Agenda

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AD HOC COMMITTEE ON SUSTAINABILITY

Meeting Date:	02/21/2017
Subject: CONSIDER creation of an additional at-large category on the Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission for Education/Research Institution.
Submitted For:	John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Department:	Conservation & Development
Referral No.:	N/A
Referral Name:	N/A
Presenter:	Jody London, DCD	Contact:	Jody London (925)674-7871

Information

Referral History:

On November 15, 2016, the Board of Supervisors approved the creation of a Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission. The function of the Sustainability Commission will be to:

Provide advice to staff and the Board on successful implementation of the Climate Action Plan, including suggestions on how that work can be performed more efficiently and effectively.
Advise the Board on opportunities to realize equity and fairness across the diverse communities of Contra Costa County in sustainability programs that support the Climate Action Plan.
Provide suggestions to staff and the Board on how to better engage Contra Costa County residents and businesses on sustainability issues and implementation of the Climate Action Plan.

The Sustainability Commission was approved to have ten members, selected as follows:

Five District representatives nominated by individual members of the Board of Supervisors (representatives must be a resident of that district);
Two members representing community groups whose mission includes sustainability and/or environmental issues;
Two members representing commercial groups or organizations whose business focuses on sustainability and/or environmental issues; and
One member representing environmental justice issues and who lives in a disadvantaged community.

The Board directed the Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee to review and interview applicants to the At-Large seats and recommend candidates for those five seats.

Referral Update:

The Department of Conservation and Development advertised the opportunity to serve on the Sustainability Commission from November 28, 2016 through December 23, 2016. Applicants applied through the Clerk of the Board.

35 people applied to serve on the Sustainability Commission. 11 are eligible for seats representing community groups. 8 are eligible for seats representing business. One is eligible for the seat representing environmental justice. Other applicants are eligible for appointment by the Supervisor in whose district they reside.

In reviewing the applications, five applicants work for educational or research institutions. The Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee should consider a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to create an additional seat for one member who is a resident of Contra Costa County and represents an education institution in Contra Costa County or a research institution in Contra Costa or a neighboring County. This will allow more County residents to participate in the Sustainability Commission. It also creates 11 seats, which is desirable for establishing quorum at meetings and in the event of a tie vote.

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

RECOMMEND that the Board of Supervisors create an additional At-Large seat on the Sustainability Commission for one member who is a resident of Contra Costa County and represents an educational institution in Contra Costa County or research institution located in Contra Costa County or a neighboring County.

Fiscal Impact (if any):

There is no fiscal impact.

Attachments
Attachment B - Sustainability Commission Applicants - Summary