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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnergy and Environment Topic: Role of the Energy and Environment Commission (EEC) Date Introduced: November 24, 2009 Why on the list: Interest has been expressed by the Energy and Environment Commission on having a greater role in the development review process. History: The Energy & Environment Commission was established in April 2007 to help the City stay on the forefront of issues of sustainability. (See the powers and duties of the EEC in the attached documents.) Decision Points: 1. EEC could provide expertise in the development review process. One of the EEC duties is to "examine best practices for energy conservation for Edina's residents and businesses, including recommendations for a "green" building code, use of Energy Star appliances and other energy-reduction targets." 2. An additional commission review could become more cumbersome to the development process. 3. Should the EEC have statutory review authority? Options: 1. Continue with the existing process, of the EEC focusing more on big picture sustainability issues for the city. 2. Recommend that the City Council require EEC review of development projects. City of Edina General Code Provisions and Administration 146.03 ., Section 146 - Energy and Environment Commission 146.01 Policy and Establishment. The Council, recognizing the need to support and advance environmental protection, conservation efforts, energy conservation, and waste reduction, and to improve thereby the overall welfare of the citizens of the City, does hereby establish the Energy and Environment Commission (the "Commission"). 146.02 Duties. The Commission shall A. Examine and recommend best practices for energy conservation for Edina's citizens and businesses, including recommendations for a "green" building code, use of Energy Star appliances, and other energy reduction targets. B. Examine and recommend changes in City Government purchasing and operations to conserve energy. C. Evaluate and monitor the provision of a residential recycling program. D. Evaluate and monitor the provision of a privately provided solid waste program, as well as a reduction in municipal solid waste produced by Edina residents and businesses. E. Evaluate and encourage improvements in air and water quality. F. Promote the establishment of targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the City's buildings, equipment and operations. G. Educate the public about energy issues, reduction, conservation, reuse, recycling and environmental protection. H. Examine and promote renewable energy options for transportation, heating, and cooling, and other energy uses. 146_(13 Membershin The Commission shall consist of eleven members annointed by the Mayor with the consent of the majority of the Council. One member of the Commission shall be a high school student with full voting rights. All members of the Commission shall be residents of the City and shall be appointed for a term of three years, except that a student member shall be appointed for a term of one year. Of the eleven members, one member shall also be a member of the Planning Commission and one member shall also be a member of the Park Board. Members shall serve until a successor has been appointed. Upon termination of a member's term, that member's successor shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation and may resign voluntarily or be removed by a majority vote of the Council or pursuant to Section 180 of this Code. Commission members who discontinue legal residency in the City may be removed from office by the Mayor with the consent of a majority of the Council. 146 - 1 Supplement 2009-01 City of Edina General Code Provisions and Administration 146.05 146.04 Organization. The Commission shall: A. Elect from its members a chair and a vice chair, each of whom shall serve for a period of one year. B. Adopt such bylaws as shall be necessary or desirable for conduct of its business. C. Appoint a secretary from its membership or request that a staff secretary be furnished by the City. If a secretary is assigned by the City, the secretary shall perform only such clerical duties on behalf of the Commission as may be assigned by the chair with the consent of the Manager. Additional advisory staff may be assigned to the Commission by the Manager. 146.05 Meetings. All meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public, be governed by Roberts Rules of Order, and otherwise be held pursuant to its bylaws. The Commission shall hold its regular meetings on such fixed date and in such fixed place as it from time to time shall determine. The minutes of all meetings shall be recorded and a copy thereof transmitted to each member of the Council. History: Ord 2007-05 Adopted 04-03-07; Ord 2009-04, 03-17-09 146 - 2 Supplement 2009-01 Planning Commission Minutes for Meeting of November 24, 2009 TOPIC: Role of the Energy and Environment Commission (EEC) in development review DATE INTRODUCED: November 24, 2009 DISCUSSION 11/24/2009: Introduction Planner Teague stated in the past the EEC has expressed an interest in taking a greater role in the development review process. The question is where would this fit into the development review process, especially since it would create an additional step in the process. Planner Teague said the Commission needs to decide if the EEC should continue to focus on the bigger picture such as sustainability issues for the City or should the City Council require EEC review of development projects. Chair Fischer noted that both the Transportation Board and the EEC don't have review authority; however it should also be noted that the City Council is the body that would make the final decision on the development review process. Planner Teague agreed. Commissioner Risser, liaison to the EEC told the Commission at this time the EEC has no desire to review individual projects; however, the Chair of the EEC would like to receive Planning Commission packets to keep abreast of proposals and comment if needed. Commissioner Risser said the concern of the EEC is when individual plans trigger ordinance amendments (KelloggNalley View proposal) that impact neighboring properties. Concluding, Commissioner Risser said the EEC is also concerned with wetland setbacks and would like to weigh in on that issue during the updating of the ordinance. Action The Chair of the Energy & Environment Commission is to receive a Planning Commission packet for each meeting. TOPIC: Energy and Environment Commissions role in the Development Review Process DATE INTRODUCED: November 24, 2009 CONTINUED DISCUSSION: December 9, 2009 Introduction Chair Fischer explained this topic was discussed on November 24, 2009, with the Commission noting that currently the Energy and Environment Commission does not have a role in the development review process at the Commission level. It was further discussed that this should continue. Action The Final draft recommendation is that the Energy and Environment Commission will continue to have no role in the development review process; however, the Chair of the Energy and Environment Commission will receive Planning Commission meeting packets.