Sacramento Environmental Commission Meeting - April 26, 2024

The Sacramento Environmental Commission held its regular meeting on April 26, 2024, at which members were welcomed, new commissioners introduced themselves, and the commission heard annual presentations from the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District and received updates from Sacramento County sustainability staff. The commission also approved its revised mission/vision statement, authorized sending membership invitation letters to two cities, approved corrected minutes from the previous meeting, and discussed commissioner liaison assignments and the scope of the commission's ordinance.

Public Comments

• No members of the public offered comments.

Discussion Items

• Mosquito and Vector Control District Annual Presentation: District Manager Gary Goodman presented an overview of mosquito control operations in Sacramento and Yolo Counties, covering district history, mosquito biology, disease risks (especially West Nile virus), surveillance methods, integrated pest management, invasive mosquito species (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), and emerging techniques such as sterile insect technique (SIT). He emphasized that the district relies on property tax funding (about $7 per $1,000 of property tax), and that 2023 was the worst year for West Nile virus locally since its introduction, with 53 human cases in Sacramento County and 29 in Yolo County. Commissioners asked about funding adequacy, dead bird reporting, tick surveillance (Lyme disease) along the American River, and partnerships with bat programs. Goodman noted that bats are not a significant mosquito control tool and encouraged residents to dump standing water weekly. He also asked the commission for letters of support if needed for future SIT pilot projects.
• Sustainability Manager Update: John Lundgren reported four items: (1) free compost giveaway now available at the Branch Center and Gibson Ranch Park (self-serve); (2) Sacramento County participation in Eco Surf Day on April 21 with nine departments; (3) submission of a Phase 2 CPRG grant application (approx. $94 million) to the EPA for green mobility and carbon farming; and (4) a new podcast (“County Conversations”) now available. He also summarized a recent Board of Supervisors infill workshop and encouraged commissioners to share the podcast.
• Approval of Final Mission/Vision Statement: The commission voted unanimously (roll call vote 9-0) to approve the final revised mission/vision statement after three months of revisions.
• Letters of Invitation to Citrus Heights and Rancho Cordova: The commission voted unanimously (9-0) to send letters inviting these cities to join the commission as member jurisdictions. Discussion noted that adding a city would require amending the ordinance, a process estimated to take 3–6 months, and that a champion on each city council is needed.
• Approval of March 18 Minutes: The minutes were approved with corrections: adding Commissioner Eugene Lee to the header and correcting the spelling of Commissioner Christine Casey’s name. Vote was unanimous (9-0).
• EMD Director’s Report: Director Janae Monasterio provided updates on Earth Day booth activities, free pool and spa training workshops for commercial operators throughout the summer, and a new compliance school program for hazmat facilities (replacing a previous enforcement credit program). She noted that the department’s programs cover all cities countywide and that the new compliance school aims to achieve higher voluntary compliance.
• Commissioner Monitoring of Agencies: The chair noted that a list of agencies for commissioner liaison assignments would be redistributed to new commissioners. Commissioner Richard Hime summarized key points of the SEC ordinance (Chapter 2.135), stating that the commission’s primary purpose is to advise the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and city councils of Sacramento County on environmental protection management programs, and that it has specific duties to assist the Environmental Management Department (EMD). Discussion ensued about whether the commission can directly advise cities that are not member jurisdictions (e.g., Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova); consensus was that such communication should be done cautiously and only after consultation with county counsel on a case-by-case basis.
• Commissioner Comments on Awards Program: Commissioner Christine Casey reported that the awards subcommittee is actively doing outreach using a tracking spreadsheet, and that the commission can nominate or directly submit applications for deserving individuals, businesses, or organizations. The deadline is approaching. Commissioners encouraged attending Earth Day booths to promote the awards.

Key Outcomes

• Mission/Vision Statement: Approved unanimously (9-0).
• Letters of Invitation: Approved unanimously (9-0) to send to Citrus Heights and Rancho Cordova.
• Minutes of March 18, 2024: Approved with corrections (9-0).
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for May 20, 2024 (the following meeting will be in July, as the commission meets quarterly).
• Agency Monitors: The list of liaison agencies will be re-sent to all commissioners for assignment; new commissioners were invited to select agencies of interest.
• Scope Clarification: Commissioners were reminded that direct contact with non-member cities should be reviewed for compliance with the SEC ordinance and may require county counsel input.
• SIT Support: The chair and members offered to provide a letter of support for the mosquito district’s sterile insect technique program if needed.