San Diego Environment Committee Meeting - September 15, 2022

The Environment Committee of the San Diego City Council met on September 15, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. The meeting was conducted via teleconference due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. The committee considered a consent agenda item, a discussion item on a public power feasibility study contract, and received an informational presentation on the 2021 Multiple Species Conservation Program annual report. Public comments were heard on all items, with a notable presentation from High Tech High students advocating for wetland restoration in Mission Bay.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (July 21, 2022): The committee approved the minutes of the July 21, 2022 meeting by a 3-0 vote (motion by Councilmember Campillo, second by Councilmember Campbell).
• Item 1: Agreement with CDM Smith Inc. for Public Utilities Integrated Master Plan (H2125885): The committee approved the consent agenda, including this contract, with a 3-0 vote. The contract is for preparation of an integrated master plan for the Public Utilities Department. A public commenter noted that the company had prior violations of the city's equal opportunity ordinance, but the city reported that the contract met the voluntary 20% SLBE/ELBE goal (25% achieved).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agenda Public Comments: Multiple speakers addressed the committee, including:

  • High Tech High Students (9 speakers): All urged the committee to support the "wildest" wetland restoration plan for the northeast corner of Mission Bay. They cited benefits such as improved water quality, carbon sequestration, habitat creation (315 total acres of habitat, 227 new acres of wetlands), cost-effectiveness ($62.2 million, lowest cost per acre), and support from the San Diego Audubon Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other organizations. They emphasized the urgency of climate action and the need to restore the Kendall-Frost Marsh for native species like the endangered Ridgeway Rail.
  • Andrew Meyer (San Diego Audubon Society): Echoed student comments, highlighted the city's Climate Action Plan goal of 350 acres of wetlands by 2035, and encouraged the committee to empower indigenous communities in the rewilding process.
  • Lori Saldania (retired Assemblymember): Commented on the need for a heat officer and noted deaths among unsheltered individuals in coastal areas during heat waves.
  • Becky Rapp, John Botaroff, Suzanne Hume (Clean Earth for Kids): Urged the city to regulate marijuana cultivation for environmental harms, ban wood-burning fires, stop smoking in multi-unit housing, and eliminate synthetic pesticides/fertilizers.
  • Nathan Brennan (Sierra Club Seal Society): Requested closure of an unpermitted gate at La Jolla Cove to protect bluffs and marine mammals, and cessation of biocide spraying.
  • Mitch Silverstein (Surfrider Foundation): Urged reintroduction of the single-use plastic reduction ordinance to ban polystyrene.
  • Joyce Signata: Commented on stormwater drainage issues.
  • Judy Strange and Kathleen Lippett: Raised concerns about environmental damage from marijuana cultivation.

• Public Comment on Item 1 (Consent): Lori Saldania highlighted the company's lack of diversity in workforce categories (African American, Latino, Asian, female) and urged the committee to consider such issues.

• Public Comment on Item 2 (Public Power Feasibility Study):

  • Jay Powell (in person): Expressed support for the study but urged the city to establish a citizen oversight task force and ensure stakeholder engagement.
  • Sonia Robinson (Protect Our Communities Foundation): Supported the contract with New Gen Strategies and urged creation of a public power oversight task force.
  • Serena Pelka (Climate Action Campaign): Supported the study, emphasized public engagement, and criticized SDG&E for high rates and fossil fuel reliance.
  • Lori Saldania: Noted New Gen's past work but urged the city to maintain diversity standards and fully appoint the Sustainable Energy Advisory Board.
  • Joyce Lane (San Diego 350): Supported the study and called for a fossil-free future.

• Public Comment on Item 3 (MSCP Annual Report):

  • Lori Saldania: Praised the history of the MSCP and urged the city to hire arborists to manage native trees.
  • Suzanne Hume and John Botaroff (Clean Earth for Kids): Expressed concerns about synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and synthetic turf, urging the city to adopt non-toxic integrated pest management and ban plastic grass.

Discussion Items

• Item 2: Public Power Feasibility Study Consultant Contract Award:

  • Heather Werner (Sustainability & Mobility Department) presented the item. The recommended approval is for a five-year contract with New Gen Strategies and Solutions, LLC (with team members Bell Burnett & Associates and Siemens Power Technologies International) for up to $3 million. The study will assess the feasibility of municipalizing electric and gas services (public power) in San Diego. The scope includes a process map, timeline, financial analysis, and organizational structures. The first phase (costing $400,000 from the FY23 budget) is expected to be completed by the end of the fiscal year. The contract value is designed to allow for a full system appraisal without requiring council approval for amendments.
  • Committee members expressed support. Councilmember Campillo and Chair LaCava noted the importance of the study, which was a corollary to the 2021 SDG&E franchise agreement. Discussion included the need for public engagement; staff indicated that a formal stakeholder group (e.g., a task force or advisory board) could be formed after the first phase provides tangible materials for review, possibly in spring 2023. The motion to approve the staff recommendation passed unanimously (3-0).

• Item 3: Habitat Conservation Planning – MSCP 2021 Annual Report (Information Only):

  • Staff from Planning and Park & Recreation departments presented the report. The MSCP covers 206,000 acres, with a Multi-Habitat Planning Area (MHPA) of 57,100 acres, of which 52,727 acres must be conserved by 2047. As of 2021, 97% of the conservation goal (51,300 acres) has been met or obligated. In 2021, habitat gain was 238 acres (140 inside MHPA, 93 outside), habitat loss was 212 acres (23 inside MHPA, 189 outside). The city maintains over 40,000 acres of public open space. Management activities in 2021 included 106 signs installed, 746 linear feet of fence repair, over 109,000 linear feet of trail maintenance, 4.5 acres of habitat restoration, 16 acres of invasive weed control, 60 pounds of native seed installed, and 2,900 native plants installed. 162 homeless encampments were removed. The city uses interactive GIS maps (Biodiverse SD) for public access. Future plans include a Citywide Trails Master Plan (by fiscal year 2025) and a Coastal Resiliency Master Plan.
  • Committee members asked about the status of obligated lands (15,000 acres of cornerstone lands outside city boundaries) and trail management. Staff noted ongoing coordination with wildlife agencies and the need for more resources for trail enforcement. Committee members expressed appreciation for the progress.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved (3-0).
• Item 2 (Public Power Feasibility Study): Approved (3-0). The contract with New Gen Strategies and Solutions, LLC is awarded. The first phase report is expected by end of fiscal year 2023. Public engagement opportunities will be developed.
• Item 3 (MSCP Annual Report): Received as information. No vote required.
• Next Meeting: The committee adjourned until October 13, 2022, at 1:00 p.m.