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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBy-LawsPrepared by: Susan Dulek, First Ass't City Attorney, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319)356-5030 Resolution No. 25-68 Resolution amending the By -Laws of the Climate Action Commission and rescinding Resolution No. 19-283. Whereas, the Climate Action Commission approved amending its By -Laws; and Whereas, the By -Laws are not effective until approved by the City Council; and Whereas, the Council Rules Committee has reviewed the proposed amendments to the By -Laws; and Whereas, the current By -Laws were approved in Resolution No. 19-283. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa that: 1. The attached By -Laws of the Climate Action Commission are approved and adopted by the City Council. 2. Resolution No. 19-283 is rescinded. Passed and approved this 1st day of April, 2025. Mayor pro �� Attest: �� �.�---� �� � - i.c C� City Clerk Approved By: 7 City AttorneA Office (Sue Dulek - 03/18/2025) It was moved by Moe and seconded by Harmsen the Resolution be adopted, and upon roll call there were: Ayes: Nays: Absent: x Alter x Bergus x Harmsen x Moe Salih x Teague x Weilein BY-LAWS IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION ARTICLE 1 THE COMMISSION Section A. The name of the Commission is the Climate Action Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, as established by Resolution No. 19-251 of the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa. ARTICLE 2 PURPOSE Section A. The purpose of the Commission is to enhance and enable further community efforts to achieve the City's ambitious climate goals. Section A. Duties of the Commission shall include: 1) advise the City Council on climate issues; 2) research, analyze, and promote climate actions, with particular attention to equity; 3) educate and engage with the public on climate action and the City's climate and sustainability goals; 4) assist City staff, City Council, and members of the community with implementing approved initiatives that support the City's climate and sustainability goals, including the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and any related or updated plan hereafter; 5) recommend to the City Council updates to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. ARTICLE 4 MEMBERSHIP Section A. Members The Climate Action Commission shall consist of eleven (11) members with backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise offering representation across the community which could effectively guide implementation of climate objectives. MidAmerican Energy and the University of Iowa will each have a standing representative on the Commission. Section B. Appointment Nine (9) at -large members, representing key stakeholders, will be appointed by the City Council of Iowa City. Key stakeholders may include, but are not limited to, the Iowa City Community School District, area commercial businesses, local industry, design and construction professionals, non- profits and the general public. Section C. Residency Residents -of Iowa City should -be given preference, butmembersare not required to have Iowa City residency. Members must be residents of Johnson County. Section D. Terms Member terms shall be three (3) years beginning January 1, with a two -term limit. Section E. Officers The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson will be elected annually (in December) from the Commission membership. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings, appoint sub -committees with the approval of the Commission, call special meetings and in general perform all duties included in the office of a Chairperson and such other duties as may be prescribed by the members from time to time. The Vice -Chairperson shall take over the above duties of the Chairperson in the event of the Chairperson's absence. Section F. Compensation and Expenses Commissioners shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred or travel outside of Johnson County on designated Commission business. Such expenses shall have prior approval by the City Manager of Iowa City upon the request of the Sustainability Coordinator. Receipts for all such expenses shall be stipulated to the City Manager of Iowa City through the Sustainability Coordinator prior to reimbursement for such expenses. Section G. Orientation of new Members Prior to the first regular meeting following their appointment, new Commissioners shall be provided with copies of the By -Laws and other documentation that would be useful to Commission members in carrying out their duties. They may also be given an orientation briefing by members of the staff, the Commission and others as may be deemed appropriate. Section H. Absences Three (3) consecutive, absences without prior notification of a member from regular meetings will result in a recommendation to the City Council from the Commission to discharge said member and appoint a new member. Section 1. Resignations If any member is unable to continue carrying out the duties of membership for any reason, the member, if appointed by the City Council, shall email a letter of resignation to the City Council with a copy to the Chair of the Commission. Section J. Working Groups The working groups composition, duties and terms will be designated by a majority vote of the members of the Commission. Members of the public may be members of working groups. ARTICLE 5 MEETINGS Section A. Meetings of this Commission shall be on a regular monthly basis. A meeting date and time will be established by the Commission. A regular meeting may be cancelled if no urgent business requires a meeting. Section B. Special meetings of the Commission may be called by the Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson at the request of a majority of the membership. Section C. Meetings shall be held in an accessible, public meeting place. Notices of meetings (agenda) for all regular and special meetings shall be posted at least 24 hours before any meeting is held. All provisions of the State Open Meetings Law shall be followed. The Chairperson, or a designated representative, together with appropriate members of the City staff shall prepare an agenda for all meetings. Agendas shall be sent to Commission members at least 24 hours prior to the regular meetings. Section D. A majority of the members of the Commission (six or more) shall constitute a quorum of any meeting and the majority of votes cast at any meeting, at which a quorum is present, shall be decisive of any motion or election. Section E. There shall be no vote by proxy. Section F. Time shall be made available during all regular meetings for open public discussion. Section G. Minutes of all meetings shall be prepared and distributed to the City Council in the manner prescribed by the Council. Minutes of all regular and special meetings will be e-mailed to all the Commission members during the week prior to the next meeting. Specific recommendations for the Council shall be set off from the main body of the minutes. Section H. A working group/subcommittee meeting is not a meeting of the full Commission, unless six Commissioners are present. 2 ARTICLE 6 AMENDMENTS Section A. The By -Laws of the Commission shall be amended only with the approval of at least a majority of the Commission (at least six votes) at a regular meeting or a special meeting. Section B. By -Law changes may be adopted at the meeting following the meeting at which open discussion was conducted on the specific changes. Approved APT • 1, 2025 By Resolution No. 25-6_ 3 le. Prepared by: Brenda Nations, Sustainability Coordinator, 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 73 (319) 887-6161 Resolution No. 19-283 Resolution Approving the By -Laws of the Climate Action Commission Whereas, the Iowa City City Council passed Resolution No. 19-251 authorizing the creation of a Climate Action Commission for the purpose of assisting in the implementation of the Climate and Adaption Plan, and assisting with climate issues related to the declaration of a Climate Crisis including increased new emissions targets; and Whereas, the Climate Action Commission reviewed and unanimously adopted the by-laws and; Whereas, it is in the public interest to adopt by-laws which guide the procedures and actions of the commission; and Whereas, the proposed by-laws have been reviewed by the Council Rules Committee, and are recommended for adoption; and Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That: The by-laws of the Climate Action Commission, attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein, are approved and adopted by the City Council. Passed nd approv this r ay ofnecember2019. Ma r Attest: Ci Clerk Approved by City Attorney's Office Resolution No. 19-283 Page 2 It was moved by Mims and seconded by Salih Resolution be adopted, and upon roll call there were: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: —x Cole X S$ alih X Taylor Teague X Thom X Throgmorton the BY-LAWS IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMIVIISSION ARTICLE 1 THE COMMISSION Section A. The name of the Commission is the Climate Action Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, as established by Resolution No. 19-251 of the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa_ ARTICLE 2 PURPOSE Section A. The purpose of the Commission is to enhance and enable further community efforts to achieve the City's ambitious climate goals. ARTICLE 3 DUTIES Section A. Duties of the Commission shall include: 1) advise the City Council on climate issues; 2) research, analyze, and promote climate actions, with particular attention to equity; 3) educate and engage with the public on climate action and the City's climate and sustainability goals; 4) assist City staff, City Council, and members of the community with implementing approved initiatives that support the City's climate and sustainability goals, including the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and any related or updated plan hereafter; 5) recommend to the City Council updates to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. ARTICLE 4 MEMBERSHIP Section A. Members The Climate Action Commission shall consist of eleven (11) members with backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise offering representation across the community which could effectively guide implementation of climate objectives. MidAmerican Energy and the University of Iowa will each have a standing representative on the Commission. Section B. A Ointment Nine (9) at -large members, representing key stakeholders, will be appointed by the City Council of Iowa City. Key stakeholders may include, but are not limited to, the Iowa City Community School District, area commercial businesses, local industry, design and construction professionals, non- profits and the general public. Section C. Resr�denc� Residents of Iowa City should be given preference, but members are not required to have Iowa City residency. Members must be residents of Johnson County. Section D. Terms Member terms shall be three (3) years beginning January 1, with a two -term limit. Section E. Officers The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson will be elected annually (in January) from the Commission membership. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings, appoint sub -committees with the approval of the Commission, call special meetings and in general perform all duties included in the office of a Chairperson and such other duties as may be prescribed by the members from time to time. The Vice -Chairperson shall take over the above duties of the Chairperson in the event of the Chairperson's absence. Section F. Compensation and Expenses Commissioners shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses incurred or travel outside of Johnson County on designated Commission business. Such expenses shall have prior approval by the City Manager of Iowa City upon the request of the Sustainability Coordinator. Receipts for all such expenses shall be stipulated to the City Manager of Iowa City through the Sustainability Coordinator prior to reimbursement for such expenses. Section G. Orientation of new Members Prior to the first regular meeting following their appointment, new Commissioners shall be provided with copies of the By -Laws and other documentation that would be useful to Commission members in carrying out their duties. They may also be given an orientation briefing by members of the staff, the Commission and others as may be deemed appropriate. Section H. Absences Three (3) consecutive, unexplained absences of a member from regular meetings will result in a recommendation to the City Council from the Commission to discharge said member and appoint a new member. Section I. ResigLigions If any member is unable to continue carrying out the duties of membership for any reason, the member, if appointed by the City Council, shall email a letter of resignation to the City Council with a copy to the Chair of the Commission. Section J. Working Groups The working groups composition, duties and terms will be designated by a majority vote of the members of the Commission. Members of the public may be members of working groups. ARTICLE 5 MEETINGS Section A. Meetings of this Commission shall be on a regular monthly basis. A meeting date and time will be established by the Commission. A regular meeting may be cancelled if no urgent business requires a meeting. Section 13. Special meetings of the Commission may be called by the Chairperson and shall be called by the Chairperson at the request of a majority of the membership. Section C. Meetings shall be held in an accessible, public meeting place. Notices of meetings (agenda) for all regular and special meetings shall be posted at least 24 hours before any meeting is held. All provisions of the State Open Meetings Law shall be followed. The Chairperson, or a designated representative, together with appropriate members of the City staff shall prepare an agenda for all meetings. Agendas shall be sent to Commission members at least 24 hours prior to the regular meetings. Section D. A majority of the members of the Commission (six or more) shall constitute a quorum of any meeting and the majority of votes cast at any meeting, at which a quorum is present, shall be decisive of any motion or election. Section E. There shall be no vote by proxy. Section F. Time shall be made available during all regular meetings for open public discussion. Section G. Minutes of all meetings shall be prepared and distributed to the City Council in the manner prescribed by the Council. Minutes of all regular and special meetings will be e-mailed to all the Commission members during the week prior to the next meeting. Specific recommendations for the Council shall be set off from the main body of the minutes. 2 Section H. A working group/subcommittee meeting is not a meeting of the full Commission, unless six Commissioners are present. ARTICLE 6 AMENDMENTS Section A. The By -Laws of the Commission shall be amended only with the approval of at least a majority of the Commission (at least six votes) at a regular meeting or a special meeting. Section B. By -Law changes may be adopted at the meeting following the meeting at which open discussion was conducted on the specific changes. Approved: 12/03/19 By Resolution No. 19-283 3 Prepared by: Brenda Nations, Sustainability Coordinator, 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 887-6161 Resolution No. 19-251 Resolution establishing a Climate Action Commission Whereas, in Resolution No. 17-96 the Iowa City City Council authorized the creation of a Climate Action Steering Committee for the purpose of creating the Climate Action and Adaption Plan to achieve greenhouse gas emissions targets of 26-28% from 2005 levels by 2025 and 80% by 2050; and Whereas, the Steering Committee convened Adaptation Plan, adopted in September 2018, continue as a self -governed advisory board; and during the creation of the Climate Action and and dissolved from an official City capacity to Whereas, after one year, members of the self -governed committee recommended a formal City Commission to address the City's climate action and sustainability objectives; and Whereas, in .July 2019, City Council declared a Climate Crisis and increased new greenhouse gas emissions targets of 45% by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 as recommended in October 2018 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in response to this crisis; and Whereas, creation of a Climate Action Commission will enhance and enable further community efforts to achieve the City's ambitious climate goals; and Whereas, a created Climate Action Commission will operate as an advisory body to the City Council and shall advise, research, analyze, promote, and with approval, implement initiatives that support the City's climate and sustainability goals, including the Climate Action Plan and any related or updated plan hereafter, and Whereas, the composition of the Climate Action Commission shall include eleven members with backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise offering representation across the community which could effectively guide implementation of climate objectives. MidAmedcan Energy and the University of Iowa will each have a standing representative on the Commission. Nine at -large seats, representing other key stakeholders, will be appointed by the City Council. Key stakeholders may include, but are not limited to, the Iowa City Community School District, area commercial businesses, local industry, design and construction professionals, non -profits, and the general public; Whereas, residents of Iowa City should be given preference, but members are not required to have Iowa City residency; and Whereas, the self-governing climate advisory board is a direct successor to the Steering Committee which developed the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Active members of this board have expressed interest in continuing in a formalized role and it is appropriate to appoint these members initially, without regard to gender balance; and Whereas, Commission member terms should be three years, with a two -term limit, and the initial terms will be staggered in length, with all members appointed for three years. The two standing members, MidAmerican Energy and the University of Iowa, will assign their representatives and not be subject to term limits; and Whereas, the Commission should be guided by principles of equity, and ensure through diverse and representative Commission membership and through its actions, to consider equity impacts of proposed climate initiatives; and Resolution No. 19-251 Page 2 Whereas, the Commission may form working groups or subcommittees on specific topics and issues to achieve substantive progress on action areas of the plan. Working groups and subcommittees may include members from outside the Commission; and Whereas, the newly created Commission will create greater credibility, influence, awareness, and capacity in interactions with City elected and appointed leadership, and throughout the community. Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Iowa City City Council hereby establishes a Climate Action Commission in order to assist the City in the implementation of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan in order to reach the new Climate Crisis emissions targets by 2030 and 2050 as follows: 1. The Commission shall have eleven total members consisting of nine at -large members appointed by the City Council, one from MidAmerican Energy, and one from the University of Iowa. 2. Members shall have backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise offering representation across the community which will effectively guide implementation of climate objectives, and may include representation from the Iowa City Community School District, area commercial businesses, local industry, design and construction industry, non -profits, and the general public. 3. Any active member of the climate advisory board who is interested in serving on the Commission is appointed as an initial member, even if not gender balanced. 4. City residency is preferred, but members are not required to be Iowa City residents as long as they are residents of Johnson County and meet the requirements of knowledge and expertise for guiding climate objectives, as set forth in Paragraph 2. 5. Member terms shall be three years, with a two -term limit except for the three members initially appointed for a one-year term. The initial terms shall be staggered in length as follows: a. Three members appointed for three years with terms ending December 31, 2022. b. Three members appointed for two years with terms ending December 31, 2021. c. Three members appointed for one year with terms ending December 31, 2020. These three members may be appointed for two additional three-year terms. Accordingly, the new terms for three members shall commence January 1, 2023, for three members on January 1, 2022, and three members on January 1, 2021. Representative members from MidAmerican Energy and from the University of Iowa will govern their own appointments and not be subject to term limits. 6. The Commission may form working groups and/or subcommittees on specific topics and issues to achieve substantive progress on action areas of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Resolution No. 19-251 Page 3 7. The Climate Action Commission shall: a) advise the City Council on climate issues. b) research, analyze, and promote climate actions, with particular attention to equity. c) educate and engage with the public on climate action and the City's climate and sustainability goals. d) assist City staff, City Council, and members of the community with implementing approved initiatives that support the City's climate and sustainability goals, including the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and any related or updated plan hereafter. e) recommend to City Council updates to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. 8. The Climate Action Commission shall prepare bylaws, which it deems necessary and advisable for the conduct of business of the Commission, and present the bylaws to the Rules Committee and City Council for approval. Passed and approved this day ofoctober 2019. L. Ma or ATTEST: Cl CLERK p roved City Attorney's Office Resolution No. 19-251 Page 4 It was moved by Mims and semnded by Teague Resolution he adopted, and upon roll call there were: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: x Cole x Mims x Salih x Taylor x Teague x Thomas x T'hrogmorton the Item Number: 13. 'r AL CITY OF IOWA CITY = COUNCIL ACTION REPORT October 1, 2019 Resolution establishing a Climate Action Commission Prepared By: Ashley Monroe, Assistant City Manager Reviewed By: Geoff Fruin, City Manager Fiscal Impact: No Impact Recommendations: Staff: Approval Commission: N/A Attachments: Resolution Executive Summary: In August 2019, the City Council declared a Climate Crisis in Iowa City and decided to undertake several actions to enhance the City's progress towards meeting its climate goals. The first action was to increase the targets for carbon emissions reduction. Emissions reduction goals were changed from 25-28% in the year 2025 to a 45% reduction by 2030 and the City's goal of an 80% reduction in community -wide carbon emissions by 2050 was changed to a goal of "net -zero" emissions by 2050. The second action was to require a report that will rapidly advance the initiatives outlined in the Climate Action Plan to be delivered within 100 days of the Crisis declaration. The final action, was an agreement to establish a formal Climate Action Commission to support Iowa City in its mission to achieve the declared emissions reduction goals. The Resolution for consideration identifies the basis for which the Climate Action Commission is being established, the requirements and terms for membership, as well as the five major responsibilities the Commission will hold. The Commission is tasked with advising the City Council on climate issues, researching, analyzing, and promoting climate actions, actively educating and engaging Iowa City on matters of climate action, and assisting City staff, City Council, and members of the community with implementing initiatives that support the City's climate and sustainability goals. Background /Analysis: In late 2017, the Iowa City City Council authorized the creation of a Climate Action Steering Committee for the purpose of creating the City's first Climate Action and Adaption Plan. This body, comprised of community representatives, collaborated to develop the Plan approved by City Council in September 2018. After the Plan's adoption, the volunteers from this committee continued to informally pursue implementation of the adopted Climate Action Plan as an independent Advisory Board. Although they continued to have some success in their strategies, after approximately a year of operating in this manner, members of the Advisory Board determined that Iowa City would benefit from formalizing a commission to work on climate objectives. The Advisory Board provided their recommendation to City Council in summer 2019 and ultimately, the City Council agreed to establish a formal City Commission. As cited in the Resolution, the Commission's structure will be composed of eleven members; nine at -large members appointed by Council, one from the University of Iowa, and one from MidAmerican Energy. It is critical to include members from these specific entities to ensure continued strong communication and cooperation between the City and the City's primary energy generators/suppliers. It is important to note that active members of the Advisory Board were part of the team which developed the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. The Resolution includes approval of appointing these active Advisory Board members to the Commission for at least one term to ensure that the significant knowledge and expertise of these volunteers which was so crucial in the Plan's development is carried over. These members bring to the Commission significant and related experience as a Certified Architect, Associate Professor in Geographical and Sustainability Sciences with emphasis on equity and disaster mitigation, Home Builder with ties to the Greater Iowa City Home Builders Association, Lead Site Engineer for major local industry, Senior Environmental Analyst, Management Consultant with ties to United Nations initiatives, and a University of Iowa law student. Although training for the new commission will be provided, staff anticipates a quick transition and seamless continuation of efforts to implement the Plan's initiatives. The three positions remaining will be individually reviewed and appointed by Council. The Commission will agree upon its own Bylaws and send these to the Rules Committee and then they will come to Council for final approval. The Commission will have the support of an assigned City staff liaison. The Resolution allows the Commission to establish work groups with community members and organizations to help them fulfill their climate action responsibilities. The stated opportunity to engage with these groups could allow many more community members to assist the Commission and take part in this comprehensive issue. ATTACHMENTS: Description Resolution Prepared by: Brenda Nations, Sustainability Coordinator, 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 (319)887-6161 Resolution No. 19-251 Resolution establishing a Climate Action Commission Whereas, in Resolution No. 17-96 the Iowa City City Council authorized the creation of a Climate Action Steering Committee for the purpose of creating the Climate Action and Adaption Plan to achieve greenhouse gas emissions targets of 26-28% from 2005 levels by 2025 and 80% by 2050; and Whereas, the Steering Committee convened Adaptation Plan, adopted in September 2018, continue as a self -governed advisory board; and during the creation of the Climate Action and and dissolved from an official City capacity to Whereas, after one year, members of the self -governed committee recommended a formal City Commission to address the City's climate action and sustainability objectives; and Whereas, in July 2019, City Council declared a Climate Crisis and increased new greenhouse gas emissions targets of 45% by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 as recommended in October 2018 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in response to this crisis; and Whereas, creation of a Climate Action Commission will enhance and enable further community efforts to achieve the City's ambitious climate goals; and Whereas, a created Climate Action Commission will operate as an advisory body to the City Council and shall advise, research, analyze, promote, and with approval, implement initiatives that support the City's climate and sustainability goals, including the Climate Action Plan and any related or updated plan hereafter; and Whereas, the composition of the Climate Action Commission shall include eleven members with backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise offering representation across the community which could effectively guide implementation of climate objectives. MidAmerican Energy and the University of Iowa will each have a standing representative on the Commission. Nine at -large seats, representing other key stakeholders, will be appointed by the City Council. Key stakeholders may include, but are not limited to, the Iowa City Community School District, area commercial businesses, local industry, design and construction professionals, non -profits, and the general public; Whereas, residents of Iowa City should be given preference, but members are not required to have Iowa City residency; and Whereas, the self-governing climate advisory board is a direct successor to the Steering Committee which developed the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Active members of this board have expressed interest in continuing in a formalized role and it is appropriate to appoint these members initially, without regard to gender balance; and Whereas, Commission member terms should be three years, with a two -term limit, and the initial terms will be staggered in length, with all members appointed for three years. The two standing members, MidAmerican Energy and the University of Iowa, will assign their representatives and not be subject to term limits; and Whereas, the Commission should be guided by principles of equity, and ensure through diverse and representative Commission membership and through its actions, to consider equity impacts of proposed climate initiatives; and Ob- Resolution No. 19-251 Page 2 Whereas, the Commission may form working groups or subcommittees on specific topics and issues to achieve substantive progress on action areas of the plan. Working groups and subcommittees may include members from outside the Commission; and Whereas, the newly created Commission will create greater credibility, influence, awareness, and capacity in interactions with City elected and appointed leadership, and throughout the community. Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Iowa City City Council hereby establishes a Climate Action Commission in order to assist the City in the implementation of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan in order to reach the new Climate Crisis emissions targets by 2030 and 2050 as follows: 1. The Commission shall have eleven total members consisting of nine at -large members appointed by the City Council, one from MidAmerican Energy, and one from the University of Iowa. 2. Members shall have backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise offering representation across the community which will effectively guide implementation of climate objectives, and may include representation from the Iowa City Community School District, area commercial businesses, local industry, design and construction industry, non -profits, and the general public. 3. Any active member of the climate advisory board who is interested in serving on the Commission is appointed as an initial member, even if not gender balanced. 4. City residency is preferred, but members are not required to be Iowa City residents as long as they are residents of Johnson County and meet the requirements of knowledge and expertise for guiding climate objectives, as set forth in Paragraph 2. 5. Member terms shall be three years, with a two -term limit except for the three members initially appointed for a one-year term. The initial terms shall be staggered in length as follows: a. Three members appointed for three years with terms ending December 31, 2022. b. Three members appointed for two years with terms ending December 31, 2021. c. Three members appointed for one year with terms ending December 31, 2020. These three members may be appointed for two additional three-year terms. Accordingly, the new terms for three members shall commence January 1, 2023, for three members on January 1, 2022, and three members on January 1, 2021. Representative members from MidAmerican Energy and from the University of Iowa will govern their own appointments and not be subject to term limits. 6. The Commission may form working groups and/or subcommittees on specific topics and issues to achieve substantive progress on action areas of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Resolution No. 19-251 Page 3 7. The Climate Action Commission shall: a) advise the City Council on climate issues. b) research, analyze, and promote climate actions, with particular attention to equity. c) educate and engage with the public on climate action and the City's climate and sustainability goals. d) assist City staff, City Council, and members of the community with implementing approved initiatives that support the City's climate and sustainability goals, including the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and any related or updated plan hereafter. e) recommend to City Council updates to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. 8. The Climate Action Commission shall prepare bylaws, which it deems necessary and advisable for the conduct of business of the Commission, and present the bylaws to the Rules Committee and City Council for approval. Passed and approved this day ofoctober 2019. L. Ma or OV ATTEST: Cl CLERK p roved City Attorney's Office Resolution No. 19-251 Page 4 It was moved by Mims and seconded by Teague Resolution be adopted, and upon roll call there were: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Cole Mims Salih Taylor Teague Thomas Throgmorton the Item Number: 13. r,-4 CITY OF IOWA CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT October 1, 2019 Resolution establishing a Climate Action Commission Prepared By: Ashley Monroe, Assistant City Manager Reviewed By: Geoff Fruin, City Manager Fiscal Impact: No Impact Recommendations: Staff: Approval Commission: N/A Attachments: Resolution Executive Summary: In August 2019, the City Council declared a Climate Crisis in Iowa City and decided to undertake several actions to enhance the City's progress towards meeting its climate goals. The first action was to increase the targets for carbon emissions reduction. Emissions reduction goals were changed from 25-28% in the year 2025 to a 45% reduction by 2030 and the City's goal of an 80% reduction in community -wide carbon emissions by 2050 was changed to a goal of "net -zero" emissions by 2050. The second action was to require a report that will rapidly advance the initiatives outlined in the Climate Action Plan to be delivered within 100 days of the Crisis declaration. The final action, was an agreement to establish a formal Climate Action Commission to support Iowa City in its mission to achieve the declared emissions reduction goals. The Resolution for consideration identifies the basis for which the Climate Action Commission is being established, the requirements and terms for membership, as well as the five major responsibilities the Commission will hold. The Commission is tasked with advising the City Council on climate issues, researching, analyzing, and promoting climate actions, actively educating and engaging Iowa City on matters of climate action, and assisting City staff, City Council, and members of the community with implementing initiatives that support the City's climate and sustainability goals. Background / Analysis: In late 2017, the Iowa City City Council authorized the creation of a Climate Action Steering Committee for the purpose of creating the City's first Climate Action and Adaption Plan. This body, comprised of community representatives, collaborated to develop the Plan approved by City Council in September 2018. After the Plan's adoption, the volunteers from this committee continued to informally pursue implementation of the adopted Climate Action Plan as an independent Advisory Board. Although they continued to have some success in their strategies, after approximately a year of operating in this manner, members of the Advisory Board determined that Iowa City would benefit from formalizing a commission to work on climate objectives. The Advisory Board provided their recommendation to City Council in summer 2019 and ultimately, the City Council agreed to establish a formal City Commission. As cited in the Resolution, the Commission's structure will be composed of eleven members; nine at -large members appointed by Council, one from the University of Iowa, and one from MidAmerican Energy. It is critical to include members from these specific entities to ensure continued strong communication and cooperation between the City and the City's primary energy generators/suppliers. It is important to note that active members of the Advisory Board were part of the team which developed the City's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. The Resolution includes approval of appointing these active Advisory Board members to the Commission for at least one term to ensure that the significant knowledge and expertise of these volunteers which was so crucial in the Plan's development is carried over. These members bring to the Commission significant and related experience as a Certified Architect, Associate Professor in Geographical and Sustainability Sciences with emphasis on equity and disaster mitigation, Home Builder with ties to the Greater Iowa City Home Builders Association, Lead Site Engineer for major local industry, Senior Environmental Analyst, Management Consultant with ties to United Nations initiatives, and a University of Iowa law student. Although training for the new commission will be provided, staff anticipates a quick transition and seamless continuation of efforts to implement the Plan's initiatives. The three positions remaining will be individually reviewed and appointed by Council. The Commission will agree upon its own Bylaws and send these to the Rules Committee and then they will come to Council for final approval. The Commission will have the support of an assigned City staff liaison. The Resolution allows the Commission to establish work groups with community members and organizations to help them fulfill their climate action responsibilities. The stated opportunity to engage with these groups could allow many more community members to assist the Commission and take part in this comprehensive issue. ATTACHMENTS: Description Resolution