November 9 2015 Commission on the Environment Meeting Minutes Approved
CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO
COMMISSION ON THE ENVIRONMENT RESCHEDULED MEETING
APPROVED MINUTES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2015, 5:00 P.M.
PALEGA RECREATION CENTER
500 FELTON AVENUE
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134
ORDER OF BUSINESS
COMMISSION MEMBERS: Commissioners Joshua Arce (President); Sarah Wan (Vice-President), Elmy Bermejo, Heather Stephenson, Johanna Wald
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 was called to order at 6:10 p.m. Present: Commissioners Arce, Wan, Bermejo, and Wald; Excused: Commissioner Stephenson.
2. Introduction by Commission President Joshua Arce and Welcoming Remarks by Deborah Raphael. (Discussion)
Commission President Joshua Arce introduced Spanish, Cantonese, and Tagalog meeting translators Mr. Oscar Arteta, Spanish, Ms. Monica Wong, Cantonese, and Ms. Joi Barrios, Tagalog. He stated that the Portola neighborhood is a hidden gem of environmentalism and conservation that has a neighborhood-based approach to greening communities and greening San Francisco. Commissioner Arce reported that Portola is an environmental justice community that experiences pollutants from being near high-traffic areas. There are people in the neighborhood who are thinking of greening the community and areas around freeways to mitigate these impacts. Commissioner Arce reported on Portola neighborhood discussions to be held at the meeting.
Translators Mr. Oscar Arteta, Ms. Monica Wong, and Ms. Joi Barrios, introduced themselves.
Department of the Environment Director Deborah Raphael reported on her discussions with staff who reside in the Portola neighborhood about their experiences living in the neighborhood. She reported that she was told that what the staff person enjoys about the neighborhood is that it is diverse, non-pretentious, and neighbors care about each other. Director Raphael reported that the Department and Commission’s job is to be an active listener in order to understand the neighborhood better and for the neighborhood to understand the Department better so that greening efforts can be supported locally and globally. She thanked the neighborhood for sharing their wisdom and perspective so that the Department and Commission can do a better job of serving the neighborhood.
Commissioner Joshua Arce introduced Assembly Member David Chiu who has worked with the Department as San Francisco Supervisor on healthy nail salons, banning the use of single use plastic water bottles, plastic bag use, the Solar Vision 20-20 program, urban agriculture, water, community gardens, and environmental justice issues.
Assembly Member David Chiu reported that under the leadership of the Director and this Commission, San Francisco was able to move a lot of first in the country environmental legislation. He stated that San Franciscans know what it means to be good to the environment and lead the country in global warming issues. Assembly Member Chiu reported on his office’s work in environmental areas and the passage of three transit bills that he authored to improve MUNI service, bicycle road safety, and expand electric vehicle charging stations. A discussion was held on conversations held at the state legislature on funding mechanisms for transportation and public transit and a proposal to implement a diesel fuel tax that would pay for public transit and result in dis-incentivizing less environmentally friendly fuels.
Assembly Member Chiu reported on his support of environmental legislation to ban microbeads in shampoos, the use of antibiotics in farm animals, and SB350 to establish standards that 50 percent of energy be derived from renewable energy sources so that there would be a 50 percent increase in commercial building efficiencies. He stated that San Francisco prides itself as one of the greenest cities in the world and plans have been discussed to expand San Francisco programs across the state. He spoke of his experiences in the areas of urban agriculture and gardening and congratulated the Portola Urban Green Steering Committee for their work in this area. Assembly member Chiu expressed his support of recognizing the neighborhood as San Francisco’s Garden District.
CONSENT AGENDA
All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Agenda, are considered to be routine by the Commission and will be acted upon by a single roll call vote of the Commission. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Commission so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as a separate item.
3. Approval of Corrected Minutes of the May 26, 2015 Commission on the Environment Regular Meeting. (Explanatory Documents: May 26, 2015 Corrected Draft Minutes) (Discussion and Action)
Upon Motion by Commissioner Wald, second by Commissioner Wan the May 26, 2015 Commission Meeting Minutes were approved without objection (AYES: Commissioners Arce, Bermejo, Wald, and Wan; Absent: Commissioner Stephenson).
4. Approval of Corrected Guidelines for the Use of Impound Account Funds. (Explanatory Document: Corrected Guidelines) Sponsor and Speaker: Deborah Raphael, Director (Discussion and Action)
Upon Motion by Commissioner Bermejo, second by Commissioner Wald, the Corrected Impound Account Guidelines were approved without objection (AYES: Commissioners Arce, Bermejo, Wald, and Wan; Absent: Commissioner Stephenson).
REGULAR AGENDA
5. Public Comment: Members of the public may address the Commission on matters that are within the Commission’s jurisdiction and are not on today’s agenda.
Ms. Hillary Ronen, Legislative Aide to Supervisor Campos, provided an update on what the Supervisor’s office is doing to recognize the unique nature of the Portola neighborhood. She reported on projects that are being worked on with the Portola Neighborhood Association and the Greening Committee and funding that has been secured to fund the creation of the Portola Green Plan. Ms. Ronen reported that the Supervisor’s office is working with the Greenhouse Project, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), and other City departments to secure land for the community to revive the historic nature of the greenhouses and to use it as an experimental space to practice urban agriculture. Funding has been received to study transportation improvements in San Francisco, to repair the Alemany maze, to create a second pocket park along San Bruno Avenue, and other restorations along San Bruno Avenue. The Supervisor’s Office is working with the Portola Neighborhood Association and the Greenhouse Project to officially declare the Portola District an official garden district and a green neighborhood.
Ms. Anastasia Glikshtern spoke in opposition to Recreation and Park Department’s herbicide use in San Francisco public parks and provided statistics of its use. She stated that a 1997 Ordinance was mandated to ban herbicide use because of the public’s outrage to its use in public parks. Ms. Glikshtern also opposed the use of less toxic herbicides that are on an approved list. She reported that herbicides have been declared to be carcinogens and endocrine disrupters.
Ms. Hazel Lee, President of the San Francisco Shanghai Association, Portola resident, spoke in support of Assembly Member Chiu’s service to the Portola neighborhood and the proposed environmental decree. She spoke of changes that have occurred in the neighborhood and her part in mediating issues that arise in the neighborhood. She suggested that the Commission broadcast announcements on the radio or in Chinese newspapers of environmental benefits that are available to the neighborhood to increase awareness for the large population of Chinese residents. Ms. Lee discussed services that she provides as part of the San Francisco Shanghai Association to help and educate new immigrants and overseas students.
Ms. Laura discussed the lack of accessibility by Bayview residents to the Farmer’s Market and healthy foods because of the two major freeways locking the neighborhoods. Ms. Laura stated that Bayview and Portola residents do not have current pedestrian, bicycle or bus transportation access to the Alemany Farmer’s Market. She asked that the Commission be mindful about how to increase accessibility to healthy food for all City residents, particularly in the southeast sector.
6. Community Outreach Presentation: How to Apply for the Department of Environment’s Green Careers Program. (Explanatory Document: Green Job Program Presentation) Sponsor: Commissioner Joshua Arce; Speakers: Cara Gurney, Green Jobs Coordinator and Jennifer R. McPike, Zero Waste Event Coordinator San Francisco Conservation Corps. (Informational Presentation and Discussion)
Green Jobs Coordinator Cara Gurney reported on employment opportunities for the Department of the Environment’s Green Careers program and encouraged people to apply. She provided an overview of the Environment Now program that provides participants the opportunity to enter the environmental field and gain skills that could help with future career opportunities. The team provides outreach and education to engage the community in the Department’s programs in the areas of zero waste, energy conservation, and the safe routes to school program. Ms. Gurney reported on recruitment strategies and the number of participants in the program. She discussed orientation services that are provided to employees, data capture, and efforts to strategize on how to engage the community in the Department’s programs. Applicants can apply at www.sfenvironment.org or contact Green Jobs Coordinator Cara Gurney.
Zero Waste Event Coordinator of the San Francisco Conservation Corps, Jennifer McPike, a past participant of the Environment Now program reported on her experience working with the Environment Now program, training and skills she learned, and how she is applying the skills she learned at the San Francisco Conservation Corps in her new role as a Zero Waste Event Coordinator.
Public Comment:
Ms. Laura thanked Ms. Gurney and Ms. McPike for their presentations. She stated that many of her neighbors do not know how to recycle and suggested that there be more emphasis placed on what the cost savings may be to participants of the program.
7. Presentation from the Portola Neighborhood Association Arts & Beautification Committee and Safety & Transportation Committee. Sponsor: Commissioner Joshua Arce; Speakers: Chris Waddling, President Portola Neighborhood Association and Alex Hobbs, Co-Chair of Arts and Beautification Committee (Informational Presentation and Discussion)
President of Portola Neighborhood Association Chris Waddling reported on the association’s mission to revitalize San Bruno Avenue through initiatives to increase cleanliness and pride through art and beautification, working with property owners to fill storefronts, provide support to existing merchants, promote the shopping district, and to attract resources for physical improvements to improve access and safety within the commercial corridor. He stated that there are three Committee’s working on the goals of the association that include the Business Development Committee, Arts and Beautification Committee and Transportation Committee.
Co-Chair of Arts and Beautification Committee Alex Hobbs reported on Committee initiatives that include the monthly San Bruno beautification day in partnership with City agencies, community groups and neighborhood volunteers. He reported on projects that include trash cleanup services, maintaining existing infrastructure and community gardens, creating garden district gateways and new community spaces and gardens. Mr. Hobbs reported on the Committee’s future projects and goals.
Chair of Safety and Transportation Committee Belle Yan reported on the Committee’s work with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) on the multimodal improvement project to improve parking and transit along the San Bruno Avenue corridor and support the Vision Zero goal to eliminate pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle conflict. She reported on the Committee’s work with the San Francisco County Transportation Authority on the Alemany Interchange Improvement Study and blight reduction projects that are planned for the neighborhood. She acknowledged the Department of the Environment’s work on the Healthy Nail Salon program on San Bruno Avenue and discussed association efforts to increase participation in the program.
Director Raphael reported on the Department’s expertise on neighborhood association projects and offered a partnership between the Department and the association working on specific projects. She reported on a pilot project in the Bayview to tackle illegal dumping and the possibility of implementing the project in the Portola neighborhood in the future. Commissioner Bermejo thanked and commended the Portola neighborhood association and stated that she looks forward to creating partnerships and working with the neighborhood association on projects to revitalize the neighborhood and city. Commissioner Wan inquired about outreach efforts to neighborhood residents. It was reported that outreach efforts include Facebook, Nextdoor, and working with the Community Empowerment Center to reach out to the Chinese language community. Commissioner Wald discussed the inspirational work of the association and suggested that the Department assist in an effort to share experiences and ideas with other neighborhoods. Commissioner Arce suggested connecting the work of Caltrans and the Blue Greenway with neighborhood efforts.
Public Comment:
Deputy Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) and Invest in Neighborhood Program Amy Cohen reported on OEWD’s mechanisms for sharing work.
Mr. David Pilpel reported on his frustration with the Commission’s administrative efforts and asked to return to the Consent Agenda so that he can provide additional comments. He asked for the presentation to be added to the Commission’s website and to be made available to the public. Mr. Pilpel spoke of his interest in Portola neighborhood activities. He spoke of his service on the Redistricting Task Force and efforts that were achieved to bring the Portola neighborhood together into one supervisorial district. He concurred with Commissioner Wald’s comments about sharing successes and learning from other neighborhoods and suggested that the Portola Association contact the Neighborhood Empowerment Network and Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods to assist in these efforts.
8. Community Presentation: Portola Garden Tour and SF Greenhouse Project, and Review of Resolution 2015-06-COE in support of the Portola Green Plan and Recognition of the Portola as San Francisco’s Garden District. (Explanatory Document: Draft Resolution 2015-06-COE) Sponsor: Commissioner Joshua Arce; Speakers: Ruth Wallace and Lucia Pohlman (Informational Presentation and Discussion) (Discussion and Possible Action)
Ms. Ruth Wallace presented reasons why the Portola neighborhood is San Francisco’s Garden District since the 1880’s citing its sunny mild climate, large yard space, and rich garden heritage. She discussed past, present and future gardening and reported on the neighborhood’s renewed interest in growing one’s own food and in the growing green movement. Ms. Wallace discussed greenhouses that once and still exist in the neighborhood and the past use of McLaren Park as ranchland and stables. She reported on changes that occurred in the neighborhood after World War II in industry, land, economics, and educational opportunities.
Ms. Wallace stated that the Garden tour, a display of local gardens, has been in progress for the past ten years and has served as a fundraiser for the Portola Library and now for a work and scholarship program fund at San Francisco City College. She reported on neighborhood benefits of the Garden tour and that a tenth year anniversary tour is scheduled for September 24, 2016. Ms. Wallace reported on projects that the Portola Garden District and Portola Neighborhood Association helped fund and presented photographs of Portola gardens, one of which was featured in Sunset Magazine.
Ms. Lucia Pohlman presented updates on the San Francisco Greenhouse project, the Portola Green Plan and activities of the Portola Urban Greening Steering Committee. She reported that the Greenhouse Project is a local nonprofit that works on urban greening, sustainability, and urban agriculture. Ms. Pohlman reported that the Portola Urban Greening Committee is launching a website this week www.Portolaurbangreening.org to better communicate and outreach with residents and discussed opportunities for residents to become involved. Ms. Pohlman reported that the Green Plan has been created to contextualize future greening efforts, and that the next phase would be to fund and implement identified projects and advance the Green Plan. She discussed the importance of resident participation to create the Garden District and reported on projects that are being worked on. Ms. Pohlman discussed next steps moving forward and opportunities for involvement.
Director Raphael discussed opportunities for Department involvement in support of Portola neighborhood greening efforts. Commissioner Arce presented the Draft Resolution in support of the Portola Green Plan and recognition of the Portola as San Francisco’s Garden District and suggested that consideration of the Resolution be continued to a future Policy Committee meeting in order to gather input from the Portola Urban Greening Steering Committee.
Public Comment:
Mr. David Pilpel spoke in support of continuation of the Resolution to the next meeting in order to gather additional input. He asked that the presentation and link to the Portola Green Plan with summarized recommendations be added to the Commission’s website to the minutes. Mr. Pilpel suggested inviting other City departments that could help effectuate the Plan to attend a future Commission meeting, e.g. San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Planning Department, and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
Mr. David Gabriner, Portola neighborhood resident and Portola Urban Greening Steering Committee member thanked the Commission for considering the Resolution and for providing an opportunity to provide the Committee’s thoughts to add to the Resolution.
Ms. Veronica, San Francisco State University environmental studies student, spoke in support of the Commission holding meetings in the community. She suggested that the 2016 Garden Tour provide San Francisco State University students an opportunity to participate and volunteer.
Ms. Valerie, San Francisco State University environmental studies student, spoke in support of the garden movement and designation of the Portola neighborhood as the Garden District. She stated that the designation would encourage more people to have gardens, be healthier, and eat locally.
Ms. Amanda, San Francisco State University student, stated that she was unaware of how people in the Portola neighborhood were so passionate about gardening. She expressed her interest in attending the Garden Tour and encouraged outreach to San Francisco State University students because they have a food challenge on campus and may be interested in getting involved and volunteering in this program and other sustainable initiatives.
Mr. Tom Hayden, Portola neighborhood resident, thanked the Commission for holding a meeting in the neighborhood and thanked his neighbors for the incredible work they have been doing. He emphasized the importance of securing the 777 Woolsey greenhouse site to make the visions of the Green Plan a reality.
Director Raphael thanked San Francisco State University students for attending the meeting and spoke of the opportunities that the Department has to offer. She introduced the Department of the Environment’s volunteer coordinator Ms. Sunshine Swinford, and suggested that students and interested parties contact her for opportunities to engage with the Department.
9. Update and Discussion: San Francisco Department of Environment Zero Waste Community Council Pilot Program. Sponsor: Commissioner Joshua Arce; Speakers: Donnie Oliveira, Outreach and Communications Manager and Kevin Drew, Senior Residential & Special Projects Zero Waste Coordinator (Informational Presentation and Discussion)
Commissioner Arce reported on the pilot initiative that has been launched to form a Zero Waste Community Council in the Chinatown neighborhood on the recommendation of Commissioner Wan. Senior Residential & Special Projects Zero Waste Coordinator Kevin Drew reported on his work with Outreach and Communications Manager Donnie Oliveira and Commissioners to establish a community council. He discussed the Chinatown merchant walk with the Department, Mayor and Supervisor to announce the formation of the Council as part of the City’s goal to reach zero waste by 2020. Mr. Drew reported that meetings have been held to create a Council structure, and that there are plans to bring the community, Recology, staff, and building owners together to discuss how to solve difficult recycling and composting situations in multi-family buildings.
Outreach and Communications Manager Donnie Oliveira reported on the intersection between the Community Council and the Department Outreach team’s communication strategies to reach audiences all over San Francisco. He discussed the infrastructure and provision of service challenges that are faced in the Chinatown neighborhood. Mr. Oliveira reported that the Council composition that is in the process of being finalized will consist of a variety of stakeholders, building owners, property managers, residents, businesses, and Community Business Organizations that will be brought together to discuss the Chinatown zero waste program and what is working or not. He discussed the importance of tackling the barriers that are preventing people from engaging in Department programs and reported that work is planned in coordination with the Supervisor’s Office and Commission to identify solutions.
Commissioner Wan discussed the challenges that are faced in the Chinatown neighborhood and her belief that the community should be included in discussions and solutions to issues that are faced. Director Raphael thanked Commissioner Wan for her recommendation to create the Community Council and for her assistance in this area. She reported on her visit to the Chinatown neighborhood to identify the barriers that exist there and discussed the opportunity that the Community Council will provide for a two-way dialogue on how to motivate people to participate in the program. Commissioner Arce reported on the importance of reaching zero waste to meet environmental goals and how it provides an opportunity for innovation.
Public Comment:
Mr. David Pilpel stated that he looks forward to the pilot in Chinatown and that it informs a future citywide effort to look at what needs to be done systematically and at a micro-level in neighborhoods. He stated that more thought has to be given to how to reuse products that are no longer needed and provided examples. Mr. Pilpel suggested that the Council not only look at technical and infrastructure issues, but consider how to rethink what has been traditionally thought of as waste and discards.
Ms. Shelly questioned how disposing and recycling of cigarette butts fits into the Zero Waste goals for 2020 that she believes to be a pervasive problem in San Francisco. She discussed her participation in the “Hold on to Your Butt” campaign to reduce cigarette waste in San Francisco. Ms. Shelly reported that there are more cigarette butts being disposed of in the streets because of the no smoking laws and the lack of available ashtrays and education. She reported on her discussions with the Supervisor’s office about how the cigarette abatement fee could be directed to dispose and recycle cigarette butts through Terracycle and the win it would be for zero waste.
Ms. Laura stated that we need to stop the waste at the source and from being created in the first place. She commended Rainbow Grocery for offering monetary incentives for purchasing in bulk and for recycling bags and containers. Ms. Laura stated that the community should be challenged to think about their purchases and to consider alternatives, such as why a purchase is made in a package when there is another alternative.
10. Presentation on San Francisco’s Zero Waste Textile Initiative and Recology’s Textile Collection Pilot. (Explanatory Document: Textile Initiative Commission Presentation) Sponsor: Deborah Raphael, Director; Speakers: Alexa Kielty, Zero Waste Specialist and Paul Giusti, Community and Government Affairs Manager, Recology. (Informational Presentation and Discussion)
Zero Waster Specialist Alexa Kielty presented on San Francisco’s Zero Waste Textile Initiative that would divert 20,000 tons of textiles from landfill in order to reach San Francisco’s zero waste goal by 2020. She reported on the large number of textiles and apparel that go to landfill in comparison to other materials. Ms. Kielty reported on the need to build awareness around recycling of textiles and provided a map of over 100 drop off locations for textiles in San Francisco and a link to the Department’s RecycleWhere www.recyclewhere.org website that provides information on where to recycle material. It was reported that Recology offers unlimited textile pick-ups from your home.
Ms. Kielty reported on the launch of Goodwill goBins in apartment and office buildings for textile collection that have been funded by Department of the Environment grants. She reported on the advantages that are created through local reuse such as the creation of local jobs. Ms. Kielty reported on partnership with I:CO, a for profit company that partners with clothing retailers, that offers collection bins in stores and discounts for next purchases for recycling your textiles and also shreds clothing that is not reusable and produces shoddy cloth that goes into carpet padding and other installations. She discussed textile collection competitions and future of the program to provide grants for textile collection campaigns, hand sort clothing for reuse markets, increase bins throughout San Francisco, and to pilot a curbside pickup.
Community and Government Affairs Manager, Recology, Paul Giusti presented on Recolgy operations for recycling textiles. He reported on program advertising through customer newsletters about the pickup of textiles through the Recycle My Junk bulky item collection program and described what is considered to be a textile. Mr. Giusti reported that pickups can also be scheduled by way of a smartphone or computer at the www.recyclemyjunk.com website or by calling Recology at 415-330-1300.
Mr. Giusti reported on Recology’s program tests that include increasing outreach about the Recycle My Junk and pilot route textile pickup program; the pilot to recycle textiles in a clear bag or cardboard box next to the blue bin; the pilot to recycle textiles in a clear bag inside the blue recycling bin; and collecting at apartment buildings through a tan textile bin. Information about the pilot program and how to recycle textiles is located at www.Recologysf.com/textiles. Mr. Giusti reported that all the textiles are provided to Goodwill for resale or reuse at their thrift shops. If items cannot be reused, then it goes to the secondary market for repurposing.
Commissioner Wald inquired about the pilot project timeframe and next steps. Mr. Giusti reported that the pilot will run a minimum of one year and then an analysis will be performed on the effectiveness of the program. Commissioner Bermejo inquired about the neighborhoods that have the pilot program. Mr. Giusti reported that textiles are collected citywide through the bulky item pickup program. Curbside recycling is being piloted in the Richmond District and the apartment program is centered in the South of Market neighborhood.
Public Comment:
Unidentified Speaker asked whether there is a way to mark clothes that are made of natural fibers so that if they can’t be reused they can be composted.
Ms. Ruth Wallace suggested implementing a tan insert in the black bin instead of placing a bag next to the bins that looks like trash on the street. She asked where the lint from the dryer goes. Mr. Giusti stated that because it may contain nylon and fibers that aren’t natural, it should probably go in the black bin. Commissioner Wald inquired whether it can go into the textiles. Mr. Giusti stated that it could be included with textiles for the reuse market.
Ms. Nina, San Francisco State University environmental studies student, stated that she has always felt it was wrong to throw clothes away and spoke in support of the City’s program. She stated that people should not only recycle and donate clothing, but make an effort as consumers to purchase second-hand clothing as a way to advocate for reuse of material.
Ms. Melanie, San Francisco State University student, reported that she frequently recycles textiles and reported on mechanisms she uses for recycling clothing. She talked about the amount of textiles that are being wasted in the high rise apartment she lives in and asked if a bin could be made available in the building she resides in.
Mr. Ben Delaney, Executive Director, SCRAP, reported that SCRAP is one of the local resources. He thanked the Commission, Recology, and the Department for addressing this topic, which is one of the toughest recycling issues. He reported that SCRAP at 801 Toland Street accepts fabrics and are working to develop a recycling and reuse program.
Mr. David Pilpel stated that at the Public Disposal and Reuse Area, there is an opportunity to open and break bags to see what is there to see where material can be diverted to. He stated that the Public Disposal and Reuse has a good recycling rate but can do better by unpacking to see what is in the black bag versus the clear bag. He concurred that people should not just donate to Goodwill but should buy from Goodwill and other second hand stores in our neighborhoods that support the local economy.
Item 12 was heard before Item 11.
11. 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) Speaker: Deborah Raphael, Director (Informational Report and Discussion)
Upon Motion by Commissioner Bermejo, second by Commissioner Wan, the Director’s Report was continued (AYES: Commissioners Arce, Bermejo, Wald and Wan; Absent: Commissioner Stephenson).
12. Review and Approval of Resolution 2015-05-COE Approving Funding Recommendations for Department of the Environment Carbon Fund Grant Awards for the 2015-16 Funding Cycle. (Explanatory Documents: Carbon Fund Presentation, Draft and Approved Resolution 2015-05-COE, and Funding Recommendations) Sponsor: Deborah Raphael, Director; Speaker: Shawn Rosenmoss, Senior Environmental Specialist, Development, Community Partnerships, (Discussion and Action)
Senior Environmental Specialist Shawn Rosenmoss reported that a 2009 Ordinance established the San Francisco Carbon Mitigation Program that is administered by the Department of the Environment to reduce or offset local greenhouse gas emissions. The Carbon Fund is funded by 13 percent of airfare for travel by City employees to do City business and provides an opportunity for conferences and conventions to mitigate their event-related greenhouse gas emissions by investing in local projects. Ms. Rosenmoss reported on past San Francisco Carbon Fund grant award projects and Department of the Environment funding recommendations for the 2015-16 funding cycle to eight organizations. She reported on selected programs, program benefits, and co-benefits. Grantees were present for the meeting and were acknowledged. Commissioner Wald asked that grantees return to a future Commission meeting to report on their accomplishments.
Public Comment:
Mr. David Pilpel asked that the Carbon Fund presentation be included on the website as part of the meeting minutes. He asked that grantees provide a report about funding was used for and what the project had accomplished. Mr. Pilpel suggested that in the case of where there was a space that had changed, that grantees provide before and after pictures to show the result of the investment. He suggested that grantees present the Commission with a success story at the completion of the grant cycle.
Upon Motion by Commissioner Wald, second by Commissioner Wan Resolution File Number 2015-05-COE was approved without objection (AYES: Commissioners Arce, Bermejo, Wan and Wald; Absent: Commissioner Stephenson).
13. Policy Committee Report. (Informational Report and Discussion) Chairs Report: Highlights from the October 26, 2015 meeting and review of the agenda for the December 14, 2015 meeting to be held at City Hall, Room 421 at 5pm. Upon Motion by Commissioner Bermejo, second by Commissioner Wan, the Policy Committee Report was continued (AYES: Commissioners Arce, Bermejo, Wald and Wan; Absent: Commissioner Stephenson).
14. Announcements. (Information and Discussion) Commission President Arce acknowledged all City staff responsible for the success of the meeting as well as all meeting presenters and participants. Director Raphael introduced new Department of the Environment staff members.
15. President’s Announcements. (Informational Report and Discussion) Upon Motion by Commissioner Wan, second by Commissioner Bermejo, President’s Announcements was continued (AYES: Commissioners Arce, Bermejo, Wald and Wan; Absent: Commissioner Stephenson).
16. New Business/Future Agenda Items. (Information, Discussion and Possible Action) Upon Motion by Commissioner Wan, second by Commissioner Bermejo, President’s Announcements was continued (AYES: Commissioners Arce, Bermejo, Wald and Wan; Absent: Commissioner Stephenson).
17. 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.
Mr. David Pilpel asked that the Commission provide him with an opportunity for comment on Items 3 and 4. He requested that a correction be made to the minutes to state “Court of Appeals” instead of “Board of Appeals” and that the corrections that were recommended at the previous Commission meeting on the corrected Impound Account Guidelines memo include the amount that is actually being used in the budget for this fiscal year. Mr. Pilpel stated that the Disabled Access statement still refers to City Hall instead of what should have been this location.
18. Adjournment. The Commission on the Environment meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.
The next Regular Meeting of the Commission on the Environment is scheduled for Tuesday, January 26, 2016, 5:00 p.m. at 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, or (3) upon request to the Commission Secretary at telephone number 415-355-3700, or via e-mail at [email protected]. The meeting audio can be reviewed at website link
http://http://media-06.granicus.com:443/ondemand/sanfrancisco/sanfrancisco_19bce9a5-918f-4832-9bb4-eef869046bd8.mp3.
