Committee backs bimonthly environmental standing committee to oversee climate plan

The Committee on Committees voted informally to recommend to the full City Council the creation of an environmental standing committee composed of three council members. Staff described the committee’s scope as providing oversight of the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan (CARP), reviewing priority actions and making recommendations to the full council.

Environmental street maintenance staff and committee members discussed cadence options. Joe Yohnner, environmental street maintenance manager, told the panel monthly meetings could be repetitive because CARP items are longer-term and bimonthly or quarterly would likely be sufficient. "My initial thought is monthly might be a little bit too frequent... Bimonthly might be a good frequency," he said. Committee members agreed to propose a bimonthly schedule to the full council, with the option to call special meetings when warranted.

Under the draft plan, mayoral recommendations would fill committee appointments each January, consistent with other standing committees. Staff will present the formal recommendation to the full council at its next opportunity.