Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sustainability Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sustainability board presses city to adopt fleet and building policies; staff flag staffing and funding constraints
Summary
The Sustainability Advisory Board presented consultant recommendations — including a city policy to prioritize electric or alternative-fuel vehicle purchases, sustainable building features for new public works projects, LED conversions and an energy-reporting dashboard — while staff warned data collection and implementation require staff capacity and funding.
At a joint meeting with the Sustainability Advisory Board, councilors reviewed a Parametrics consultant report that recommended a set of practical steps the city could take to reduce municipal greenhouse-gas emissions and prepare for future funding opportunities.
An SAB representative summarized the recommendations: "Develop a policy regarding a purchase of alternative fuel electric or hybrid ... including cost benefit analysis for future purchases," and prioritize sustainable building features and LED conversions in city facilities, the consultant suggested.
Councilors generally supported the proposals in principle but repeated concerns about staffing capacity and costs. Staff said many recommended actions are feasible but will require dedicated staff time or outside funding and suggested the city might begin with low-cost, high-impact steps such as replacing gas-powered landscape equipment with electric when units are retired and tracking LED replacements via purchase orders.
The SAB also proposed exploring an energy-reporting requirement for larger commercial buildings as a future step and recommended the city consider starting a dashboard to track energy and emissions baselines that would position West Linn for future grant opportunities. Council asked staff to return with draft language and implementation options for council consideration at the Oct. 21 work session.
