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2019-05-06 Committee on the Environment Minutes DocuSign Envelope ID: FE7B00CC-60C0-4B91-857D-59C06AE62B41 City of Denton City Hall MINUTES 215 E. McKinney Street COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT Denton, Texas www.cityofdenton.com _____________________________________________________________________________________ Monday, May 6, 2019 1:30pm City Council Work Session Room After determining that a quorum of the Committee on the Environment of the Denton City Council was present, the Committee on the Environment thereafter convened into an Open Meeting on Monday, May 6, 2019at 1:33 p.m. in the Council Work Session Room at City Hall, 215 E. McKinney Street, Denton, Texas Council Members: Chair Council Member Keely Briggs, and Council Member John Ryan Absent: Council Member Paul Meltzer Also Attending: Mario Canizares, ACM; Kenneth Banks, General Manager Utilities; Gary Packan, Director Parks and Recreation; Katherine Barnett, Sustainability and Customer Initiatives Manager; Laura Behrens, Director Parks and Recreation; James Douglas, Conservation Program Coord; Ethan Cox, Director Solid Waste; Kim Mankin, Administration Manager REGULAR MEETING A. COE19-017 - Consider approval of the Committee on the Environment of the Denton City Council Meeting minutes of April 1, 2019. Approved as circulated B. COE19-018 Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding the Solid Waste e Chemical Collection, yard waste and brush collection, and bulk waste collection services. Ethan Cox gave this presentation. Last year Blue Ridge Services gave a presentation analyzing the different programs from Solid Waste. There have been three of the programs talked about; today is the last four in a larger presentation. This will complete the review of programs that was requested by Council in 2018. Additional residential services will include identifying challenges, reviewing program benchmarking and provide recommendations. Definitions were shown related to these topics. Bulky waste was talked about in detail. Ryan asked about lightbulbs. Brian Boerner spoke about light bulbs stating that the program does take all types. Cox went on to talk about the purpose and objective. The department objective is to ensure the proper handling, diversion, and/or disposal of unique and hard to handle items in a compliant, effective, and efficient manner. Purpose: -HCC Federal Storm Water Permit requirement. Divert hazardous materials away from waterways and the landfill. DocuSign Envelope ID: FE7B00CC-60C0-4B91-857D-59C06AE62B41 -Electronics/Appliances Recycle or properly dispose of electronics/ appliances. -Bulky Items Collect household items too large for cart service. Prevent illegal dumping. -Yard Waste + Brush Collect, divert, and make Dyno Dirt Products. Weekly residential collection services was talked about in detail. The different vehicles and equipment that is used was shown and explained. Program performance FY2017-18 was shown on a chart with all the average daily participation numbers. Current challenges include inefficient collections, lack of equity and safety/environmental. HCC/ electronic/ appliances/ and the current challenges -There are very few users -Small volumes -Hazardous waste exposed to elements & public -Retail take back & recycling options -Missed reuse opportunities Home Chemical Collections Information was shown regarding the collection frequency, restrictions of the products and fees and rate impacts for this program. There was a chart of what other cities in the state do for like programs. Briggs asked how many of the other cities have their own landfill. Cox and Boerner answered Dallas, Ft. Worth Irving and Lewisville. Electronics & Appliance Collection Information was shown regarding the collection frequency, restrictions of the products, fees and rate impacts for this program. This program had the biggest difference in the benchmark with other cities. Bulky Waste Current Challenges -Vague bulky item definition -Confusing volume restrictions -Heavy users v. Low users -Missed reuse opportunities The frequency, restrictions and cost associated was also shown for this program. Yard Waste & Brush Current Challenges -Highly inefficient collections -Heavy users v. Low users -Plastic bags not enviro friendly -Abuse by commercial landscapers/tree trimmers -Confusing volume restrictions & rates Cox showed a picture and gave an example of how a landscaping service took advantage of a customer and told how the City helped. Information was shown regarding the collection frequency, restrictions, fees and rate impacts for this program. A cart program was discussed for yard waste. Recommendations and objectives -All Programs Rewrite Solid Waste Ordinance and refine the rate structure. DocuSign Envelope ID: FE7B00CC-60C0-4B91-857D-59C06AE62B41 -HCC - Replace curbside with collection events -Electronics/Appliances Discontinue collection -Bulky Waste Maintain scheduled collections, fees were talked about Briggs stated she is in favor keeping the curbside collection for HCC. Cox continued with the recommendations and objectives -Brush Convert to scheduled service -Yard Waste Convert to subscription service model and eliminate plastic bags. Yard waste carts were introduces as well as craft bags. Ryan and Briggs are not in favor of the subscription fee. There was discussion regarding the different programs and the new thoughts on how to accomplish the best thing for the citizens and City of Denton alike. Briggs would like to see an easier way to register on-line before changes are made. Also if electronic and appliance pick up is eliminated, she would like a twice a year free pick up for those items. Cox summarized what he believes this Committee wants. -Maintain pickup for HCC, and have an easier way to sign up on-line. -Ryan suggested easier signup for all programs -Yard waste once day a week -More efficient routes -Continue electronic and appliance pick up -Bulk waste change to per item charge -There were lots of discussion regarding yard waste -Education Next steps -Recommend changes to rates for approval as part FY 19/20 budget -Revise Solid Waste Ordinance (Chapter 24) -Prepare for implementation (tentatively October 1, 2019) Briggs asked about the software needed. Cox answered that is one of the big supplemental packages they requested. Briggs is also concerned with the lack of products needed to continue with DynoDirt. Ryan would also like brush services added to Commercial Services. There was some final discussion. C. COE19-019 - Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction regarding the Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) Criteria Manual. Deborah Viera started the presentation stating the main goal for the manual is for education and instruction. Introduction included -April 3, 2018: City Council adopted revisions to Subchapter 17: Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) -Among the approved changes was the creation of an ESAs Criteria Manual DocuSign Envelope ID: FE7B00CC-60C0-4B91-857D-59C06AE62B41 -Need for explaining the benefits offered by ESAs; policies contained in Subchapter 17; explain in detail ESA-related processes, and highlight other local, state and federal regulations complementary to ESAs. Goal is to provide instruction on the implementation of policies set forth in Subchapter 17. Objectives: -Help residents and property owners understand the benefits of preserving ESAs -Provide developers and consultants a step-by-step guide in incorporating ESAs into their site design -Highlight the process from design to implementation -Organize the information in a clear and concise manner -Identify other sources aligned with the preservation of ESAs This meeting starts the vetting process and the roadmap to adoption. Subchapter 17 Overview. The purpose of this regulation is as transcribed below. -Manage and protect Environmentally Sensitive Areas within the City. -Protect the natural and ecological resources that are essential elements of community character and which provide irreplaceable plant and wildlife habitat; -Establish a development framework for the City that is respective of private property rights, while encouraging them to be used responsibly for the benefit of the entire community; - its natural and built environment are consistent with the community vision and values embodied in The Denton Plan. -Establish regulations that conform to the requirements of the state and federal government regarding air quality, water quality, and environmental protection. There are two types of audiences for the criteria manual are the resident and property owners, developers and consultants. Christi Upton completed the presentation and introduced the sections. Benefits offered by ESAs Section The goal is to help residents and property owners understand the benefits of preserving ESAs. Objectives: -Identify how ESAs -Provide a list of ecological services and economic benefits offered by ESAs - Protection requirements for the four distinct ESAs section Goal is to familiarize the reader with each of the distinct ESAs and provide information on why and how each ESA is protected. Objectives: -Provide a detailed description of each of the four ESAs -Relate each ESA to the ecological services previously discussed -Discuss specific protection requirements in more detail -Direct the reader to other local, state and federal regulations that may apply to land development with ESAs Identify ESAs on private property section DocuSign Envelope ID: FE7B00CC-60C0-4B91-857D-59C06AE62B41 Goal is to describe the process for identifying and confirming the presence of ESAs on private property. Objectives: -Direct the reader to the Official ESA Map and how the map is maintained -Provide guidance for requesting an ESA Field Assessment -Describe the process for updating the Official ESA Map based on ESA Field Assessments Developing on property with ESAs section Goal is to provide instruction and guidance to developers or consultants on developing property with ESAs in a manner that is in compliance with the regulations. Objectives: -Provide instruction on how to meet the criteria for approval -Direct the reader to certain land development requirements that should be considered for site design and implementation -Provide suggested guidance for creating a site design that could maximize the goals of protecting ESAs Alternative ESA plan section Goal it to provide instruction and guidance to developers or consultants on creating and implementing a successful Alternative ESA Plan (AESA). Objectives: -Provide instruction on how to meet the criteria for approval -List the elements that should be included in a comprehensive AESA -Describe the process for acquiring approval for the plan, implementing the plan, and receiving project acceptance -Provide examples of approved AESAs At the next meeting staff would like to bring back the criteria manual and discuss content in detail. If you have questions please send any known ahead of time. This item was presented first. D. COE19-020 Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction on the updated Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Laura Behrens gave this presentation starting with the background. The current IPM was adopted in 2001. This included a focus group made up of citizens with a pilot program. Immediately there were system-wide changes involving education and evaluation. There have been several presentations at Council, this one today at this committee and later today at the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board meeting. Focus Group included 10 members and City of Denton staff. They reviewed documents and supplemental information including safety data sheets and drafted a new document. The pilot site was a single site that had an organic maintenance program. This program was recommended by Howard Garrett, Dirt Doctor. Staff has consulted with Garrett and through those DocuSign Envelope ID: FE7B00CC-60C0-4B91-857D-59C06AE62B41 discussions; Denia Park was identified as the pilot park because of the diverse amenities and outdoor programs. It is an ongoing program, staff is purchasing the organic products. This will last about a year to represent each season, and then it will go back to Council. Key Provisions: The Objective is to provide a holistic, multi-faceted approach to manage pests and the environment that would balance costs, benefits, public health, and environmental quality. Missions and goals were clearly outlined in the IPM Program. The IPM Methodology is carried out by identification of the issue, knowing the objective, action threshold, evaluation and documentation. The IPM Program includes 19 strategies and operational procedures. There are also ten appendix as well. Additional considerations that the focus group looked at was organic maintenance. Organic maintenance was talked about in detail. A supplemental request has been added to the budget for topdressing. Staff wants to reinstitute this topdressing process. Briggs asked why this was stopped. Behrens answered funding. Behrens went on to talk about the second topic in additional considerations which is Glyphosate use. This is a port emergent weed killer that is non-selective. It not only kills the plant that is above the ground, it kills the root as well. There is approximately 100 gallons used on an annual basis in the parks system. Those products are called Ranger Pro and Honcho Plus. That product is used on Class AA, A and B properties. It is also used for landscaping and spot treatments. Briggs asked for examples of AA, A and B properties. Behrens answered AA would be athletic fields, A would be City Hall and B would be other city buildings. Behrens went on to talk about Civic lawsuits in California regarding the weed killer Round Up. Briggs asked if Round Up and the weed killers we use have the same chemical ingredient. Behrens answered it is the same Glyphosate. Behrens added there are currently no changes in regulatory status. The information we use comes from the EPA. Next steps for the IPM Program include a list of options. Option 1 - Adopt the Proposed updated IPM program. Option 2(a) - Adopt the alternative IPM program excluding glyphosate with increased fertilization. This would improve the health of the turf; grass growth naturally inhibits weed growth. Briggs asked to define a weed. Behrens answered any plant that crowds out cultivated and natural plants. A common one is ragweed. Russell Koch spoke about additional weeds such as lawn bur weedsand stated that a weed is also an undesired plant among desired plants. Behrens shared the impacts including the additional cost for maintenance. Briggs asked what kinds of fertilizer is used. Koch answered it depends on the soil type. Normally a 3-2-1 ratio is used, during the summer months normally use straight nitrogen with iron and micro nutrients. Behrens then talked about the next option. DocuSign Envelope ID: FE7B00CC-60C0-4B91-857D-59C06AE62B41 Option 2 (b) - Adopt the alternative IPM program excluding glyphosate; no additional fertilization. The impacts and costs were also shown. Option 3 - Adopt a combination of the programs (A) Limit use of glyphosate to specific areas (B) Phase in the discontinued use The impacts of this option was also shared. Briggs asked if the Committee had a recommendation. Behrens answered the general consensus was that glyphosate is a concern and there is a concern of the conflicting information regarding this chemical. There is a desire to eliminate glyphosate but also a desire to maintain the same level of parks system. Behrens stated the consensus was a phased in approach. Ryan spoke he likes the phased out approach and then asked what substitute is used. Koch answered and gave names of the substitutions. Behrens added there are several different organic approaches being tested out in Denia Park. Briggs stated she is for option 2 a or b, to stop using them all together. There are over 2,000 acres in the City of Denton that is impacted. She does not believe it works well with Denton being a bee city and a butterfly city. Ryan added he is interested in hearing what the Parks Board has to say which will be the afternoon. Tomorrow this will be presented to Council as well. Behrens thanked the Focus Group for their work. E. COE19-021 - ACM Update: 1. Update Sustainability, Recycling, and Learn 2 Conserve events 2. Matrix CONCLUDING ITEMS Under Section 551.042 of the Texas Open Meetings Act, respond to inquiries from the Public Utilities Board or the public with specific factual information or recitation of policy, or accept a proposal to place the matter on the agenda for an upcoming meeting AND Under Section 551.0415 of the Texas Open Meetings Act, provide reports about items of community interest regarding which no action will be taken, to include: expressions of thanks, congratulations, or condolence; information regarding holiday schedules; an honorary or salutary recognition of a public official, public employee, or other citizen; a reminder about an upcoming event organized or sponsored by the governing body; information regarding a social, ceremonial, or community event organized or sponsored by an entity other than the governing body that was attended or is scheduled to be attended by a member of the governing body or an official or employee of the municipality; or an announcement involving an imminent threat to the public health and safety of people in the municipality that has arisen after the posting of the agenda Briggs Recycling video was discussed regarding wet and dry contamination Adjournment: 3:13 pm Approved: 8/5/19 _______________________________ _____________________________________ Keely Briggs, Chair Kim Mankin