TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: January 11, 2016
SUBJECT: MEETING OF THE SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY COMMITTEE (SRC) ON WEDNESDAY, December 12, 2016
A meeting of the Sustainability and Resiliency Committee was held on Wednesday, December 12, 2016, in the Commission Chambers, 3rd Floor of City Hall. Commissioners in attendance: Commissioner Michael Grieco, Commissioner Ricky Arriola, Commissioner Joy Malakoff, Commissioner Kristen Rosen-Gonzalez, Commissioner Micky Steinberg and Commissioner John Elizabeth Aleman. Members of the Administration and the public were also in attendance.
Meeting was called to order at: 1:06 PM
1. Discussion Regarding the Securing and Storage Of Commercial Dumpsters.
AFTER-ACTION
Debora Turner, First Assistant City Attorney presented the item. She explained that a meeting was held with members of the administration and Mr. Henry Stolar, a resident, regarding the second draft of this ordinance. Ms. Turner added that they are still working on making additional changes which includes clarifying some of the language and making revisions to the fines and penalties.
Continued to the January 18, 2016 Sustainability and Resiliency Committee
2. Discussion on Requiring Sustainability Standards Similar to LEED for Retrofits in City-owned Properties
AFTER-ACTION
Elizabeth Wheaton, Environment and Sustainability Director presented the item. She explained that the City recently completed its Green House Gas (GHG) Inventory which helped understand where the majority of the City’s emissions came from. The results showed that 65% of government GHG’s came from municipal buildings and facilities. She added that improving the energy efficiency of existing building can help reduce our emissions. This decision can have an impact on the physical, environmental, and social health of our community. Adrian Morales, Interim Property Management Director explained the importance of sustainable principles when managing and renovating properties. Ms. Wheaton explained that the Energy Star Portfolio Manager allows for Cities to analyze the energy use which can help determine potential upgrades and reduce energy costs. She added that the administration can look into LEED for existing buildings and use the rating system when upgrading structures, or look at prerequisites and build them into what property management is working on.
Commissioner Rosen-Gonzalez inquired if a resolution should be drafted to set this policy in place. Ms. Wheaton noted that not all buildings would qualify for LEED certification but credits/prerequisites can be used as a guide to improve a building’s sustainability.
Commissioner Rosen-Gonzalez stated that one building should be chosen to apply these potential sustainable policies. Mr. Morales stated that the administration can conduct an assessment of which building would be best suited as the first candidate for this program.
Commissioner Malakoff stated that it’s important to conduct a cost benefit analysis to maintain close control of costs and whether they outweigh the benefits.
Commissioner Rosen-Gonzalez added that the Carl Fisher house could be used as a potential candidate.
MOTION: Staff to provide up to three municipal properties in order to identify one that could be retrofitted with LEED upgrades in order to make it more sustainably sound. Motion made by Commissioner Rosen-Gonzalez, Seconded by Commissioner Malakoff.
Continued to the January 18, 2016 Sustainability and Resiliency Committee
3. Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Flooding and Sea Level Rise
AFTER-ACTION
Continued to the January 18, 2016 Sustainability and Resiliency Committee
4. Resiliency Strategy
AFTER-ACTION
Item presented by Susanne Torriente, Assistant City Manager/ Chief Resiliency Officer. A summary of the 100 Resilient Cities partnership report was provided. She explained that a resiliency strategy is being developed for the region as well as a separate one for the City. The agenda setting workshop was a kickoff event were organizations and municipalities came together to brainstorm. She added that the results of this workshop helped identify the region’s strengths and weaknesses. This includes prioritizing preparation for hurricanes, economic shocks, and failing infrastructure. The regions identified strengths included critical services; fostering long term integrated planning while weaknesses included transportation and protecting manmade assets. The CROs will be visiting cities in the region as well as local organizations in order to focus on items that are important to the community. The strategy should be completed by January 2018.
Continued to the January 18, 2016 Sustainability and Resiliency Committee
JLM/SMT/ESW/FCT/YP