M06-18-07 Study SessionL1
MINUTES OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
STUDY SESSION
JUNE 18, 2007 - 6:00 P.M.
The Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos conducted a Study Session on
Monday, June 18, 2007 at 6:00 P.M.
PRESENTATION
Informational report on "Green" Initiatives related to climate control and
greenhouse gas emissions and direction on recommendations in staff
report.
ROLL CALL
Open/Close Verbal Communication
Presentation made by Regina Falkner, Director of Community Services.
Ms. Falkner
Gave an overview about regional and local climate control initiatives, goals and
challenges relating to emissions inventory, the U. S. Mayor’s Climate Protection
Agreement, Joint Venture Silicon Valley, and the Town’s accomplishments,
position and developments to meet green initiative goals.
Council Comments
Requested clarification about the year that the Town purchased the CNG
cars.
Would like to understand other cities’ efforts relating to green initiatives.
Commented on prior discussions with West Valley Vice Mayors related to
enhancing residential awareness of green efforts through joint projects
and /or competitive activities between neighboring communities.
Commented on the value of establishing a baseline to measure
improvements and develop recommended work plans.
Commented about the need to collaborate with other cities in the bay
area.
Commented regarding the Town’s history relating to green efforts.
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Study Session – Continued
Open Public Comments
Ms. Kirby
Supported green initiatives and emissions efforts.
Encouraged green building practices.
Supported the idea of Town commissions taking the lead on green
initiative efforts.
Questioned if businesses were positioned to implement green initiatives
with their business practices.
Mr. Rennie
Encouraged the Council to sign the U.S. Mayor’s Agreement.
Would like to see community involvement relating to the green initiatives.
Closed Public comments
Council Discussion
Questioned the level of staff work required for the green initiative issues.
Consensus to direct staff to return to Council in fall 2007 with
recommendations regarding greenhouse gas emissions inventory,
reduction goals, and reduction plan.
Consensus to direct staff to participate in the greenhouse gas inventory
and planning workshop to be held in September, 2007.
Consensus to direct staff to work with Joint Venture Silicon Valley to
determine the best approach for the development of a regional
greenhouse reduction plan.
Questioned if the Town budget can absorb costs associated with the
green initiative goals.
Consensus that the Community Services Commission be the lead
commission to develop recommended green initiative goals.
Suggested folding other interested commissioners into the green initiative
process with the Community Services Commission.
Consensus to direct staff to incorporate climate protection policies and
goals in the upcoming General Plan review process.
Consensus to have Mayor Joe Pirzynski to sign the U.S. Mayors’
Climate Protection Agreement and to celebrate the signing at a public
event.
Council Member Barbara Spector requested support to continue
working with the West Valley Vice Mayors to organize a September
meeting of joint city/Town residents to provide information relating to
green issues.
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Study Session – Continued
Ms. Figone, Town Manager
Suggested that staff would return to Council with a work plan, goals and a
funding recommendation as directed by Council.
Study Session Adjourned.
Attest:
Jackie D. Rose, Clerk Administrator