Jul 19 2021

OPINION: Should the Pool CO2 Emission Footprint Meet CA Targets?

Jul 19 2021

OPINION: Pool Proposal Fails the Environment

To the Piedmont City Council:

To date, the City has engaged the community in the design and funding of the new pool but has yet to assess community sentiment for building a pool that will not add to Piedmont’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  All of California and indeed the world are experiencing the early stresses of unchecked climate change and I think most Piedmonters do not want to build a pool that will add to that problem for their children.

The establishment of the Pool Advisory Committee offers the City the opportunity to have this community engagement about the proposed pool’s impact on climate change. To that end, selecting the right Project Architect will be essential to engaging the PAC and community in designing a pool that offers creative options but also tradeoffs to achieve the 2030 and 2050 GHG reduction targets set forth in Piedmont’s Climate Action Plan (CAP).

Unfortunately, the Griffin template used for the RFQ/P is inadequate for soliciting proposals to conduct this engagement and creative pool design.  For example, the staff report states that the “Scope of Services and Work Plan notes the City’s environmental goals” but that is not true; nowhere in the request for proposals do the words “Climate Action Plan” occur.  GHG reduction is without question the City’s most urgent environmental goal, yet there is no condition in the RFQ/P seeking services to assist the City with meeting it’s 2030 and 2050 targets.

The only concession to city environmental goals appears to be the incorporation of LEED silver design principles, outdated principles that do not address GHG reduction, rather than LEED-Zero, the latest LEED standards that incorporate renewable energy into the design.  Similarly, the RFQ/P calls for a Net Zero Energy (NZE) assessment of the conceptual facility, not Net Zero Carbon (ZNC)-driven design that could help achieve the city’s CAP goals. The RFQ/P should at least acknowledge the 2030 and 2050 reduction targets as project goals and solicit proposals that show how the new pool will integrate with the city-wide GHG reduction targets.

Staff gave assurances that if the RFQ/P does not solicit adequate proposals then additional rounds of solicitation will be undertaken. Unfortunately, this RFQ/P starts on the wrong foot and should be re-drafted to seek stronger proposals that deliver the services the city needs to achieve CAP goals.  The staff report acknowledges that the original date for issuance of the RFQ/P was August 2.

I suggest that Council take no action this evening [July 19] and instead give direction to staff to incorporate stronger language into the RFQ/P requesting proposals address GHG reduction of the conceptual design through design and energy infrastructure.  The current conceptual design fails to show any GHG emissions calculations so the City can obtain this analysis by having consultants do this in their proposals.

In the event Council decides to proceed with the RFQ/P, consider the following changes:

Acronyms/Definitions: add a definition for “building” to this section to clarify that the term includes the pool house and the pools.  GHG emissions from the pools vastly exceed those of the pool house and must be included in any LEED or NZE analysis for the facility.

1.1 Basic Services:  Don’t specify LEED silver as the design goal. First, this bar is too low and it sends a signal to consultants that they can achieve this project objective without appreciably addressing GHG emissions.  State instead that the city seeks the highest LEED certification for the pool and let consultants compete by submitting creative proposals.

1.2.12 Value Engineering: This is a very important element of the work plan as there are numerous redundancies and inefficiencies in the current conceptual design. Language should be added to this section stipulating that value engineering be initiated during the conceptual design phase so changes can be presented during the community outreach phase.

And some clarification may be needed in the RFQ/P.  The first table below is from the feasibility assessment of the pool presented on the City website during the community pool bond initiative.  The second table below is that presented in the RFQ/P (page 6).  While the total lap pool area is the same (9600 sq. ft) there is a discrepancy in the number and length of swimming lanes.

Garrett Keating, Former Piedmont Council Member

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8. Consideration of the Issuance of a Request for Qualifications/Proposals for Architectural/ Engineering/Planning and Design Services of the Piedmont Community Pool 0270-1022 https://piedmont.ca.gov/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=17851805

Jul 18 2021

City Wage Increases, Bonita Ave Charging Stations, Pool RFQ, Police Analysis, Investments, Ed Foundation Lease, Monday, July 19 Council

Special Closed Session 6 pm

Special & Regular Session 6:30 pm

Consent Calendar

1. Approval of Meeting Minutes for 05/22/2021, 06/07/2021, and 06/21/2021

2. 2 nd Reading of Ord. 761 N.S. Renewed and Amended Lease for the Piedmont Educational Foundation at 401 Highland Avenue 0705, 0045  https://piedmont.ca.gov/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=17851807

3. Approval of an Agreement with the Local Government Commission for a the Placement of a Civic Spark Fellow for FY 2021-2022 0045

4. Receipt of a Report on the City’s Investment Portfolio 0475-3070 https://piedmont.ca.gov/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=17851792

5. Approval of the Replacement of Two Police Department Unmarked Vehicles 0045

6. Approval of a Renewed Agreement with Alameda County Regarding the Collection of Taxes 0045

Public Forum This is an opportunity for members of the audience to speak on an item not on the agenda.

Ceremonial Items Introduction of New Employees

Regular Agenda

7. Consideration of the Designation of Four Parking Spaces on Bonita Avenue as Ninety Minute Parking and an Agreement with East Bay Community Energy for Electric Vehicle Charger Funding 0045, 0735  at this point  https://piedmont.ca.gov/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=17851796

8. Consideration of the Issuance of a Request for Qualifications/Proposals for Architectural/ Engineering/Planning and Design Services of the Piedmont Community Pool 0270-1022 https://piedmont.ca.gov/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=17851805

9. Consideration of an Agreement with the University of Texas, San Antonio to Conduct Data Analysis of Piedmont Police Department Calls for Service 0045 https://piedmont.ca.gov/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=17851788

10. Consideration of Memoranda of Understanding with the Following Labor Groups for the Period of 07/01/2021 through 06/30/2025: a. Piedmont Firefighters Association b. Piedmont Police Officers Association 0045  https://piedmont.ca.gov/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=17851800

Reports from Councilmembers

Announcements

Old business and consideration of future agenda items

Adjourn

Agenda and participation via teleconference below:

https://piedmont.ca.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_13659739/File/Government/City%20Council/Agenda/council-current-agenda.pdf

More staff reports > https://piedmont.ca.gov/government/city_council/staff_reports

 

Jul 18 2021

Piedmont National Night Out Tues August 3 5 to 8 pm

The Piedmont Police Department and Piedmont Fire Department would like to invite our community to celebrate the 2021 National Night Out (NNO) with all of us.  National Night Out brings neighbors together for the purpose of strengthening police-community partnerships and heightening crime prevention efforts.  The event sends a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and united in preventing crime.

This year National Night Out will occur on:

Date:  Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Time:  5:00pm to 8:00pm

As part of National Night Out, members of the Piedmont Police Department and Piedmont Fire Department will visit registered neighborhood events throughout the city.

Although the traditional turning on of porch lights remains a strong part of the National Night Out campaign, additional neighborhood events will range from small potlucks and BBQs to community meetings and block parties.  As these neighborhoods come together, the main objective continues to be one of the most effective crime prevention techniques of all – getting to know your neighbors.

Nationally, over 10,000 communities from all 50 states across America will celebrate National Night Out.  Hopefully, you will be able to join us this year.

For more information, locations to visit or resources for the 2021 National Night Out, please contact Officer Nicole Casalnuovo (ncasalnuovo@piedmont.ca.gov) or Captain Chris Monahan (cmonahan@piedmont.ca.gov). 

 

Jul 12 2021

Tips to Save Money on Garbage Collection Service 

– Are you wondering how to save money on your household’s garbage collection services?

The City of Piedmont maintains an exclusive Franchise Agreement with Republic Services to provide solid waste, recycling, and organic collection services in the City. New service rates became effective July 1, 2021.

Here are ways to reduce the cost:

  •  The Annual Pre-Payment Discount allows single family customers to voluntarily pay for one (1) year of service with the twelfth (12th) month of service provided at no charge. That is 12 months of service for the cost of 11 months of service. Enroll in the discount by contacting Republic Services. 
  • Service rates are based upon the size of your garbage cart. Collection service for recyclables and organics is unlimited in volume and provided at no additional cost. By recycling more and generating less garbage, you may be able to switch to a smaller garbage cart to save money.
  • But be sure to choose the right container for your garbage needs. Charges will be assessed for overflowing garbage, garbage set out beyond your service level, or allowing garbage to accumulate on your property. Recycling carts and organics carts contaminated with garbage will not be serviced. Call Republic Services at (800) 320-8077 to order additional or larger carts for recyclables and organics. 
  • On-premises (backyard) collection service costs more than curbside service. Switching to curbside service saves approximately $46 per month. With curbside collection, the customer is responsible for placing the wheeled carts at the curb on their regular collection service day and returning the carts to their storage location promptly after collection. With curbside collection, carts are not limited in size as they are with on-premises collection.
  • Physically disabled residential customers with no able-bodied household members are eligible to receive on-premises (backyard) collection at curbside rates. The maximum cart size available to on-premises collection is 35 gallons. To receive the discount, the account holder must fill out the application for exemption to curbside placement of carts, provide a doctor’s certification that the customer is unable to move the carts to the curb or provide a copy of a valid California Disability Placard, and verify that there are no able-bodied household members that can move the carts to the curb. 

Republic Services can be contacted about these services via phone (800-320-8077), email (piedmont@republicservices.com), or online (https://www.republicservices.com/municipality/piedmont-ca).

 To learn more about Piedmont Evergreen, the City of Piedmont’s outreach and education program for waste reduction, recycling, and composting, visit the City’s website page https://piedmont.ca.gov/services___departments/planning___building/recycling_organic_waste_garbage

Alyssa Dykman, City of Piedmont, Sustainability Program Manager 7/12/2021

Jul 10 2021

Pool Advisory Meeting July 12

The Community Pool Advisory Committee will meet at 5:30 pm on Monday, July 12 via Teleconference.

2021-07-12 Community Pool Advisory Agenda

Jul 10 2021

How to Avoid “Cigarettes” for Plants and Pollinators

Many gardeners know that pesticides are harmful to the environment and try to
minimize their use, but did you know that many of the plants that you buy come
pretreated with pesticides called neonicotinoids (neonics)?

Neonics are derived from nicotine, and these pesticides contaminate the entire plant for at least 10 years, as well as the soil they are planted in, the water they come in contact with, and the insects and pollinators that feed on them.

According to the Pollinator Posse, plants treated with neonics may be more attractive to
pollinators like bees, which may amplify their harmful ecological impact. Neonics are
considered a primary contributor to the massive decrease in bee and monarch butterfly
populations, along with climate change and habitat loss. Perhaps more alarming,
neonics are also linked to nervous system toxicity and reproductive disorders in
humans.

What can you do?
● Buy and plant wildlife-friendly, California native plants.
● When purchasing plants, read the plant label carefully or ask if they have been
treated with neonics. Let proprietors know that you prefer untreated plants. If in
doubt, shop elsewhere. Native plants are typically grown by specialist native
plant nurseries that do not use neonics. Luckily, Inner East Bay gardeners have
several neonic-free native nurseries nearby: East Bay Wilds Native Plant Nursery
in Oakland; Native Here Nursery in Berkeley; Oaktown Native Plant Nursery in
Berkeley; and The Watershed Nursery in Richmond. Ace Garden Center on
Grand Ave carries some (but not all) neonic-free brands and their native plant
section is quite small. Find a more complete list of Bay Area native plant
nurseries here.
● Buy organic produce whenever possible– it is not treated with neonics.
● Recognize that bites out of a plant leaf are a sign of a healthy ecosystem where
plants, pollinators, and other small lifeforms co-exist.

Pesticides are regulated at the federal and state levels. On the federal level, “Saving
America’s Pollinators Act” was introduced in Congress by the U.S. Representatives Earl
Blumenauer (D-OR) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) in June 2021 and would require the
EPA to take action to stop pollinator decline. Several US states and communities have
also instituted regulations. California is currently considering whether to list neonics
under Proposition 65, based on neurodevelopmental and reproductive effects on
humans. The European Union banned the use of outdoor neonics in 2018.

The City of Piedmont follows federal and state regulations and, in 2010, adopted an
integrated pest management (IPM) program that focuses on preventing infestations and
using pesticides only in rare cases (to save a mature native tree, for example) and as a
last resort.

For more information about neonics, check out these resources: the Natural Resources
Defense Council, Beyond Pesticides, and the Environmental Working Group.

By Indira Balkissoon and Marianne Mitosinka of Piedmont Connect

Jul 10 2021

City Hall Planning and Building REOPEN July 12, Monday

We are re-opening July 12, 2021!
Planning & Building staff members are looking forward to reopening City Hall on Monday, July 12, and offering excellent service to the community, both in person and electronically.
Several of the service enhancements that we started during the pandemic will continue as we begin to serve you in person, including:
* Electronic permit submittals and issuance – in addition to submitting applications and plans in person at City Hall, you have the option to file your building permit applications and design review permit applications via email. Current application forms and submittal requirements are available at https://piedmont.ca.gov/government/forms___applications
  • Planning applications can be filed via email to ondutyplanner@piedmont.ca.gov. Wireless Communication Facilities permit applications must be filed with a planner, in person at City Hall.
* Credit card payments with a 2.9% convenience fee – many applicants choose to pay application fees by check, which may be dropped off at City Hall, at the counter or through the mail slot on the front door. Please write the project address on the envelope containing the check. However, applicants also have the option to pay fees with a credit card by contacting Administrative Assistant Mark Enea at menea@piedmont.ca.gov to receive an invoice via email for payment by credit card for application fees. Please make your payment within 24 hours of electronically filing your application.
* Appointments – Piedmonters found virtual meetings to be a convenient way to ask questions of – and meet with – City staff. Applicants and community members can save time and avoid a crowded counter by scheduling an appointment with staff. Appointments have the advantage of connecting you with the subject matter expert for your particular question, certainty of when you will get the information you need, no waiting in lines, and convenience of meeting virtually from anywhere in the world.
Appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Email ondutyplanner@piedmont.ca.gov or call (510) 420-3050 to schedule your planning and design review appointment. If you are already working with a specific staff member on a project, you can contact them directly for an appointment.
Jul 4 2021

Khan Academy Provides FREE Summer Math Camp NOW

FREE Camp Khan summer Challenge for kids to complete 15-minutes of Math Daily.

The online summer camp is available to start anytime in July.

“Our program will focus you on the exact math skills that matter the most, setting you up for success in the next school year, while prioritizing SUMMER. After the 15 minutes of math are over and the device is tucked away, we’ll provide you with some fun activity ideas, boredom busters, and lots of chances to win cool prizes.”

Get started:

  1. Figure out what to focus on to help you prepare for next year’s math class. You might brush up on something difficult from last year or tackle an entirely new topic! Talk to your teacher or with your family and commit!
  2. Navigate to the topic or grade level you’re working towards in Khan Academy’s “Get Ready” courses, and take the course challenge. This will help you breeze past skills you’re already comfortable with, so your 15 minutes of practice are spent getting stronger. #worksmarter

Camp Khan Kids  for children ages 2–8.

Camp Khan Kids  guides parents and children in a playful educational journey using the Khan Academy Kids app as a launchpad into hands-on learning. Families will receive a weekly calendar of online and offline activities to spark imagination, play, and learning. It’s easy to use and adapt for your family; start at any time, choose any mix of activities that you like, and progress at your own pace. Activities cover reading, writing, math, logic, creative play, and social-emotional development. Weekly activity themes for 2021 include dinosaurs, space, science, and wild animals.
Camp Khan Kids takes place July 5-31, 2021. For more information, visit the overview page: khan.co/CampKhanKids2021
Jul 4 2021

Inspired Cook Tries Out City’s Induction Cooktop

Piedmont resident Jennifer Nixon loves to cook and try new things. She is also exploring more ways to be a “good climate citizen” and is “inspired by the Piedmont Climate Challenge and all the helpful ideas on the website.”

After watching an “induction cooking party” video with chef Rachelle Boucher, from BayREN & Kitchens to Life, she was curious to see if this new cooking method would change her style. So, last April, she became one of the first Piedmonters to borrow the single-burner, induction cooktop, offered for free by the City of Piedmont for a two week trial.

And how did she like it? “Everything I cooked —omelettes, sautés, pasta, polenta and soup — turned out well,” Jennifer says. “I also appreciated the City providing two pieces of induction cookware (a sauce pot and a fry pan) and a magnet to test my own cookware. Four of mine passed the test.

Induction cooking is very fast, which means you spend less time at the stove and use less energy. And I imagine less heat means having a cooler kitchen on hot days. I had a little learning curve with the temperature settings, and you have to get used to not ‘seeing’ how high the heat is, as with gas burners. But I believe it’s safer, since the cooktop is cool to the touch – only the pan heating the food gets hot, and there are no gas emissions. It’s also easy to keep clean.”

Before deciding to purchase an induction cooktop, Jennifer plans to do more research on the cost of a five-burner induction cooktop, which can run from $2,000 – $3,400, plus the cost of installing a 240V electric outlet, which is required for a five-burner cooktop. (Cost of a noninduction, electric range begins around $900.) Jennifer might also consider buying a one-or two-burner induction cooktop, which is far less expensive and uses a regular household plug.

As an incentive, BayRen offers a $300 rebate for purchase of a new induction cooktop. Regarding the required magnetized cookware (cast iron is fine), Jennifer notes that pans should have a flat bottom and concentric rings on the outer edge of the base. “The base of the pan must completely cover the burner,” she says. “And don’t use metal spoons to cook as they may pass on the current to your body.”

For more information on induction cooking and on borrowing Piedmont’s single-burner
induction cooktop, visit:
https://piedmont.ca.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=13659823&pageId=17510635

Marjorie Blackwell, Piedmont Resident

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