10.01.14 EAB Packet
CITY OF BOULDER
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING AGENDA
DATE:
October 1, 2014
TIME:
6 p.m.
st
PLACE:
1777 Broadway, 1 floor, 1777 W. Conference Room
1.CALL TO ORDER
2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 3, 2014
A.The Environmental Advisory Board minutes are scheduled
for approval.
3.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
4.PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
5.DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.Comprehensive Plan/Resilience Scope of Work (Brett KenCairn and Lesli Ellis,
Comprehensive Planning & Sustainability)
6.OLD BUSINESS/UPDATES
A.Addition of EAB Work Plan Items/Letter to Council
7.MATTERS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD, CITY
MANAGER, AND CITY ATTORNEY
8.DEBRIEF MEETING/CALENDAR CHECK
9.ADJOURNMENT
For more information call (303) 441-1880. Board packets are available after 4 p.m. Friday prior to the meeting, online at
www.bouldercolorado.gov
CITY OF BOULDER ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING GUIDELINES
CALL TO ORDER
The board must have a quorum (three members present) before the meeting can be called to order.
AGENDA
The board may rearrange the order of the agenda or delete items for good cause. The board may not add items requiring public notice.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The public is welcome to address the board (three minutes* maximum per speaker) during the Public Participation portion of the
meeting regarding any item not scheduled for a public hearing. The only items scheduled for a public hearing are those listed under
the category PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS on the agenda. Any exhibits introduced into the record at this time must be provided in
quantities of eight to the Board Secretary for distribution to the board and admission into the record.
DISCUSSION AND STUDY SESSION ITEMS
Discussion and study session items do not require motions of approval or recommendation.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
A Public Hearing item requires a motion and a vote. The general format for hearing of an action item is as follows:
1. Presentations
Staff presentation (15 minutes maximum*) Any exhibits introduced into the record at this time must be provided in
quantities of eight to the Board Secretary for distribution to the board and admission into the record.
Environmental Advisory Board questioning of staff for information only.
2. Public Hearing
Each speaker will be allowed an oral presentation (three minutes maximum*). All speakers wishing to pool their time must
be present, and time allotted will be determined by the Chair. Two minutes will be added to the pooled speaker for each such
speaker’s allotted time up to a maximum of 10 minutes total.
Time remaining is presented by a green blinking light that means one minute remains, a yellow light means 30 seconds
remain, and a red light and beep means time has expired.
Speakers should introduce themselves, giving name and address. If officially representing a group please state that for
the record as well.
Speakers are requested not to repeat items addressed by previous speakers other than to express points of agreement or
disagreement. Refrain from reading long documents, and summarize comments wherever possible. Long documents
may be submitted and will become a part of the official record.
Any exhibits introduced into the record at the hearing must be provided in quantities of eight to the Board Secretary for
distribution to the board and admission into the record.
Interested persons can send a letter to the Community Planning and Sustainability staff at 1739 Broadway, Boulder, CO
80302, two weeks before the Environmental Advisory Board meeting, to be included in the board packet.
Correspondence received after this time will be distributed at the board meeting.
3. Board Action
Board motion. Motions may take any number of forms. Motions are generally used to approve (with or without conditions),
deny, or continue agenda item to a later date (generally in order to obtain additional information).
Board discussion. This is undertaken entirely by members of the board. Members of the public or city staff participate
only if called upon by the Chair.
Board action (the vote). An affirmative vote of at least three members of the board is required to pass a motion
approving any action.
MATTERS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORYBOARD, CITY MANAGER, AND CITY ATTORNEY
Any Environmental Advisory Board member, City Manager, or the City Attorney may introduce before the board matters which are
not included in the formal agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
The board's goal is that regular meetings adjourn by 8 p.m. Agenda items will not be commenced after 8 p.m. except by majority vote
of board members present.
*The Chair may lengthen or shorten the time allotted as appropriate. If the allotted time is exceeded, the Chair may request that the speaker conclude
his or her comments.
CITY OF BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING SUMMARY
NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION:
Environmental Advisory Board
DATE OF MEETING:
September 3, 2014
NAME/TELEPHONE OF PERSON PREPARING SUMMARY:
Juliet Bonnell,
303-441-1931
NAMES OF MEMBERS, STAFF AND INVITED GUESTS PRESENT:
Environmental Advisory Board Members Present:
Mara Abbott, Stephen Morgan, Morgan
Lommele and Brad Queen.
Environmental Advisory Board Members Absent:
Tim Hillman
Staff Members Present:
Brett KenCairn, Rella Abernathy, Kathleen Alexander, Kendra Tupper,
Elizabeth Vasatka, Heather Bailey, Lisa Smith and Juliet Bonnell
MEETING SUMMARY:
The board provided staff with recommendations on potential partners to reach out to and
ways in which to build stronger, larger coalitions on the local, state and federal level to
educate people about and combat the neonicotinoid issue.
The board appreciated the work that staff has been doing on Emerald Ash Borer and
suggested providing more positive information to the public via newspapers.
The board supported staff’s overall approach to the demand side management strategy
B. Queen
and emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and outreach.
volunteered to serve as the EAB representative for the stakeholder engagement process.
The board appreciated staff’s update on Energy Future and emphasized that more positive
press should be released around this issue.
1. CALL TO ORDER
M. Abbott
The Environmental Advisory Board Chair declared a quorum and the meeting was
called to order at 6:05 p.m.
2. SWEARING IN OF NEW BOARD MEMBER
B. Queen
was sworn in as EAB’s newest board member.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
M. Abbott,S. Morgan
On a motion by seconded by , the Environmental Advisory Board
T. HillmanB. Queen
approved (3-0,absent and abstained since he was not an acting board
member at the August 6, 2014 meeting) the August 6, 2014 meeting minutes.
4.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
5. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
A. Integrated Pest Management/Neonicotinoids/Emerald Ash Borer (Rella Abernathy,
Community Planning and Sustainability and KathleenAlexander, Parks and Recreation)
R. Abernathy
presented an update on IPM’s emerging neonicotinoidissueand how it is being
addressed to the board.She informed the board about how toxic and lethal neonicotinoids are to
bees, earthworms, and other invertebrates. Wholesalers are making efforts to label plants where
these products have been used and minimize their sale because the concentration of
neonicotinoids in our environment hasled to a biodiversity crisis that is causing the collapse of
once common species.
Scientists around the world are calling for action to prevent mass extinctionand emphasizing that
thisissue is more imminent than climate change. Staffisworkingat a local level to raise
awareness of this issue and combat it by not using products that include neonicotinoids,
encouraging the public not to use these products, and by evaluating the history of the plants,
trees, and sod purchasedfor the cityto ensure they haven’t been treated with neonicotinoids. The
city is also trying to partner with other cities to ban neonicotinoidsand raise peoples’ awareness
of this issue on a more global scale. Bee-friendly neighborhoods are becoming popular and are
an important educational element to protect pollinators. In bee-friendly neighborhoods, people
pledge to not use these products orbuy plants treated with these productsand plant bee-friendly
plants.
The ColoradoPesticide Applicators Act is a state law that is currently going through a review
process and needs to be passed in the next general assembly or else it will sunset. The three main
areas staff is hopingwillbe reformed in this act are1.theestablishment ofbaseline regulations
for pollinator protection, 2. the provision ofauthority to local governments to address local
health on a local level and 3.alteration ofthe balance of the pesticide committee which is
currently comprised of almost all industry representatives and no environmental or governmental
representatives.
R. Abernathy
emphasized that Boulder is working hard to form coalitions on the national and
state level and requestedEAB’s feedback on how to build stronger, larger coalitionsto educate
people about and combat this issue.
B. Queen
mentioned his surprise that other local governments like Ft. Collins and Louisville
haven’t become more involved. He suggested reaching outto the various chapters of Transition
Colorado Groups.
S. Morgan
mentioned getting all the local beekeepers/honey producers involvedand
encouragingcitizens to “like” the bee safe neighborhoods’Facebook site and having a bee-safe
festival or celebration.He noted that the messaging needs to implicate the negative impacts,
induce some fear and provide actions for people to take.
M. Lommele
felt thatBoulder should ban neonicotinoids. She suggested consultingwith other
municipalities andlobbyingin order to get authoritative power. She supported the idea of a letter
submitted to state legislators from diverse communities as well as articles in the Denver Post and
other local papers.
M. Abbott
agreed that themessaging should include the real negativeconsequences (especially
economic consequences)and include a fact sheet with positive actions that people can take. She
felt it was important to disseminate more information about alternatives to pesticides to the
public.
H. Collins
from the County Sustainability Office suggested contacting NACO or CCI in order to
raise awareness about neonicotinoids in other communities throughout Colorado.She suggested
reaching out to the Consortium of Citiesin order to communicate with other Boulder County
communities.She mentioned that the County’s Hazardous Materials facilitycan house fact
sheetsabout neonicotinoidsand informed the board that that facility doesn’tgive out any
pesticides. There is a local chapter of the North American HazardousMaterials Management
group that could be helpful. Safe Chemicalsis another group to consider reaching out to.
K. Alexander
provided an update on Emerald Ash Borer(EAB). Staff did a delimitation survey
of the city.Originally, EAB was detected in five grids and is now in fouradditionalgrids and
staff expects to detect more in its on-going survey. Ayear end news releasewill be sent out with
an EAB status update. Door hangers with EAB information and website resources were delivered
at properties with treessymptomatic forEAB.Staff conducteda series of open houses last spring
and went to fivefarmer’s marketsto provide education and outreach. EAB dissections will occur
to help train industry professionals abouthow to identify and treat trees with EAB. Staff is also
reaching out to HOAs in impacted neighborhoods to identify trees that should be phased out and
replaced. Seventyash trees in poor condition have beenreplaced and400 new trees were planted
this spring. 180 public ash trees in the known infested grids were treated with Tree-age and
TreeAzinin more environmentally-sensitive areas.
Other communities have importedparasitic wasps which are predatorsof EAB and they have
proved successful in reducing EAB populations. APHIS is interested in providingBoulder with
these bio-control parasitic waspsfor free.
Staff is working toward an EAB Plan for the city. An interdepartmental work group has been
formed to help inform this plan. Subgroups have been formed to talk about specific issues and
identify key issues. The enforcement for dead and dying treesis being discussed as is wood
utilization to determine ifmarkets can be developed for ash wood.Staff is trying to ensure that
ash is being managed consistently between departments and areas. Informationfrom subgroups
will be compiled and this issue will go to council next spring. In the meantime, staff is looking
for opportunistic approaches to phase out trees and provide education.
M. Lommele
would like to see more information provided via the paper. She would like staff to
direct the management plan rather than only gathering feedback from other groups.
K. Alexander
noted that staff is directing the plan, but others’ expertise is required for certain
aspectsof the plan.
M. Abbott
agreed that positive news stories would be helpful. She liked the idea of targeting
HOAs and other groups with information. She complimented the tape on trees she’s seen
indicating that the tree is at risk for EABas a great visual to provide informationto the public.
6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Intro to Kendra and Commercial Industrial Strategic Plan process (Elizabeth Vasatka and
Kendra Tupper, Local Environmental Action Division)
E. VasatkaK. Tupper
introduced and her new position as Energy Services Manager.
K. Tupper
informed the board about the proposed work plan and process for ademand side
management (DSM) strategy, focusing on a commercial and industrial energy ordinancebecause
that sector of the community is responsible for over 60 percent of our community’s GHG
emissions. She spoke aboutthe draft scope, goals, approach, timeline and key milestonesof the
demand side management (DSM)strategy. A large part of the strategy is looking beyond
voluntary programs and beginning to mandate energy ordinances in this sector through rating
and reporting and efficiency requirements. This follows the model of what has been done in the
residential sector, with successful voluntary programslike EnergySmartleading upto energy
efficiency regulation on the rental housing market through SmartRegs. The C&I energy
ordinances are part of a larger DSM strategy. The city will use a three-phase approach that has
already been approved by council starting withvoluntary programs,followed by mandatory C&I
rating and reporting and finally mandatory C&I efficiency. Concurrent with phases two and three
staff will also be designing the Utility of the Future’s energy services. The goal of the strategy
stems from the Climate Commitment andis to create DSM programs that accelerate reduction of
GHG emissions, foster economic vitality and have the flexibility to adapt to changes in
community needs and external influences.
DSM does not include renewables, local generation or rate design. In addition to maintaining and
improving the city’s successful voluntary program, EnergySmart, the city is proposing a new
C&I energy ordinance that would require rating and reporting energy use and possibly efficiency
measures, new programs under the utility’s energy services after 2016, partnerships with the
Colorado Industrial Energy Challenge and public entities such as CU, federal labs and BVSD.
This item will be heard by councilat the Nov 12 City CouncilStudy Sessionwith theClimate
Commitmentand Energy Future presentations. Next steps include stakeholder engagement and
development of an Energy Services design working group. The full DSM plan will go to council
in about a year and be coordinated with the Energy Future Transition Plan.
K. Tupper
asked for EAB feedback on the proposed structure and whether a board member
would be interested in participating in the stakeholder engagementprocess.She mentioned that
the stakeholder engagement process will be coordinated with zero waste and economic vitality
outreach about potential regulations.
S. Morgan
emphasized thatthe devil is in the detailsandthat stakeholder engagement is very
important.
B. Queen
noted that the issue of municipalization and DSM hasn’t been well treated so that its
rolled up and everything adds up. He is skeptical until he sees these rolled up effectively.He
noted that negotiation can’t happen untilcommon goals can be agreed on and that Xcel and the
city will never find common goals. He suggested working closely with Reynolds and other large
property owners and businesses. He noted that some businesses aren’t driven by economics, but
B.Queen
by their ideals.volunteered to serve as the EAB representative for the stakeholder
engagement process.
M. Lommele
encouraged staff to involve stakeholders proactively. She thinks this is a great idea
and opportunity.
M. Abbott
was excited that this ordinance is underway.
E. Vasatka
informed the board about the relaunch of PACE-a one-stop shop for business
sustainability best practices for energy, waste, water, and employee transportation information.
B. Energy Future (Heather Bailey, Energy Future)
H. Bailey
provided the board with an update on Energy Future. Council has voted to move
forward with forming a utility so staff is movingforward with condemnation/acquisition of
assets. The focus for the next year will be on addressing legal challenges and implementing the
transitions plan. Staff is now moving from exploration to implementation and our goalsare
becoming more operational and focused on how we will provide safe and reliable energy.While
creating a municipal utility, staff is focused on minimizing the impact to customers, mitigating
risk, having clear financial guidelines, and integrating the utility into the rest of the city
infrastructure for maximum efficiency. The utility needs to be integratedwith Climate Action
Commitment and meet our energy future goals of increasing renewables, reducingemissions,
having competitive rates andreliable power in which the community has a say in the power
supply.
The Transition Plan is a roadmapand the legal and regulatory pieces will drive the schedule.
Staff is considering what policies, procedures, equipment, data, data systems, etc. need to be set
up in order to run the utility smoothly. Operations and maintenance will likely be outsourced
during thetransitional time.
Additional working groups are being formed to help inform our transition plan with expertise
from the communityaround energy acquisition, energy services, governance, rates and bills, and
reliability and safety.Public outreach will be conducted through our website, press, newsletters,
listserv andface to face. As we change the utility business model to something new where the
focus is providing energy and the amenities energy gets us (value-added) rather than the outdated
consumption based kW hour approach. The new model will be a platform for innovation and
engage the community.The business modelfor the Utility of the Future focuses onreliable
systems, flexibility and adaptability and improvement on our energy supply bymaking it clean,
local, and resilient.
Companies (such as e-gauge) want an opportunity to do business in this community. Staff hopes
to be able to build off of Boulder Energy Challenge projectsand include some of these initiatives
in energy services provided.
M. Lommele
appreciated hearing the city’s perspective on this issue since most of what she’s
heard has been from the paper. She felt it was important to get the positive messages out to the
community.
S. Morgan
expressed concern about how Xcel’s lack of cooperation might impact Boulder’s
business modeland askedabout deregulation.
H. Bailey
felt they’d be able to get a competitive price. She indicated that outsources will be
hired locallywherever possible. Staff is focusing on what we can do ourselvesand the rest will
be outsourced. She noted that deregulation effects the business model greatly. In her previous
municipalization experience in Texas, she hated the process of deregulating, but once Texas was
deregulated, she loved it. She thinks it is unlikely that Coloradowould become a deregulated
state.
B. Queen
mentioned that the distribution grid is the small part. The expensive part of the
infrastructure is the generation which Xcel has invested in because that’s how they make their
money. The real value or market innovation opportunity is the deregulation of the distribution
grid because as a municipal utility Boulder would no longer be under the PUC andtherefore,
have more room forcreativity. His main concern was with the timing of the schedule and who is
ultimately responsible.
H. Bailey
indicated that the transition plan has a year and 4 months cushion before the
occupation tax expires.
M. Abbott
reiterated that the more positive press that can be provided around these issues, the
better.
7. OLD BUSINESS/UPDATES
8.MATTERS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD, CITY
MANAGER, AND CITY ATTORNEY
The EAB mentioned emails from residents they’ve received about leaf blowers and fracking. The
board agreed that if they receive emails from membersof the public, the board chair will
respond, then follow up with staff to determine if the topic of concernshould be added to their
agenda. EAB can send recommendations to council on issues that they have concerns about.
8. DEBRIEF MEETING/CALENDAR CHECK
The next EAB will be a joint board meeting to discuss AMPS best practices work, the draft
Transportation Demand Management Toolkit, and quick code fixes. The meeting will take place
on Tuesday, September 23 from 6-8 p.m. Materials for this meeting will be sent out a week prior.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Environmental Advisory Board adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Approved:
_________________________________________________________
Chair Date
C I T Y O F B O U L D E R
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING DATE: Oct. 1, 2014
AGENDA TITLE:
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) 2015 Major Update and Resilience Strategy
– Assessment and Scope of Work Preliminary Discussion
REQUESTING STAFF:
David Driskell, Executive Director, Community Planning & Sustainability (CP&S)
Susan Richstone, Deputy Director, CP&S
Brett KenCairn, Senior Environmental Planner, CP&S
Lesli Ellis, Comprehensive Planning Manager, CP&S
Greg Guibert, Chief Resilience Officer, CP&S
Purpose
The purpose of this memo and discussion item is to describe the 2015 Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) update assessment and scoping process; note the parallel
resilience strategy; and provide background and information for feedback from the EAB,
especially regarding environmental topics that fall within the purview of the board.
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan 2015 Update
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) is a joint policy document that is adopted by
the City of Boulder “city” (Planning Board and City Council) and Boulder County “county”
(County Commissioners and Planning Commission) in their legislative capacities. A link to the
complete plan and all its sections and maps is located at www.bouldervalleycompplan.net.
The BVCP is updated periodically to respond to changed circumstances or community needs. In
2015, the BVCP is due for its major five year update, so the city and county are beginning to
scope the update. Depending on community priorities, the update could be relatively narrow or
much broader to encompass new issues, policies, procedures, or map changes.
The 2015 BVCP update would carry forward long core values, as noted on the next page. At
the same time, an updated plan could more clearly articulate and illustrate policy direction,
address current and emerging issues, better align the city organization and its services, provide
clear guidance and tools for implementation, be more strategic and partnership oriented, and
include metrics tied to outcomes. Some or all of these ideas may be appropriate for inclusion in
the 2015 Major Update depending on the breadth of topics to be addressed and related
project’s scope and timeline.
On Sept. 18, the consultant presented initial analysis, best practices, and results from interviews
for discussion to Planning Board in preparation for a Study Session with City Council on Oct. 14,
2014. A summary of key directions from that discussion is attached.
Plan Assessment and Scoping Process
In June 2014, the city issued a Request for Proposals, received five proposals, and hired a
consultant team (Clarion Associates/Godschalk) to conduct research and analysis in support of
the assessment, evaluate the current plan, understand community goals for the update, and
provide information about best practices and fresh ideas about how communities make plans
more strategic, aligned, and effective.
The consultants began their work in mid August and are currently evaluating the plan. They
also are working with city and county leadership and staff to identify potential focus topics,
public process, and phasing of the update to best sequence with other ongoing or recently
completed projects.
In October and November, the consultants and staff will review preliminary findings with the
Planning Board and City Council and joint County Planning Commission/Board of
Commissioners study session, and test initial ideas and options for the update approach with
the public. As a final step, consultants will prepare a report that summarizes recommendations
for topics to address, an annotated proposed outline of a revised structure for the plan, and
recommendations for the process and engagement.
Engagement and Integration
The consultant and staff have conducted some initial interviews and scoping sessions with city
board members and with staff from city and county organizations. Following study sessions,
additional community engagement (online and in person meetings) will occur regarding the plan
update and scope of work. Future engagement will also need to coordinate with related projects
and plans including the resilience strategy development, the Comprehensive Housing Strategy,
Envision East Arapahoe, Climate Commitment, Energy Future, the Transportation Master Plan
and access and parking strategies, and reform of development regulations.
2010 BVCP Background
ǯ
Since 1970, the city and county have jointly adopted a comprehensive plan that guides land use
decisions in the Boulder Valley. Since then, six major updates have been completed (in 1982,
1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010). The BVCP provides a general statement of the community’s
desires for future development and preservation of the Boulder Valley. The principle of
sustainability drives its overall framework.
ʹͲͳͲ
The last update in 2010 addressed demographic challenges, recommended ramping up climate
action, and addressed economic challenges. Two broad areas were strengthened during the
update: (1) Sustainability polices encompassing social equity, environmental health and
economic vitality, and (2) urban form and community design policies. The city and county also
discussed clarifying the process for considering service area expansion into the Area III-
Planning Reserve but did not ultimately change the plan requirement for four-body review of
service area expansions (i.e., City Council, County Commissioners, Planning Board and County
Planning Commission).
The plan is framed as the overarching policy guide
for the community that is implemented by
departmental strategic/master plans, subcommunity
and area plans, Priority Based Budgeting, the
Capital Improvements Program, and Development
Standards and Zoning, as shown in the graphic to
the right.
The BVCP Core Values include:
1. Sustainability as the unifying framework
2. Welcoming inclusive community
3. Culture of creativity and innovation
4. Strong city county cooperation
5. Unique community identity and sense of place
6. Compact, contiguous development and infill that supports evolution to a more
sustainable urban form
7. Open space preservation
8. Great neighborhoods and public spaces
9. Environmental stewardship and climate action
10. A vibrant economy based on Boulder’s quality of life and economic strengths
11. A diversity of housing types and price ranges
12. An all-mode transportation system to make getting around without a car easy and
accessible to everyone
13. Physical health and well-being
Resilience Strategy
The City of Boulder is one of 32 cities worldwide to receive a grant from 100 Resilient Cities
(100RC), an initiative of the Rockefeller Foundation, to develop a resilience strategy. A resilient
city is able to manage disruptions from shocks and stresses, such as fires, floods, and
economic downturns, while maintaining essential functions, recovering quickly after disruptions,
and thriving as a community. Resilience strategies are more likely to be effective if they build
on past and ongoing efforts and integrate with other city initiatives and the BVCP. Therefore,
the city seeks to “piggy back” resilience with the BVCP process and engagement. In addition to
outreach, technical steps toward resilience will include:
1. Conducting a resilience diagnostic;
2. Assessing risks and opportunities;
3. Identifying resilience priorities and initiatives; and
4. Developing action plans.
Initial BVCP Update/Resilience Strategy Ideas
As noted above, the 2015 update may be narrow in scope or wide, depending on direction from
city and county leadership regarding community priorities and resources to dedicate to the plan
update. The consultant has started to prepare preliminary observations, some of which are
summarized below to assist with the discussion. Staff and the consultant team look forward to
hearing from the Environmental Advisory Board on initial ideas and questions posed in this
memo.
ǡǡ
- The plan guides the community’s high level decisions about growth and preservation
and has long standing strength in guiding land preservation issues. It can be used to
both advocate and repel proposals in the community.
- While the plan contains a strong vision, it could be made even more accessible and
compelling (e.g., in a summary graphic or web based form).
- The link with implementation tools such as master plans, the operating budget, and
development regulations could be described more explicitly.
- The sustainability framework was a new addition during the 2010 plan and has been
accepted, adapted, and applied for master plans and budgeting process.
- The plan could be better aligned with other services and connected to metrics and
outcomes.
- The 2010 BVCP does not fully address all the contemporary issues and some “game
changers” such as resilience, climate change, low energy transition, sustainable urban
form, and neighborhood level coordination and planning.
- Influences are becoming more regional in nature (e.g., fires, floods, transportation,
water, open land management, housing affordability, local food and agriculture). The
plan’s geography might need to be expanded to acknowledge and be prepared for these
influences. At the same time, neighborhoods are interested in engaging in local level
planning and resilience.
- Communities today rely more on partnerships with other entities and organizations to
accomplish community goals (e.g., Boulder County University of Colorado, Boulder
Valley School District, Regional Transportation District, and many others).
- Regulatory tools (i.e., Land Use Code) may not be achieving the goals of the plan and
may require reform.
- Engagement will depend on the scope of the plan update; however, it should be
inclusive, creative, transparent, and coordinated with other efforts no matter the extent.
-
The city has committed to working with 100RC on preparing a resilience strategy over
the coming two years. The 2015 update is a chance to look at the plan and master
plans through the lens of resilience, coordinate engagement, and achieve stronger, more
aligned resilience strategies and outcomes.
Questions
Begin discussion about the 2015 BVCP update on topics that may influence the breadth of the
scope of work and engagement strategy such as:
Vision, Content, and Format
1.: What are the strengths of the plan? What could be
improved?
Current Issues:
2. What are some of the issues and opportunities facing the Boulder
community today that the plan update needs to address?
Community Engagement Process:
3.Does EAB have suggestions for creative and
inclusive ways to engage the community for the plan update?
Resilience Strategy:
4. Should the resilience strategy process and/or outcomes be
bundled with the BVCP update?
Staff will summarize EAB input in preparation for the joint Planning Board/City Council study
session regarding the BVCP update and resilience on Oct. 14.
Next Steps
Oct. 13
Transportation Advisory Board input on BVCP and Resilience
Oct. 14:
Joint Study Session between Planning Board and City Council to discuss the
assessment and options for the 2015 update
Nov. 3:
(tent.) Joint Study Session between County Planning Commission and Board of
County Commissioners for the same purpose
November:
Additional community engagement regarding the scope of work and issues for
the BVCP and resilience strategy
December:
Final consultant report on scope of work and approach to the 2015 Plan update
Early 2015:
Check back with city and county leadership and commence plan update
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prioritiesfromtheCityManager.IfnewissuesarebroughtupthatĂƌĞŶ͛ƚapartofCouncilprioritiesor
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(orhasbeenaddressed)throughsomeexistingworkplanitem.
2.TheboardcanreferittoCouncilforconsideration.Thistypicallyhappensthroughanannual
lettertoCouncilwithaďŽĂƌĚ͛Ɛrecommendations.Councilnormallyasksforthislettertowards
theendofeachyear.Thereisnoguaranteethatthiswillhappeneachyear,butitisworthwhile
preparingforthis.
To:
Boulder City Council
From:
Environmental Advisory Board
Date:
January 3, 2014
Thank you for this opportunity to provide the Environmental Advisory Board’s (EAB) input on
the proposed Council work plan for 2014. The board's feedback on the requested questions is as
follows:
(1)What are your top priorities within the framework of the council work plan?
We are excited to see that the top tier of Council priorities for 2014 falls directly in line with
those of the EAB. We are particularly interested to see progress on your items 1-3:
1. Boulder's Energy Future
- The pursuit of a city-wide sustainable energy system has
been a top priority of the EAB for several years. The City's ability to integrate sustainable
and renewable energy choices into our energy input mix will be a primary factor in our
future ability to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Climate Commitment
- Climate Commitment is another longstanding EAB priority,
and one with an inherently broad scope. In 2014, the EAB would like to see particular
emphasis on commercial energy use reductions and market innovation. Our second tier
of priorities includes more specific projects such as green building, residential solar
capacity and community food resiliency.
3. Affordable Housing
- Housing does not fall under the traditional scope of EAB
interests, but we believe that the creation of new affordable housing options within
Boulder offers an opportunity to enhance the opportunity for low-carbon living in our
city. We would like to see this matter considered with regards to transportation
(reduction of in-commuters and creation of public transit options), sustainable building
practices and as a potential opportunity to reduce waste and energy consumption through
increased density and multi-family dwellings.
(2)What would you like to see done that would advance the Council goals?
The EAB believes that the pursuit of the Council goals will be best supported by clear and
reliable reporting to the community, scrupulous transparency and a commitment to specific and
actionable mid-range markers. An informed and engaged public will be a long-term key to the
success of the prioritized programs. We wish to highlight the following recommendations:
Conscientious and consistent goal setting-
The projects prioritized by Council will be
best served by creation of specific and actionable goal plans that contain short, medium
and long-term components. The reporting metrics should be specific, utilize timelines
and adhere to regular check-ins. Council frequently already operates in this manner, but
we wish to emphasize our interest in continuing and expanding these practices to all
relevant projects. We further recommend that provision of reliable and accessible
updates on these goals to the public will create better mutual understanding and ease
dissent.
Clear reporting-
Creation and utilization of relevant and measurable metrics that clearly
describe progress is critical to the maintenance of public support. The metrics chosen
should be reported on clearly at regular defined intervals. The diverse public should be
engaged through various formats, potentially including means such as increased use of
social media or exploration of alternative meeting locations to discuss locally relevant
topics.
Transparency-
The more that timely information on progress and procedure can be
clearly relayed to the public, the more support proposals and decisions will find, both in
the short term and for years to come. We see this as particularly critical with regard to
far-reaching or controversial projects such as Boulder's Energy Future.
(3)How can your board help reach the council goals?
We wish to continue to provide feedback and remain actively engaged with staff and Council on
projects in our priority areas.We have also identified several other areas and projects we would
like to further develop as a board in the upcoming year.
We want to focus our feedback to improve messaging to facilitate public understanding
and engagement in our projects.
We will seek out opportunities for inter-board cooperation. We were inspired by the
potential for positive action we saw at the joint boards retreat last summer. We want to
actively engage with other boards and commissions to provide them with resources and
motivation that will advance our sustainability goals holistically across city policy.
We have great resources and expertise in our current member makeup to contribute to the
market innovation project in the Climate Commitment. We want to actively pursue these
opportunities ourselves as well as remind staff and Council to reach out to us as a strong
resource on this matter.
We wish to proactively research and remain up-to-date on carbon reduction projects in
other municipalities, particularly with regard to successes and failures and how these
lessons may be applicable or instructive to our process. We want to continue to increase
the body of knowledge and expertise available as Boulder moves forward in making
energy future decisions.
We want to challenge ourselves to consider alternate meeting locations for locally
relevant topics in order to make our discussions more accessible to those directly
impacted.
(4)Other matters we would like to see considered and prioritized in the 2014 work plan:
Environmental matters related to the flood
- We would like to be involved in
promoting environmental interests as opportunities arise in the clean-up from the
September flood. This will include decisions on rebuilding and revisioning infrastructure
as well as observation of lessons learned. In some ways, the flood offers the City a great
opportunity to rethink the status quo and set new standards for sustainability.
Consideration of commercial recycling regulations-
In line with our CAP priority of
reducing commercial energy consumption, we would also like to voice our support for
the review of a commercial recycling ordinance. The commercial sector represents the
largest single impact on both waste creation and energy use, and we feel that by targeting
this area in 2014, the City can make large and efficient improvements. Commercial
energy use is already targeted as a priority, and reduction of waste from the same source
seems to follow easily as an important corollary. A partnership with Eco-Cycle to draft
effective regulations and incentives on this matter is critical to our package of
commercial sustainability strategies.
Thank you to Council for your request for feedback.We, as the EAB, are honored to be a part of
the Council process and look forward to greater opportunities and communication in the future!
CommunityPlanning and Sustainability/Planning and Development Services Department Calendar
September 2014
Amended: September 26,2014
LastPlanning Board Meeting: September 18, 2014
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
12345
City Holiday CC Meeting, 6 p.m. in CC BJAD, 9 am., CCPB Meeting, 6pm in CC
*1st reading Concept Plan Review for City
LB, 6 p.m. in CCJ. Gerstle absent
Council/Special Occupancy Standards for
Monthly Planner Seniors over 62 years of age (K. Guiler)
EAB 6-8pm, 1777 West*2619 Iris (Blue Sky Bridge Expansion)
(C. Van Schaack)
Conference Room
*CHS: Adoption of Project Goals and
*3300 AirportCall Up: Subdivision and
*Energy Future (H. Bailey)
WorkingGroup Structure(J. Sugnet)
PUD Amendment(C. Van Schaack)
*Intro to Kendra & Commercial Industrial
*IP: Left Hand Water District Referral
Strategic Plan Process (E. Vasatka & K.
Request (J. Hirt)
*SPARK_West Concept Plan (E.
Tupper)
McLaughlin)
*IP: Potential call-up of a Use Review for the
*IPM/neonicotinoids/EAB (R. Abernathy
expansion of the Escoffier Culinary School at
& K. Alexander)
693 Table Mesa Dr. (C. Ferro)
89101112
DMC Mtg, 5:30CC SS, 6 p.m. in CCBDAB, 4 p.m. in 1777 WestBOZA Meeting,5 p.m. in CC
p.m., 1777 WestConference Room
ConfRm
1516171819
CC Meeting, 6 p.m. in CC UHCAMC, 9am, CCPB Meeting, 6pm in CC
*1st reading Landmark DesignationOrdinance for three
*Short TermParking Code Changes (K.
properties at 9thand Marine St. : 905 Marine, 1630
Guiler)
9thSt., and 1622 9thSt. (J. Hewat)
*1st reading Ordinance vacating a public pedestrian *Western Disposal Industrial Park Site
and bicycle traileasement onNaropa University
and Use Review (C. Van Schaack)
property at 2130 Arapahoe Av. (S. Walbert)
*Prepfor Oct. 14 SS with CC
*IP: Potential Call-Up item for Site ReviewAmendment
for Boulder Residence Inn (E. McLaughlin)-BVCP Scope and Resilience
Update (L. Ellis)
-Other Items
*IP: Potential Call-Up item for site review amendment at
3300 Airport Rd. (C.Van Schaack)
*IP: Potential Call-Up item for site and use review at
2619 Iris Hollow Pl. (C. Van Schaack)
*IP: Potential Call-Up for LAC at 2515 7th St. (J. Hewat)
*IP: Potential Call-Up for LAC at 437 Highland Ave. (J.
Hewat)
2223242526
Civic AreaKickoff,CC SS, 6 p.m. in CCRosh HashannahRosh Hashannah
6 - 8:30pm,
Civic AreaSiteTransformation
BMoCA
Public Workshop, 6 - 8pm,
J. Putnam absentBMOCA
2930
Aug 2014Oct 2014
CC SS, 6 p.m. in CC
SMTWTFSSMTWTFS
PB/BDAB Joint Meeting: Bus
121234
Tour, 4-6:30 andMeeting 6:30 -
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7:30pm at 29thStreet
1011121314151612131415161718
Community Room
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October 2014
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
123
Sep 2014Nov 2014
BJAD, 9 am., CCPB Meeting, 6pm in CC
SMTWTFSSMTWTFS LB, 6 p.m. in CC*James Travel Site Review (E.
McLaughlin)
Monthly Planner
EAB 6-8pm, 1777 West
1234561
*Preparation for Oct. 14 Study Session with
Conference Room
City Council
789101112132345678
*ComprehensivePlan/Resilience Scope
of Work (B. KenCairn/L. Ellis)
141516171819209101112131415
2122232425262716171819202122
28293023242526272829
30
678910
DMC Mtg, 5:30 CC Meeting, 6 p.m. in CC CC Site Tour andMeeting withBOZA Retreat,5 p.m.in
p.m., CCVictor Dover, 4-7:30pm, 29th1777 West Conference
*2ndreading Ordinance vacating a public pedestrian
and bicycle traileasement onNaropa University
Street Mall CommunityRoom
property at 2130 Arapahoe Av. (S. Walbert)
Room
Public Workshop on "Design
*2ndreading Landmark DesignationOrdinance for
Excellence" Victor Dover, 6 -
three properties at 9thand Marine St. : 905 Marine,
8pm, in CC
1630 9thSt., and 1622 9th St. (J. Hewat)
*IP: North Boulder Subcommunity ActionPlan(J. Hirt)
*IP: Update onFlood-Related AnnexationProject (B.
Johnson)
*IP: Potential Call-Up for site and use review for the
redevelopment of WesternDisposal Services site at
2665 N. 63rd St. (C. VanSchaack)
1314151617
CC & PB SS, 6 p.m. inCCBDAB, 4 p.m. in 13th StreetPB Meeting, 6pm in CC
Conference Room
*BVCP Scoping & Resilience (L. Ellis)J. Putnam absent
UHCAMC, 9am, CC
*Updateon the Comprehensive Housing
Strategy (J. Sugnet)
*Envision East Arapahoe- Scenarios
(L. Ellis)
*AMPS Best Practice Research and
Transportation Demand Management
Toolkit for private development (M.
Winter,C. Hagelin)
*Cultural PlanUpdate (M. Chasansky)
2021222324
Tentative: Civic CC Meeting, 6 p.m. in CC
Area Kickoff, Part
*1st reading Ordinance Rezoning 5400 Spine Rd.
2, 6 - 8 p.m.,(E. McLaughlin)
BMoCA
*1st reading Short-term Parking Code Changes &
Bike Parking (K. Guiler)
*1st reading Valuation Land Use Code Change (K.
Guiler)
*1st reading Landmark Designation Ordinance for
1919 14th St. (J. Hewat)
*Call-up Public Hearing for 437 Highland Ave (J.
Hewat)
2728293031
CC SS, 6 p.m. in CCPB Meeting, 6pm in CC
*Envision East Arapahoe (L.Ellis)*3000 Pearl Second Concept Plan (E.
McLaughlin)
*AMPS Update (M. Winter)
*1029 Broadway Site and
Nonconforming Use Review (E.
McLaughlin)
November 2014
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
Oct 2014Dec 2014
SMTWTFSSMTWTFS
1234123456
Monthly Planner
56789101178910111213
1213141516171814151617181920
1920212223242521222324252627
26272829303128293031
34567
DMC Mtg, 5:30Election DayBJAD, 9 am., CC CC Meeting, 6 p.m. in CC
p.m., CC
*2nd reading Short-term Parking Code
LB, 6 p.m. in CC
Changes & Bike Parking (K. Guiler)
EAB 6-8pm, 1777 West
*2nd reading Valuation Land Use Code
Changes (K. Guiler)
Conference Room
*2nd reading Concept Plan Review for City
*Environmental Effects fromFlood
Council/Special Occupancy Standards for
Update(C. Meschuk)
Seniors over 62 years of age (K. Guiler)
*Add EmeraldAsh Borer(K. Alexander)
PB Meeting, 6pmin WBSC
*Flood-related Annexations(B. Johnson)
*Climate Committment (B. KenCairn)
*Pearl Place Site Review (E. McLaughlin)
1011121314
City Holiday BDAB, 4 p.m. in 1777 WestBOZA Meeting,5 p.m. in CC
Conference Room
CC SS, 6 p.m. in CC
*Climate Commitment Update (B.
KenCairn)
1718192021
CC Meeting, 6 p.m. inCCUHCAMC, 9am, 1777 WestPB Meeting, 6pm in CC
ConfRm
*2nd reading Landmark Designation *PB Discussion: Annual Letterto CC
Ordinance for 1919 14th St. (J. Hewat)
2425262728
CC SS Cancelled City Holiday
December 2014
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
12345
DMC Mtg, 5:30CC Meeting, 6 p.m. inCCBJAD, 9 am., CCPB Meeting, 6pm in CC
p.m., CC
*1st reading Flood Related AnnexationsLB, 6 p.m. in CC
(B. Johnson)
Monthly Planner
EAB 6-8pm, 1777 West
*2nd reading Ordinance Rezoning 5400
Conference Room
Spine Rd. (E. McLaughlin)
*Resilience (B. KenCairn)
*ZWSP Work Plan(Harkins & Mertz)
89101112
CC SS, 6 p.m. in CCBDAB, 4 p.m. in 1777 WestBOZA Meeting,5 p.m. in CC
Conference Room
*Comprehensive Housing Strategy
Briefing (J. Sugnet)
1516171819
CC Meeting, 6 p.m. inCCUHCAMC, 9am, CCPB Meeting, 6pm in CC
*Study Session Summary for 11/12
Climate Commitment Update (B.
KenCairn)
2223242526
CC SS CancelledCity HolidayCity Holiday
1 - 5 p.m.
293031
Nov2014Jan 2015
CC SS CancelledCity Holiday
SMTWTFSSMTWTFS
1123
1 - 5 p.m.
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910111213141511121314151617
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2324252627282925262728293031
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