HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Reso 2013-231 GREEN FOR LIFE RESOLUTION NO. 2013- �J/
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CATHEDRAL CITY, CALIFORNIA CERTIFYING A NEGATIVE
DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND
APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
AND GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY, THE ENERGY ACTION
PLAN, ENERGY BENCHMARKING PRACTICE FOR
MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS, AND COMMISSIONING/RETRO-
COMMISSIONING PRACTICE
WHEREAS, the City of Cathedral City is committed to the long-range goal of
protecting the natural environment, increasing sustainability efforts and
improving overall quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases released into
the atmosphere have been found to have a profound effect on the Earth's
climate and reducing the potential magnitude of climate change may lower its
harmful effects on public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, in September 2006, the State of California adopted the Global
Warming Act of 2006 (AB 32) which created a statewide greenhouse gas
emission requirement and goal to reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020; and
WHEREAS, at the 2009 Coachella Valley Energy Summit all CVAG jurisdictions
signed the Coachella Valley Sustainability Pledge committing all to take
leadership roles and commit to a valley wide effort to ensure the maintenance of
our air quality, encourage sustainable use of resources, and preserve our
environment for future generations through collaboration on regional greenhouse
gas emissions and the promotion of energy efficiency and clean alternative
energy; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cathedral City authorized participation in the Coachella
Valley Association of Government's coordinated application and subsequent
award from Southern California Edison via the California Public Utilities
Commission for a coordinated suite of energy efficiency and sustainability
elements known as Green for Life; and
WHEREAS, the City's elected officials, appointed committees, staff and residents
helped to determine climate action efforts included in the Climate Action Plan
that contain numerous community co-benefits such as utility savings, better air
quality, reduced traffic congestion, local economic development, and improved
quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the City of Cathedral City, as a member of the Desert Cities Energy
Partnership with partners Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Co,
and Imperial Irrigation District joins all CVAG Jurisdictions in a regional effort to
promote energy independence by the adoption and implementation of the
elements contained in this document; and
WHEREAS, the greenhouse gas reduction activities contribute to the
achievement of many of the City's environmental values and is consistent with
the city's environmental programs, including promoting clean and efficient
energy use, commuter trip reduction efforts and other clean air initiatives, solid
waste reduction and recycling; and promoting low-impact economic
development; and
WHEREAS, technologies to promote green building, energy efficiency, and
reduce greenhouse gases will also contribute to the economic vitality of the area
through the development and use of clean technologies and the addition of jobs;
and
WHEREAS, the City shall amend its General Plan to confirm its adoption of this
Climate Action Plan endorsing measures for climate protection and the reduction
of greenhouse gas emissions, noting that the Climate Action Plan and all future
amendments to such plan shall remain in effect and applicable to all
development within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City has prepared an Initial Study and Negative Declaration, in
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State
CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et. seq.,
(CEQA Guidelines); and
WHEREAS, the Planning Manager has determined that said project will not have
a significant effect on the environment and, therefore has prepared a Negative
Declaration; and
WHEREAS, the City provided copies of the document at the Planning
Department for public review; and
WHEREAS, the City published a City Council Public Hearing Notice to adopt the
Initial Study and Negative Declaration in The Desert Sun newspaper on October
11, 2013, and
WHEREAS, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments, if any,
of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said City Council did adopt a
Negative Declaration for the Climate Action Plan subject to the following findings:
1. The record as a whole, including the initial study and any comments
received, demonstrates that no substantial evidence exists that the project
will have a significant effect on the environment;
2. The Negative Declaration reflects the lead agency's independent judgment
and analysis;
3. This project will not individually or cumulatively affect wildlife resources as
defined in Section 711.2 of the California Fish and Game Code; and
4. The City of Cathedral City Planning Department is custodian of the
documents or other material which constitute the record of proceedings
upon which this decision is based.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of
Cathedral City as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct, and constitute the
findings of the City Council.
2. Based on its consideration, the City Council hereby determines that the
adoption of the Green for Life elements is consistent with the provisions of
the General Plan, State law, and is in the public interest.
3. It is also understood that where measures require ordinance or zoning
code amendments further evaluation and analysis will be conducted to
determine adequacy prior to implementation.
4. Adoption includes a Climate Action Plan with accompanying Greenhouse
Gas Inventory and an Energy Action Plan with accompanying
Benchmarking Practice and Commissioning/Retro-Commissioning Practice.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City will pursue the greenhouse gas
emission reduction goals highlighted in the Energy Action Plan for City operations
through City activities and programs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City will pursue the greenhouse gas
emission reduction goals highlighted in the Climate Action Plan for non-City
"community" goals through the various actions and policies as well as
cooperative incentive-based programs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City will monitor and report progress
towards meeting the State's commitment to reduce GHG emissions. Since all
levels of government will continue to monitor, lead and participate in these
broader emission reduction activities, it may be necessary to adjust the measures
described therein as necessary to ensure AB 32 and other related legislation if
fully implemented.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of
Cathedral City, California, at a regular meeting held on this 13" day of November
2013.
Kath -en J. D-asa
Mayo
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ABSENT: .% f G fi/S
ATTEST:
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Gary F. H.' ell
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TS CONTENT:
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Charles R. Green Pat Milos
City Attorney Community Development Director
REVIEWED BY:
Roderick ood, City Manager