HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-207 ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION NO. 09-207
A RESOLUTION OF THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF A REVISED MISSION STATEMENT AND A ST.
LUCIE COUNTY `GREENPRINT' TO DEMONSTRATE VISION, CONTINUED LEADERSHIP,
AND COMMITMENT TO CREATING A SUSTAINABLE ST. LUCIE COUNTY
The Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, (herein referred to as
the "County") has made the following determinations:
1. Whereas, it is the County's vision to have an economically, environmentally, and socially
sustainable community; and
2. Whereas, the County acknowledges that by adopting sustainable practices, current and
future citizens will benefit from a cleaner, healthier environment and higher quality of life;
and
3. Whereas, the County has a long, established history of leadership and strong public support
for creating a sustainable community; and
4. Whereas, on October 10, 2006, the County adopted Resolution 06-272, demonstrating a
commitment to sustainable building and operational practices in all County facilities; and
5. Whereas, on November 14, 2006, the County, through Resolution No. 06-325, recognized
the importance of public involvement and created the Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee to
advise the County on creating a sustainable community; and
6. Whereas, on January 8, 2008, the Board approved application to the Florida Green Building
Coalition to become a certified "Green Local Government" to further demonstrate its
commitment to sustainable practices; and
7. Whereas, the Florida Green Building Coalition's "Green Local Government" certification is
consistent with, and furthers the intent of, the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan; and
8. Whereas, St. Lucie County developed a St. Lucie County `Greenprint' to define the County's
vision for a sustainable future and outline the goals, strategies and actions needed to
achieve that vision; and
9. Whereas, the St. Lucie County `Greenprint' contains the following goals for achieving a
sustainable community:
Goal I: Conserve, Protect and Restore Natural Resources;
Goal II: Implement Sustainable Development and Building Standards;
Goal III: Improve Community Transportation and Mobility;
Goal IV: Support Energy Conservation and Clean Energy Alternatives;
Goal V: Develop a Sustainable Green Economy;
Goal VI: Promote Sustainable Communities and Social Equity;
Goal VII: Strengthen Green Government Policies and Practices; and
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10. Whereas, the St. Lucie County `Greenprint' includes specific actions as part of FGBC's
Green Local Government certification, including:
a) Establishing the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy Efficient
Design (LEED), and the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) standards as officially
recognized `green' standards within the County;
b) Establishing policy to construct and renovate county buildings to USGBC or FGBC
standards to the extent feasible;
c) Utilizing Florida Friendly LandscapingT"^ standards, Integrated Pest Management
principles, and Best Management Practices or similar/greater standard for all county
owned and maintained properties;
d) Requiring all county facilities have recycling programs in place;
e) Utilizing street design standards such as "Street Design Guidelines for Healthy
Neighborhoods" as described by Walkable Communities Inc.;
f) Adopting Environmentally Preferred Purchasing policies to the extent feasible;
g) Adopting green cleaning and green maintenance techniques such as those described by
the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to the extent feasible; and
11. Whereas, the St. Lucie County `Greenprint' is an adaptable plan that can be updated to
include new goals, strategies and actions as warranted; and
12. Whereas, on July 13, 2009, the Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee recommended that the
County adopt the St. Lucie County `Greenprint'; and
13. Whereas, the County intends to submit the St. Lucie County `Greenprint' to the Florida
Green Building Coalition to document its commitment to sustainable policies as part of
"Green Local Government" certification.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St.
Lucie County, Florida:
It is declared a matter of public policy to adopt the St. Lucie County `Greenprint' as a framework
for achieving St. Lucie County's vision of a sustainable community; to commit to the sustainable
policies and practices of the Florida Green Building Coalition Green Local Government
Certification Program; and to amend the County's Mission Statement. The current Mission
Statement reads:
To provide service, infrastructure and leadership necessary to advance a safe community,
maintain a high quality of life, and protect the natural environment for all our citizens.
The revised and adopted Mission Statement shall read:
To provide service, infrastructure and leadership necessary to advance a safe and sustainable
community, maintain a high quality of life, and protect the natural environment for all our
citizens.
After motion and second, the vote on this resolution was as follows:
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Chair Paula A. Lewis Aye
Vice-Chair Charles Grande Aye
Commissioner Chris Craft Aye
Commissioner Doug Coward Aye
Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky Aye
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 8th day of September, 2009.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST UCIE COU TY, RIDA
BY '
Chairman
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ATTACHMENT B
St. Lucie County Greenprint
Creating a Roadmap to Sustainability
1.0 Introduction
Sustainability is not a new term. In recent years, it has become a common buzzword used in a wide array
of forums, meaning everything from total self-reliance to better use of existing commodities. For the
purpose of this document, "sustainability" is defined as "meeting the current environmental, social, and
economic needs of a community without compromising the ability of future generations to meet these
needs." The ultimate goal of adopting sustainable practices is to improve the quality of life and pass on
a world that is better for future generations.
The concept of sustainability is often illustrated as a three legged stool, with each leg representing a
critical element social equity (people), economic health (prosperity), and environmental stewardship
(planet). Collectively, these elements are the foundation of sustainability and all three must be
addressed to have a truly sustainable community.
St. Lucie County's vision of a sustainable community is one that conserves, protects and restores natural
resources, implements sustainable development and building standards, improves community
transportation and mobility, supports energy conservation and clean energy alternatives, develops a
green economy, promotes sustainable communities and social equity, and strengthens green
government policies and practices.
The Greenprint articulates St. Lucie County's vision of sustainability into a plan with clearly defined
goals, strategies and actions. The plan is intended to be used as an adaptable guide for future decisions
and will be updated as conditions warrant.
Asa local government, the County plays a crucial role in shaping the future; however, broader
community involvement and partnerships are required to create a sustainable community. Therefore,
the County will form partnerships with other government agencies, educational institutes, businesses,
and citizens to make a lasting difference that moves St. Lucie County toward the goal of a sustainable,
renewable community.
2.0 Leadership and Accomplishments to Date
St. Lucie County has been a leader in the region for sustainable development for over fifteen years as a
result of strong leadership and citizen support. In 1994, 67% of the County's citizens passed a bond
referendum to acquire and manage environmentally significant lands. Since that time over 7,000 acres
have been purchased and managed to preserve, protect and/or restore native habitats and species.
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St. Lucie County Greenprint
v R
In 1995, the St. Lucie County Economic Development Base Study was completed and a subsequent
visioning process resulted in a "Vision St. Lucie" document. The visioning process was a joint effort of
government, business and local residents that charted a course for sustainable economic development.
The synergy between the education, business and public sectors continues to flourish today.
The County has implemented a variety of sustainable land use programs and policies. The 2002 update
of the County's Comprehensive Plan incorporated smart growth policies and an economic element to
promote a sustainable tax base while protecting against loss of open space and natural systems. More
recently, the board implemented a specific model of sustainable development in the North County area,
called Towns, Villages and Countrysides (TVC). The process included numerous public meetings and
resulted in criteria consistent with smart growth and sustainable development, including transect-based
neighborhood planning with grid transportation networks, interconnected greenways and blueways,
and low impact development standards. The TVC regulations were approved by the Board of County
Commissioners in May 2006.
The Board created the Smart Growth Committee and Environmental Advisory Committee to recommend
changes to the County's Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Codes consistent with smart
growth principles and environmental protection. Over the last few years, these committees ha ve
reviewed and made recommendations that foster sustainable practices on a variety of revisions to St.
Lucie County's policies and regulations.
In 2006, the Board of County Commissioners created an Environmental Resources Department and
passed the Sustainability Resolution (06-272), establishing sustainability as a primary goal of the County.
The Board also created the Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee, made up of citizens, and government and
business representatives, to make policy recommendations on sustainable practices. The Sustainability
Advisory Committee reviewed and approved the St. Lucie County Greenprint document.
St. Lucie County became the catalyst for sustainability by hosting the Treasure Coast Green Conference
in 2007 and 2008. The conference brought together representatives from asix-county area including
the development community, state and local government entities, business leaders, and key
stakeholders.
In January 2008, the Board directed staff to obtain Green Local Government certification through the
Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC). This required a review of operational practices and policies
within the County in addition to Comprehensive Plan policies and Land Development Code regulations.
The County is currently preparing its application to be submitted to FGBC in September of this year.
St. Lucie County adopted a Bicycle, Pedestrian, Greenways & Trails Master Plan in 2008 to develop
alternative transportation systems and walkable, people-friendly communities. The County also
completed the Evaluation and Appraisal Report, an 18-month evaluation of the Comprehensive Plan,
which .included numerous recommendations to strengthen the County's regulations in support of
sustainable development and resource protection. In addition, the Land Development Code was
updated to provide more stringent protection of native trees and other vegetation. The County is
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St. Lucie County Greenprint
currently commissioning a comprehensive study of wetlands to further protect and improve wetland
functions.
Since 2008, the County has been working with the agricultural industry, landowners, and the public to
identify strategies to preserve prime agricultural lands. A study is currently underway to develop a long-
term strategy for enhancing agriculture and preserving habitat in western St. Lucie County, including a
transfer of development rights program.
Another outstanding example of the Board's vision for sustainability is the Treasure Coast Research
Park. Situated on 1,650 acres, it is one of the largest research parks in the nation. The park is dedicated
to aiding in the economic development of the Treasure Coast by supporting industries invested in
innovation and commercialization of scientific research, with a special emphasis on "clean" alternative
energies and agricultural biosciences. A neighborhood charrette process is also being initiated to identify
land uses and transportation networks needed to support the Research Park.
St. Lucie County Government has incorporated sustainability by using industry approved green building
standards in new construction. In 2008, the Havert L. Fenn Center was built to U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC) standards. This 62,575 square foot facility serves as a community center throughout
the year but is specifically built and equipped to provide shelter from hurricanes for citizens with special
needs. In addition, the new 57,000 square foot Clerk of Courts building was constructed to USGBC
standards and includes asingle-ply membrane roof, movable walls, low flow plumbing fixtures, and
raised flooring for higher air conditioning efficiency.
The Board created the Office of sustainability and Business Development in 2009 to assist with county-
wide sustainability initiatives, energy conservation strategies, and climate protection program
development. The sustainability/Business Development Coordinator is also responsible for coordinating
energy and green technologies with local business, green collar initiatives, and job growth incentives.
Finally, in the face of significant stress on its economic foundation and the resulting negative impact on
the County's communities and citizens, the Board initiated its own local economic stimulus program.
The program is projected to create more than 500 jobs for the local economy.
3.0 Goals. Strateeies, and Actions
GOAL I: CONSERVE, PROTECT AND RESTORE NATURAL RESOURCES
GOAL II: IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING STANDARDS
GOAL III: IMPROVE COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY
GOAL IV: SUPPORT ENERGY CONSERVATION AND CLEAN ENERGY ALTERNATIVES
GOAL V: DEVELOP A SUSTAINABLE GREEN ECONOMY
GOAL VI: PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AND SOCIAL EQUITY
GOAL VII: STRENGTHEN GREEN GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
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St. Lucie County Greenprint
GOAL I: CONSERVE, PROTECT AND RESTORE NATURAL RESOURCES
Strategies:
1. Continue to amend the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to adopt and/or
strengthen policies, regulations, and practices to improve air and water quality, conserve water,
energy and other natural resources, protect native species and habitats, and improve ecosystem
functions.
2. Continue to support implementation and funding of federal and state environmental conservation
and restoration projects, including, but not limited to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration
Plan, Indian River Lagoon South Plan, Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserve, Indian River Lagoon
Comprehensive .Conservation and Management Plan, Lake Okeechobee and St. Lucie Estuary
Watershed Protection Plans, North Fork St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve Management Plan, and Coastal
Zone protection projects.
3. Protect, preserve and restore sensitive ecosystems and habitats by investigating the feasibility of a
Regional Habitat Conservation Plan with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and
surrounding Counties.
4. Continue to acquire, preserve, protect and restore environmentally sensitive lands.
5. Promote waste reduction and explore ways to:
a. support the State of Florida's goal to recycle 75% of waste by 2020;
b. reduce or offset greenhouse gas emissions from the landfill;
c. reduce commercial and residential waste;
d. make recycling easier and. more efficient for all residents and businesses;
e. facilitate safe disposal of hazardous materials by businesses and residents;
f. explore alternative methods of waste disposal and storage; and
g. conduct a public education campaign to encourage higher participation in recycling and
proper disposal of hazardous materials.
6. Improve water quality, manage water quantity, and protect potable water sources by:
a. promoting reuse water for landscape irrigation where available;
b. exploring the use of pervious surfaces as an alternative to impervious surfaces;
c. supporting programs that eliminate reliance on wells and septic systems near water bodies;
and
d. supporting "green" golf course standards.
7. Improve air quality by:
a. investigating ways to reduce air pollution from County facilities and vehicles;
b. supporting tree planting and preservation initiatives; and
c. supporting green businesses that meet or exceed air quality standards.
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St. Lucie County Greenprint
GOAL II: IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY STANDARDS
Strategies:
1. Continue to amend the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code such that each element
reflects a goal of sustainable development, removes impediments to sustainable practices, and
includes recommendations from the Regional Strategic Policy Plan and the Committee for a
Sustainable Treasure Coast Report.
2. Encourage and support Green Building and Development Standards by:
a. recognizing the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy Efficient Design
(LEED), Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC), and National Association of Home Builders'
(NAHB) as "green" standards within St. Lucie County;
b. implementing green development and building standards, as feasible;
c. encouraging the incorporation of green building technology in housing; and
d. encouraging Brownfield redevelopment and urban infill projects.
3. Continue to explore the use of innovative sustainable land planning tools which discourage urban
sprawl, protect native habitat, utilize alternative transportation approaches, and create open space
parks.
4. Support state efforts to revise the building code and/or energy code to require greater efficiencies.
GOAL III: IMPROVE COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY
Strategies:
1. Support the expansion of public transportation, mass transit and multimodal transportation centers
by:
a. considering amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to
strengthen goals and regulations and remove impediments;
b. exploring the potential to enhance the "Transportation Demand Management" program;
c. encouraging neighborhood design that provides access and mobility needs of the young, the
elderly, people with disabilities, and low-income residents;
d. encouraging innovative approaches to meet transportation needs associated with accessing
jobs, educational services, and health care;
e. exploring street design standards such as "Street Design Guidelines for Healthy
Neighborhoods" as described by Walkable Communities Inc.;
f. increasing the number of sidewalks, bicycle trails, multi-use trails, and on-road bicycle lanes
to encourage alternative forms of mobility and reduce vehicles on the road; and
g. supporting the expansion of public transportation systems on a regional and statewide
basis.
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St. Lucie County Greenprint
GOAL IV: SUPPORT ENERGY CONSERVATION AND CLEAN ENERGY ALTERNATIVES
Strategies:
1. Audit and implement, as feasible, strategies to reduce energy consumption in County facilities.
2. Evaluate the implementation of solar purchase partnership agreements, performance contracting,
shared savings, and similar programs to reduce the County's energy costs.
3. Explore opportunities to provide incentives or creative financing programs that result in increased
energy efficiency and/or use of alternative energy in residential homes and commercial buildings.
4. Incorporate energy conservation and green technology into affordable housing programs.
5. Encourage the State legislature to implement a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard and
Renewable Energy Credit program.
6. Support research, development and production of alternative fuel sources (biomass) in the County.
GOAL V: DEVELOP A SUSTAINABLE GREEN ECONOMY
Strategies:
1. Encourage local businesses and industries to adopt sustainable standards and practices by:
a. promoting expansion and diversification of sustainable or green businesses and industries,
as appropriate; and
b. supporting the implementation of agricultural best management practices, certified organic
production methods, and agricultural biosciences.
2. Define sustainable businesses and industries to be targeted for economic incentives;
3. Consider the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) of the Treasure Coast Regional
Planning Council and partner with the economic development efforts of surrounding or adjacent
cities and counties, as feasible.
4. Support the creation of training opportunities in green collar jobs, including apprenticeship and pre-
apprenticeship programs.
5. Continue to support the development of the Treasure Coast Research Park with a focus on research,
development, and manufacturing of green technology and clean industries.
GOAL VI: PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AND SOCIAL EQUITY
Strategies:
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St. Lucie County Greenprint
1. Continue and enhance efforts to coordinate sustainability initiatives with surrounding counties and
cities.
2. Support mechanisms to encourage the redevelopment and revitalization of disadvantaged
neighborhoods and underutilized commercial districts.
3. Continue programs which fund rehabilitation or reconstruction of poor quality housing.
4. Monitor the availability of affordable housing units, workforce housing, and rehabilitation of
substandard housing using sustainable building methods and practices.
5. Continue efforts to demolish dangerous structures in neighborhoods.
6. Continue sustainability education that increases knowledge and raises community awareness and
involvement by:
a. promoting or providing educational programs on alternative energy and energy
conservation, water conservation, low impact landscapes, green building and green
development, recycling and waste reduction, and environmentally preferred purchasing;
and
b. expanding networks and partnerships to enhance opportunities for community education
and involvement in sustainable practices.
7. Support programs that help residents connect to "green living" by:
a. encouraging the establishment of community gardens, community supported agriculture,
local Farmers' Markets, and farm-to-school programs;
b. facilitating appropriate public access to natural areas; and
c. providing public information about County parks, preserves, and program opportunities.
8. Enhance community connections and involvement by:
a. promoting volunteer opportunities;
b. encouraging community-initiated events and programs; and
c. expanding the broadcast area of St. Lucie County N.
GOAL VII: STRENGTHEN GREEN GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
Strategies:
1. Commit to incorporating USGBC and/or FGBC green standards in all County building projects to the
extent feasible.
2. Adopt Environmentally Preferred Purchasing (EPP) policies and include language in contracts to
support this policy, to the extent feasible.
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St. Lucie County Greenprint
3. Incorporate green cleaning and green maintenance standards, such as those described by the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, as County policy and include language in cleaning
contracts, to the extent feasible.
4. Incorporate Florida-Friendly LandscapingT'" principles, Best Management Practices (BMP), and
Integrated Pest Management methodologies, or similar/greater standards for all County-owned and
maintained properties, ensuring appropriate staff is trained, and including indicative language in
landscape maintenance contracts to support this policy.
5. Promote or provide educational opportunities to County employees and elected officials on
sustainable planning, economics, and operations.
6. Reduce and monitor St. Lucie County waste by:
a. establishing policies and practices, such as duplex printer procurement and double-sided
printing;
b. exploring a policy for green event practices for county meetings, workshops and events, to
the extent feasible; and
c. requiring all County facilities have a recycling program in place.
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St. Lucie County Greenprint