11-07-2011 CRC RPT 02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Charter Review Committee Meeting: 11 -7 -2011 Item No.: 2 Morton - Ellis, Sherry From: waterscottcoe @gmail.com on behalf of Justin Scott -Coe <jscottcoe @earthlink.net> Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2011 10:46 AM To: Morton - Ellis, Sherry RECEIVED Bacich, Mike Subject: Charter Review Committee NOV 7 2011 Dear City Clerk, City of Riverside City Clerk's Office I am submitting for the public record the following comments which I will make before the Charter Review Committee at its meeting this Monday, November 7th: Comments from Justin Scott -Coe We are proposing a Commission on Sustainability and we thank you for allowing us an opportunity to present what we already believe is a vital component of our community's character. We are asking for its consideration for inclusion in the city's charter. This would make official what has long been a priority of the citizens and government of the city of Riverside... its dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility. As the charter's preamble states, "...we believe in promoting... an inclusive community with shared economic, cultural and environmental prosperity." Since 2005 with the leadership of both the community and elected officials, especially that of Mayor Loveridge, the City has asserted itself as a leader in green and sustainable activities, practices, and operations. In fact, while many communities across the nation struggle with a green action plan, the city is well into is second plan, after completing its first. This accomplishment was recognized by the State of California with its -first ever - Emerald City designation, singling out Riverside as the, "Greenest of the green," to quote the former director of the Department of Conservation. The designation recognizes our multiple efforts in areas ranging from energy and water conservation to transportation, healthy lifestyles and other essential quality of life issues that improve with the implementation of sustainable practices. We have repeatedly been recognized at state, national, and international levels for our innovation, ingenuity, and leadership. Community interest is higher than ever, and after five years, participation in the City's Green Action Committee remains strong. Most recently the emergence of the economic strategic vision for our community, "Seizing our Destiny', made it a point to single out green as a component of economic development. These initiatives have resulted in over 100 awards and millions of dollars in savings while better positioning the city to stand out for economic development and regional priority. Additional accomplishments include: 70% waste diversion, over 4 megawatts of local solar power, a fleet comprised of 90% alternative fuel vehicles, additional bike lanes, and the first in the world in -pipe hydroelectric generator. While these achievements are shared across departments and boards, there's been no official way to glue these diverse interests together in a manner that promotes our best practices and focus on sustainability. The community has a clear intent to further make sustainability practices a way of life ...not only for us ... but as an example for others. We can think of no better way to establish the continued leadership of Green Riverside than to embed it into City Charter, through a Commission to keep a consistent vision of our elected officials, city management, and the community. We ask you to consider making this a priority. Thank you. Thank you. Justin Scott -Coe Member, Riverside Board of Public Utilities