2009-07-20 City Council Study Session

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MINUTES OF UNIVERSITY CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION July 20, 2009 The Council Study Session, held on the Fifth Floor of the City Hall, on Monday, July 20, 2009, was called to order by Mayor Joseph Adams at 5:30 p.m. In addition to the Mayor the following members of the Council were present: Mr. Terry Crow Mr. Robert Wagner Ms. Lynn Ricci Mr. Byron Price Mr. Arthur Sharpe, Jr. Councilmember Michael Glickert was excused. Also present were the City Manager Julie Feier, Deputy City Manger Janet Watson, Assistant City Manager Petree Eastman and City Attorney John Mulligan. The study session was to review a presentation given by the University City Green Practices Committee. The University City Green Practices Committee was formed to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to recommend ways the city becomes sustainable at the municipal, residential and commercial levels. The Committee consists of members: Matthew Malten, Donna Leach Heimos, Robert Wagner, Tim Michels, Jerry Breakstone, Lois Sechrist, Neville Rapp and staff liaison, Petree Eastman. Their vision is for “University City to have a fully engaged community-city government, citizens, students, business owners, and patrons that integrate sustainability into every decision made, every action taken. The committee has asked the Council to formally adopt their Mission, Vision, Values, and Framework set forth to institutionalize sustainability as a city imperative that informs all its decisions, actions, activities, purchases and community outreach. The committee’s mission statement is “The mission of the Green Practices Committee of University City is to encourage sustainable practices and programs that improve the health and quality of life of our community; restore and protect our natural resources, and strengthen our economy. It is widely recognized that there are local and global issues that threaten our ability to “meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Therefore it is imperative that we become sustainable, as individuals, as a community, and as a City.” The committee is asking the City Council to formally approve the following recommendations:  The City will perform a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory (which includes the municipality, residences, institutions and businesses) with the assistance of ICLEI. Set aggressive but attainable emission reduction goals for 2015, 2020, and 2025. The goals will reflect any federal or state mandates regarding use of renewable energy.  The City will perform energy audits of all City facilities and develop an Energy Master Plan to reduce the amount of energy used in its operations.