehicles and proposed five additional plug-in hybrids over the next two years and allow the City to consider full
electric vehicle options for the City’s fleet. The cost of the charging stations is estimated to be $30,000 for design
in in FY 2017-18 and $75,000 for construction in 2018-19.
FISCAL IMPACT
This program will be funded by the General Fund and Enterprise Funds (CIP); however, there are opportunities for
grant funding, which the Sustainability Coordinator will pursue to offset anticipated costs. Another long-term cost
will be the enhanced incentive programs and the implementation of energy and cost saving measures and projects.
These enhanced incentive programs may lead to additional expenses associated with services for implementation
and program management. Climate action adaptation is a long-term goal that will require future requests for funding
associated with maintaining the GHG emissions inventory and the CAP implementation strategies.
Packet Pg 271
11
Page intentionally left
blank.
Packet Pg 272
CLIMATE ACTION TASK FORCECity Council Hearing – October 24, 20171Review of Climate Action Task Force Memorandum of Understanding and Assignment of Councilmember Liaison to the Task Force
RecommendationsApprove the Memorandum of Understanding (Staff Report Attachment A) between the City of San Luis Obispo and the Climate Action Task Force (Task Force) establishing the Task Force as the “Community Climate Action Coalition” that would help achieve the Climate Action objectives of the Climate Action Major City Goal work program; (As amended by Agenda Correspondence dated 10/23/2017)Designate a Councilmember to serve as the liaison between the City and the Task Force2
3BackgroundCity Council Major City Goal Climate Action established as Major City Goal for new two years (2017-19 Financial Plan) Work Program approved by City Council June 20, 2017Primary Objective of MCGSupport Establishment of a Community Climate Action Coalition“Engage other jurisdictions, professionals, elected officials, and residents to enhance community education, participation, and advocacy in all City and regional climate action adaptation and GHG emission reduction efforts”
4BackgroundClimate Action Task ForceMr. Eric Veium expressed interest in involvement with the Community Climate Action CoalitionPrior experience in climate action Currently Cal Poly’s Energy and Sustainability Analyst Founding member of SLO Clean Energy – group focused on education/outreach for Community Choice EnergyMr. Veium began initial efforts to engage those interested in helping with the City’s Climate Action efforts – referred to themselves as the Climate Action Task ForceMr. Veium proposed the Task Force be a subgroup of SLO Clean Energy (existing unincorporated association) which is fiscally sponsored by The Community Foundation of San Luis Obispo CountyMemorandum of UnderstandingEstablishes a relationship with the Task ForceEnsure clarity of intent, roles, scope, and objectives as the City and the Task Force work toward achieving the City’s Climate Action goals
MOU – Key Items:5Function. Task Force is an independent group working to support and encourage our goals – assisting with research, public engagement, design, and implantation of objectivesOrganization. Establish a lead role (e.g. Chair), determine own membership. Member selection expected to be open to interested individuals. Meetings will be open to individuals to attendCharter/Annual Work Plan. Task Force will create a Charter/Annual Work Plan including their mission/anticipated scope of activities for the year. Required to operate within scope of climate action MCG. Scope. Particular focus on helping to 1) update the CAP, 2) develop incentive programs, and 3) research/assess requirement to achieve net zero city target and pursuit of CCE.Community Engagement. Task force will work to engage the public & promote our climate action efforts. Informational pamphlet, Farmer’s Market booth, etc.)Reporting.Submit an annual report on their actions taken during previous calendar year and actions to be taken in upcoming year.
6City SupportSustainability Coordinator Assigned to provide support to the Task Force and be regular attendee of Task Force meetingsCouncilmember LiaisonStaff is looking to the City Council to designate a Councilmember liaison for the Climate Action Task ForceExpress the position of the Council and provide input as a Council representativeKeep council abreast of Task Force progressMaintain familiarity with the membership, work program, and efforts
RecommendationsApprove the Memorandum of Understanding (Staff Report Attachment A) between the City of San Luis Obispo and the Climate Action Task Force (Task Force) establishing the Task Force as the “Community Climate Action Coalition” that would help achieve the Climate Action objectives of the Climate Action Major City Goal work program; (As amended by Agenda Correspondence dated 10/23/2017)Designate a Councilmember to serve as the liaison between the City and the Task Force7