STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Environmental & Sustainability
AGENDA DATE: May 24, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
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A public hearing to receive comments and to approve an ordinance amending Chapter 2, “Administration,” of the Dallas City Code by amending Section 2-120; (1) extending the sunset date for the environmental commission; (2) providing a saving clause; (3) providing a severability clause; and (4) providing an effective date - Financing: This action has no cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
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BACKGROUND
The Dallas City Council adopted the Comprehensive Environmental & Climate Action Plan in May 2020 as a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the specific activities that the City plans to undertake to improve quality of life for all residents, to reduce green house gas (GHG) emissions, to prepare communities for the impacts of climate change, and to create a healthier and more prosperous community. The plan proposes 97 actions across eight sectors, and is designed to be revenue neutral, using existing budgets, partnerships and funding mechanisms to support implementation. The suit of actions in the plan has been carefully selected to start Dallas on the path to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
In the City Council Resolution No. 20-0688 adopting the Comprehensive Environmental & Climate Action Plan (CECAP), there was a requirement to develop a diverse, inclusive and representative group of professionals and community members to advise the City Council on environment, sustainability, CECAP implementation, and to support achieving equitable and effective environmental and climate action. This resolution required the City Manager to coordinate with the Environment and Sustainability City Council Committee regarding the scope and potential roles of a permanent board or commission with a goal of implementation and making appropriate appointments on- or before October 1, 2021.
On April 28, 2021, the City Council authorized Resolution No. 21-0700 adopting Ordinance No. 31847. This ordinance determined the makeup of the commission, established commission format, membership qualifications and meeting framework, and established a sunset date, and effective service dates for the Environmental Commissioners, and Environmental Health Committee Members. The ordinance requires a public hearing, and Ordinance Amendment to continue efforts of this body beyond June 14, 2023.
This ordinance simply extends the performance terms and sunset end date for the Environmental Commission for another two years, parallel to the City Council Member terms.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 8, 2018, the City Council adopted the Resilient Dallas Plan that outlines actions towards addressing equity, resilience economic mobility healthy communities and environmental sustainability by Resolution No. 18-1026.
On September 18, 2018, the City Council authorized the Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability to develop a Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan by Resolution No. 18-1337.
On January 23, 2019, the City Council adopted a resolution calling for federal action on climate change and continued local efforts to develop a comprehensive environmental and climate plan with goals that will ensure that the City of Dallas is addressing the environment and climate change in a manner that is effective and equitable through Resolution No. 19-0223, and using funding appropriated under Resolution No. 14-0564, also known as Chapter 9C, Carryout Bags, in the Dallas City Code.
On May 27, 2020, the City Council adopted the Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan by Resolution No. 20-0688, and which included requirements to establish a diverse permanent board or commission supporting the Environment & Sustainability Committee, allowing for board member nomination between or around October 1, 2021, and January 1, 2022.
On April 28, 2021, the City Council authorized forming the environmental commission, including the makeup of the commission, commission format, membership qualifications and meeting framework, and established a sunset date, and effective service dates for the Environmental Commissioners, and Environmental Health Committee Members by Resolution No. 21-0700. The ordinance requires a public hearing, and Ordinance Amendment to continue efforts of this body beyond June 14, 2023.
The City Council was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on May 19, 2023. <https://dallascityhall.com/government/citymanager/Documents/FY%2022-23%20Memos/EnvironmentalCommissionFridayMemo5.19.23.pdf>
FISCAL INFORMATION
This action has no cost consideration to the City current fiscal year budget.