[Adopted 7-15-2013 by L.L. No. 3-2013[1]]
The City of Albany by Resolution 51.52.09R and Executive Order
No. 422-09 has pledged to combat climate change and take action to
adopt more sustainable practices by becoming a “Climate Smart
Community.” The City of Albany Common Council believes that
the social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability
are key to the successful implementation of the Albany 2030 Plan.
Additionally, the City of Albany Common Council believes that there
is overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change poses a real
and increasing threat to our local and global environments which is
primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels. The effects of climate
change will endanger our infrastructure, economy and livelihoods;
harm our farms and food systems, ecological communities, including
native fish and wildlife populations; spread invasive species and
exotic diseases; reduce drinking water supplies and recreational opportunities;
and pose health threats to our citizens. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
and increasing our community’s resiliency will require sustained
and substantial efforts by all levels of government, interest groups,
and citizens. Establishment of a Sustainability Advisory Committee
is a necessary step in fostering unified action on climate change.
A.
There
is hereby established a Sustainability Advisory Committee comprised
of 15 voting members, five of whom shall be appointed by the Mayor
and five of whom shall be appointed by the Common Council. The remaining
members of the Committee shall be composed of the following: the Commissioner
of the Department of General Service, the Commissioner of Development
and Planning, the Commissioner of the Water Department, the City Engineer,
and the head of the Police Traffic Safety Unit, or their designees.
B.
The members
appointed by the Mayor and Common Council shall be appointed for three-year
terms; provided, however, that members initially appointed by the
Mayor and Common Council, one shall be for a term of one year, two
shall be for a term of two years, and two shall be for a term of three
years.
C.
Members
shall continue to serve on the Committee until their successors have
been appointed.
D.
Annually,
from among its membership, the Committee shall elect a Chair and such
other officers as determined.
E.
Any vacancy
occasioned by resignation, death or removal of a member shall be filled
promptly in the same manner as the predecessor to fill the unexpired
term.
F.
The Committee
shall have the authority to create subcommittees to focus on specific
topics, including, but not limited to, energy, equity, transportation,
water, waste, and food systems. Membership on the subcommittees shall
be open to the general public at the discretion of the Committee.
The members of the Committee appointed by the
Mayor and Common Council shall reside in the City of Albany and possess
a reputation for fairness, integrity and responsibility and have demonstrated
an active interest in public affairs and the environment. The Mayor
and the Common Council shall reflect community diversity in their
appointments, including, but not limited to, income level, race, religion,
ethnicity, age, gender and sexual orientation.
The Committee shall meet no less than six times
per year and shall establish a regular meeting calendar which is readily
accessible to the public. Meetings of the Committee shall be public
and comply with provisions of the Open Meetings Law.[1] The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability as staffed
by the Division of Planning shall serve as staff to the Committee.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Public Officers Law § 100 et
seq.
The Committee shall have the following functions,
powers and duties to:
A.
Study and recommend methods to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, increase energy efficiency, and renewable energy production,
conserve water, reduce waste, and employ environmentally responsible
products;
B.
Promote the use of methods, systems, and materials
that do not deplete natural land, water, and energy resources or harm
natural cycles;
C.
Encourage the growth of green businesses and green
jobs within the City, as well as the adoption of sustainable practices
by existing businesses;
D.
Work cooperatively with similar task forces in neighboring
communities to ensure that efforts complement and reinforce one another;
E.
Empower every resident of the City, regardless of
social demographics or economic means, by informing City residents
of practical and attainable ways to live sustainably;
F.
Consider ways for large academic, governmental, or
institutional communities to become more environmentally sensitive;
G.
Encourage and stimulate City of Albany agencies and
departments to take such action as will fulfill the purposes of this
Part;
H.
Make recommendations as necessary and appropriate
to the Mayor and the Common Council to effectuate the goals and purposes
of this Part.
I.
Assist with the implementation and monitoring of the
Climate Action and Adaptation Plans, as well as the Capital Region
Sustainability Plan.
The Committee shall file an annual report in
June of each year with the Common Council and the Mayor summarizing
the work and activities of the Committee.