Environment Committee Meeting - October 7, 2021
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Environment Committee Meeting - October 7, 2021
The San Diego City Council Environment Committee met virtually on October 7, 2021, at 9:00 AM. The agenda included approval of prior committee actions, a contract amendment for invasive weed management, an informational presentation on the fiscal impact of the People's Ordinance, and a presentation on land use and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI). Public comments addressed a wide range of topics including LED street lights, cannabis cultivation emissions, building electrification, beach fire rings, library land issues, Ocean Beach vendors, and more.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Committee Actions (July 15, 2021): Moved by Vice Chair Von Wilpert, seconded by Councilmember Kate. Unanimously approved (3-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Non-Agenda Public Comment: Speakers addressed concerns about 4,000K LED street lights (Kathy Hanzel, International Dark Sky Association), environmental pollution from cannabis grows (Carol Green), building electrification and wood-burning fireplaces (John Boderoff, CleanEarth4Kids.org), library land access in College Rolando (Jan Hinsman), reducing VMT and sprawl (Suzanne Hume), Ocean Beach vendor issues and marijuana sales (Peggy Walker), and a long-standing eco-terrorist arson in University City (Louis Rodoliko).
- Item 1 – Black Sage Contract: Public commenters (John Boderoff, Suzanne Hume, Lewis Rotolico, Sally Small) expressed concerns about potential pesticide use, requesting non-chemical methods and emphasizing water quality protection. Lewis Rotolico asked for priority removal of flammable vegetation near infrastructure.
- Item 2 – People’s Ordinance: Fourteen speakers provided comments. Supporters included Michael Zuquet (thanking chair), Luis Montelo Adams (San Diego LGBT Community Center), Kim Knox (League of Women Voters), Laura Menatchell (San Diego Green New Deal Alliance), Jesse Connor (San Diego Firefighters Local 145), Kira Pina O'Laughlin (Center on Policy Initiatives), Bertha Rodriguez (Climate Action Campaign), Ron Askeland (Sierra Club Zero Waste), Sally Small (Emerald Hills), Dana Givitt (question on short-term vacation rentals), Alison Schlick (Surfrider San Diego), Karina Gonzalez (HEC), and Andy Kopp (downtown resident). They urged amending the ordinance to allow a trash fee, citing inequity, environmental benefits, and freeing general fund money. Opponents included Rodney Fowler (retired city refuse collector, worried about fees on limited incomes), Louis Rotolico (argued against privatization and income inequality), and Nicole Remeker (new homeowner concerned about added fees).
- Item 3 – RMI Presentation: Public comments supported infill development (Bertha Rodriguez, Climate Action Campaign) and criticized environmental opposition to road projects and housing in University City (Lewis Rotolico). Jeff Hutter questioned comparisons to Texas cities and noted equity concerns. Dana Gibbett raised the loss of urban canopy due to ADUs.
Discussion Items
- Item 1 – First Amendment to Agreement with Black Sage Environmental Inc.: The Public Utilities Department requested authorization to increase the contract from $1 million to $5 million for invasive weed management, habitat restoration, and grant-funded projects. Staff detailed integrated pest management (hand removal first, possible herbicide use) and the need for specialized licenses. Council Vice Chair Von Wilpert and Councilmember Lukaba expressed concerns about the large increase, workforce size, herbicide use, and whether city staff could do the work. Councilmember Kate highlighted the need for more clarity on costs and methods. A motion to approve passed 3-1 (Von Wilpert yes, Lukaba no, Kate yes, Chair Rivera yes).
- Item 2 – IBA Analysis of People’s Ordinance (Informational): Jordan Moore presented the IBA report, detailing that the city spends $43.2 million from the general fund in FY2022 on refuse collection for certain residents, while others pay privately. The report noted the ordinance’s constraints on zero waste goals and SB 1383 compliance, and estimated $235 million in general fund costs over five years. Councilmembers discussed equity (renters subsidizing homeowners), the need for a ballot measure to allow a fee, potential phase-in options, and the possibility of extending service to multifamily residents. Chair Rivera emphasized the inequity and called for reform. No motion was taken.
- Item 3 – RMI Presentation on Land Use and VMT (Informational): Julia Thane DeMordant, Zach Subin, and Ben Holland presented research showing that building infill housing is the most effective strategy to reduce VMT and greenhouse gas emissions, surpassing electrification alone. They argued that San Diego must reform zoning (e.g., remove parking minimums, allow duplexes/quadplexes) to produce more housing near jobs and transit. Councilmembers discussed the tension between suburban development and VMT goals, the role of electric vehicles, and the need for affordable infill. Vice Chair Von Wilpert noted a recent project in her district with high VMT. Councilmember Locava supported affordable infill near job centers. Councilmember Kate emphasized building everywhere given the housing crisis. No motion was taken.
Key Outcomes
- Item 1 – Black Sage Contract Amendment: Approved (3-1) to authorize the mayor to execute the first amendment increasing the contract to $5 million and to authorize the CFO to expend up to $4 million. Concerns about herbicide use and workforce capacity were noted for future council review.
- Item 2 – People’s Ordinance: Informational only; no vote taken. Chair Rivera indicated commitment to pursuing a ballot measure to amend the ordinance.
- Item 3 – Land Use and VMT: Informational only; no vote taken. The committee acknowledged the importance of infill development and will consider related policies in future CAP updates.
- The next Environment Committee meeting is scheduled for October 21, 2021, at 9:00 AM.
Meeting Transcript
Oh yeah, thank you. Thank you. It's really been a big debate. Princess. I will be snacking out then during this meeting as well. Improved. Thank you. All right, we're done. Meeting's over. It's a great meeting. Yeah. Channy Korn, I'm with you. If you are ready to begin. All right. Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. Per California government code section 5493G, added by Assembly Bill 361, which allows the city to use teleconferencing and to provide the public an opportunity to address the city council committee via a call-in option or an internet-based service option. The committee members will be participating via Zoom, and no members of the public will be in attendance at the meeting in the interest of public health and safety. In addition, this meeting is being televised and live streamed on the city's website. And the committee liaison, Brendan, has made arrangements for the public to comment using the Zoom webinar platform. We appreciate public's cooperation. We will go over the specifics of how to join the webinar and will give details on how the public can offer their public testimony. I will now call the environment committee meeting of July of October 7th, 2021 to order. Vice Chair Von Wilper. Present. Councilmember Lacaba. Present. Each committee member is attending virtually. Also on the virtual meeting are uh we've got the uh independent budget analyst uh and uh Hilda Mendoza from the City Attorney's Office, Randy Wilde of Office, the Office of Mayor Todd Gloria. Um our committee consultant Brendan Dentino will now go over instructions for joining the meeting. The public may view the meeting on public television on City TV channel 24 for Cox Communication and Spectrum or Channel 99 for ATT Uverse or view the meeting online by going to the City Council Committee's homepage at Sandieago.gov and selecting the City TV Live webcast button on the right hand side of the page. The committee meetings will be held virtually using the Zoom webinar webinar platform. Members of the public can offer public comment on items by accessing the Zoom webinar online using a desktop, computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, or by calling into the meeting using a smartphone, cellular phone or landline. The link to join the committee meeting, webinar by computer, tablet, or smartphone is listed on the agenda. To join the Zoom webinar by telephone, you may dial 1669-2545252. When prompted, input webinar ID 160-532-0355 pound. This information is also available on the agenda and will appear on the screen during the public comment period for each item. When the chair introduces the item you would like to comment on, you will raise your hand by either tapping the raise your hand button on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, or by pressing star nine on your phone. You'll be taken in the order in which you raise your hand. You may only speak once on a particular particular item. When I indicate it is your turn to speak, I will call you by your name as it appears on the Zoom webinar attendee list, or I'll read out the last four digits of your last four digits of your phone number if you have called into the meeting. That is how you will know it is your turn to speak. If you have joined the webinar by computer, tablet, or smartphone, you will receive a pop-up notice to select to unmute your device. If you have called into the meeting by cell phone or landline, press star six on your phone to unmute yourself. We will review these instructions briefly again when the public comment period on an item is open. Please wait until the item you wish to speak to has been called before raising your hand to speak. If you raise your hand during a non-comment period, your hand will be lowered. When you are announced as the next speaker, please unmute yourself and offer your comments. Also, please mute the volume on your TV or computer before you begin to speak. Chair.
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