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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2011 - Environmental Quality Commission Annual Report UpdateJefferson City, Missouri 2011 Environmental Quality Annual Report Update Submitted by: The Environmental Quality Commission Earth Day Celebration Day At the Capitol April 29, 2011 Ph o t o f r o m C a p i t o l ’ s C o l l e c t i o n Page 1 of 20    Table of Contents Topic Page Number EQC Responsibilities Page 2 EQC & Introduction Page 3 Ordinance Chapter 7, Section 17 (F) Page 4 Statewide Recycling Page 5 City Development/Redevelopment Page 6 Air Quality Page 8 Drinking Water and Storm Water Page 9 Beautification Page 10 Citywide Recycling Page 11 Parks and Recreation Page 12 Lincoln University Page 13 Special Events Page 19 Projects of the EQC Page 20 Page 2 of 20    Responsibilities of the Environmental Quality Commission The City of Jefferson established the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) to fulfill the following powers and duties: A. To monitor the quality of the environment within the city, including measurements of air, water and noise pollution, utilizing available sources of data supplemented by such additional measurements as the commission shall deem necessary. B. Monitor the city street rights of way and public parking lots of the city to ascertain the quality of existing tree plantings. After consulting with the Department of Public Works and the Department of Parks and Recreation, prepare or cause to have prepared and/or amend a long range for planting trees within city street rights of way and public parking lots. Such plan shall specify and list varieties of trees approved for planting within designated streets rights of way and parking lots and shall, after Council approval, constitute the Non Park Tree Planting Plan for the City of Jefferson. (Ord. No. 12731, § 1, 3298) C. Prepare a long range city beautification program, including recommendations to the Council for new plazas, fountains, statuary and similar elements of a civic beautification.(Ord. No. 12731, § 2, 3298) D. Examine the City codes and other ordinances of the city as they relate to environmental quality, including those that regulate or restrict the use of billboards and signs and those that relate to pollution by sound. The commission shall prepare such recommendations as it may deem appropriate regarding the consolidation, improvement and strengthening of such laws and ordinances and the removal of inconsistencies there from. Any new or proposed bills relating to environmental quality shall be submitted by the city clerk to the environmental quality commission, and such commission shall have not less than ten (10) days in which to review such bills and make recommendations to the city council. E. Make sample investigations, from time to time monitor the enforcement of all city laws or ordinances relating to the environmental quality and report to the city council any instance found of lack of vigorous enforcement of such regulations. F. In cooperation with the state public service commission and the utilities involved, prepare a program looking toward the eventual under burying of all overhead wires in the city.(Code 1977, § 2206; Code 1983, § 2431) Sec. 7-18. Annual Report The environmental quality commission shall make an annual report to the city council giving a full account of its business and its accomplishments.(Code 1977, § 2207; Code 1983, § 2432) Sec. 7-19. Finances The city council may appropriate funds for the use of the environmental quality commission in its work, and the commission shall submit to the council a proposed budget indicating the amounts needed and the purpose for which they would be used. The commission, or the city council acting for the commission, may receive federal and state grants for the work of the commission. The commission also is empowered to accept and use private contributions for the furtherance of its work .(Code 1977, § 2208; Code 1983, § 2433) Sec. 7-20. Staff; city cooperation Subject to the limitations imposed by a budget approved by the city council, the commission on environmental quality may employ such fulltime or part time employees, consultants or experts as it deems necessary in the furtherance of its work. The commission may request and shall receive the cooperation of city officials and city employees to the extent reasonably possible in providing it assistance for the furtherance of its duties. Page 3 of 20    Environmental Quality Commission The Jefferson City, Missouri Environmental Quality Commissioners include the following professionals (as of May 2011): Chekesha “Kesha” Nelson Chair Jim Crabtree Past Chair Kristen Hilty Vice Chair Carol Davit Secretary Pam Barkhaus Commissioner Rob Didriksen Commissioner Sister Camilla Verret Commissioner Joseph Winkelmann, E.I. Commissioner To Be Announced Council Liaison Scott Stacey P & Z Representative Edith Vogel P & R Representative Lauren Hershey City Staff Melva Fast City Staff In the past few years, much progress on many environmental fronts has been accomplished in the City of Jefferson in the past few years, For example, we are proud that the residents of the City of Jefferson have accomplished a 23% diversion rate of recycling trash since the 2006 EQC Report. We have also anchored our economic future on the establishment of our city as a “Green Capital” city. Across the country, communities that maintain and improve environmental quality ensure a safe and healthy community for their citizens. In addition, communities that are committed to outstanding environmental quality and green infrastructure, including greenways, parks, trails, infill development and adaptive reuse of historic structures establish reputations of being desirable places to live. Moreover, such communities have successfully attracted new businesses and retained existing ones, and taxable properties in such communities often increase in value and general greater overall revenue for a community. The EQC is pleased to report on numerous projects initiated or continued in 2011 that have or will improve the quality of life and economic sustainability of Jefferson City. Projects summarized in this report were initiated by the city or by other groups within the city. The EQC looks forward to continued improved environmental quality on a variety of fronts. ^xá{t Chekesha “Kesha” Nelson Chairwoman, EQC April 2011 Page 4 of 20    Jefferson City, Missouri Ordinance # 8413 This is on file with the city of Jefferson City, Chapter 7, Section 17 (F). For more information http://www.jeffcitymo.org/clerk/documents/chap07.pdf. Page 5 of 20    Charts of the Recycling Results for State Offices in Jefferson City Materials Recycled in 2010 1. aluminum cans = 13,479 lbs. (6.7 tons) 2. plastic bottles = 9,744 lbs. (4.9 tons) 3. cardboard = 558,772 lbs. (279.4 tons) 4. mixed office paper = 2,240,026 lbs. (1120 tons) Total tons recycled in 2010 = 1,411 Average tons recycled each month = 117.6 Recycling Collection routes • can / bottle route = 31 locations • loose cardboard = 49 locations • mixed office paper = 100+ locations Reduction in Trash Volume and Costs from 2008 to 2010 State Information Center: 27% less trash and spent nearly $500 less on trash bill Harry S Truman Building: 42% less trash and spent nearly $3,500 less on trash bill 1%0% 20% 79% State Office Recycling Efforts aluminum cans plastic bottles cardboard mixed office paper Page 6 of 20    City Development/Redevelopment Riverfront Development Through the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce, a committee formed and a consultant was hired. They located the best site for access to the Missouri River. The Missouri River presents a tremendous recreational and ecological resource that cannot be overlooked. Additionally, the riverfront needs to be connected to the city’s greenway plan. Adrian’s Island Access to Adrian’s Island has been studied in the past and plans have been formulated. The potential of reconnecting the river to the city will affirm a rich and important heritage and provide recreational opportunities to explore the riverfront forest Conference Center A key initiative for downtown development is the proposed new Conference Center to be located across from the Truman Building. The Conference Center will form a new gateway to the downtown and the Capitol Complex. The proposed Conference Center – an adaptive re-use of the State Health Lab - will allow for much needed meeting and conference space. Once completed, the facility will bring yet another draw to the study area. Prison Redevelopment 2006 brought a commitment to locate a federal courthouse on site. As ancillary development continues, the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) Redevelopment project has the potential to be the largest single redevelopment site in the history of the City of Jefferson and Cole County. Federal Court House A master plan has been developed and includes such uses as a new Federal Courthouse, state and private offices, a prison museum, community facilities, restaurants, retail and commercial businesses and hotels. Lewis & Clark Building In addition, the headquarters for the Department of Natural Resources was completed in 2004 and the new State Health Laboratory was completed in fall of 2006. From DNR Web site: The building has received a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification rating of platinum, which is the council’s highest rating. To read about the sustainable design elements of the building, visit http://www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub1316.pdf. The Lewis & Clark building incorporates numerous elements of sustainable design which minimizes its impact on the environment. It is the only LEEDS certified Platinum state office building in the country. For more information on the Lewis & Clark building, please visit: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/greenbldg/index.html. Page 7 of 20    Sidewalks In 2010, the Department of Community Development approved plans for over 9,600 linear feet of sidewalks in Jefferson City. Over 2,200 linear feet of sidewalk will be constructed in conjunction with new buildings or building additions. Also, two subdivisions were approved in 2010 that will eventually add 7,460 linear feet of sidewalk to the City’s infrastructure. Source: Jefferson City Planning McCarty House – Habitat for Humanity The River City Habitat for Humanity home at 802 E. McCarty St. is among the first projects in the country to meet higher “green” standards in the area of efficiency and environmentally friendly activities. Techniques and materials that will improve this home’s efficiency include lower ceilings, taking advantage of south-facing natural lighting, sealing the basement with a vapor barrier, insulating on the rafters, adding a stud wall for insulation space, reusing stone from the razed next-door home landscaping, finger-jointing studs, geothermal heating and cooling, energy star appliances and a rain barrel. Awareness is another driving force behind this home; showing homebuilders what materials and techniques are available can help the “green home” industry and homeowners work better together. For more information visit www.hbacentralmo.com. License to Build River City Habitat for Humanity’s License to Build Program is an Environmental Fundraising Project. In 2009 the State of Missouri initiated a new license plate for automobiles. Since the state had no formal plans for recycling these license plates, Carrie Carroll with the Downtown Jefferson City Recycling Committee decided to spearhead a collection effort. Since River City Habitat for Humanity already had aluminum can collection program in place, adding aluminum license plates was the perfect fit. A total of six Jefferson City car dealers agreed to set up collection boxes for their customers to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Over the next two years residents recycled 1,266 lbs. of license plates or over 5,500 license plates. This would be equivalent to over 42,000 aluminum cans! Collaboration between private businesses, a citizen group and a local non-profit resulted in license plates from 2,750 vehicles being recycled and the proceeds helped fund a new home for a deserving family. Page 8 of 20    Air Quality Outdoor Burning Restrictions Jefferson City Council passed an ordinance in 2006 eliminating the outdoor burning of trash, paper and cardboard and limiting the burning of yard waste to November through March. As a result, residents have enjoyed healthier air quality. Roundabouts There have been roundabouts added at the locations: 1. Two near Wal-Mart East 2. Two near Menards 3. One at JC High School and Lincoln University 4. One at Tanner Bridge 5. One at Kaufman hills Subdivision Roundabouts are great for improving traffic flow, reducing energy usage of lights and traffic signals, and reducing maintenance efforts. They also have an added benefit of reducing carbon emissions from automobiles. Smoke Vote/No Smoking Ban No Smoking Citywide went into effect on January 31st, 2011 and requires everyone to not smoke in public buildings or within 10 feet from entry ways. Trails Greenway Construction The City’s Greenway Master Plan continued expansion with segments completed to Lincoln University and Schnucks on Southwest Boulevard. Katy Trailhead and Pedestrian Bicycle Bridge The newest local bike path opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 8th, 2011. The Tea-21 Grant for development of Katy Trailhead was awarded in 2006 allowing final plans and design for the trailhead to be initiated in the Capitol Complex. The Missouri Parks Foundation took the lead in local fundraising (local match) efforts for a pedestrian bridge across the Missouri River. For more information: http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=594126 For video: http://www.youtube.com/user/MoDOTCentral#p/a/u/0/7hC3-yASdwA Page 9 of 20    Drinking Water and Storm Water American Water Project Missouri American Water Company replaced 4,000 linear feet of water line last year on the south side and central east side of the city. Also, the company initiated a comprehensive study for a 20-year plan that will address water distribution and plant needs. Increase Pipe Radius City Project Increase pipes to eliminate overflow and smell at 179 and Truman (EPA/DNR/City Joint Venture). More line replacements are underway and ongoing. This project location will have improve the intake and provide a tunnel of pipe under the Missouri River. Page 10 of 20    Beautification Greening of America’s Capitol Grant Federal Funds Greening America's Capitals is a project of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities between the EPA, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to help state capitals develop an implementable vision of distinctive, environmentally friendly neighborhoods that incorporate innovative green building and green infrastructure strategies. Jefferson City requested EPA assistance with an area of the city core that serves as the gateway to the State Capitol and larger Capital Complex. The Wears Creek and Millbottom area has become a flood-prone and forgotten zone of the city that includes vacant properties and parking lots. Through a collaborative on-site workshop, Jefferson City will work with a team of designers to develop aesthetically and functionally valuable landscape architecture designs that will result in both community and water quality benefits. Using detailed visuals and graphics, this assistance will work to improve public access to the Missouri River and integrate brownfield cleanup and redevelopment and appropriate reuse of currently vacant lands. The Jefferson City project is also one of the first projects associated with the EPA Administrator’s new Urban Waters focus, which seeks to support communities in their efforts to access, improve, and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land. EPA’s Urban Waters efforts place particular emphasis on engaging underserved neighborhoods and on providing equitable access to urban waters through well-planned community revitalization. EPA’s assistance to Jefferson City will integrate the goals of both the Agency’s Urban Waters and Partnership for Sustainable Communities’ efforts. For more information: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/72f93 d7ac5eb037985257798006d3da9!OpenDocument&Highlight=2,greening. Page 11 of 20    Citywide Recycling Private Business Recycling Numerous private businesses have adopted recycling programs for their work environment. The State of Missouri, Unilever and Central Bank are good examples. Recycling at Central Bank began as a test program offering recycling of ink cartridges for its customers and the general public at its bank locations. Single Stream Since city-wide curbside recycling began in November of 2009, over 1,000 tons of trash have been accounted for—that is 1,000 tons of residential refuse that had formerly been disposed of some other way than being put into residential dumpsters. Over 14,000 tons of solid waste has been collected, and of that, the City of Jefferson has recovered and recycled 23%. Yard Waste The City of Jefferson has contracted with All Seasons Home and Lawn Care to provide a Yard Waste site for residents of Jefferson City. The yard waste site will accepts: tree limbs (six inches or less in diameter and a maximum length of 4 ft.), grass clippings, leaves, wood chips, and flocked Christmas trees. For more information on the site’s house of operation, visit the City’s website at www.jeffcitymo.org. Glass The City of Jefferson is working with Ripple Glass out of Kansas City, to provide its residents with easy and convenient locations to recycle glass. The drop-offs are located at 722 Dix Road (old Allied offices) and the Save-a-Lot parking lot. The big purple containers accept only food and beverage container glass. Please visit the City’s website for additional information or if you have any questions about the glass recycling program, or please call the Community Development office at 573-634-6564. Household Hazardous Waste Many residents, without knowledge, have in their homes what is considered Household Hazardous Waste. Without proper disposal, household hazardous waste can leak into the water systems and threaten water quality. The goals and objectives of having a permanent satellite facility are to eliminate the landfilling of household hazardous waste by providing a safe and convenient disposal alternative for residents of the community, and to utilize environmentally sound practices meeting or exceeding EPA, State, and Local regulations. Page 12 of 20    Parks and Recreation Missouri River Bridge: The Bicycle/Pedestrian Addition to the Missouri River Bridge is underway and was opened on April 8th, 2011 Adrian’s Island/Riverfront Access: TranSystems has developed plans for access to reach Adrian’s Island. The proposed access will be a 137-foot-long, twelve-foot diameter tunnel running under the Union Pacific railroad tracks on the East side of Wears Creek. Plans have been submitted to Union Pacific and MoDOT for review. Once the connection has been made, Adrian’s Island will allow visitors to visit a scenic riparian zone along the river. The preliminary conceptual development plan includes a natural surface trail, fishing access, boat access, and opens pavilions. Greenway Extension - Lincoln University to Aurora Park: Development of this trail is in the planning phase and will extend the East Branch portion of the Greenway Trail from Leslie Boulevard through Aurora Park to Aurora Avenue. This connection will link Lincoln University, the Jefferson City YMCA on Stadium Boulevard and Aurora Park. The second phase of this project will eventually be made from Aurora Avenue to Ellis Boulevard. Greenway Extension - Ellis Porter/Riverside Park to DNR Green Building: Jefferson City Parks, Recreation and Forestry assisted the Missouri State Office of Administration on a successful grant to connect Ellis Porter/Riverside Park to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Green Building. The Office of Administration will oversee the project, slated for completion in the future. Downtown Tree Plantings: Fifty-eight trees have been planted in the downtown area in 2010 along Monroe St. Dunklin St., Capitol Ave., and Madison St. Trim Grant/Monroe Street: A Trim grant was obtained to remove and replace Ash trees along Monroe Street. Forestry crews replaced Ash trees with twenty-one Zelkova, eleven Bald Cypress, and ten Hawthorn trees. The reimbursable portion of the project cost is $5,765. Oak Hills Golf Course: Crews at the Golf Course have designated areas as “no mow areas” and worked with the department forestry crew to plant ninety trees. The move to the “no mow areas” has saved four man hours per week while mowing the rough in the spring and fall, 8-10 gallons of fuel per week and reduced wear and tear on the mowers. Other benefits of the “no mow areas” include suitable habitat for a more diverse population of wildlife which currently is not present at the course, improved aesthetics and a buffer against fertilizers and pesticides that can leach into in storm water runoff areas. Page 13 of 20    Lincoln University In 2006, Lincoln University (LU) continued efforts to compost a weekly average of one ton of food residues collected from the university’s cafeteria and kitchen, together with horse barn clean-out material at the LU Composting facility at Busby Farm. After three months of curing, the compost is suitable for application, and has been applied to flower beds on campus. LU composting efforts annually divert an estimated 70 tons of food, residue and horse barn clean-out material from the landfill and convert the wastes to a high quality soil amendment. In addition, LU’s composting activity strengthens education, research, and community outreach programs with a goal of improving environmental quality. Besides food waste composting, LU recycles paper, soda bottles, and cardboard on campus. LU Cooperative Research and the university’s Department of Buildings and Grounds worked collaboratively to formulate a grant proposal and successfully competed for funding to support LU campus recycling. In July 2006 the Mid-Missouri Solid Waste Management District funded LU with $5,000 to purchasing additional recycling bins and design and build cardboard carts to strengthen and expand the current recycling program on campus. Cardboard carts were specially designed to facilitate the high volume of cardboard collection and transport at sites such as the cafeteria. LU projects increased in total recycling volume by 25% at the end of the funding cycle in July 2007. Two recycling companies currently assist LU with pick-up services of recyclables: Kingdom Project located at Fulton has been collecting cardboard and MRS Inc has been servicing LU for paper and plastic bottle recycling. The Native Plants Program at Lincoln University offers a variety of educational programs related to conservation and value-added uses of native plants. A Native Plants Outdoor Laboratory (including a rain garden to manage storm water–see photos on page 19) has been established on campus and the annual field day ‘In Touch with Nature’ takes place the 4th Saturday in September at LU-Busby Farm, 5 minutes from Jefferson City. Both events are open to the public. Volunteer opportunities are available. Additional events and projects can be found at: http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/programs-and-projects/native-plants.   For more information email: Navarrete-Tindalln@Lincolnu.edu A green roof and green wall project on which building at Lincoln? was funded by Thurgood Marshall College Fund and completed in the fall of 2010. (See diagram on following pages) LU is working on adding solar-powered electricity to the Eliff Hall buildings on campus. For more information email: gassners@lioncoln.edu    Page 14 of 20    Page 15 of 20    Page 16 of 20    LU Green Roof Preparation Page 17 of 20    LU green roof and wall LU Green Wall and panel system Page 18 of 20    LU 8x6 Cable system LU 8x2 ladder system Page 19 of 20    Special Events Earth Day Earth day is celebrated on April 22nd, 2011.Jefferson City will have an event on Friday, April 29th, 2011 on the capital grounds. For more information visit: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/earthday/ Runge Nature Center The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Runge Conservation Nature Center continued to provide conservation and environmental programming to the Jefferson City community. In 2006, Runge Nature Center’s total visitation was 81,735. In addition, Runge offered 637 programs, special events and off-site exhibits to the public elating to fish, forestry, wildlife and environmental quality protection, attended by a total of 47,499 people. Topics of programs, events and exhibits included native plant landscaping, rain gardening and Stream Team clean-ups of local water bodies, among the hundreds of others related to wildlife and natural community conservation and protection. Due to budget and staff cuts, Runge Conservation Nature Center is now closed on Sundays and Mondays but has extended their Thursday hours to 8pm. The trails are open every day from 6am-9pm. FY2010, Runge Conservation Nature Center’s total visitation was 77,226. Runge hosted over 200 meetings, 11 special events, and 476 programs. Runge also participated in 10 special events within the local communities including the Cole County Fair, JC multicultural festival, and Kidsfest. Programs and events were focused on Missouri’s forest, fish, and wildlife resources.                                         Page 20 of 20    Projects of the EQC EQC Projects Completed Ongoing Goal Greater choice in household recycling and yard waste collection. Creation of a landscaping ordinance to continue city beautification efforts. Continued greenway expansion, including linkage to Adrian’s Island in the Missouri River. Wears Creek erosion control efforts and continued clean ups. Incorporation of rain gardens in storm water mitigation plans. Rain gardens are a cost-effective method of reducing storm water and beautifying the city at the same time. Creation of environmental public forums to raise awareness of the importance of the city’s environmental health and its link to economic sustainability. Awareness and outreach efforts Include helpful information in the thrifty section of the News Tribune.