10A Action 2009 1221 - Laserfiche WebLink

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transportation demand management (TDM) programs. Car share programs are a new form of car rental, where a consumer can join in a company and, as a member, rent a car for a short period of time. The insurance and other vehicle licensing fees are paid by the carshare company. Car share vehicles are usually parked at large companies or universities, transit stations or municipal parking garages. Traffic Comments: Questions were raised as to the real advantage to traffic flow efficiency. If we make traffic flow faster, will more cars fill in the flow and create more emissions? Response: Yes, if traffic flow were faster, then it would encourage more cars to drive through the corridor, leading to increased criteria pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions. A multi- modal (i. e. use of bicycles, transit and other modes) transportation strategy is important to provide realistic alternatives to driving and reduce air emissions and lost time related to grid- lock. However, reducing idling at stoplights can make a significant contribution to emissions reductions. The City Engineering and Transportation Department is currently investing money in an advanced traffic control system to help alleviate emissions from excess idling. Recycling Measures Feasibility Comment: Both City Council and Planning Commission raised the issue of institution of greater levels of mandatory recycling and bans on land-fill materials such as plastic bags and Styrofoam. Questions were raised as to whether the City is going to meet our 75 percent diversion goals? Response: Public Works staff is awaiting the outcome of state-wide legislation that would mandate measures at the local level for development of bans. The City's Recycling staff is actively working on a Recycling Plan that will be presented to the City Council in 2oio. Solar Energy and Green Building Comment: City Council members encouraged staff to look at financing programs for solar and energy efficiency retrofits and for partnering with PG&E and community groups. Response: Planning and Building staff is continuing to work with county-wide efforts to create a municipal financing and residential/commercial retrofit program with regional partners such as ABAG and StopWaste.Org. The Climate Action Plan presents a general policy towards that end. Currently, the top priority for financing is towards energy efficiency, even those programs that would provide financing for solar installations. Other alternatives for solar installation include Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), whereby solar utility companies install PV systems on a municipal or private company building roof and sell back the power to that entity.