Here it is folks, It didn't paste onto the board perfectly, but it is readable.

I deeply encourage all of you opposed to the policies in the NEASP to start finding solutions to make it acceptable- and please remember, In large part "community" is defined by how we treat each other. Let's not destroy our community in our attempts to amend the policy for the NE.

Planning Commission Meeting of March 11, 2008

To: Planning Commission

From: Rick Taylor
7430 Huntley St.
Sebastopol, Ca 95472
Subject: Additional stormwater management comments
Input on policy regarding ecological integration requirements for structures

At the Design Review Board’s September 2007 meeting reviewing the NEASP, and in subsequent letters to the City Council, I voiced serious concerns about the lack of adequate storm water cleansing and the lack of a line item in the budget to address installation of the grassy swales. I am very pleased to see a substantial upgrade in the storm water management policy and a line item in the budget for the grassy swales. This should be seen as a great step in moving this plan a step closer to acceptable.


The goal with storm water is to clean and percolate as much rainwater as possible: Quantity-(Detention or Retention) and/or Quality-(Removing nutrients, toxins, and solids before releasing).

“End of the Pipe” solutions such as grassy swales are not enough, but can be part of an effective, integrated system. A combination of small solutions throughout the watershed is the most effective way of handling storm water.

I believe the following areas still need exploration before we finalize the storm water portion.

1. Outfalls


Zimpher Creek Outfall

∑ (Refer to figure 6-5 on page 6-18) Can Zimpher Creek outfall be diverted to discharge into the grassy swale near the pump station? Further cleansing would happen here before allowing it to sheet flow into the Laguna.

Calder Creek Outfall

Page 6-16

∑ Is the last sentence in the 2nd paragraph suggesting that Calder Creek outfall be discharged to a grassy swale before entering the Laguna? This would be a good idea.

Morris St. (aka Healdsburg) Outfall

∑ What treatment is being provided for the Morris St? There appears to be room to make retention area here relatively inexpensively.




City Drainage Inlets on Roadways

∑ The city drainage inlets are not discussed in detail here. These inlets are a point source for hydrocarbons and automotive chemical contaminants. These inlets need to act as filtering devices not just as catchments and diversion points. This is a critical point if we plan to have an effective storm water management plan. The components prepared in the amendment will not address the water that comes directly from the city streets.



Thoughts and recommendations regarding ecological integration requirements for structures

Urban density can be a key ecological strategy if it is done right. If it is not done right, the results can be disastrous. It is very possible to create a dense, thriving, ecologically sound, urban environment in an economically viable manner. This plan does NOT ensure this. Green building doesn’t end at recycled materials and solar panels. It also doesn’t always mean just adding expensive “green products” to the materials list. If time and creativity are put into the design, we can create truly integrated buildings within range of standard budgets. William McDonough (among others) have proven this time and time again. Below is a preliminary list of possible policies that could set Sebastopol on the leading edge of truly sustainable development. Included with these policy ideas are lists of possible strategies and some existing projects. More detailed examples can be provided upon request.


1. All structures shall produce more energy than they use.
Strategies
Use local climate to cool building
Solar hot water heating
Photovoltaic
Well-insulated buildings
Integrated landscaping

2. All structures shall sequester carbon, clean stormwater, produce oxygen, and provide habitat and food sources for migratory birds and insects
Strategies
Living roofs
Living walls
Integrated Landscaping

3. All structures shall reuse wastewater

4. All structures shall mitigate, within the building envelope, their contribution to the urban heat island effect.
Strategies
Living roofs
Living walls
Integrated Landscaping

Example Buildings

Gap Headquarters-Carmel (William McDonough)
U.S. Federal building- San Francisco
California Academy of Sciences (Renzo Piano)
Chicago City Hall (David Yocca)
Monticello (Thomas Jefferson)
Any structure with a well-designed living roof