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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Strategic Planning Session #2 2023-04-05 Wednesday,April 5, 2023 TOWN BOARD 1:00p.m.–4:00 p.m. STRATEGIC PLANNING Rooms 202/203 Lunch 12:30 p.m. SESSION#2 AGENDA No public comment will be heardduring this study session This sessionwill not be recorded or streamed. Public comments can be sentthrough the Public Comment Formavailable at www.estes.org/boardsandmeetings. 1.Review of Objectives and Goals. Staff Proposed Objectives and Goalsand Consideration ofAdditions fromthe Boardfor the following: Exceptional Guest Services.(20 min) GovernmentalServices and InternalSupport.(20 min) Infrastructure.(20 min) Outstanding Community Services.(20 min) Public Safety, Health, and Environment.(20 min) Robust Economy.(20 min) Town Financial Health.(20 min) Transportation.(20 min) Adjourn. Environmental Sustainability: What do we want for Estes Park? Report prepared by Barbara MacAlpine, March 30, 2023. “Sustainability is not an end-goal that our community will reach one day, it is an ongoing commitment to principles that help protect our natural environment and ensure the quality of life for present and future generations.” (with appreciation to Durango for this statement) th At the Town Board Study Session on March 14, trustees raised a number of questions about the function and responsibilities of an environmental sustainability manager and advisory board, the benefits and potential outcomes for having them in Estes Park, and what a climate action plan might look like. The following sections will address these questions by incorporating comments and suggestions from local citizens and providing examples from other Colorado cities and towns. While each community is different, we all want our residents, our visitors, and the fauna and flora that share our space to be able to thrive and survive in an increasingly challenged environment. The town is involved with a number of environmental sustainability projects, but we could be doing more for our current and future residents, as are many Colorado communities. We have no overriding coordination, nor is there a central source of communication or point person for our residents or visitors regarding sustainability. We could be saving money for the town, the residents, and the businesses as well as enhancing the town’s reputation with an active sustainability program. Most importantly, we have an obligation to do our part for the earth’s environment, perhaps best expressed with the phrase “Think globally; act locally.” What are the responsibilities of an environmental sustainability manager? Here are examples from a few Colorado towns. urango: The core functions of the Sustainability Program Manager are to From D -Implement and periodically update the City of Durango's Sustainability Plan. -Track and report on sustainability indicators including greenhouse gas emissions inventories, resource consumption, LEED for Cities certification, and other relevant environmental sustainability data. -Support, advise, and collaborate across city departments on services, infrastructure, projects, and programs relating to sustainability. -Perform public outreach, education, engagement, and events promoting sustainability behaviors including energy and water consumption, waste/recycling/composting, clean transportation, and other environmentally friendly actions. -Apply for and manage grant funding in support of city sustainability initiatives. -Evaluate city code and policies for sustainability impact and propose amendments as warranted. -Represent the city in local, regional, and state sustainability initiatives. From Frisco’s Environmental Programs Coordinator job description: •Implements actions identified under the Town of Frisco Strategic Plan and adopted environmental programs, including waste diversion and recycling programs, energy efficiency, public education and communication, community events, special events, and ecosystem health. •Provides leadership and coordination of complex projects, and is responsible for tracking and reporting on progress toward achievement of the sustainability goals and environmental stewardship. •Works closely with citizen and employee groups to achieve specific sustainability goals. • Identifies and analyzes sustainability options to the town, its employees, and the general public. • Works closely with the Town Manager and interacts frequently with the Department Directors to provide guidance and consultation to departments regarding sustainability programs, costs, timelines, and other related activities. • Makes public presentations to the Town Council and community groups. What might be the responsibilities for an Estes Park Environmental Sustainability Manager? These include items suggested in the ESTF Final Report as well as others. •Carry out the town’s first greenhouse gas emissions inventory, either in-house or via a contracted agency. •Supervise the development of the town’s Climate Action Plan or Sustainability Plan. •Develop a program that identifies and rewards green business practices; work with local businesses to encourage and support their sustainability activities. •Serve as liaison to the local and county recycling program and solid waste management initiatives. •Coordinate a sustainability incentive program for residents and/or businesses. • Serve as liaison to the Town's Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board; provide support for that board's meetings and activities. •Prepare information regarding sustainability on a regular basis to be communicated via the Town’s website and PIO, local newspapers, etc. •Serve as the Town’s point of contact for citizens regarding sustainability questions or issues. • Coordinate with Town departments concerning sustainability policies, programs, and new initiatives. • Organize and support staff training in sustainability principles. • Collaborate with the Town's grant development manager in identifying and formulating sustainability initiatives and funding opportunities. • Serve as liaison to Visit Estes Park, Estes Park Chamber of Commerce, and other community organizations regarding sustainability and managed destination programs. • Serve as liaison to sustainability offices/programs of Estes Valley schools and special districts, Larimer County, state offices, and other governmental jurisdictions. • Collaborate with Town departments in development of sustainability performance measures and baseline inventories. Participate in program performance reviews related to sustainability measures. • Serve as a staff resource regarding sustainability principles and practices for the Town Board's annual Strategic Plan. • Prepare annual sustainability progress report. What are possible outcomes or benefits related to having an Environmental Sustainability manager? •By 2024, the town will have its first greenhouse gas emissions inventory, to serve as a baseline for future comparisons and to determine future reduction goals. •By 2024, the town will have its first Sustainability or Climate Action Plan. •A green business certification program, focused on sustainability activities, will be underway with X number of participating businesses. •Citizen participation and assistance with environmental issues will be supported via the town’s Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board. •Grants will be submitted relating to sustainability activities, including funding for recycling, more EV charging stations, replacement of gasoline-powered tools, energy-saving materials and equipment, etc. •The town’s website will have a sustainability section with helpful information for residents and visitors. •Estes Park will gain a reputation as an environmentally responsible leader among Colorado communities, thereby encouraging more sustainable tourism. •Monthly information will be shared with the public regarding sustainability practices and suggestions that will benefit the community and potentially save money for individuals and the town. •Communication regarding environmental sustainability practices and issues will be shared across community organizations such as VEP, the Chamber of Commerce, the EDC, the school system, etc. •Sustainability efforts across town departments will receive greater coordination and visibility. Example of an Environmental Sustainability Manager Job Description This is a job description from Breckenridge, for a full-time position they advertised and filled in 2018. Note that an Estes Park Manager would be under the supervision of the Deputy Town Administrator rather than the Community Development Director. Most sustainability managers have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, environmental studies, biology, ecology or a related field, while some have a master’s degree in sustainability or environmental science. Town of Breckenridge Sustainability Coordinator POSITION SUMMARY: The Town of Breckenridge Community Development Department is seeking a uniquely qualified individual for the position of Sustainability Coordinator. Under the supervision of the Director of Community Development, the Sustainability Coordinator performs professional, technical, innovative and analytical work to advance the Town's SustainableBreck Plan both internally and externally. The Sustainability Coordinator provides leadership and coordination of complex projects, and is responsible for tracking and reporting on progress toward achievement of the sustainability goals and environmental stewardship. This is a position with high visibility, working closely with citizen and employee groups to achieve specific sustainability goals. Identifies and analyzes sustainability options to the town, its employees, and the general public. Works closely with the Director and Assistant Director of Community Development and interacts frequently with the Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager to provide guidance and consultation to departments regarding sustainability programs, costs, timelines, and other related activities. Makes public presentations to the Town Council and community groups. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Sustainability, or related field required. A minimum of three (3) years varied experience in sustainability planning or related field. Experience in development and administration of sustainability programs and long-term impacts DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS/LICENSES/EXPERIENCE: Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies, Public Administration or related field preferred USGBC LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification ISSP-SA (International Society of Sustainability Professionals Certification) SALARY: $60,200 - $90,200 __________________________________________________________________________________ What are possible functions of an Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board? Here are examples from around the state: The duties of the city’s Sustainability Advisory Board are to identify topics related to environmental quality and sustainability, such as air and water quality, pollution prevention, solid waste disposal and recycling, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green building, and to advise the City Council on plans, policies, and actions related to those topics. (Longmont) The purpose of the Sustainable Futures Commission is “to advise the Board of Trustees on matters relating to sustainable practices and policy and to support and improve the environmental stewardship of the Town and its citizens.” (Lyons) The purpose of the Green Team, appointed by the Town Council, is to advocate for a more resilient and sustainable town. The Green Team sponsors projects throughout town that promote waste reduction, improve energy efficiency, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainability. (Basalt) The Green Team Advisory Board “encourages the community to appreciate and preserve the natural world and to facilitate conservation efforts, share knowledge and resources and to advise the Town Council on matters related to environmental quality.” (Mountain Village) The Sustainability Committee “is focused on improving the City's carbon footprint through thoughtful analysis of the community's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, updating and advancing local guidelines and codes to lower energy consumption, and improvement of waste diversion and recycling to keep our landfill viable.” (Salida) “The Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) is the town’s primary resource for environmental sustainability issues and efforts.” The town has a Sustainability Plan that is implemented and periodically reviewed by the EAB. (Snowmass Village) The responsibilities of the Planning and Environmental Commission, which is a volunteer board, include to review and comment on programs and studies, and to conduct research and appropriate studies, of environmental issues for the town and the Gore Valley, as well as to make recommendations to the town council for the control of pollution and the protection of the environment. (Vail) Climate Action Plans: What are they? Which Colorado cities have one? They may be called a Climate Action Plan (CAP) or a Sustainability Plan, although they could differ in the following way (per Durango's Sustainability Plan | Durango, CO - Official Website (durangogov.org)). A Climate Action Plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A GHG inventory is an important part of the plan. A Sustainability Plan includes an overarching goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as environmental, economic and social equity goals. Either type of plan includes recommendations to reach community goals. The following components are frequently seen in climate action or sustainability plans: Energy (often subdivided by Buildings, Renewable, Residential, Commercial) Transportation Solid Waste Climate Water Note that climate action or sustainability plans are neither uncommon nor limited to larger cities. The following communities in Colorado represent only a fraction of those with one of these plans: Fort Collins, Longmont, Lyons, Nederland, Aspen, Avon, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Delta County, Durango, Fraser, Dillon and Frisco (both adopted the Summit Community CAP), Glenwood Springs, Gunnison, Salida, Snowmass Village, Steamboat Springs, Telluride, Vail (as part of the Climate Action Plan for the Eagle County Community), Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Lafayette, Lakewood, Louisville, Manitou Springs, and Superior. The Delta County Climate Action Plan, developed in 2022, stated that “we conducted a review and comparison of the climate action plans, or lack thereof, of eight counties in western Colorado: Ouray, San Miguel, Gunnison, Pitkin, Garfield, Mesa, Montrose, including Delta. These counties were selected because of their warming trends and approaches to climate change. Seven of the eight counties have warmed 1.5 degrees Celsius or more, and four of the counties warmed 2 degrees Celsius or more. Yet, the counties with the least warming compared to the others have developed climate action plans.” (Climate-Action-Plan-for-Delta-County_Oct-2022_Final_PDF1-1_Nov82022.pdf (chc4you.org)) Two other recent plans that are useful to examine are: Salida’s Climate Action Plan (2021): 2021-09-22_salida_climate_action_plan_final_low_res.pdf (cityofsalida.com) Gunnison’s Sustainability Plan (2022): GunnisonSustainabilityPlan (2).pdf (revize.com) Plans as well as GHG inventories may be developed in-house or contracted out. Two contract sources that have been used by several Colorado communities for their inventories are Lotus Engineering and Sustainability, LLC in Denver and the Denver office of ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability). A Final Thought As with any other town function, inclusion is imperative. Environmental sustainability practices can provide both health and financial benefits to individuals, families, and businesses. It is vitally important that these benefits be shared across our community, especially for people who are less able to invest in products or practices due to economic limitations or the lack of cultural inclusion. This would be facilitated by the sustainability manager.