ORDINANCE NO. 240825
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Sponsor: Mayor Quinton Lucas
Amending Chapter 2, Article VI of the Code of Ordinances, entitled “Boards, Commission and Committees,” by repealing Division 20, entitled “Climate Protection Steering Committee,” including Sections 2-970.40, 2-970.41, 2-970.42, 2-970.43, 2-970.44, and 2-970.45, and by repealing Sections 2-951, 2-952, 2-953, 2-954, enacting in lieu thereof new sections of like numbers and subject matter for the purpose of disbanding the Climate Protection Steering Committee and expanding the duties of the Environmental Management Commission.
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WHEREAS, Council established the Environmental Management Commission to offer policy recommendations to the City Council, City staff, and all other boards and commissions of the City concerning the issues of environmental planning, management, and compliance in Ordinance No. 960220, passed on March 28, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Climate Protection Steering Committee was formed to oversee the planning process and work with City staff to develop the City’s first Climate Protection Plan, and Council incorporated the findings and recommendations of that plan into City policy and operations in Resolution No. 080754, adopted on July 24, 2008; and
WHEREAS, Council formally established the Climate Protection Steering Committee to continue to advise on the implementation of the Climate Protection Plan and to further assist and support City leadership by serving as an advisory board to the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager on matters related to climate protection in Ordinance No. 140760, passed on September 25, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Council directed the City Manager to develop and submit to Council a new Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan in Resolution No. 200005, adopted on May 14, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Council adopted the City’s updated Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan, as approved by the Climate Protection Steering Committee, and incorporated its findings and recommendations into City policy and operations in Resolution No. 220596 on August 25, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Council desires to consolidate the current duties of the Environmental Management Commission and Climate Protection Steering Committee into one singular environmental advisory body; and NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That Chapter 2, Code of Ordinances of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, is hereby amended by repealing Article VI, Division 20, Climate Protection Steering Committee, including Sections 2-970.40, Purpose, 2-970.41, Establishment; membership; appointment of members, 2-970.42, Duties, 2-970.43, Terms, 2-970.44, Meetings; rules and procedure, and 2-970.45, Staff support.
Section 2. That Chapter 2, Code of Ordinances of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, is hereby amended by repealing Article VI, Division 10, Environmental Management Commission, including Sections 2-951, Establishment; membership; appointment of members, 2-952, Chairperson; term of office; vacancies, 2-953, Duties, 2-954, Staff, and enacting in lieu thereof a new division and new sections of like name, number, and subject matter, to read as follows:
Sec. 2-951. Establishment; membership; appointment of members.
The Environmental Management Commission shall consist of nine members appointed by the Mayor. All members shall be residents of the City.
Sec. 2-952. Chairperson; term of office; vacancies.
(a) The Mayor shall designate a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
(b) Members shall be appointed for a term of four years and shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor.
(c) Each member shall serve until respective successors have been appointed. They may thereafter be reappointed at the pleasure and discretion of the Mayor. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term of any member whose seat shall be vacant.
Sec. 2-953. Duties.
(a) The duties of the Commission shall include:
(1) Offering policy recommendations to the City Council, City staff, and all other boards and commissions of the City concerning the issues of environmental planning, management, and compliance.
(2) Advising the City Council on the implementation of the City’s Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan and as to important developments related to the plan as appropriate.
(3) Reviewing plans, budgets, programs, and actions of the City which significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while preserving economic development, transportation options, and the ability of responsible producers of energy to provide a stable and cost-effective energy supply.
(4) Providing liaison to and maintaining relationships with other cities, regional policy bodies, and organizations to advocate for timely inclusion of environmental considerations in all City policies and programs.
(5) Monitoring Office of Environmental Quality reports regarding the City’s actions for compliance with state and federal environmental laws and regulations and locally adopted ordinances, plans, and resolutions.
(b) The Commission shall be authorized to adopt rules to govern how it shall conduct its affairs.
(c) The Commission shall make an annual report to the City Council in the first month of the City’s fiscal year. The report shall include recommendations regarding environmental priorities, opportunities, and challenges for inclusion in the City’s five-year planning cycle.
(d) The Commission shall meet at times and places determined by the Chairperson.
Sec. 2-954. Staff.
The Director of the Office of Environmental Quality or the Director’s designee shall be an ex-officio member of the Commission and shall provide clerical and administrative services for the Commission.
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Approved as to form:
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Andrew Bonkowski
Assistant City Attorney