San Diego Environment Committee Meeting – January 28, 2021

The Environment Committee met virtually on January 28, 2021, chaired by Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, with Vice Chair Marnie Von Wilpert, Councilmember Joe LaCava, and Councilmember Chris Kate (arriving late). The meeting covered a wide range of environmental issues, including the SDG&E franchise bid process, stormwater funding, energy performance contracts, recycling ordinance updates, and committee priorities for 2021. Public comment was extensive on several items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved items 1, 2, and 4 (Mission Trails Park and other routine matters) unanimously (3-0). Items 3 (Pure Water insurance fund) and 7 (microgrid projects) were returned to staff at their request.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-agenda public comment included calls for flood control improvements in District 4, support for the Rewild Mission Bay project, concerns about contractors avoiding city policies, a request for diverse environmental advisory boards, and complaints about stormwater liability issues.
• On Item 10 (SDG&E Franchise): Over 40 speakers. Supporters (e.g., Neighborhood House Association, San Diego Taxpayers Association, Ronald McDonald House, 211 San Diego, Cordova Corporation, Asian Business Association) praised SDG&E’s community partnerships, supplier diversity, and worker safety. Critics (e.g., San Diego 350, Sunrise Movement, Public Power San Diego, Sierra Club, Law Students) argued SDG&E breached the current franchise, failed to pay relocation costs for Pure Water, blocked clean energy, and demanded a public power study. Many urged short-term agreements (≤5 years), a climate equity fund, and separation of gas and electric contracts.
• On Item 5 (Stormwater Funding): 28 speakers. Supporters (e.g., San Diego Audubon, Surfrider, Climate Action Campaign, Building Trades, San Diego Coastkeeper, Chamber of Commerce) backed a 2022 ballot measure, citing flood risks, pollution, and deferred maintenance. Residents from District 4 and 9 described flooding impacts. Some urged green infrastructure and equitable fee structures. Only one speaker, a resident, opposed additional costs.
• On Item 6 (ESPCs): Four speakers (Center for Sustainable Energy, SEAB member, Climate Action Campaign, Chamber, NRDC) supported the code amendment, noting proven model and no upfront costs.
• On Item 8 (Recycling Ordinance): One speaker (California Native Plant Society) raised concerns about compost pathogen spread.
• On Item 9 (Priorities): 14 speakers urged prioritizing the CAP update, environmental advisory board reform, Rewild Mission Bay, Proposition 12 compliance, transit, and climate equity fund.

Discussion Items

• Item 10 – SDG&E Franchise Update (Informational): Mayor’s Policy Director Jessica Lawrence presented the history, current franchise terms (expiring June 2021), and community outreach. Goals include protecting ratepayers, meeting CAP goals, and flexibility. Committee members (Von Wilpert, LaCava, Kate, Elo-Rivera) thanked speakers and stressed transparency, all options (including public power), and need for accountability. No vote; item was informational.
• Item 5 – Stormwater Funding Strategy: Staff presented the funding gap ($274M/year, $1.4B shortfall over 5 years), need for a dedicated source, and plan for a November 2022 ballot measure. IBA and City Auditor supported. Motion by Von Wilpert, seconded by LaCava. Councilmember Kate voted no, citing cumulative costs to residents and high water bills. Motion passed 3-1.
• Item 6 – Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs): Staff proposed amending municipal code to allow streamlined procurement (state code §4217). Nearly 50 city buildings identified for retrofits. Motion by Von Wilpert, seconded by LaCava. Unanimously approved (4-0).
• Item 8 – Recycling Ordinance Amendments: Staff Ken Prue and CalRecycle’s Jill Larner explained alignment with state laws (AB 341, AB 1826) and groundwork for SB 1383. Requires commercial/multifamily recycling of organics and blue-bin materials. Motion by Von Wilpert, seconded by LaCava. Unanimously approved (4-0).
• Item 9 – Environment Committee 2021 Priorities: Chair Elo-Rivera sought input on work plan. Members highlighted franchise agreement, stormwater, CAP update, climate equity fund, wildfire, community power, zero waste, water issues, and board reform. Motion by Von Wilpert, seconded by LaCava. Approved (4-0) to finalize work plan for next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (3-0).
• Stormwater funding strategy and ballot measure exploration approved (3-1).
• ESPC municipal code amendment approved (4-0).
• Recycling ordinance amendments approved (4-0).
• Committee work plan to be developed from member and public input (4-0).
• Items 3 and 7 returned to staff.
• Public comment on Item 10 recorded but no action taken.

The next committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 25, 2021, at 1:00 PM.