December 3 2013 Commission on the Environment Rescheduled Meeting Approved Minutes
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
COMMISSION ON THE ENVIRONMENT
APPROVED MINUTES FOR THE RESCHEDULED MEETING
*TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2013, 5:00 P.M.
BAYVIEW OPERA HOUSE
4705 THIRD STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124
*The Tuesday, November 26, 2013, 5:00 p.m. Regularly Scheduled Meeting of the Commission on the Environment that was to be held at City Hall, Room 416, One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Jr. Place, San Francisco, CA 94102, was RESCHEDULED to Tuesday, December 3, 2013, 5:00 p.m. and was held at the Bayview Opera House, 4705 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94124.
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Commissioners Joshua Arce (President); Angelo King (Vice-President), Ruth Gravanis, Nicholas Josefowitz, Heather Stephenson, Johanna Wald, Sarah Wan
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Public comment will be taken before the Commission takes action on any item.
1. Call to Order and Roll Call. The Commission on the Environment meeting convened at 5:15 p.m. Present: Commissioners Arce, King, Gravanis, Josefowitz, Stephenson, Wald and Wan.
2. Introduction by Commission President Joshua Arce and Welcoming Remarks by Supervisor Malia Cohen. (Discussion) Commissioner Arce welcomed all meeting participants and discussed the importance of the Department and Commission creating community dialogue and providing the community with insight into neighborhood programs. He introduced Supervisor Malia Cohen, the locally elected District Supervisor who is from the community and has worked in the community on its behalf. Supervisor Malia Cohen welcomed neighborhood participants, leaders, and the Commission to the neighborhood. She provided acknowledgements to Ms. Barbara Ockel, Opera House, community partners, public government television, and the Commission for its dedication and leadership working on environmental initiatives. She spoke of the many health and environmental justice challenges facing the southeast community and opportunities for moving forward to make positive change.
3. Approval of Minutes of the September 24, 2013 Commission on the Environment Meeting. (Explanatory Document: September 24, 2013 Commission on the Environment Draft and Approved Minutes) (Discussion and Action) Upon Motion by Commissioner Wald, second by Commissioner Josefowitz, the September 24, 2013 Meeting Minutes were approved without objection (AYES: Commissioners Arce, King, Gravanis, Josefowitz, Stephenson, Wald and Wan).
4. Public Comments: Members of the public may address the Commission on matters that are within the Commission’s jurisdiction and are not on today’s agenda. (Explanatory Documents received at meeting “The SLAM Coalition of Bayview Hunters Point Community Organizations on Hunters Point Naval Shipyard Development Project. Notice of Construction in Hunters View Neighborhood, and GRID Alternatives Workforce Development Brochure)
Mr. James Bryant, JBR Partners, acknowledged and welcomed the Department and Commission to the Bayview community. He asked that the Commission be aware that the southeast sector of San Francisco is the most toxic neighborhood in San Francisco with the least desirable living conditions for its residents. Mr. Bryant asked that the Commission take a lead in making sure that the concerns, environmental challenges, and conditions of the community are addressed.
Dr. Espanola Jackson welcomed the Commission, community leaders, and all meeting participants to the community. She discussed environmental health and toxic dangers that have historically been faced by the community and from current development projects at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and the 3450 Third Street Clinic. Dr. Jackson handed out communication from the SLAM Coalition of Bayview Hunters Point Community Organizations and Advocates for Environmental Human Rights on this issue. She asked that the Commission become involved in addressing these concerns, the upcoming plans for the sewage plant in the community, and advocate for evacuating residents from Treasure Island, where radioactive material has been reported to be found.
Mr. Ted Fang, Executive Director, Asian Week Foundation, discussed his organization’s implementation of the Green Initiative for Asian Families. He acknowledged the Commission for their environmental work and leadership and commended efforts being made for reaching out to community partners and the community in order to serve all neighborhoods in San Francisco. Mr. Fang suggested making efforts to hold more community meetings, fund more neighborhood community projects, and tap into diversity in San Francisco through green methodology. He discussed a project being funded to create an Asian Community Garden in Bayview Hunters Point that serves all residents of the Bayview community.
Ms. Tessie Ester, Mother’s and Father’s Committee and Vice-President, Huntersview Tenants Association, discussed pollution and health concerns that residents are facing due to development work in progress for Phase 2 of the Huntersview housing site. She invited the Commission to visit the site to see what residents are facing and thanked community leaders for their efforts to address this problem.
Ms. Jackie Flin, Executive Director, A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), San Francisco, thanked the Commission for holding a meeting in the Bayview community. She discussed the role of APRI in the Bayview neighborhood providing community engagement, workforce and youth programs. Ms. Flin asked that the Department consider APRI as a community partner in providing education on environmental initiatives. The Commission was invited to visit APRI to become educated on community services that can be provided.
Mr. Oscar James, Bayview Hunter’s Point native resident, member of HP Unity, an organization of Bayview residents raised in the community, APRI, spoke about the many health and environmental impacts facing the neighborhood. He reported on polluted toxic sites and dump stations that have not been adequately cleaned that have caused adverse health effects on residents and especially children. Mr. James offered to lead a tour of these sites.
Mr. Dennis Lumsey, resident, APRI, reported on adverse health effects he has suffered and toxins he had been exposed to as a certified welder working on the Hunters Point Naval shipyard. He stated that the shipyard has not been adequately cleaned up from the toxins at the site and are continuing to cause adverse health effects on residents. Mr. Lumsey stated that the Bayview neighborhood is a neglected neighborhood that has received a lack of funding due to racism. He asked that the neighborhood receive more representation in the future.
Ms. Genese Hughes, Mothers Committee for Environmental Justice, resident of Huntersview neighborhood, reported on construction that is taking place across from her residence that is causing adverse health effects due to construction dust in the air. She requested help to address health concerns posed by construction work at the site.
Ms. Mavis Williams, Mothers Committee for Health and Environment Justice, Huntersview resident, reported that demolition and construction work at the site is causing adverse health effects for residents. She reported that there are no monitors, hosing or sprinklers being utilized. She asked the Commission for their help and extended an invitation to visit the area to experience the health effects residents are suffering from due to construction at the site.
Ms. Karen Huggins, President, Holly Court Residents Council, CEO, and Founder of San Francisco Residents Union, reported on her work advocating for solar panel installations at Holly Courts housing as a way to lower energy costs for low-income residents who are facing high energy bills from PG&E. She stated that the community has been faced with environmental racism that needs to be addressed. Ms. Huggins asked that a Certified Health Compliance Officer be established at the Health Department who would visit Huntersview to experience the health effects construction at the site has been causing and create a quality control mechanism. She discussed the intent to construct more expensive housing as a way to get rid of low-income residents and asked that the Department and Commission connect with other City agencies to address these issues.
Ms. Sala Chandler, Tribal Council, Bayview Hunters Point resident, stated that she feels discouraged because the Bayview community has been abandoned. She reported on the broken digester at the sewage plant that is polluting the neighborhood and the opening of Youth One Stop Clinic located at 3450 3rd Street, that has been established one block from the sewage plant, in one of the most toxic areas in the neighborhood. She spoke of her concern for the health of children that will be visiting the clinic. Ms. Chandler reported on her opposition to the site being rezoned to allow for the medical facility. She called for action and asked that the Commission become involved in closing the facility.
Commissioner King reported on the role of the Department and Commission on the Environment in comparison with agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Health and Planning Departments that may have jurisdiction over issues presented by residents. He stated that the Commission is meeting in the community to engage people more directly and had selected the Bayview neighborhood as a priority before other neighborhoods. Commissioner King reported on many of the programs that have been offered to the neighborhood that are within the Departments purview, such as Integrated Pest Management in parks and housing, energy-efficiency work in low-income homes, reducing toxins, funding carbon footprint activities, zero waste, and GoSolarSF outreach, as well as many others. He stated that the Commission should consider how it can engage and play an influential role with agencies that have jurisdiction over these issues. Residents were urged to visit the Department’s website to see how to better utilize its resources, gain insight into the Department’s role, and become involved.
5. Outreach Presentation: Environment Now and the Bayview Zero Waste Campaign. Sponsor: Melanie Nutter, Director; Speakers: Guillermo Rodriguez, Communications and Policy Director and Keith Dews, Environment Now Program Staff (Informational Presentation and Discussion)
Communications and Policy Director Guillermo Rodriguez reported that Mr. Keith Dews, Environment Now jobs training program leader, would be presenting today on what the Environment Now program is and what it has achieved. He discussed the importance of the Department and Commission engaging with key community partners to ensure success of its programs. Acknowledgements were given to APRI for explaining the importance of this meeting to residents and for urging participation.
Mr. Keith Dews reported that the Environment Now program is a green careers training program that represents San Francisco and its diverse employees. The program offers skills development in Microsoft office, resume and interview training, and provides pathways to the green economy. He discussed his background as a District 10 resident, the schools attended, recreational interests, and his desire to become a productive member of the community and learn productive skills. Mr. Dews explained that he attended the Asian Neighborhood Design pre-apprenticeship program with a focus on the green economy. He then started working with the Environment Now program doing grassroots outreach in which he developed communication skills about environmental topics. Mr. Dews described his work on the Bayview Zero Waste campaign doing outreach, working with the team developing bus shelter ads in multiple languages specific to the community, and working on District 10 events. He described the behavior change that was achieved through the campaign and gave an overview of program metrics. He hopes to replicate the campaign to other San Francisco neighborhoods.
6. Presentation on City and County of San Francisco Resilient Bayview Initiative. Sponsor: Melanie Nutter, Director; Speakers: Daniel Homsey, Director of Neighborhood Resilience, City Administrators Office and G. L. Hodge, Providence Baptist Church (Informational Presentation and Discussion)
Director Nutter reported on the Department’s work with City Administrator’s Office Director of Neighborhood Resilience Daniel Homsey, on the Resilient Bayview Initiative working with the community to identify potential risks and available resources in times of stress and or natural disasters. She stated that the Department has also been working with the City Administrator’s Office, the Mayor’s Office, and City departments on the SFAdapt Initiative that was started this year to identify what the risks might be to city assets from sea level rise and potential impacts from climate change.
Director of Neighborhood Resilience, Daniel Homsey acknowledged Ms. Barbara Ockel of the Bayview Opera House for hosting the Commission meeting and as a key partner in the Resilient Bayview Initiative that was launched in July with over 85 people in attendance at the Opera House. He also acknowledged Director Nutter and Mr. Donald Oliveira, Department Program Outreach Manager, for the Department’s support with funding, leadership and help implementing the program over the past year.
Mr. Homsey discussed the effects of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans on residents and the most vulnerable populations, how this situation could have been avoided, and efforts to prevent a similar situation from occurring in San Francisco. To reach this goal, partnerships were created with non-profits, universities, faith-based organizations, City agencies, and all stakeholders to join together skills and resources to address future challenges and to build resiliency in times of stress. Mr. Homsey explained that the project is a community goal based performance plan model. The idea is to bring leadership to the table at the community level and strengthen capacity to craft a vision collectively and then bring in all stakeholders to help implement the vision. He reported on funding received from the Center for Disease Control for implementation of a pilot program in the redevelopment area of Diamond Heights. In July of last year, the Resilient Bayview project was set forth. Monthly meetings are being held with 125 agencies participating. Work groups are available to address senior and immigrant concerns and to meet with families and children.
Mr. G. L. Hodge reported on savings achieved from a solar installation at Providence Baptist Church that will be put back into the community. He discussed the role of Providence Baptist Church in working with the City and County of San Francisco to house a family from New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and on the Resilient Bayview Initiative. Mr. Hodge expressed his appreciation for the Neighborhood Empowerment Network’s involvement with the Bayview neighborhood and the importance of working with the community collectively on this initiative to address and identify methods that will save lives in case of a natural disaster and in times of stress.
Mr. Homsey acknowledged the Department of the Environment for their programs that make neighborhoods sustainable that becomes invaluable during times of stress. Information on the program can be found at www.resilientbayview.org. On the website, there is a briefing guide on the project, listing of working group memberships, newsletter signup, and everything that is generated. Mr. Homsey can be reached at 415-554-7114. Meetings are held in the neighborhood on a monthly basis.
Director Nutter reported that the San Francisco Foundation has issued a $30,000 grant to work on the Resilient Bayview Initiative with the community to identify community needs in times of stress and natural disasters and from an environmental perspective, what the effects would be on communities from impacts of climate change, sea level rise, and public health issues.
7. Presentation and Update on the Department of the Environment’s Environmental Justice Grant Program. Sponsor: Melanie Nutter, Director; Speakers: Anne Eng, Environmental Justice Program Manager, Leah Pimentel with GRID Alternatives and Jeffrey Betcher with Quesada Gardens Initiative (Informational Presentation and Discussion)
Environmental Justice Program Manager Anne Eng reported that the Environmental Justice Program is mindful of environmental, social and economic issues facing the community and has an integrated holistic approach to community concerns. She reported on the grants that the Department has funded over the past 12 years with over $12 million dollars allocated to groups serving the Potrero Hill and Bayview Hunters Point neighborhoods.
Ms. Eng explained that the effectiveness of programs are dependent on collaborative partnerships with community groups, and the Department tries to nurture and support the efforts of grassroots activities of people trying to make changes in the neighborhood. The Environmental Justice program has supported school and community gardens, food security, the Bayview Farmer’s Market, nutritional education, local efforts to shut down the old Potrero and Bayview power plants, energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects, green jobs, capital improvements, the EcoCenter at Heron’s Head Park, and reduction of diesel pollution. Current efforts are focused on reducing pests and spraying of toxic pesticides in public housing sites and working with Black Coalition on Aids to improve waterfront access to the Blue greenway.
Mr. Jeffrey Betcher, Bayview resident, co-founder and Director Quesada Gardens Initiative, reported on the grant received from the Department of the Environment to create garden space for healthy food production, modular backyard and community gardens, and to supply organic produce from gardens to residents and markets. He reported on the community building and social cohesion that this project helped to develop, and program focus on health, equity, environmental justice, and food access to residents. For additional information on the program visit the website http://www.quesadagardens.org/.
Ms. Leah Pimental, Bayview resident, GRID Alternatives, reported on the grant received from the Department of the Environment to install solar electric generation systems on low-income or affordable housing units in an effort to reduce electricity bills, implement energy-efficiency education and measures, and provide for green jobs training for workers so they can become more marketable in the workforce. She discussed the positive impact this program has had on the community.
Public Comment: Dr. Espanola Jackson spoke in support of the solar installation program for low-income residents in the Bayview District and the positive impact this program has had providing job training for local workers. She reported on the energy savings achieved from the solar installation at her residence.
Item 9 was heard before Item 8.
8. Review and Approval of Draft Resolution 2013-13-COE Supporting a Ban on the Release of Commercially Raised Butterflies. (Explanatory Documents: Draft Resolution and Support Letters from Bay Nature and the North American Butterfly Association) Sponsor: Commissioner Gravanis; Speakers: Peter Brastow, Senior Biodiversity Coordinator, San Francisco Department of the Environment and Amber Hasselbring, Executive Director, Nature in the City (Discussion and Action)
Commissioner Ruth Gravanis reported that the Commission on the Environment’s Policy Committee heard testimony from members of the public about their concern with a practice going on in San Francisco that they found to be against our natural world. This practice is the release of butterflies that are artificially bred, artificially made captive, transported from another place in the country, and then let go in a place that is unfamiliar and not the right habitat to them. She explained that this practice is inconsistent with the City’s biodiversity policy. A policy framework is being recommended for Department staff to move forward in developing details, doing research, collaborating with stakeholders and developing a draft ordinance that would end this practice and that would be subject to public comment.
Senior Biodiversity Coordinator Peter Brastow reported on San Francisco’s long history of work on behalf of nature and biodiversity, and the goals and mission of the Department’s new biodiversity program in which he is the Senior Coordinator. He discussed natural resources that can be found in the southeast sector of San Francisco and work being done to restore natural eco systems that helps promote natural resiliency in the community. Mr. Brastow discussed the butterfly species that are found in San Francisco and ongoing habitat projects. He stated that releasing commercially raised butterflies is inconsistent with the Precautionary Principle and interferes with the monitoring and tracking of butterflies such as the Monarch that are often released for celebratory purposes. He spoke in support of the proposed Resolution.
Commissioner Arce discussed how changing the course of nature may impact climate change and biodiversity and may impact our community. He discussed the overlap this Resolution may have with other state and federal regulatory agencies and the necessity to collect data on the effects of this practice in San Francisco. Commissioner King pointed out that it is not always what you are doing, but how it is being done. He discussed the positive aspects of restocking fish in reservoirs that allow people to fish and how these and other similar practices may be accomplished in an environmentally acceptable manner.
Executive Director of Nature in the City, Amber Hasselbring discussed the adverse effects to butterflies that are bred for commercial purposes and how being released in foreign territory poses a danger to their natural habitat, breeding and life cycle.
Public Comment:
Dr. Espanola Jackson reported on the toxic chemicals found in Bayview Hill, Candlestick Park, and Yosemite Slough that should be considered when creating habitats for wildlife. She stated that the southeast district waterways should be tested for toxicity, and that people are not able to fish there because of chemicals present in these waterways.
Mr. Liam O’Brien, Lepidopterist, stated that he surveyed butterflies in the Bayview neighborhood in 2007 and 2009, and spoke of an endangered butterfly that was found in Bayview Hill. He stated that most people do not consider butterflies as wildlife and feel that it is okay to just dump them into the environment without a thought for their natural habitat and life-cycle. Mr. O’Brien stated that butterflies should not be considered party favors for the human circus, and only people that make money from the practice think it is a good idea to commercially breed and sell them. He stated that this practice also does not allow for accurate census data to be created for the Monarch butterfly. He asked that consequences to long-term environmental pollution should be considered and spoke in favor of the Resolution to stop this practice.
Ms. Noreen Weeden, Golden Gate Audubon, District 10 resident, spoke in favor of the proposed Resolution. She stated that San Francisco supports strong policies for supporting biodiversity, making science-based decisions, and managing remaining natural resources in a natural way. Ms. Weeden stated that this practice violates these policies and unnecessarily harms native wild butterflies by introducing invasive species, many of which carry diseases and may be passed on to wild populations, confuses the ongoing monitoring of butterflies making management more difficult, and inhumanely treats butterflies as props or decorations for celebrations. She discussed the many butterflies that she has seen along Bayview Hill, Indian Basin, Pier 94 and Herons Head Park.
Upon Motion by Commissioner Gravanis, second by Commissioner King, the Resolution was approved with amendments to the resolved clause to state that the Department of the Environment should engage the relevant agencies and other stakeholders including the scientific community, event planners, and members of the public to support these efforts (Reference Approved Resolution No. 013-13-COE) (AYES: Commissioners Arce, King, Gravanis, Stephenson and Wan; Absent: Commissioners Josefowitz and Wald).
9. Discussion of Solar Policy for New Development in the City and County of San Francisco. (Explanatory Document: Draft Resolution) Sponsors: Commissioners Arce and Josefowitz; Speaker: Danielle Murray, Renewable Energy Program Manager (Discussion)
Commissioner Josefowitz reported that the Draft Solar Policy Resolution is intended to encourage the City to mandate solar on new construction and potentially existing buildings subject to substantial alterations, reduce the cost of solar so it will be more accessible, and to return money to home owners who install solar. He reported on benefits achieved from installing solar on new construction versus on existing buildings and on the Department’s role in bringing this proposal to the City. Commissioner Arce reported that the cities of Lancaster and Sebastopol have made solar a requirement on all new construction. He read proposed amendments to the Resolution into the record (reference Amended Resolution).
Commissioners Wald and Josefowitz left the meeting during this agenda item.
Renewable Energy Program Manager, Danielle Murray, discussed the Department’s role in stakeholder outreach and requesting feedback from the community, City agencies, developers, environmentalists, and homeowners, to see if it is a policy that makes sense for San Francisco and what it should consist of. She spoke of the ambitious climate and renewable energy goals San Francisco has and how addressing the electricity side of emissions is one of the biggest actions to be taken to meet climate goals. She stated that any time a building is constructed and designed for renewable energy and efficiency measures it is an opportunity that brings the City closer to its goals.
Commissioner Gravanis spoke in support of the emphasis on local generation and benefits that it provides for the community. Commissioner King discussed the benefits in-city local generation provides in creating local jobs. Ms. Murray reported that this proposal also fits in with building resiliency in San Francisco, particularly when combined with microgrids or energy storage.
Public Comment: Ms. Karen Huggins suggested that the Housing Authority should be influenced to support solar installations as it is advantageous to everyone.
10. Review and Approval of Draft Resolution 2013-15-COE to Approve Department of the Environment Recommendations for San Francisco Carbon Fund Projects. (Explanatory Documents: Request for Proposals, Draft Resolution and Funding Recommendations) Sponsor: Melanie Nutter, Director; Speaker: Shawn Rosenmoss, Senior Environmental Specialist, Development and Community Projects (Discussion and Action)
Climate Action Projects Manager, Calla Ostrander, reported that the proposed San Francisco Carbon Fund projects are a reflection of climate action on the ground in the community and would be addressing issues discussed at this commission meeting such as community resilience, butterflies, and reducing carbon emissions. She reported that feedback from the community on the Climate Action Strategy for San Francisco has shown that there is a necessity to take care of the green spaces we live in that will help mitigate climate change and empower communities to be stewards of our trees and open spaces. She noted that funds from the SF Carbon Fund will help meet this community need while resulting in carbon mitigation and sequestration. Ms. Ostrander acknowledged Ms. Rosenmoss, Manager of Development and Community Partnerships and Mei Ling Hui, Urban Forestry Council Coordinator for their work on this project.
Shawn Rosenmoss discussed the interrelationships of economy, equity, and environment and how grants recommended for the Carbon Fund illustrated the relationship. She discussed the co-benefits of sequestering carbon and mitigating emissions in terms of increasing walkability and access to food, restoring habitat and building community. Ms. Rosenmoss reported on the Department of the Environment’s funding recommendations for San Francisco Carbon Fund projects and introduced grantees in attendance (reference Funding Recommendations). She explained that the source of funds in the Carbon Fund is from City departments that add thirteen percent to the cost of City employee travel to cover emissions related to the employee’s travel on city business. In addition, she said that a separate organization had invested in the Carbon Fund to mitigate the emissions related to its annual conference and those funds are supporting the current group of grants. Commissioner Wan asked that grantees report back on the outcome of projects after its completion.
Commissioner Arce asked that the Request for Proposal process be reviewed as he had received feedback that it was difficult to work through. Ms. Rosenmoss reported on City protocols that have to be followed when issuing an RFP that may limit how much the process can be changed. She and Director Nutter reported that a survey could be conducted with Zero Waste, Carbon Fund, and Environmental Justice grantees to assess satisfaction with the existing process either in January or February of 2014. Ms. Ostrander discussed the challenges grantees have had in following protocols for carbon offset projects, which was a component of the RFP specific to these grant funds and that staff had created a document that made it easier for applicants to do this.
Commissioner Arce asked about a prior idea to update the Mayor’s Executive Order on the SF Carbon Fund and Ms. Ostrander responded that that would not be necessary. Commissioner Arce suggested that the Mayor’s Executive Order be updated to allow for more community engagement into the process.
Public Comment: Dr. Espanola Jackson thanked the Commission for speaking about the Alemany public housing and homeowner community that has been in existence for a long time, but never previously discussed.
Upon Motion by Commissioner King, second by Commissioner Wan, Resolution 013-15-COE was approved without objection (AYES: Commissioners Arce, King, Gravanis, Stephenson, and Wan; Absent: Commissioners Josefowitz and Wald).
Upon Motion by Commissioner King, second by Commissioner Gravanis, Items 11 – 16 were continued to the next meeting (AYES: Commissioners Arce, King, Gravanis, Stephenson, and Wan; Absent: Commissioners Josefowitz and Wald).
11. Operations Committee Chair’s Report. Highlights of the August 14 and November 13, 2013 Meetings. (Information and Discussion) Continued.
12. Policy Committee Report. (Information and Discussion) Continued.
Chairs Report: Highlights of the October 21 Meeting and review of the Agenda for the December 9, 2013 Meeting to be held at City Hall, Room 421.
13. Commission Secretary’s Report. (Explanatory Document: Commission Secretary’s Report and Correspondence Log) (Information and Discussion) Continued.
Monica Fish, Commission Secretary
• Communications and Correspondence
• Update on City Legislation
14. Director’s Report. Updates on Department of the Environment administrative and programmatic operations relating to Budget Planning, Strategic Planning, Clean Air/Transportation, Climate, Energy, Public Outreach and Education, Environmental Justice, Habitat Restoration, Green Building, Zero Waste, Toxics Reduction, and Urban Forestry. (Explanatory Document: Director’s Report) Melanie Nutter, Director (Information and Discussion) Continued.
15. Announcements. (Information and Discussion) Continued.
16. President’s Announcements. (Information and Discussion) Continued.
17. New Business/Future Agenda Items. (Information, Discussion and Possible Action)
Commissioner Gravanis suggested that the Policy Committee and/or Commission discuss the outcome of America’s Cup events as it relates to the Zero Waste, People, and Transportation Plans so that precedents for future City events can be established. She pointed out that several of the topics brought up at this meeting are about topics the Department does not have jurisdiction over and suggested that the Commission and Department become a catalyst to make sure that other departments are held accountable and address concerns that have been raised.
Commissioner King suggested thinking about how to influence agencies in charge of renovating multi-family housing to consider adding renewable energy measures as part of renovations. Commissioner Wan stated that the best way to learn about the community is to hold community meetings and suggested reaching out to other communities in the future by holding every other Commission meeting in the community.
Director Nutter reported on the release of the San Francisco Climate Action Strategy and suggested that the Policy Committee and Commission discuss actions to work on that are contained in the Plan. Commissioner Arce discussed community concerns that were raised and Charter requirements that bar the Commission from partaking in land use decisions. He thanked the community for their participation.
18. Public Comments: Members of the public may address the Commission on matters that are within the Commission’s jurisdiction and are not on today’s agenda. There was no public comment at this time.
19. Adjournment. The Commission on the Environment meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
The next meeting of the Commission on the Environment is scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at 5:00 p.m., City Hall, Room 416.
** Copies of explanatory documents are available at (1) the Commission’s office, 1455 Market Street, Suite 1200, San Francisco, California, 94103 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.. Photo identification is required for access to the building. (2) on the Commission’s website http://www.sfenvironment.org/commission/agendas with each set of minutes; (3) upon request to the Commission Secretary, at telephone number 415-355-3709, or via e-mail at [email protected]. The meeting audio can be reviewed at the website link by meeting date http://www.sfenvironment.org/commission/audio.
Monica Fish, Commission Secretary
TEL: (415) 355-3709; FAX: (415) 554-6393
Approved: January 28, 2014
