HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformation Update 0524221
AGENDA
INFORMATION UPDATE
May 24, 2022
5:00 PM,
I.INFORMATION UPDATE
I.A.2021 Tourism Promotion Funds
I.B.2022 Update on Colorado Parks and Wildlife Human-Bear Conflict Resolution
Community Grant Application
I.C.2021 Annual Air Quality Report
I.D.Fleet Electrification Work Session Follow-Up Memo
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INFORMATION ONLY MEMORANDUM
MEMO DATE:May 10, 2022
REGARDING:Disbursement of Tourism Promotion Funds
FROM:Pete Strecker, Finance Director
_______________________________________________________________________
Summary:This information only memo is to update the Council around the disbursement
of 2021 lodging tax collections. Staff would like to relay that the increased appropriation
amount in the 2022 Spring Supplemental was not fully reflective of the amount desired to
release the remainder of 2021 lodging tax collections to the Aspen Chamber Resort
Associate (ACRA) and that the variance in spending authority will be included in the Fall
Supplemental to remedy this issue.
Details:As is customary, the City of Aspen has limited the release of lodging tax
collections received in the Tourism Promotion Fund (130 Fund) in a given fiscal year to
Council approved appropriated limit. This limit is set based on conservative projections
for the tax, and as such, may not reflect the final collection amount fully by year-end. This
was the case in 2021, when both occupancy levels and average daily rate both exceeded
expectations.
Ultimately, the amount of lodging tax dedicated to tourism promotion collected in
December 2021 was $666,830 and exceeded appropriation limits by $412,305, which
allowed only for a release of $254,525 to ACRA prior to the Spring Supplemental. While
the intent was there to release the remaining funds with the inclusion of the needed
authority in the Spring Supplemental, the supplemental package inadvertently included
the $254,525 amount instead of the $412,305 amount that was needed, resulting in a
delta of $157,780 still to appropriate.
Staff will proceed with releasing the full amount of 2021 collections to ACRA, but wanted
to inform Council of this technical appropriation that will be requested in the Fall
Supplemental package to remedy this issue.
CITY MANAGER NOTES:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
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INFORMATION ONLY MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Torre and City Council
FROM: Ginna Gordon, Community Response Supervisor, Aspen Police
Department
THROUGH: Linda Consuegra, Assistant Chief of Police - Administration
MEMO DATE: 04/25/2022
RE: 2022 Update on Colorado Parks and Wildlife Human-Bear Conflict
Resolution Community Grant Application
_________
REQUEST OF COUNCIL: This memo is informational only. No Council action requested.
SUMMARY:
The intent of this memo is to update Council on support and partnership the City of Aspen is
providing Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in submitting a regional grant, with the goal of
implementing programs to reduce human bear conflict.
Grant:
CPW has made available grants between $50,000 and $200,000 for local governments, NGO’s,
and community groups amongst others. Projects funded by these grants are intended to prevent
conflict with bears and encourage coexistence.
After discussions with CPW we felt the
most effective way to leverage this
grant funding was to join with the other
CPW “Area 8” governing bodies to
submit a joint grant request in the
amount of $200,000. Area 8 includes
the following (highlighted) land area,
including Glenwood Springs,
Glenwood Canyon, and Roaring Fork
Valley.
If successful in our collective
application the City of Aspen, via the
police department, will commit up to
$10,000 in matching funds to this
project. We feel that due to our
location in core bear habitat, the City’s commitment to seeking new ways to address human/bear
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interactions, and our track record of seeking community buy in and participation in resolving
such conflicts, this investment will help move the needle regionally in educating and helping
citizens and visitors alike understand the importance of respect for bears in their habitat.
A reminder of recent Aspen bear trends :
2019 - The Aspen Police Department responded to approximately 960 bear calls within the city
limits (One of the most active years on record):
Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported that 20% of their bear calls for the entire State of
Colorado in 2019 occurred in Pitkin County.
273 calls involving bears gaining or attempting to gain entry, into refuse (trash, recycle,
compost) containers.
59 calls involving bear home intrusions (These are only the ones that have been reported
to the Police and are reflective of a small portion of actual home intrusions.)
In 2019, the Aspen Police Department responded to 2 incidents where a bear inflicted
injuries on a human and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office responded to one. These
instances accounted for 80% of these types of interactions statewide.
2020 was a milder year in respect to bear activity in the City of Aspen. There was a total of 262
bear calls for service. This was a 70% decrease in reported bear activity from 2019 to 2020:
14 bear home intrusions.
97 calls involving bears gaining or attempting to gain entry, into refuse (trash, recycle,
compost) containers.
There was 1 report of a bear inflicting injuries on a human in Pitkin County during 2020.
We believe that the ample supply of natural food sources available in 2020, along with
the decreased restaurant activity and early business closures, directly correlated with the
decline in overall bear contacts for the year.
2021 was another mild bear year with 312 contacts and more activity in September and
October due to lower natural food source availability at a time when the bears are undergoing
hyperphagia:
Of note was the renewed partnership between City departments to more effectively to
mitigate attractants, identify potential conflicts, educate, and enforce ordinances.
In 2022 further conversation is anticipated on developing a more comprehensive and focused
approach to wildlife management and education. This strategy must consider the unique
challenges that persist in our community pertaining to attractants, infrastructure, education,
and enforcement. See below for how an example of a community that took a more
comprehensive and focused approach to their wildlife challenges:
People and Bears Live in Harmony in This Wildlife-Friendly Town | Short Film
Showcase - YouTube - Canada’s Bow Valley program supported by ecologists and
wildlife biologists.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS:
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MEMORANDUM
TO:Mayor and City Council
FROM:Jannette Whitcomb, Environmental Health and Sustainability
THROUGH:CJ Oliver, Environmental Health and Sustainability Director
DATE:April 25, 2022
RE:2021 Annual Air Quality Report
PURPOSE: This memo is to inform Aspen City Council of the 2021 Annual Air Quality Report. No action is
needed from Council at this time.
BACKGROUND: The City of Aspen (COA) has been monitoring air quality since the early 1980’s. The city
monitors particulate matter 10 microns or less (PM10), particulate matter at 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and
ground level ozone (O3) using air quality monitors that provides high quality data to city staff and the
community.In May of 2021, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) began
providing ground level ozone and PM2.5 forecasting for the Aspen area as well as publishing Aspen’s air
quality data on www.AirNow.gov.
DISCUSSION:The protection of Aspen’s airshed is dependent on the City’s values of stewardship,
partnership, service, and innovation. Numerous City departments and regional partners play a vital role
in developing and upholding Aspen’s air quality protection programs and actions. The 2021 Annual Air
Quality Report catalogs the air quality protection efforts taken by the City of Aspen and our partners,
outlines air quality and its importance, and presents recommendations towithstand and combat negative
air quality impacts now and into the future.
In 2021, the city partnered with Pitkin County to increase wildfire smoke communication. We developed
a new air quality webpage, www.pitkinemergency.org/airquality, that connects people to local air quality
information via www.AspenAirQuality.com. This new webpage also contains details on CDPHE air
advisories, the www.Fire.AirNow.gov (Fire and Smoke map), as well as steps people can take to protect
themselves against wildfire smoke. The Pitkin Alert notification system directs people to this website
during air pollution events affecting our area. In 2021, eleven (11) Pitkin Alerts were issued for wildfire
smoke and Air Quality Advisories. Last August, the Aspen-area experienced 7- days in a row with air
quality advisories for poor air. Aspen’s air quality into the foreseeable future will be vulnerable to
wildfires and other natural events due to climate change.
Aspen overall has good air quality. Aspen did not exceed any of the Environmental Protection Act’s
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for criteria pollutants, including ozone and particulate
matter. Definition of the standards as well as the COA’s current standing are provided below:
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•Ozone –The standard is an annual fourth-highest daily maximum 8-hour concentration, averaged
over 3 years,not to exceed 70 ppb (parts per billion). To date, Aspen has not exceeded the ozone
standard. Aspen’s 3-year ozone 8-hour average is 63 ppb.
•PM10 – The standard is not to exceed a 24-hour average of 150 ug/m3 (micrograms per cubic
meter of air) more than once per year over a 3-year period. To date, Aspen has not exceeded the
PM10 standard. In 2021, Aspen’s highest reading of PM10 for 24hr average was 88 µg/m3.
•PM2.5 – The standard is an annual arithmetic mean of 12 µg/m3, and the 3-year average of the
annual 98th percentile of 24-hour PM2.5 concentrations nogreater than 35 µg/m3.To date, Aspen
has not exceeded the PM2.5 standard. In 2021, Aspen’s annual arithmetic mean was 6.1 µg/m3
and the annual 98th percentile was 25 µg/m3.
Staff’s goal is to ensure that the community continues to have good air quality and access to local air
quality information during an air quality event. With our partners, staff will continue to improve Aspen’s
air quality messaging and community support during air quality events, with special attention to wildfire
smoke.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: Short- and/or long-term exposure to air pollution has been associated with
a wide range of human health effects including increased respiratory symptoms, hospitalization for heart
or lung diseases, and even premature death. Specific groups within the general population may have a
greater risk of pollution effects due to a variety of factors such as age, lung or heart conditions, and
intensity of outdoor activity.
To prevent these impacts, the city provides local, up to date air quality information to assist the
community in making mindful decisions when the air quality is impaired.
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Air Quality Report
2021
Executive Summary
Aspen’s clean, clear skies are a cherished asset to our mountain community. However, our
air quality has not always been a point of pride. For many years in the 1980s, Aspen failed
to meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for particulate matter 10 microns
or less (PM10). In response to our pollution history and in efforts to improve, Aspen has a
robust air quality program. The protection of Aspen’s air shed is dependent on the City of
Aspen’s shared community values of stewardship, partnership, service, and innovation.
Numerous City departments and regional partners play a vital role in Aspen’s air quality
programs.
Historically, Aspen’s high particulate pollution days were in the winter months and caused
by local sources. Now with climate change, western states, including Colorado, are
experiencing extreme wildfire seasons causing high pollution events in the summer more
than the winter. As a result, Aspen is currently experiencing an upward trend in PM10 and
PM2.5 levels.
In 2021, the City partnered with Pitkin County to increase wildfire smoke communication.
We developed a new air quality webpage, pitkinemergency.org/airquality, that connects
people to local air quality information via AspenAirQuality.com. This site provides details
about Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) air advisories,
includes the Fire.AirNow.gov Fire and Smoke map, and outlines steps people can take
to protect themselves against wildfire smoke. The Pitkin Alert notification system directs
people to this website during air pollution events affecting our area.
Aspen’s air quality will remain vulnerable to wildfires and other natural events. Our goal
is to ensure that the community has access to local air quality information so they can
understand the potential health impacts and protective actions one can take during an air
quality event.
This report catalogs the air quality protection efforts taken by the City of Aspen and
our partners, outlines air quality and its importance, and showcases Environmental Health
and Sustainability’s Air Quality Work Plan.
Program Contact
Jannette Whitcomb
Senior Environmental Health Specialist, Air Quality
Email: Jannette.Whitcomb@aspen.gov | Phone: 970.920.5069
More Info
AspenAirQuality.com
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Unhealthy
151 - 200 201 - 300
Very Unhealthy
301 - 500
Hazardous
Air Quality Index Good
0 - 50 51 - 100
Moderate Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups
101 - 150
Air quality changes from day to day or even hour to hour - like the weather. Aspen uses the EPA’s
Air Quality Index (AQI) tool to understand current air quality and pollution levels. The higher the
AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution, and the greater the health concern. Aspen’s AQI is
calculated using data from air quality monitors.
Earth’s atmosphere is made up of gases surrounding
the planet.
Atmospheric warming associated with climate change
has the potential to increase ground-level ozone.
The ozone layer exists in the stratosphere. It shields
us from most harmful UV sun radiation.
The troposphere is the layer that we live and breathe
in. The air we breathe is made up of 78% nitrogen,
21% oxygen, and 1% argon, carbon dioxide, and other
gases.
While air is mostly gas, it also holds lots of tiny particles. These particles are called aerosols. Some
aerosols—like dust and pollen—are picked up naturally when the wind blows. Air can also carry
particles that cause air pollution, such as the soot, smoke, and other pollutants from car exhaust and
coal and oil-fired power plants. Air pollution occurs when substances, such as particles and gases,
reach harmful concentrations making it difficult to breathe or causing negative health impacts over
time.
How Air Quality Works
AQI: Air Quality Index
Think of the AQI as a yardstick that runs from 0 to 500.
AQI levels above 100 are considered unhealthy for sensitive populations, including older adults,
children, and people with respiratory and heart conditions. When AQI values go above 150, air
quality is considered unhealthy for everyone.
The Air We Breathe
Air quality affects our health and wellbeing. The weather can have a significant impact on air
quality, as can particulates that penetrate air, such as dirt, soot, and smog. Sunshine, rain, higher
temperatures, wind speed, air turbulence, and mixing depths affect the concentration of these
added particulates.
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Purchased and
operated by anyone
Meet EPA
requirements
Affordable; installed
outside of a building
Regularly maintained and
more accurate
Placed in many locations
to find pollution hot spots
Data used for
assessing health risks
Data used for immediate air
quality conditions
Data used for forecasting
and modeling
Air quality assessments
are not official
Monitor placement
is limited
Not routinely
cleaned or calibrated
Require a controlled
environment
Less accurate; can report
higher than actual levels
Require oversight by an
air scientist
Do not meet EPA
requirements
Expensive to purchase
and maintain
Monitors Sensors
how air quality is measured
Good air quality relates to the level the air is free of pollutants. Air quality is determined by assessing
a variety of pollution indicators, including the use of sight and smell, as well as air quality monitors
and sensors. The key difference between the two is that governments rely on air quality monitors for
regulatory and health-based decision-making while sensors do not meet EPA standards and can be
installed by anyone. Aspen has a Teledyne ozone monitor and a Grimm particulate monitor that are
federally rated/equivalent rated by the EPA.
sensorsmonitors
AdvantagesAdvantages LimitationsLimitations
Monitors & Sensors in Aspen
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AIR QUALITY AND YOUR HEALTH
The health effects of air pollution are serious and hard to escape. Microscopic pollutants in the air can
slip past our body’s defenses and can cause damage to our lungs, heart, and brain. Understanding
how these pollutants impact the air and our health is important, as is taking personal action during
an air quality event.
Ground level ozone is a pollutant that forms in the air rather than being directly emitted, like from a
tailpipe. Ozone forms when the right mix of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organics (VOCs) get
“cooked” by sunlight. The sources for these precursor pollutants are both natural and man-made.
• Short-term ozone exposure may cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory symptoms,
and decrease lung function and exercise performance, and may occur in both adults and children.
• Ground level ozone can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, and reduce exercise
performance.
• People with asthma, children, older adults, and people who are active outdoors, are the most
at-risk populations.
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. PM2.5
is associated with the greatest proportion of severe health effects related to air pollution.
PM10 is “inhalable coarse particles” and can be found near roadways and construction sites.
• High levels of PM10 can decrease lung function and aggravate asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease.
PM2.5 is “fine particles” and can be found in smoke and haze. These particles can be directly
emitted from sources like fireplaces, restaurant grills, forest fires, or when gases emitted from
vehicles react in the air.
• Short-term exposure may cause respiratory symptoms and eye, nose, throat, and lung irritation.
It can also decrease lung function and worsen asthma and heart disease.
• Long-term exposure may increase rates of chronic bronchitis and increase mortality from lung
cancer and heart disease.
• People with breathing and heart problems, children, and the elderly may be particularly
sensitive to PM2.5.
Ozone
Health Effects of Air Pollution
Particulate Matter
Stress to Heart Stress to Lungs Shortened Life Span Eye Irritation Harm to BloodAsthma
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Aspen’s Clean Air Story
Aspen has frequent PM
pollution clouds.
Air quality ordinances in
effect.
Paid parking
implemented; first of it’s
kind in the nation.
Diesel emissions
ordinance in effect.
PM10 monitoring and in-
town shuttles begin.
RFTA begins valley-
wide operations.
Construction
mitigation plan
developed.
Aspen in attainment
for PM10.
Aspen violates EPA
PM10 standard.
Vehicle idling
ordinance in effect.
Aspen’s spectacular views
and closeness to nature
are just a couple of reasons
why people choose to live
in and visit our community.
However, Aspen sits in
a valley surrounded by
mountains making it prone
to temperature inversions
in which warm air traps
cooler air near the ground,
preventing pollutants
from escaping into the
atmosphere.
In the 1980s, Aspen had
1970
1980
1983
1992
Aspen in 1985 Aspen in 2022
1995
20072003
2016
an air pollution problem. PM10 and other harmful pollutants were trapped under winter-time
inversions. Pollution from woodburning fireplaces, restaurant grills, vehicle exhaust, and dirt on
the roads would sometimes reach unhealthy levels. In 1987, Aspen was designated a PM10 non-
attainment area by the EPA. In 1991, Aspen’s recorded high for PM10 was 236, the fourth highest
PM10 reading ever recorded in Colorado.
Since the 1980s through today, stricter federal emission guidelines for vehicles and local air
quality regulations and programs have reduced pollution levels and air quality has improved. In
2003, Aspen was officially back in attainment for PM10.
Community Action for Cleaner Air
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Clean air does not come naturally for the Aspen area. It takes continued dedication from the
following City of Aspen departments and regional partners to keep our vistas clean and clear.
Please note: In 2021, a few of the program outcomes greatly varied from previous years due to
COVID-19.
Clean air through partnerships
Less vehicles on Aspen’s streets mean less vehicle
exhaust and less dirt being driven over and entrained in
the air.
9,428 Pounds
Forestry cares for Aspen’s
urban forest. Trees help
mitigate air pollution by
removing ozone and
carbon dioxide from air.
The Aspen community protects our clean air by riding the bus, walking instead of driving, or
grabbing the downtowner. Planting trees, not burning wood, and not idling your car help our
air quality by reducing pollutants, as well. As wildfires become an increasing problem in our
area, it’s important to also prepare for a wildfire smoke event. Sign up for Pitkin Alerts, obtain a
portable air cleaner, and speak to your doctor about your health and sensitivities to air pollution.
*Calculated for June - December only
37,748 Permits*
Parking reduces single
passenger vehicular driving
by instating parking fees
and offering free carpool
parking permits.
165 Tons
Through year-round street
sweeping accumulated
dirt and street sand are
removed from our roads
before it becomes PM10.
17% Increase Since 2017
22 miles of hard surface,
soft surface, and single
track trails make it easier
to get around town.
Carpool permits
Parking
Bike Travel on Aspen trails
trails
Dirt removed from streets
Streets
Pollutants removed from air
forestry
602,635 Passengers
*through November
In-town shuttle
59,469 Passengers
downtowner
Transportation
we-cycle
37,200 Rides
Community call to action
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How We Measure Up
In 2021, the Aspen area had 14 fewer days
of good air quality compared to 2020 due
to increased air quality events caused by
wildfire smoke. This past summer, Aspen
experienced more days of moderate air
quality with daily spikes of unhealthy air due
to the infiltration of smoke from wildfires
in Colorado and from the West. Below
is a breakdown for each parameter as it
relates to the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS).
This graph represents the highest
PM10 daily averages by year. Aspen
is experiencing a downward trend for
coarse particulates indicating our local air
quality programs overall are keeping PM10
levels low.
This graph represents the highest ground-
level ozone 8-hour average by year. Aspen
experiences its highest levels of ground-
level ozone during the spring due to natural
events. Ground-level ozone had most
moderate AQI days in 2021 at 46 days, 13
more than in 2020.
This graph represents the highest
PM2.5 daily averages by year. Aspen
is experiencing an upward trend in
fine particulates. Wildfire smoke has
had a significant impact on our local
levels of fine particulates for the last
several years.
Unhealthy
151 - 200 201 - 300
Very Unhealthy
301 - 500
Hazardous
Air Quality Index Good
0 - 50 51 - 100
Moderate Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups
101 - 150
316 days2 days 45 days
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Looking Ahead
City of Aspen provides reliable air quality information and tools to the community
during air quality events. These resources help in decision-making and taking
protection measures such limiting outdoor activity or using personal protection
equipment when outside when the air is bad.
The City plans to expand its air quality monitoring with a PM2.5 sensor network
within Aspen’s urban growth boundary. This network would put low-cost sensors in
neighborhoods which can help inform people sensitive to pollution on when to do
outdoor activity during highly variable air quality events like wildfire smoke.
Residential wood-burning in fireplaces and old wood stoves, as well as street
sand and dirt from winter driving, are local PM2.5 and PM10 sources that impact air
quality.
Well-Being Campaign
Air Monitoring Improvements
Wintertime Pollutants
Tactic: Introduce EPA’s Burnwise program to promote clean wood-burning techniques.
Tactic: Community outreach about wildfire smoke preparedness.
Tactic: Update AspenAirQuality.com to include the sensor network.
Tactic: Continuous support for Aspen’s fireplace ordinance 13.08.070.
Tactic: Increase Pitkin County Alert registrations; public to receive timely air quality alerts.
Tactic: Develop and implement a low-cost sensor network.
Tactic: Continuous support of year-round street sweeping.
2022 action items
Staff are looking at the near- and long-term future of Aspen’s air quality, including how factors such
as changing climate, prolonged drought, and wildfires contribute. Aspen’s air quality has a high
probability to be periodically impacted by wildfire smoke or dust storms from both near and far.
Support of Aspen’s existing air quality programs, potential new programming, and personal action
during air quality events is key to maintaining clean air and a healthy, resilient community.
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FOLLOW-UP MEMORANDUM
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
MEETING DATE:May 17, 2022
FOLLOW-UP MEMO DATE:May 19, 2022
AGENDA TOPIC:Fleet Electrification
PRESENTED BY:Tessa Schreiner, Sustainability Manager, Tim Karfs,
Sustainability Programs Administrator
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:Mayor Torre and Council members Doyle,
Hauenstein, Mesirow and Richards
_______________________________________________________________________
WORK SESSION DISCUSSION SUMMARY: Staff presented City Council with recommendations
in support of the Council carbon goal to reduce emissions in the transportation sector and
specifically to reduce emissions in the city owned fleet. The two staff recommendations were as
follows:
1. Develop a fleet electrification plan to accelerate the adoption of electric and zero emission
vehicles in the city fleet which includes both vehicles and equipment; and
2. Sign on to GoEV City which is a coalition of Colorado based cities and counties pushing for
100% electric and zero emission vehicles by 2050.
City Council approved staff recommendations and provided direction for staff to create an internal
fleet electrification plan to be brought back for Council consideration and adoption, and to bring
back a resolution to Council for Aspen to sign on to GoEV City.
City Council members provided insights, ideas, and suggestions for how staff recommendations
should be performed in addition to and not to detract from concurrent efforts to reduce emissions in
the waste sector. Most questions were answered in the meeting and additional information will be
provided at future work sessions and in upcoming informational memos.
NEXT STEPS: Staff plans to return to Council with a fleet electrification plan by Q4 2022, and to
bring a resolution to City Council to formally join GoEV City this summer.
CITY MANAGER NOTES:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
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