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HomeMy WebLinkAboutConsideration of the Environmental Sustainability Board's Re (2) p!�t,TINGTp 2000 Main Street, C%. tr°,4 , Huntington Beach,CA 92648 City of Huntington Beach ITEM TABLED TO A DATE 92c, NI1 \ UNCERTAIN File #: 23-587 MEETING DATE: 7/18/2023 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members SUBMITTED BY: Al Zelinka, City Manager VIA: Travis K. Hopkins, Assistant City Manager PREPARED BY: Catherine Jun, Deputy City Manager Subject: Consideration of the Environmental Sustainability Board's Recommendation to Participate in the Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Communities Pilot Program Statement of Issue: Surfrider Foundation (Surfrider) recently launched its Ocean Friendly Communities (OFC) pilot program, which recognizes cities that demonstrate a long-term commitment to being stewards of the ocean, coast, and other natural resources within their communities. Surfrider introduced the OFC to the Environmental and Sustainability Board (ESB)to gauge the City's potential interest in serving as the inaugural member of this pilot program. On June 14, 2023, the ESB voted to recommend the OFC to the City Council for consideration. Participating in the OFC would have the City engage in a certain number of short- and long-term initiatives to help preserve and enhance the City's natural resources, which are major contributors to Huntington Beach's quality of life and economic strength. Ongoing participation is voluntary, and the City may dis-enroll without any penalties or obligations. Financial Impact: There is no fiscal impact at this time. Any OFC initiatives that require additional funding will be brought before the City Council for approval per the City's purchasing policies. Recommended Action: Approve participation in the Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Communities Pilot Program. Alternative Action(s): Do not approve the recommended action, and provide alternate direction. Analysis: Founded in 1984 in Southern California, Surfrider is a non-profit organization "dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's ocean, waves, and beaches, for all people." Currently the Foundation maintains over 80 chapters across the nation, including the North OC chapter that encompasses Huntington Beach and neighboring cities. Chapters engage in programs, such as volunteer beach cleanups and educational campaigns to encourage the continued protection of their regions' natural resources. City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 4 Printed on 7/13/2023 poweretC4 LegistarTM File #: 23-587 MEETING DATE: 7/18/2023 On June 14, 2023, the ESB reviewed the OFC requirements and voted to recommend participation to the City Council. If approved by the City Council, Huntington Beach would be the first City to join the pilot program, globally demonstrating a long-term commitment to being caretakers of its natural resources that benefit Huntington Beach's environment, community members, and local economy (also known as the "triple bottom line" or"TBL"). The OFC program requirements are focused on enhancing the City of Huntington Beach's operations to set encouraging examples for the community as well as the entire region. The OFC program does not place any mandates or requirements on the broader community of businesses, residents, or any other entity beyond the City as a municipal organization. The City can strive to achieve either the OFC's "Platinum" status or less rigorous "Ocean Friendly Community" (OFC) status by completing a set number of goals across four categories. A menu of goals that can be accomplished under each category is summarized below; details are in Attachment 1. Following each goal in italics is an "HB Status" update of the City's efforts related to the topic. I. OFC Core Elements: (Achieve all items for Platinum status; 3 items for OFC status) 1. Develop a Stewardship Master Plan for the benefit of the environment, people and economy. (HB Status: This Master Plan is underway and projected to be completed in Fall 2023) 2. Designate a staff member who advances city operations and the Stewardship Master Plan, and reports directly to the City Manager. (HB Status: This can be accomplished by re-scoping an existing position to take on this role in addition to position's regular duties.) 3. A working Board or combination of Boards made up of various stakeholders from within the city that are TBL-focused. (HB Status: The current Environmental Sustainability Board or in combination with other boards can serve this role.) 4. Where applicable, invest in making sure parks, open spaces, wetlands, waterways and beaches remain open to all and protected from environmental harm. (HB Status: Current Master Plans and City's maintenance efforts already ensure open access and protection of our natural resources.) II. HB Focused Programs: Environment (HB Status: Achieve 5 items for Platinum; 3 items for OFC) 1. Implement policy banning EPS products at City facilities, City sponsored events or any organized permitted City event. (HB Status:Achieved via Admin Regulation 703 and Reso. 2005-01.) 2. Work towards policy resulting in no plastic bottles, straws, cups, plates or utensils used at City facilities, City sponsored events or at any organized permitted City event. 3. Implement a plan for pedestrian, bike, and e-bike friendly mobility infrastructure that enhances safer paths of travel between the coast and inland portions of the community. (HB Status: City is developing a Mobility Master Plan to facilitate safer travel citywide.) 4. Work towards the incremental conversion to electric and alternative fuel vehicle fleets and the installation of more electric charging and alternative fueling stations throughout the City. (HB Status: City has conducted a study to eventually convert its fleet to EV and install additional stations.) 5. Adopt and implement a plan for water conservation and pollution prevention, including water- wise landscaping and runoff controls. (HB Status: Currently a standard City practice) City of Huntington Beach Page 2 of 4 Printed on 7/13/2023 poweretCa LegistarM File #: 23-587 MEETING DATE: 7/18/2023 6. Implement advanced waste management and recycling programs including food diversion programs. (HB Status: This will be achieved when the City's SB 1383 organic waste recycling program is implemented shortly.) 7. Consider opportunities for advancing zero-net energy at City facilities and operations; identify and provide on its website links to zero-net energy incentives for residents and businesses. 8. Implement opportunities, where prudent, Ocean Friendly Community features in the Stewardship Master Plan (i.e. use of drought resistant plans, LED lighting, on-site composting, etc.) (HB Status: These opportunities will be incorporated into the Master Plan.) III. HB Focused Programs: People (Achieve all items for Platinum status; 3 items for OFC) 1. Implement a communication and engagement plan for businesses and residents that: a) provides information on Ocean Friendly practices; b)facilitates the development of partnerships with various groups to guide the OFC and assist with public education and outreach; c) promotes various Ocean Friendly days such as Intl Surfing Day, Coastal Cleanup Day etc. (HB Status: The City currently conducts similar practices and outreach and can develop an organized program to do so annually.) 2. Hold at least one annual Ocean Friendly Events for residents and businesses. (HB Status: Currently cosponsors a coastal and park cleanup annually) 3. Develop and implement a capital improvement program to install and maintain drinking water bottle refill stations in all City facilities. (HB Status: City can review the feasibility of this effort.) 4. Develop and maintain partnerships with public schools to adopt TBL-focused curriculums. (HB Status: This initiative can be vetted with the City/School District group that meets quarterly.) IV. HB Focused Programs: Economy (Achieve all items for Platinum status; 1 item for OFC) 1. Implement a program (e.g. grants, incentives, and other resources)to assist restaurants seeking designation as an Ocean Friendly Restaurant. (HB Status: This can considered as part of the upcoming Strategic Plan as an economic development priority.) 2. As part of developing an in-person and on-line One Stop Shop, City of Huntington Beach must develop and implement a specific strategy to encourage and support businesses to apply for California Green Business Networks certification or other green certification awards or honors. (HB Status: Staff can provide this info to interested residents, as part of our One Stop Shop services.) 3. Develop an economic development strategy considering the OFC program as an important element of the City's quality of life. (HB Status: This can be incorporated into the Strategic Plan.) 4. Hold an annual summit focused on economic development and reinforce the OFC program. (HB Status: Include as part of the Mayor's Economic Development summit and implement through the strategic plan.) The Pacific Ocean, beach, harbor, wetlands and waterways, and coastal environment are part-and-parcel with the history and heritage of Huntington Beach. Achieving either Platinum or Ocean Friendly Community Status over the next 4-5 years will reinforce the City of Huntington Beach as a municipal organization that is continually working to safeguard its important coastal setting. It will also provide an economic development tool to attract new businesses, tourism and event opportunities into the community, including such notable possibilities as serving as an LA28 Olympic Village for Surfing and other water sports. City of Huntington Beach Page 3 of 4 Printed on 7/13/2023 powere1Q ,Legistar'' File #: 23-587 MEETING DATE: 7/18/2023 The ESB and City staff would collaborate to identify the status and the initiatives that the City may wish to accomplish under each category. Currently, the ESB's scope of work includes providing input on the development and implementation of the City's Stewardship Master Plan (formerly known as the Sustainability Master Plan), which is under development. Any approved initiatives would be incorporated into the Plan, which will ultimately come before Council for final approval this Fall 2023. Initiatives requiring additional funding or staff time not previously budgeted will be presented via a budget appropriation request to City Council prior to implementation. Environmental Status: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project. Strategic Plan Goal: Infrastructure & Parks Economic Development& Housing Attachment(s): 1. Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Community Program - Description City of Huntington Beach Page 4 of 4 Printed on 7/13/2023 powerega LegistarM Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Community Program Pilot Program for Huntington Beach Revised 6.9.2023 The purpose of the Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Community (SFIOFC), like the Ocean Friendly Restaurants program (OFR), is to recognize communities and cities that demonstrate a long-term commitment to being caretakers and stewards of the ocean and coast, including beaches, wetlands, waterways, parks, open spaces, etc., through their stewardship of the triple bottom line (TBL) of environment, people, and economy. The SFIOFC Pilot Program for Huntington Beach (HB) is to present to Surf City an opportunity to be an OFC, and to recognize them for their stewardship in protecting the Pacific Ocean and its beaches, waves and estuaries. Just as HB is Surf City USA, HB can now be the Ocean Friendly Community global model and leader. At its core, SFIOFC recognizes that (HB) is performing and implementing, at the city level in all departments, policies, practices and procedures that will benefit the world's ocean, waves and beaches. SFIOFC is based on how the City operates, and it is not dependent upon any laws or legislative acts the City mandates upon its businesses or citizens. Rather, through education and implementation, the SFIOFC program should be the model that those within the city follow as a Lead-by-Example Approach. Each of the following SFIOFC categories have outcomes and milestones for the City of Huntington Beach to attain in order to reach Platinum status over the next 4-5 years. During the course of the Pilot Program, the Surfrider Foundation and the City of Huntington Beach will evaluate the Ocean Friendly Community (SFIOFC) program and determine when, or if, the City has reached the next level of recognition, while keeping in mind this is a pilot program for both the Surfrider Foundation and the City of Huntington Beach that can be modified if deemed necessary. To reach the Ocean Friendly Community status, complete three items each in Category I, Category II and Category III, and one item in Category IV. To reach the Platinum Ocean Friendly Community status, complete all items in Categories I, III, IV and at least five items in Category II. I.SFIOFC Core Elements 1. City of HB must achieve a TBL-based Stewardship Master Plan that includes a vision/mission statement and allocates appropriate resources to advance stewardship practices for the benefit of the environment, people and economy. 2. City of HB must designate a professional with the role of Director of Stewardship, Chief Stewardship Officer, or similar officer that advances city operations and the Stewardship Master Plan, and reports directly to the City Manager/Chief Executive. 3. City of HB must have a working Board or combination of Boards made up of various stakeholders from within the city that are TBL-focused. 109 4. Where applicable, cities must invest in making sure parks, open spaces, wetlands, waterways and beaches remain open to all and protected from environmental harm within the scope of the SFIOFC program. II. SFIOFC HB-Focused Programs: Environment 1. City of Huntington Beach must implement policy, procedures and practices resulting in no EPS (expanded polystyrene or StyrofoamiM) products used at City facilities, City sponsored events or at any organized permitted City event. 2. City of Huntington Beach must work towards developing policy, procedures and practices resulting in no plastic bottles, straws, cups, plates or utensils used at City facilities, City sponsored events or at any organized permitted City event. See Surfrider's OFR program and food ware guide for more specific details on alternatives. 3. City of Huntington Beach must implement a plan for pedestrian, bike, and e-bike friendly mobility infrastructure that includes specific capital improvement project implementation steps, which enhance safer paths of travel between the coast and inland portions of the community. 4. City of Huntington Beach must work towards the incremental conversion to electric and alternative fuel vehicle fleets and the installation of more electric charging and alternative fueling stations throughout the City. 5. City of Huntington Beach must adopt and implement a plan for water conservation and pollution prevention, including water-wise landscaping and runoff controls.[1] 6. City of Huntington Beach must demonstrate implementation of advanced waste management and recycling programs including food diversion programs. 7. City of Huntington Beach must consider opportunities for advancing zero-net energy (i.e. actual annual consumed energy is less than or equal to the on-site renewable generated energy) at City facilities and operations, as well as identify and provide on its website links to zero-net energy incentives for residents and businesses. 8. City of Huntington Beach must identify and implement opportunities, where prudent, the following Ocean Friendly Community features in the Stewardship Master Plan: a. Planting of Ocean Friendly Gardens using natural drought resistant plants. b. Use of LED lighting. c. Implementation of water conservation technologies and features to reduce pollutants and runoff. d. Use of waste minimization practices, on-site composting, and segregation of recyclables. e. Encouragement of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system for new projects. f. Access for all to parks, playgrounds, open spaces, beaches, and outdoor recreation. III. SFIOFC HB-Focused Programs: People 1. City of Huntington Beach must implement a communication and engagement plan for businesses and residents that: a) provides information on how people can contribute to a more Ocean Friendly Community through practices at their home or business; b)facilitates the development of partnerships with community groups and environmental organizations to guide the Ocean Friendly Community Pilot Program and assist with public education and outreach; c) recognizes and promotes various 110 Ocean Friendly days such as: International Surfing Day, California Surfing Day, World Wetlands Day, World Water Day, Earth Day, International Migratory Bird Day, World Oceans Day, Coastal Cleanup Day or other similar Ocean Friendly days. 2. City of Huntington Beach must hold at least one (with the goal of two) annual Ocean Friendly Events for residents and businesses. 3. City of Huntington Beach must develop and implement a capital improvement program to install and maintain drinking water bottle refill stations in all City facilities. 4. City of Huntington Beach must develop and maintain partnerships with public schools to adopt TBL-focused curriculums. IV. SFIOFC HB-Focused Programs: Economy 1. City of Huntington Beach must develop and implement a program (e.g. grants, incentives, and other resources)to assist restaurants seeking designation as an Ocean Friendly Restaurant.[2] Grants can be set up to address small, medium and large businesses that wish to be verified as Ocean Friendly. Grant sizes to be determined based upon the size of the restaurant and availability of funding by the City. 2. As part of developing an in-person and on-line One Stop Shop, City of Huntington Beach must develop and implement a specific strategy to encourage and support businesses to apply for California Green Business Networks certification or other green certification awards or honors. 3. City of Huntington Beach must develop an economic development strategy considering the SFIOFC program as an important element of the City's quality of life. 4. City of Huntington Beach must hold an annual summit focused on economic development and reinforcing the SFIOFC program. [1] See Surfrider's Ocean Friendly Gardens program for examples. https://www.surfrider.org/programs/ocean-friendly-gardens. [2] See Surfrider's Ocean Friendly Restaurant Program. https://www.surfrider.orq/programs/ocean-friendly-restaurants. 111 Mr.Amory Hanson 8102 Ellis Avenue Apartment 121 Huntington Beach CA 92646 July 18, 2023 The Mayor of Huntington Beach 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach CA 92648 My Dear Mister Mayor, I am writing to express my support for Item VIII. Sincerely Yours, Mr.Amory Hanson CC:The Honorable Grace Vandermark CC:The Honorable Rhonda Bolton CC:The Honorable Patrick Burns CC:The Honorable Daniel Kalmick CC:The Honorable Casey McKeon CC:The Honorable Natalie Moser SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Die: /18'1 9073 4aenda Item No.; a (,9-3 - SF?