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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREPORT 2023 Strategic Plan ESTF Implementation Progress112/9/2023 Environmental Sustainability Task Force Implementation Progress Report November The following objectives are what staff is pursuing based on the work of the 2021 Environmental Sustainability Task Force. This list of objectives was adopted by the Town Board. Objective Responsible Party Timeline On Track Behind Schedule Hold/ Tabled Done*% Complete Comments As a component of Development Code, Municipal Code and Building Code review and updates, consider new regulations and/or incentives associated with: wind generators, solar power generation, energy-efficient homes (low flow toilets and showers, appliances, etc.), reduction in gas hook-ups, electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure (for all residential and commercial building types), and requirement for lodging facilities, including short-term rentals, to provide recycling bins. Jessica Garner One-Year 100%The Board approved the 2021 IBC codes on May 23rd, 2023, including the Colroado Model Solar Ready and Electric Ready Code. The Town is positioned to take advantage of all helpful building and energy codes to help achive goals. Incorporate sustainability and resiliency as key themes of the Comprehensive Plan.Jessica Garner One-Year 100%Comprehensive Plan is complete, and contains these themes with goals, policies and actions corresponding to each chapter. Evaluate and implement reduced year-round residential electricity rates for offpeak usage (this will be a multi-year effort in collaboration with Platte River Power Authority). Reuben Bergsten Multi-Year 50%2023 Rate study (2024 Rates) PO is complete and data collection for analysis is underway Organize and invest in distributed energy generation and storage (this will be a multi-year effort in collaboration with Platte River Power Authority). Reuben Bergsten Multi-Year 50%Applying for the DOE OCED "Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program storage grant". Consider creation of parking incentives for EVs.Greg Muhonen (VS)One-Year 5%This is on hold until an EV policy is formulated by the TB to guide these decisions. Advocate for the installation of additional EV chargers around Town.Greg Muhonen (VS)One-Year 5%This is on hold until an EV policy is formulated by the TB to guide these decisions. Plan for implementation of the Colorado Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, which among other things will prohibit stores and retail food establishments from providing single- use plastic carryout bags at the point of sale. Jason Damweber Multi-Year Ongoing Internal team met in advance of 2023 to interpret the legislation, identify impacted businesses, develop a system for those businesses to remit their revenues, and ensure those businesses were aware of the new requirements. Outreach ahead of 2024, which has more strigent regulations, is in process. Informational webpage created. To date, revenues have been used to purchase reusable grocery bags and produce bags. Assist with educational efforts associated with recycling, home energy-saving, and other sustainable practices (such as promoting the use of reusable bags, straws, water bottles, etc.), including sharing information from the County on recycling practices and composting. Kate Miller Ongoing Ongoing Methods to date: Social media (recycling info from Larimer County), utility bill inserts (general Efficiency Works info and refrigerator recycling), mailers (Efficiency Works contractor recruitment), email subscribers list and social media (new nonreusable bag fees promoting reusable bags) Encourage and support sustainability efforts of the Estes Park Schools and Estes Valley Library. Travis Machalek Ongoing Ongoing TA Machlek has contacted both the School District and the Library District to ask how the Town might be of assistance in supporting sustainability efforts in these organizations. Discussions are ongoing. Prepare an effectiveness report as outlined in the Complete Streets Policy (which would include the number of projects completed, number of projects incorporating complete streets infrastructure, actual infrastructure added, number of transit and non-motorized users, and community attitudes and perceptions). Greg Muhonen (JB)One-Year 75% The effectiveness report for 2022 was prepared and presented to TAB in January. Based on discussions with TAB about that report, it was concluded that additional consideration of format and content was warranted and related minor tweaks to the policy may be appropriate. Staff will develop some ideas and strategies for TAB consideration. The 2023 effectiveness report is anticipated to be presented to TAB in Jan 2024. This objective will need to be carried over to 2024 Discontinue purchasing of bottled water using Town funds.Jeremy Creamean One-Year 90% Directives have been issued throughout the town to discontinue the purchasing of bottled water for town functions. We will evaluate working this prohibition into our purchasing policies moving forward. I have begun review of the Purchasing Policy documents Duane provided with the intent of moving this to completion in December or January 2024 at the latest. Provide more recycling bins in Town facilities, especially where there are larger gatherings of the public (such as the Visitor Center and Event Center).Greg Muhonen (RS)One-Year 100%Five bins installed in Town Hall December 2022. Four additional bins installed at Trail Blazer office, Visitor Center, Museum, and Events Complex. Create zero-waste guidelines for event organizers holding an event on Town property, and work with private groups and event venues to implement zerowaste practices into their own activities. Rob Hinkle One-Year Ongoing Met with Scraps LLC about working with us in 2024 to help coordinate and implement a plan for the Rooftop Rodeo and events in Bond Park. This will help set the guidelines that can be used for event organizers holding events on Town Property. Scheduling a folowup meeting for the beginning of 2024. Continue to work with partners (Fire District, Larimer County, Boulder County, Watershed Coalition) to promote yard debris and slash removal and management that does not involve the landfill. Jason Damweber Ongoing Ongoing Meetings held with representatives of the Fire District, Larimer County, and Boulder County. Likelihood of creating our own local slash/sort yard is unlikely due to high costs. Discussions with Boulder County regarding the continued use of existing Meeker Sort yard by Larimer County and Estes Park residents will be ongoing. Grants Specialist working on opportunities for financial assistance, including as it relates to the Fire DIstrict's Wildfire Mitigation Plan. Monitor the old Estes Park landfill at Moraine Avenue and Elm Road for methane emission and research the feasibility of capturing methane gas for energy use.Greg Muhonen One-Year ongoing Steward Environmental has been retained to prepare and submit this report annually to CDPHE. Install additional water refill stations in Town facilities.Greg Muhonen (RS)One-Year 100% Installation completed at Town Hall, PD, Museum, Broadband office, Decker Electric shop, Water shop, and Events Center. Exterior fill stations to be included during remodeling. No plans to equip Performance Park or Elkhorn outside fill stations. Cost is $8,500 each. Continue staff participation and involvement in Climate Smart Larimer County efforts.Jason Damweber Ongoing Ongoing Town staff is currently serving on the Climate Smart Future Ready (CSFR) Executive Committee. A first draft of strategies and actions for the CSFR plan has been developed and made available to the public. Consider “green fleet and equipment” policy, where internal combustion engine vehicles and equipment are replaced with “greener” options as they are replaced.Greg Muhonen (VS)Ongoing Ongoing The Town has received grant funding for a ZEV transition plan in 2023. This item will be analyzed as part of that planning effort. Additionally, Vanessa joined the Mayor in a meeting with the Executive Director of RAQC on 3/23 to learn more about RAQC's lawn and garden electrification initiatives. Several departments and divisions, including Parks, Streets, Mobility Services, PD and Power & Communications are all either actively using and/or exploring alternative-fueled vehicles and equipment. * for multi-year projects, DONE refers to the portion of the project planned for the current year.