01-20-09 Item 5South Miami
All- Amefica My
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INCORPORATE �
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER.
INTER- OFFICE MEMORANDUM toot
To: The Honorable Mayor Feliu and Members of the City Commission
Via: Ajibola Balogun, City Manager ..-�
From: Sanford A. Youkilis, Acting Planning Direct O
Date: January 20 2009 ITEM NO.
Dat ary ,
SUBJECT:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA ADOPTING A PROPOSED WORK PROGRAM
PREPARED BY THE GREEN TASK FORCE WHICH WILL RESULT IN THE CITY OF
SOUTH MIAMI BECOMING CARBON - NEUTRAL BY 2030; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
SUMMARY BACKGROUND
At its January 8, 2008 meeting the City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 01 -08 -1936
creating a seven member Green Task Force. The ordinance assigned several duties to this Task
Force which are listed on p.2 of the attached ordinance. During the year 2008 the Task Force met
15 times and with the assistance of Planning Department staff prepared a formal work program
for the consideration by the City Commission. The work program sets forth six initiatives that, if
implemented, would make the City carbon neutral by the year 2030.
Special attention should be given to the first initiative, entitled "The Green Cities Initiative ". This
is a program intended to help local governments reduce their environmental impact through an
audit of their operations and implementation of policies which will reduce their operation's
impact on the environment. The program can be implemented immediately through a unique
agreement with Florida International University (FIU) faculty. A graduate level class in
environmental sciences will use the City government of South Miami as a prototype for a
comprehensive sustainability study. The class will examine all of the City's operations and
facilities in order to recommend changes and adjustments which will lead the City government
toward being carbon neutral.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the attached resolution and work program attachment be adopted.
Documentation:
Draft Resolution / Attachment
Ord. 01 -08 -1936
X: \Comm Items\2009 \1 -20 -09 \Green Task Resolution CM Report.doc
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RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA ADOPTING A PROPOSED WORK PROGRAM
PREPARED BY THE GREEN TASK FORCE WHICH WILL RESULT IN THE CITY OF
SOUTH MIAMI BECOMING CARBON - NEUTRAL BY 2030; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, The City of South Miami sits on the frontline of man -made climate change.
over the next century resulting in escalating greenhouse gas emissions which will threaten to
dramatically increase the earth's temperatures and raise sea levels, making Greater Miami one of
the most vulnerable urban areas in the world. If climate change proceeds unmitigated, living in
South Miami will become extremely difficult, if not impossible.
WHEREAS, at the City Commission Meeting on May 15, 2007, the City Administration
presented a report on Green Design initiatives and activities to protect the quality of life in South
Miami, and recommended the establishment of a Green Taskforce. The Green Task Force was
established at the city commission meeting on January 8`h 2008; and
WHEREAS, Governor Charles Christ on July 13, 2007 signed an executive order titled
"Establishing Climate Change Leadership by Example which requires all Florida agencies to
adopt actions consistent with the proposed 1413697; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida on July 1, 2008 adopted HB 697 which updated Florida
State Law Section 163.3177(6)(a -f) which requires local governments to implement policies
that will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, the City of South Miami was informed by the Florida Department of
Community Affairs on August 28, 2008 that the city's Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) is
no longer in compliance with Florida State Law as a result of HB 697, which requires local
governments to account for greenhouse gases in their EAR Report, and Comprehensive Plan.
Non Compliance can lead to sanctions by the state of Florida such as a loss of infrastructure funds
and ineligibility for certain state grants; and
WHEREAS, Grey Read made a presentation on behalf of the Green Task Force on
September 2, 2008 to the City Commission recommending the city implement a Green Agenda
with a goal of reducing greenhouse gases and slowing down the rate of warming in the City of
South Miami; -and
WHEREAS, the top Fortune 500 companies have adopted the use of the Global
Reporting Initiative, which accounts for the economic, social and environmental impacts of their
companies. These companies have adopted this accounting method as a means to remain
competitive in the international marketplace, bring about innovation, mitigate financial risk and to
promote sound investment decisions; and
WHEREAS, many municipalities throughout the nation, both large and small, are
reducing global warming pollutants through programs, such as the . International Council for
Local Environmental Initiatives' (ICLEI), that provide economic and quality of life benefits such
as reduced energy bills, green space preservation, air quality improvements, reduced traffic
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3 congestion, improved transportation choices, and economic development and job creation through
4 energy conservation and new energy technologies; and
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6 WHEREAS, Horace Feliu, the Mayor of South Miami signed the US Mayors' Climate
7 Protection Agreement under which South Miami agreed to strive to meet.or beat the Kyoto
8 Protocol targets, through actions ranging from anti - sprawl land -use policies to urban forest
9 restoration projects to public information campaigns.
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II NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND THE
12 CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA:
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14 Section 1.
15 (a) The City of South Miami commits to a Carbon Neutral Initiative to lead the community by
16 example and to implement policies to eliminate net emission of carbon dioxide and other
17 greenhouse gases by the end of 2030.
18 (b) That through public - private partnerships, the Carbon Neutral Initiative shall feature the City
19 of South Miami as a key stakeholder in a comprehensive community -wide greenhouse gas
20 reduction effort, which shall include institutions, businesses, civic organization, and individual
21 families and residents.
22 (c) The City of South Miami and all of its departments and boards shall coordinate and implement
23 the Carbon Neutral Initiative, insofar as funds, voluntary efforts, or other resources become
24 available, in particular, working to partner with efforts of governments, agencies, institutions and
25 other appropriate public and private organizations in our region, and to track the progress and
26 implementation of the initiative.
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Section 2. The City of South Miami shall progress towards a 2030 Carbon Neutral status by
implementing the initiatives in the following work plan titled Exhibit A, "Carbon Neutral
Initiative Work Plan."
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this _ day of 52009.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Luis R. Figueredo
Nagin Gallop Figueredo, P.A.
Office of City Attorney
APPROVED:
u WISTIM.
COMMISSION VOTE:
Mayor Feliu:
Vice Mayor Beasley:
Commissioner Beckman:
Commissioner Palmer:
Commissioner: Newman
1Lia 66
Jl� �99
Carbon Neutral Initiative Work Plan
The following is a work plan outlining six initiatives the City of South Miami shall
undertake in order to assist the City in progressing towards its goal of becoming carbon
neutral by 2030.
1. Green Cities Initiative
Description:
The Green Cities Initiative is a standard for local governments established by the
Florida Green Building Coalition. The standard is intended to help local
governments reduce their environmental impact through an audit of their
operations and implementation of policies which will reduce their operation's
impact on the environment.
Requirement:
The City of South Miami shall become a certified "Platinum Green City" subject to
approval by the Florida Green Building Commission by obtaining 61% or more of the
"Maximum Applicable Points Total." A list of the applicable points can be found at
http:// www.floridagreenbuilding.org /db/ standards /govs/pdfs /local govt _ref _ ude.pdf
The city shall appoint a liaison to the Florida Green Building Coalition who will
oversee and manage the process.
Timeline:
Beginning: In process
End: Ongoing
2. South Miami Environmental Awareness Public Outreach Program
Description:
The South Miami Environmental Awareness Public Outreach Program shall be a
coordinated media initiative under the purview of the Green Task Force to
increase the public's awareness of the environmental, economic .and social
problems associated with increasing levels of greenhouse gases and climate
change. The intent of the initiative will be to help build political will, through
various media outlets, for the implementation of future initiatives that will assist
the city in becoming Carbon Neutral by 2030. Likewise, the initiative shall help
inform citizens and business leaders of actions they can undertake privately in
order to reduce their energy consumption and overall impact on the environment.
Requirement:
A coordinated media message on behalf of the city through the use of newspapers,
mailings, WebPages, local TV, school sponsored events, municipal events or
competitions.
Timeline:
Beginning: In process
End: Ongoing
3. Tree Planting Initiative .
Description:
The Tree Planting Initiative shall consist of a Tree Planting ordinance as well as a
Tree Planting Fund Ordinance. The ordinance, initiated by a commissioner is
currently being drafted. The goal of these ordinances shall be to increase the tree
coverage in the City of South Miami, establish standards for tree plantings, and
establish standards for the planting of native species of trees or species which
have a high carbon sequestration value.
Requirement:
The City of South Miami shall implement a Tree Planting Ordinance as well as a
Tree Planting Fund Ordinance.
Timeline:
Beginning: In process
End: Ongoing
4. Land Development Code Vision
Description:
The Land Development Code Vision shall be a study by the Zoning Task Force
detailing how the city can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, continue to grow,
while maintaining a competitive and superior quality of life for the citizens of
South Miami. The vision shall be comprised of a series of guidelines/best
practices, both written and visual that can be used by the city. In drafting these
guidelines there shall be an analysis of the efforts that other local governments
have undertaken with similar intentions. Likewise the vision shall also feature an
analysis of the new state planning regulations such as Florida State Law
163.3177(6) (a -f) which requires local governments to implement policies that
will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The Vision shall be used in
coordination with the City's Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code in
order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Requirement:
An analysis of greenhouse gas reduction land use policies that other local
governments have undertaken. An analysis of the new state planning regulations
and their impacts on South Miami's planning efforts. A list of guidelines/best
practices to help assist in an update of South Miami's Comprehensive Plan and
Land use Development Code.
Timeline:
Beginning: Immediately
End: Ongoing
5. LEED Green Building Ordinance and Incentives
Description:
The LEED Green Building/Neighborhood Development Ordinance and Incentives
shall be an ordinance, as defined by the US Green Building Council, providing
incentives for developers to construct or renovate structures to reduce their overall
environmental impact. In concordance with the LEED Ordinance a series of
incentives shall be established to help offset any increase in building costs
associated with the LEED ordinance. Measures that should be considered for use
as incentives include: tax breaks, increased density allowances, increased building
coverage, increased FAR limits, reduced parking requirements, reduced setback
requirements, expedited approval process, reduced processing/permitting fees.
Requirement:
The City of South Miami shall implement a LEED Green Building/Neighborhood
Development Ordinance and it shall be accompanied by a series of incentives to
help offset increases in the cost of construction associated with the ordinances.
Timeline:
Beginning: Within.2 years after passage of the Carbon Neutral Resolution
End: 1 year after commencement of initiative
6. Green Trust Fund
Description:
The Green Trust Fund shall be a revolving fund established by the City of South
Miami for the implementation of renewable energy capital projects, energy
efficiency improvements and other energy conservation efforts that will reduce
the cities overall energy expenses and energy consumption. The money saved
through these efforts shall be reinvested in future projects by collecting the
savings into Green Trust Fund that will be made available to city departments,
businesses, and residents. To execute this initiative the city shall establish a Green
Trust Fund Board whose mission it will be to identify, feasible projects which
offer both financial and energy savings to the .city. After identifying cost effective
measures /projects the board shall make recommendations to the City Commission
for the authorization of funds towards designated projects. Funds should come
from various sources such as Federal /State grants, private donations, bond
initiatives, public /private partnerships, or other public monies. Only projects
which provide both financial and energy savings shall be considered.
Requirement:
The establishment of a Green Trust Fund Board.
Timeline:
Beginning: Immediately
End: Ongoing '
ORDINANCE NO. 01- 0 8 -19 3 6
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, RELATED TO THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
CITY CODE, AMENDING SECTION 2.26.12 ENTITLED "GREEN TASK
FORCE," IN ORDER TO MODIFY THE MEMBERSHIP AND
CHAIRPERSON SELECTION PROCESS; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT;AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, at the City Commission meeting on May 15, 2007, the City
Administration presented a report on Green design initiatives and activities to protect
the quality of life in. South Miami, which report recommended the establishment of a
Green Task Force; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission at its meeting on September 4, 2007,
adopted Ordinance No. 26 -07 -1927 establishing the Green Task Force; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that certain adjustments are required in
the membership of the Task Force and the selection of the Chairperson and Vice -
Chairperson.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND
CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH NIIANII, FLORIDA:
Section 1: That Sec. 2.26.12 of the City of South Miami Code is created to read:
Sec. 2.26.12 Green Task Force.
(a) Created. There is hereby created a Green Task Force for the City. The Task
Force shall consist of seven (7) members: one (1) member from the Environmental
Review and Preservation Board; one (1) from the Planning Board; one (1) from the
Historic Preservation Board; one (1) local developer; and three Q residents
from the City of South Miami. Each of the Boards shall recommend from its
membership a representative to the Mayor and Commission to become a member of
the Green Task Force. The Mayor shall appoint the Board's representatives, the
local developer ands three residents with the. consent of the City Commission.
The members of the Task Force shall annually select a Chairperson and Vice -
Chairperson.
(b)� Staff support. 233 r; T r' e „ � .. � _ of thR
sa c
_ ______ tL-- viog --The City Manager or tis
his/her designee shall serve as the Executive Secretary to the Task Force.
(c) Appointment and terms of members. Members of the Task Force shall be
Page 1 of 3
Ord. No. 01 -08 -1936
appointed by the mayor with advice and consent of the City Commission to two year
terms or until their successor is appointed. The members may serve up to three
consecutive terms. Staggered terms will be implemented with the=24N 2009 Task
Force.
(d) Resignation and Vacancies. If a vacancy occurs on the Task Force for any
reason, the mayor shall nominate a replacement for the unexpired portion of the
term.
(e) Attendance. A member missing three (3) consecutive meetings or five (5) non-
consecutive meetings per calendar year will result in removal from the Task Force.
(f) Quorum. A quorum shall be four (4) members. An affirmative vote of the
majority of the members present shall be required to pass upon any matter the
committee recommends.
(g) Duties. The duties of the Task Force shall include, but are not limited to:
(i)
Development of goals, criteria and strategies for maximizing green
building design and energy and water efficient construction in the
City of South Miami for future residential and' commercial
development consistent with LEED certification standards;
(ii)
Coordination of green building issues and policy development with
City departments;
(iii)
Support for the integration of green building and energy and water
efficient practices into City departments;
(iv)
Coordination of the technical review of the City Tree Master Plan and
participation of the Planning Department in the preparation of
programs and plans that support green design and energy and water
efficient practices as well as cultural and economic policies that
protect our natural resources and quality of life;
(v)
Develop and oversee a green building and energy and water efficient
training program for City departments;
(vi)
Develop potential local incentives to promote LEED certification; and
(vii)
Develop a Green Building Compliance Guide.
(h) Compensation. Task Force shall not receive compensation for their services.
Section 3. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this
ordinance are
hereby repealed_
Page 2 of 3
Ord. No. 01 -08 -1936
Section 4. If any section, clause, sentence, or phrase of this ordinance is for any
reason held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this
holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.
Section 5. This ordinance shall be codified and included in the Code of Ordinances.
Section 6. This ordinance shall take effect immediately at the time of its passage.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 0 day of
TEST:
CITY CLERK
1st Reading: 12/4/07
2nd Reading: 1/8/08
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY 'A Y
)&V4� 1 200
COMMISSION VOTE:
5 -0
Mayor Feliu
Yea
Vice Mayor Wiscombe:
yea
Commissioner Palmer:
Yea
Commissioner Birts:
Yea
Commissioner Beckman:
Yea
XAComm Items\2007 \12 -4-07 \Green Building Task Force Revised Ordinance 11- 15- 07.doc
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