Agenda Date: 09/14/2021
Subject:
Title
Proposed Council Goal 7: Environmental Stewardship
Body
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Prepared By: |
Keith Reester, Public Works and Utilities Director |
PURPOSE:
To continue goal setting for 2021-2022.
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): Keith Reester, Public Works and Utilities Director
Additional Presenter(s): N/A
SUMMARY:
The report has two distinct components. The first is a possible course of action related to City Council’s Proposed Goal 7: Environmental Stewardship.
The second is an inventory of 127 current activities and over 30 existing goals the city has for environmental policies and practices. The inventory report contains potential definitions for environmental stewardship (sustainability) based on currently adopted plans, identifies adopted goals that parallel sustainable practices, and reviews what the city is doing to be a great community partner in supporting and enhancing interconnected natural systems.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
The proposed 2021-2022 Council Work Plan includes many carryovers form the 2019-2020 Council Work Plan originally discussed at the 2020 Council Workshop (ending February 1, 2020), adopted in April of 2020, and discussed at intervals throughout the year. Council met on February 2 and 9, 2021, and on March 2, April 13, May 11 and 25, and June 8, 2021 to discuss 2021-2022 goals.
ANALYSIS:
Staff Analysis
Staff recommends an approach that endorses and supports existing programs while also providing possible next steps that formally define environmental stewardship within the city policy as it reflects Littleton’s community and goals. Staff also would like to broaden the discussion in the future to develop more formal city action steps.
Proposed 2021/2022 Next Steps:
• Continue current efforts as identified in the inventory.
• Adopt an interim Environmental Stewardship Statement, which will support staff with a
direction and aid in partnerships.
Proposed 2023 & Beyond Next Steps:
• Broaden the discussion to develop a more formal policy and tactical planning for next steps. This will take 18-24 months and represents significant workload there is currently insufficient capacity. Additional resources, as well as community engagement, will be required. Staff would propose a draft, but more refined action plan be presented to city council at the annual retreat in February of 2022 for discussion and direction. Additional resources would be identified with the action plan.
Council Goal, Objective, and/or Guiding Principle
Staff proposes the following DRAFT objectives for the goal. The action steps for each objective, plus the direction at the study session, would be presented to council at the annual retreat for further direction.
Goal 7, Objective 1: Hazard Recovery. Be a prepared and resilient community with City infrastructure and services that can recover quickly from the effects of severe weather and natural hazards and which manages growth and development to reduce risks.
Goal 7, Objective 2: Water Conservation. Continue to be a leader in promoting and incentivizing wise water use, water-saving measure and water conservation and re-use.
Goal 7, Objective 3: Re-Asses Tools and Methods. Continue to explore viable and cost-effective ways to assist Littleton residents and businesses in reducing their solid waste generation and to offer expanded recycling options.
Fiscal Impacts
N/A
Alternatives
Due to the nature of this discussion, there are a variety of potential alternatives. Staff asks that council provide questions in advance to allow staff time to respond and consider potential impacts and alternatives.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of action items towards current and future Environmental Stewardship.