Citizens' Environmental Commission

Agenda City of DeKalb Citizen’s Environmental Commission July 3, 2014 4:30PM Annex Conference Room 223 South Fourth Street I. Welcome II. Comments from the Public III. Approval of Agenda IV. Approval of Minutes from June 5, 2014 V. Report from City Liaison: Jennifer Diedrich VI. Report from DeKalb County Health Department Liaison: Christel Springmire VII. Report from DeKalb Park District Liaison VIII. Report from NIU Green Team Liaison: Scott Mooberry IX. Update on Cooperative Effort with NIU Environmental Studies: Melissa Burlingame X. New Business a. City Comments on Proposed Sustainability Plan & Future Actions b. Other Business XI. Date for next meeting (Thursday, August 7, 2014—4:30 PM) ***Note new location – Small Conference Room City Hall XII. Adjournment  City of DeKalb Citizen’s Environmental Commission Minutes of June 5, 2014 The meeting was called to order at 4:34pm. Members present: Bill Oleckno, Melissa Burlingame, Ken Koch, Dan Kenney, and Sharon Skala. Staff: Jennifer Diedrich. Ex Officio Members: Christal Springmire. Approval of Agenda: Melissa Burlingame moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Dan Kenney. Agenda approved by voice vote 5‐0. Approval of Minutes: Dan Kenney moved to approve the May minutes, seconded by Sharon Skala. Approved by voice vote of 5-0. 1. Chair Oleckno called the meeting to order and asked if there was any public comment. There were no news and announcements. 2. New business included discussion of the proposed solar energy ordinance. Chair Oleckno incorporated the comments from commission members into the revised ordinance. Ken Koch moved to approve the ordinance, seconded by Sharon Skala. Jennifer Diedrich noted that the next step would be for the ordinance to go to the Plan Commission and then possibly come back to the Environmental Commission before being sent to the City Council. The ordinance was approved by voice vote of 5-0. 3. The next item of new business was the timetable for the sustainable master plan. There is not a document to review at this point because there are a couple more staff who need to review the plan. The comments from staff will be brought to the July Environmental Commission meeting. From this point forward, TJ Moore will be the primary liaison between the Environmental Commission and the City Board for the sustainable master plan since most of the areas addressed are related to his responsibilities. 4. Bill then started discussion on the other three 2014 goals of the environmental commission: increase education programs for the community; increase cooperation with other groups within the city; and, work on the website. The commission plans to meet with the webmaster to look into how environmental resources can be linked on the City’s current website. Bill will reach out to the other commissions to start collaborating and learning more about what they are doing. Jennifer suggested starting a newsletter to educate the public. 5. Jennifer Diedrich reported that committee agendas and minutes will now be available on the website. The meetings will need to be relocated to the main municipal building in August. 6. Christal Springmire reported that the Household Hazardous Waste collection will be held June 21st from 8-3p. The Zero Waste Task Force is getting ready to wrap up the recommendations to the County Board. 7. Lisa Small was not available to provide a report. 8. Scott Mooberry was not available to provide a report. 9. Melissa Burlingame did not have a report. 10. The date for next meeting will be July 3rd, 2014 at 4:30pm. Jennifer will send an email to be sure that enough people are available to meet on July 3rd. 11. Melissa Burlingame moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:20pm. Ken Koch seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted by Melissa Burlingame Secretary, Environmental Commission To: Environmental Commission CC: Jennifer Diedrich, Economic Development Coordinator From: T. J. Moore, Public Works Director Date: 7/1/2014 Re: Sustainability Plan This memo is intended to provide some comments to the Environmental Commission regarding the Sustainability Plan that has been submitted to the City. Very specific items will be covered by comments imbedded in the draft plan, but the more general topics will be given some detail in this memo. Overall, I think the document needs more detail. There are many of instances that are vague and open to interpretation. I think there is knowledge in those areas and the vague parts can be made clearer. In addition, it is unclear who will complete the steps. It isn’t enough to say “the City”. Staff believes this document needs to be owned fully by the Environmental Commission and that this should be seen as a strategic plan for the commission to accomplish. An individual commission member could be assigned to each task and timeline set up for completion.  Short/Medium/Long Term: Can you define what the term is for each? Short term could be month or years.  Promote: the word “promote” is used throughout the document. It isn’t exactly clear what that means. For example, it could mean production and distribution of educational materials. It could also mean the City provides and incentive or that the City uses its regulatory authority to somehow mandate that something not be sold in the City or that a particular product be used. This definition could change, depending on the goal. Staff is requesting further clarification of “promote” in each goal.  There are items outlined in the plan that are outside the City’s authority. Those should be identified and removed or reworded. In some instances, the City’s involvement is unlikely and could best be accomplished through coordinated efforts of the non‐for‐profit community or possibly the private business sector.  It is often unclear who will perform tasks outlined in the document. I would recommend that this be clearly identified and a timeline be specified for each goal or section. This is an exciting project, but at this point the document is difficult to work with inside the confines of the City. More specifics are needed both for funding and identifying resources for implementation. I look forward to discussing this in more detail at the meeting. Page |2  City of DeKalb Sustainability Plan Prepared by: Citizen Environmental Commission and Sustainability Plan Citizen Task Force Date: April 18, 2014 Introduction According to the United Nations Bruntland Commission of 1983, sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” In short, sustainability is both a philosophy and a practice that seeks to manage finite resources in a way that is both beneficial to current and future generations. It protects, preserves, and restores the natural, social and economic environment so as to enhance life for all. The City of DeKalb Sustainability Plan is designed to put sustainability into practice on a local level. It is a citizen-initiated, forward-looking document with broad-based input from all areas of the community, including professionals from all backgrounds, Northern Illinois University students and staff, and members of the religious community. The plan is meant to be a living, dynamic guide to aid policy makers, organizations, businesses, and residents in making the City a more vibrant, resilient, and sustainable community that provides a high quality of life for current and future residents. Because of its dynamic nature, the plan can be adjusted as needed and is reviewed regularly by the Citizen Environmental Commission to assure it is always up to date. Our Mission It is the intention of the Citizen Environmental Commission to provide a guide of sustainable goals, actions, and practices that will preserve, restore, and develop all of DeKalb's vital community resources, thereby enhancing the quality of life for present and future generations Background/ Process 1  The process of creating a sustainability plan for DeKalb began with a public forum in October of 2011. Over forty citizens attended a presentation by the Elgin Sustainability Coordinator, who shared the process the City of Elgin followed in the creation of their Sustainability Plan. After the public forum a proposal for the creation of a City of DeKalb Sustainability plan was brought forward by a commissioner of the DeKalb Citizen Environmental Commission. The commission voted to create a plan and the commission assigned a citizen task force to create a draft and bring it back to the full commission for final drafting and approval. The Sustainability Plan Task Force was created and held its first meeting in April of 2012. One of the first actions of the task force was to interview members of city staff in all departments, members of the business community, local citizens, Northern Illinois University students and staff, and leaders of the DeKalb Park and school districts. An article was published in the local newspaper announcing the creation of the task force and inviting interested citizens to participate in the creation of the plan. Three members of the Citizen Environmental Commission and twenty citizens started work on the plan. The group divided up into working groups with each group focusing on a specific area of the City's environment. The convener of the task force reported monthly to the full commission. Also links to the draft in its formation were sent to the entire commission soliciting input from the beginning of the process. The first completed draft was presented to the full commission for input at the March 2014 meeting. Feedback given at the meeting was taken back to the task force and adjustments were made to the document. The draft was then sent to the commission for further comment. A revised draft was then submitted to the full commission for approval. This draft was then further edited and submitted to City staff for additional comments and recommendations. The full plan was then placed on the City of DeKalb website for public review. An open public forum was held in May of 2014 for additional public input. Final adjustments were then made to the document. The final draft was voted on in May by the Citizen Environmental Commission and presented to the City Council for final review and approval. Commented [TJM1]: This has not occurred yet. Areas Covered In the Sustainability Plan  City Operations  Air Quality  Green Economy Development  Alternative Energy  Food Security and Healthy Living 2   Natural Environment  Housing and Urban Design  Solid Waste  Transportation  Water Resources Each area lists goals prioritized according to recommended short, medium, and long-term completion times. It is expected that the goals of the document will be revisited on a regular basis, updated in accordance with priorities completed and adjusted to accommodate new goals that may arise. City Operations Goal 1: Improve communication of environmental policies to City staff, local residents, and business owners. Actions Short Term a. Implement a practical mechanism for communicating environmental policies and expectations to City employees. Long Term b. Seek funding to hire and/or appoint a City employee to manage environmental policies. Commented [DJ2]: Identify funding source. Currently there is a priority on public safety. Goal 2: Increase usage of sustainable practices in City-owned and operated facilities. Actions Short Term a. Reduce the use of paper at all levels of operations. Use best practices for “green” printing and print in minimal font type, such as Garamond. b. Store documents electronically instead of in paper form wherever feasible. 3 Medium Term c. Take steps to join a green purchasing Network. Bubble (A green purchasing network is a network of buyers dedicated to socially responsible and environmentally sustainable purchasing.) d. Use no or low VOC paints and adhesives. Bubble (Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain Commented [TJM3]: Bubble? solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals some of which may have short and long term adverse health effects.) e. Use “green” cleaning products and reusable cloths for cleaning. Commented [DJ4]: Should this requirement be added to RFP’s? Goal 3: Improve fuel efficiency in all City-owned and operated vehicles. Actions Short Term a. City staff will follow a “no-idling” policy for City owned vehicles. Commented [TJM5]: This should be modified to say non-public safety vehicles. Response vehicles in the PD and FD should be exempt. Bubble (Idling is running an engine that is powering a vehicle when it is not moving. Idle reduction is a rapidly growing trend in the U.S. federal, state, and local fleet policies. Each year idling uses up several billion gallons of fuel and contributes significantly to the transportation sector’s portion of yearly greenhouse gas emissions. ) Long Term b. Replace City vehicles and machines with sustainable, fuel-efficient alternatives. Commented [DJ6]: Funding source? Goal 4: Identify improvements needed and steps required to increase energy efficiency in City owned buildings and other facilities. Actions Short Term a. Conduct an energy audit to establish a baseline of energy use by City Commented [DJ7]: This has already been partially completed. departments. The audit should include measuring the current energy use The Police Department Building is in compliance. 4  from alternative sources, publishing the data before and after each energy audit for City government buildings, and updating energy conservation measures taken in annual state of the City reports. b. Adopt high efficiency lighting standards for all new publicly-funded construction. Commented [DJ8]: Should City Hall specifically be included? Medium Term c. Analyze each capital improvement project to ensure that the most cost Commented [DJ9]: Identify staff to complete effective and environmentally sound energy conservation measures Commented [TJM10]: Define further please possible are included. d. Take steps to conserve energy and water use in City-owned facilities by emphasizing the use of water-conserving plumbing fixtures, electronic thermostats, and motion-sensor lighting in all City buildings. Long Term e. Invest in alternative and renewable energies and create policies to curb energy consumption in all areas of City operations. Air Quality Goal 5: Enhance Air Quality within the City of DeKalb Actions Short Term a. Promote residential use of high (premium) efficiency stoves, furnaces, and Commented [TJM11]: Definition of “promote” needed; identify staff to complete fireplaces. b. Evaluate the feasibility of an ordinance that bans smoking in outdoor public locations, such as restaurant patios, etc. c. Consider the passage of a city-wide ordinance which prevents unnecessary vehicle idling. Commented [DJ12]: Enforcement very challenging and not necessarily practical. Could possibly promote and encourage commercial vehicles to idle less. Long Term d. Encourage and implement the necessary infrastructure that leads to and makes use of cleaner fuels, i.e. compressed natural gas (CNG), biodiesel, ethanol, etc. 5  Bubble (Compressed natural gas is methane stored at high pressure and can be Commented [DJ13]: Availability? Cost? used in place of gasoline, diesel, and propane.) Green Economy Development Bubble – (Green economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities) Goal 6: Improve the Sustainable Economy in DeKalb. Actions Short Term a. Recruit and promote businesses engaged in the green economy, such as solar energy, alternative fuels, and others. Bubble - The City can work with partners like the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, Illinois Green Business Association, and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to develop promotion and recruitment tools to effectively target companies that are involved in the green economy. b. Promote local businesses and institutions that are taking steps to become environmentally friendly. Build awareness about opportunities in the local green economy by highlighting the actions taken by local businesses to implement environmentally responsible policies. c. Work with the Citizen Environmental Commission and other applicable groups on sustainability issues to create a DeKalb Businesses Going Green Award and implement a “Green Leaf” program that would involve residents selecting and ranking local businesses for their green practices. Medium Term d. Promote forums for local community businesses to share periodically the measures they are taking to become more environmentally conscious in their operations. Commented [TJM14]: Identify who would complete this task. Staff? Environmental Commission? Long Term 6  e. Build a digital information hub to provide resources for job seekers and Commented [DJ15]: Identify who would complete this task. How should this be implemented? employers, as well as training and grant opportunities in the green economy. Alternative Energy Goal 7: Promote, adopt policies, and provide resources and incentives to increase energy efficiency and the use of alternative energy city-wide. Actions Short Term a. Provide through public forums, presentations, the City website, and government access television information about energy audit processes for homes and businesses, and encourage home and business owners to have energy audits. Provide resources for property owners about energy efficiency and savings. Medium Term b. Collaborate with the Citizen Environmental Commission and other relevant groups to provide educational materials, resources, and learning opportunities about alternative and renewable energy for residents and businesses. Long Term c. Encourage residents and businesses to increase use of renewable energy. Food Security and Healthy Living Goal 8: Support adequate food security for all residents of DeKalb and ensure all residents have access to healthy food. Actions Short Term 7  a. Promote, support, and encourage better connections between local farmers and the businesses within the City. Increase communication between the County, the City, and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce to meet this end. Commented [TJM16]: Should the Farm bureau or U of I Ag outreach be added? b. Continue support for existing community gardens and collaborate with DeKalb County Community Gardens (DCCG) to locate and establish more gardens on vacant City-owned property. c. Develop a process and procedures for using other City-owned areas, such as planters and parkways, for the planting of fruit and nut trees, or other Commented [TJM17]: This idea can be problematic both practically and from a liability perspective. food production as is appropriate to the space. Medium Term d. Work toward ordinances and zoning changes that promote food security, Commented [TJM18]: What is food security and how are we lacking in it? taking into consideration the rights of citizens to access food security for themselves and their families without infringing on the rights of others. e. Work in partnership with local food providers and agencies to identify and develop strategies for eliminating food insecure areas and “food deserts” Commented [TJM19]: Include a link to the map showing where food deserts exist and emphasize that it is more than just the lack of inside DeKalb. any food, but instead a lack of specific fresh foods. Bubble – (A food desert is a geographic area where affordable & healthy food is difficult to obtain, particularly for those without access to an automobile) f. Provide information to the public regarding seed gathering and seed exchange networks. Provide education and encourage the use of non- GMO foods in local and residential gardens and markets. Long Term g. Explore the development of a regional food hub, commercial kitchen and processing facility in DeKalb. Commented [DJ20]: Add: Partner with existing food banks and Feed ‘Em Soup? Goal 9: Take measures to enhance the health and well-being of all citizens through community education. Actions Short Term a. In partnership with the Citizen Environmental Commission, create a central page on the City of DeKalb's website that serves as a collection for 8  all “green related” information and resources. Link to the DeKalb County “Go Green” website. b. In partnership with Live Healthy DeKalb County, promote community- based education on nutrition and healthy food preparation by posting videos of fresh food preparation and cooking on the local City Government access channel. Commented [DJ21]: Suggestion – add: Partner with culinary school at Kish/Park District. Invite guest chefs Natural Environment Goal 10: Promote the restoration and preservation of natural environments in DeKalb. Actions Short Term a. Provide information to private property owners regarding incentives and Commented [TJM22]: Identify who would design informational pieces and complete task. educational programs focused on habitat preservation and restoration. Medium Term b. Establish appropriate vegetative buffers with native plants on public lands Commented [TJM23]: This item is challenging as some of the land is controlled by the Army Corp of Engineers that prohibit adjacent to the Kishwaukee River and other local bodies of water. vegetation on levys. However, this could potentially in other areas depending on who owns the property. Bubble (Vegetative buffers are areas of land maintained in permanent vegetation that helps control air, soil, and water quality, along with other environmental problems. Also called buffer strips, these buffers trap sediment and can enhance filtration of nutrients and pesticides by slowing down runoff that could enter the local surface waters.) Goal 11: Promote community education regarding the benefits of natural environments and their conservation and protection. Actions Short Term a. Promote programs informing residents of the benefits of using native Commented [TJM24]: Identify specific programs and who would complete the task. plants in landscaping, reducing fertilizers and pesticides, and other lawn chemicals. Medium Term 9  b. Present community information on the impacts of run-off from washing cars at home. Commented [TJM25]: Staff have concerns about run off from fertilizers and pesticides and good chemical storage techniques. Long Term c. Promote a conservation for the home and lawn program. Bubble – (Backyard conservation shows how conservation practices that help conserve and improve natural resources on agricultural land across the country can be adapted for use around the home. These practices help the environment and can make yards more attractive and enjoyable. Most backyard conservation practices are easy to use. America's farmers and ranchers have been using these practices successfully for decades.) Commented [DJ26]: Identify who would implement this task and provide more specifics on program. Housing and Urban Design Goal 12: Develop residential zoning, building codes and ordinances for new and existing buildings to increase energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Bubble (Buildings are one of the heaviest consumers of natural resources and account for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings use 40% of raw materials globally and represent 73% of U.S. electricity consumption. To counter the negative effects of construction, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems promote the design and construction of buildings that emphasize environmental sustainability. Illinois is one of the top ten states registered and certified as a LEED locale as of June 2012, DeKalb should adopt guidelines that support sustainable construction. ) Commented [TJM27]: How would we support? Incentives? Regulatory authority? Education? Actions Short Term a. Follow the 2013 recommendations made to the City by America in Bloom Commented [DJ28]: List recommendations judges. These recommendations will promote beautification of commercial, residential, and industrial areas of the City. b. Investigate the development of codes for new developments that surpasses the 2012 State of Illinois Energy Code. This can be accomplished by encouraging standards equivalent to LEED certification and R standards. Commented [DJ29]: May already be addressed in building code updates Medium Term 10  c. Promote sustainable property maintenance practices. Commented [DJ30]: Identify who should implement and provide more specific information as to how this should be promoted. d. Encourage the planting of more native trees than current codes require. Commented [DJ31]: Amount or diversity of species or both? e. Encourage developers to use ‘linked development’ that connects new residential or commercial development projects to either a housing or commercial redevelopment project in an older neighborhood. f. Promote the use of permeable paving in commercial parking and Deleted: Institute zoning requirements pedestrian areas, as well as encourage its use in residential driveways. g. Expand mixed-use development to require both local shopping and commerce in subdivisions to reduce automobile use. Bubble –(Mixed-use development is a development that combines two or more different types of land uses, such as residential, commercial, employment, and entertainment uses, in close proximity.) h. Implement a system that requires future housing developments to be of increased density where appropriate, and encourage the developer to Commented [TJM33]: This is challenging. include more environmentally-friendly features in homes. Commented [DJ34]: While staff understands the reasoning behind this recommendation, it is not consistent with current densities supported at the Council level. The City’s comprehensive i. Encourage adaptive reuse of housing rather than new housing plan has within its recommendations a density threshold of 12 dwelling units per acre. This would not meet the current development. recommendation within the sustainability plan. More education of public and policy makers may be needed. Long Term Commented [TJM35]: Please provide examples or techniques. Further definition required. j. Establish a permitting process and encourage the construction of private “greywater” and rainwater systems. Commented [TJM36]: Could sanitary effluent by piped/pumped to other locations? They would be the biggest source of grey-water in town. Bubble- (Greywater is wastewater generated from hand basins, showers, and baths.) k. When feasible consider ordinances which provide tax incentives and/or Commented [TJM37]: Further define tax incentives other incentives for builders and developers who choose to follow LEED specifications. Deleted: , even if they opt to not seek LEED certification. Solid Waste Goal 13: Promote a zero-waste policy for the City of DeKalb, and align and coordinate the City guidelines and policies with any County zero solid waste ordinance or solid waste plan. 11 Actions Short Term a. Adopt a policy that promotes deconstruction, as opposed to demolition, of any buildings public or private. Emphasize reuse and re-purposing of as much material as possible. Medium Term b. Initiate a “waste to profit” program, matching undervalued waste or by- Commented [DJ38]: Entrepreneurial not governmental in nature. product streams from one facility with a user at another facility. This creates new revenue, savings, and environmental protection. Long Term c. Investigate the potential for a permanent central recycling facility for non- curbside recyclable material as well as a composting facility in cooperation Commented [TJM39]: Please provide more information on this recommendation. with DeKalb County. d. Promote and provide support for recycling capabilities at apartment buildings and complexes. Commented [TJM40]: Identify how this should be implemented and who should complete this task. Commented [DJ41]: Contamination risks? e. Require a surety bond for new commercial or industrial developments Commented [TJM42]: What is the surety bond meant to involving potentially hazardous materials. accomplish? Transportation Goal 14: Integrate alternative means of transportation within the City. Actions Short Term a. Increase frequency of shuttles between DeKalb-NIU and the existing Elburn Metra Station. Medium Term b. Improve connectivity of existing bike paths and pedestrian walkways, including widened walkways, which accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. Also, secure pedestrian and bicycle paths to improve safety Commented [TJM43]: There should be a mention of a and sense of security. “complete streets” program. Should engineering standards be changed to enforce the changes to the street profile? 12  c. Expand bus routes to areas that are currently not being served. d. Require new development and re-development to include networks and infrastructure in the area to provide alternate transportation. e. Establish better integration of the existing Huskie line and TransVac systems. f. Work with DeKalb-Sycamore Area Transportation Study (DSATS) to increase bike paths between DeKalb and other communities, such as Cortland and Malta. Long Term g. Support further extension of the Metra Train Lines. Goal 15: Promote transportation efficiency and alternate forms of transportation. Actions Short Term a. Provide preferred parking for energy efficient vehicles and vehicles that Commented [DJ44]: Define energy efficient and identify which vehicles would be compliant. use primarily renewable energy sources. Commented [TJM45]: Add after sources“where appropriate”. b. Install more bike racks City-wide and on buses. c. Allow for the addition of bike lanes when street expansion projects occur. d. Continue to monitor and adjust for improved traffic light synchronization. Commented [DJ46]: DSATS study/signal project FY17 Medium Term e. Establish a city-wide bike sharing program in partnership with Northern Illinois University. Commented [DJ47]: Due diligence required to find right model f. In collaboration with Northern Illinois University create an on-line transportation hub that facilitates connectivity for ride sharing, car sharing, etc. Long Term g. Build fueling stations for vehicles powered by renewable fuels. Commented [TJM48]: Should the city do this or promote from private vendors? 13  h. Implement environmentally friendly practices with new construction, including permeable pavements and bioswales to control contaminant runoff. Commented [TJM49]: Duplicate from above; condense with prior goal. i. Consider and include life-cycle costs of pavement materials. Bubble (Whole-life, or life-cycle (LCC), refers to the total cost of ownership over the life of an asset. This is also commonly referred to as “cradle-to-grave” or “womb-to-tomb” costs. Costs considered include the financial costs, but also the environmental and social costs.) j. Increase free flow traffic conditions. Commented [TJM50]: More specific information required as to how this should be defined and implemented. Bubble (Free Flow traffic conditions are when traffic moves continuously without unnecessary stopping time. ) Water Resources Goal 16: Increase water conservation within the City of DeKalb Actions Short Term a. Promote educational opportunities encouraging water conservation. Medium Term b. Collaborate with the DeKalb Sanitary District to study the potential for reclamation of effluent from the existing treatment facility. Commented [DJ51]: Definition needed. Does this enter the river? Commented [TJM52]: Possible grey water opportunity here. Long Term c. Evaluate the feasibility of creating a non-potable water distribution system throughout the City or portions of the City. Commented [TJM53]: This should be directed towards heavy non-potable users. Bubble- (Non-potable water use reduces potable water demands and the need for additional supply facilities.) d. Evaluate the possibility of requiring the construction of a non-potable facility in conjunction with new commercial and/or residential development. Commented [DJ54]: Unfathomably expensive. Identify who should fund and implement. Identify potential funding sources. Goal 17: Identify and increase future water supply sources. 14 Actions Medium Term a. Investigate increased use of shallow aquifers for potential reduced energy Commented [TJM55]: More discussion needed. No deep aquifers? While they are more expensive to drill, they have a lesser and waste streams that may result. impact on surrounding users. Commented [DJ56]: Further definition required b. Investigate distant surface water sources as possible supply alternatives or supplemental sources of drinking water. Commented [DJ57]: Not feasible c. Evaluate the environmental impact of radiological wastes generated from existing deep well operations. Commented [DJ58]: Water is already treated for radium per EPA requirements Long Term d. Cooperate with neighboring communities on future water supply projects to maximize environmental benefits while realizing improved economies of scale. Goal 18: Improve storm water management ordinances and policies to improve water quality and manage water retention. Actions Short Term a. Collaborate with other municipalities and the County on overlapping problems, studies, and recommendations as they relate to storm water management. b. Utilize storm water mapping and watershed projects provided by the County. Commented [DJ59]: For what purpose? Medium Term c. Require private property owners and contractors to manage storm water runoff and soil erosion, minimizing or preventing runoff from residential, agricultural, and/or construction areas. Commented [DJ60]: Already being done Long Term 15 d. Restore water channels and floodplains on government-owned property. Commented [TJM61]: Please identify a specific property. Provide education and incentives to private property owners to do the same in order to control storm water runoff. 16