Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement Between Thurston County, the City of Lacey, City of Olympia, City of Tumwater, and Thurston Regional Planning Council for Regional Climate Mitigation Planning
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
In June 2017, the Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) discussed the scope of a climate mitigation plan. During the discussion, the LUEC expressed support for working on a regional climate plan so long as it did not slow the process down.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to sign an Interlocal Agreement for Regional Climate Mitigation Planning.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign an Interlocal Agreement for Regional Climate Mitigation Planning
Staff Contact:
Rich Hoey, P.E., Public Works Director, 360.753.8495
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In November 2015, the City formally signed on to the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. The Covenant of Mayors is a global coalition of mayors committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions at a local level. More than 7,000 cities world-wide participate.
As a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors, the City committed to several actions including the development of a climate mitigation plan by the end of 2018. This commitment was consistent with goals and policies on climate change set in Olympia’s Comprehensive Plan.
The proposed Interlocal Agreement calls for the development of a regional climate mitigation plan. Rather than a plan that focuses solely on the City of Olympia, the proposed planning process would be a broader, cooperative effort between Thurston County, the cities of Lacey, Tumwater and Olympia, and Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC). TRPC would facilitate the planning process on behalf of the four jurisdictions.
The Interlocal Agreement proposes work in phases, and outlines the proposed scope of work for Phase I. This initial phase, led by TRPC, would:
• Audit existing climate policies and emissions-reduction targets set by each jurisdiction, including a recommendation for a common emissions-reduction baseline and target.
• Audit climate mitigation actions taken to date by the jurisdictions.
• Develop a scope of work for Phase II (development of the climate mitigation plan).
Phase I is expected to begin in April and take approximately three months to complete. (Refer to Interlocal Agreement). At the conclusion of Phase I, the Interlocal Agreement calls for the jurisdictions to amend the agreement to formally adopt a regional emissions-reduction target and set the Phase II scope of work, budget and timeline for development of a regional climate mitigation plan. The amended agreement would also include an agreed-upon distribution of costs for Phase II.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is strong community interest in local action on climate change. Thurston Climate Action Team, a local non-profit organization, has advocated for a regional climate mitigation plan and is interested in engaging in the scoping process.
The Phase I scope of work includes an opportunity for public comment. More extensive public outreach and engagement is planned during the planning process (Phase II).
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign an Interlocal Agreement. This is consistent with Comprehensive Plan goals and commitments under the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy.
2. Do not approve the resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign the Interlocal Agreement and modify the Interlocal Agreement to address Council concerns. This will require further negotiation with the other cities and County.
3. Do not approve the resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign the Interlocal Agreement. Do Not Approve the Interlocal Agreement. The City could choose to pursue independent climate mitigation planning rather than participate in a regional process.
Financial Impact:
The Phase I scope of work is expected to cost $19,990. The three cities and Thurston County would split these costs evenly. As a result, the cost to the City would be approximately $5,000. The City has budgeted $80,000 in 2018 for the development of a climate mitigation plan. The remainder of the funds would be earmarked for Phase II. The estimated cost of the regional plan, including Olympia’s share, will be determined during Phase I.
Attachments:
Resolution
Interlocal Agreement