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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.j. Approval of Ordinance establishing an Environment & Sustainability Commission EXECUTIVE SUMMARY City Council Regular Meeting: February 4, 2020 AGENDA ITEM: Approval of Ordinance establishing an Environment & Sustainability Commission AGENDA SECTION: Consent PREPARED BY: Logan Martin, City Administrator AGENDA NO.: 6.j. ATTACHMENTS: Draft Ordinance APPROVED BY: LJM RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to adopt Ordinance-X Establishing an Environment & Sustainability Commission. BACKGROUND The Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Task Force (REST) was first established by the City Council in 2016 in order to advise the City Council on issues related to the environment and sustainability. Since its inception, REST has pursued numerous initiatives and assisted with the creation or further implementation of a number of sustainability focused programs. Notably, the City’s recent involvement with Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy Program, along with the placement of a Green Corps Intern this past summer focused on stormwater, were both successes of REST. The current term of the task force expired on December 31, 2019, and the task force has expressed interest in becoming a full-fledged City Advisory Commission (similar to the Planning, Utility, and other Commissions). At its December 19 regular meeting, the City Council directed staff to develop a draft ordinance formally establishing the Environment & Sustainability Commission. Upon adoption of the attached ordinance, the Commission would begin work in the first quarter of 2020 to update its bylaws and establish a broader foundation upon which to operate going forward. Currently, REST is comprised of the following 7 individuals: Renee Burman, Chair Vanessa Demuth Katherine Koch-Laveen Karen Malkowski Nathan Marks Victoria Schlautman John Smith The terms of these individuals are appropriately staggered to ensure continuity of the group going forward. Any further appointments to the Commission would be completed with the Council’s pre-existing Commission application process that takes place each Spring. The attached ordinance also provides an opportunity for a Youth representative to add diversity to the ESC, which is an idea offered by the current members. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Council approve Ordinance X Establishing an Environment & Sustainability Commission. CITY OF ROSEMOUNT COUNTY OF DAKOTA STATE OF MINNESOTA ORDINANCE NO. ________ AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AN ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMOUNT, MINNESOTA, ORDAINS as follows: Section 1. Title 2 of the Rosemount City Code is amended by adding the following new Chapter 5: Chapter 5 ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION 2-5-1: ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION 2-5-2: ORGANIZATION AND MEETINGS 2-5-3: OATH; COMPENSATION 2-5-4: POWERS AND DUTIES 2-5-1: ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION: An Environment and Sustainability Commission is hereby established for the City. The commission shall consist of up to seven (7) members and one (1) youth member appointed by the City Council. Terms of the members shall be determined in the commission bylaws. 2-5-2: ORGANIZATION AND MEETINGS: The commission shall elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from its members together with such other officers it deems necessary. The commission shall meet at least once a month and shall submit its official meeting minutes to the City Council every month. 2-5-3: OATH; COMPENSATION: Every appointed member shall, before entering upon the discharge of his or her duties, take an oath that he or she will faithfully discharge the duties of the office. Compensation for the members shall be determined by the City Council. 2-5-4: POWERS AND DUTIES: A. Advice and Recommendations: The commission shall have the duty to advise the City Council on issues related to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and opportunities for advancement on those fronts. The commission shall recommend any policies or initiatives to the City Council that enhance and preserve the environment and natural resources. B. Investigate Environmental Opportunities: The commission shall have no power to make contracts, levy taxes, borrow money or condemn property, but shall have the full power and responsibility to investigate needed modification or programs to enhance and preserve the local environment, and to assist the Council in formulating the terms of and the procedure for accomplishing that goal. Section 2. This Ordinance shall be effective following its passage and publication. Adopted this 4th day of February, 2020, by the City Council of the City of Rosemount. ___________________________ William H. Droste, Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________ Erin Fasbender, City Clerk