Conservation and Environmental Protection

Conservation and Environmental Protection

• (w/ C. Broderick) Req. City Mgr. explore potential expansion of Lowell Stat Program to analyze public safety, quality of life and economic indicators in the downtown and neighborhood business districts.
• (w/ C. Martin) Req. Mgr. report on progress of the REEL program and plan to encourage more public participation.
• (w/ C. Kennedy) Req. City Council support a resolution, drafted by the law department, to join the city manager in opposition to the proposed cuts to MBTA service.
• Req. Mgr. report on potential for LED streetlight purchase plan in which a portion of savings generated is reinvested to incrementally increase coverage of LED streetlights.
• Req. Mgr. offer to host free Complete Streets workshops through the Baystate Roads Program and MassDOT in order to begin discussion toward developing a formal policy.
• Req. Mgr. reconsider network of transit overlay districts with adjusted minimum parking requirements to encourage neighborhood business or affordable housing development with thorough transportation demand management plans.
• Req. Mgr. report on potential of community benefit agreements for future large-scale urban renewal or development projects.
• Req. Mgr. provide update on availability of paperless packet option and state grant from expedited permitting law to facilitate electronic delivery.
• Req. Mgr. review home business zoning regulations to potentially allow more employees and spur local job growth.
• Req. Mgr. develop proposal for a portion of the Green Communities Grant to fund purchase and distribution of solar trash compactors and recycling kiosks among neighborhood business districts.
• Req. Mgr./Law Dept. explore possible remedies to continual railroad violations of regulations restricting excessive engine-idling.
• Req. Mgr. report on progress in making procurement decisions consistent with Local & Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy.
• Req. Mgr. report on usage of Green Communities grant funding, including participation in stretch code energy efficiency grant and loan programs.
• Req. Mgr. report on potential ordinance changes to require private waste haulers operating in the city also provide recycling services at an affordable, flat rate, and to amend the fee schedule for dumpsters in order to eliminate any existing disincentives.
• Req. Mgr. report on the establishment of a short-term revolving loan fund for business, condo and multi-family apartment buildings to more easily access recycling services and corresponding savings.
• Req. Mgr. review and report on progress towards the goals of the city’s tree ordinance, and submit an application for a MA DCR Urban & Community Challenge Grant to develop an urban forestry plan in compliance with the ordinance.
• Req. Mgr. explore grant application to MassWorks Infrastructure Program for partial support of Speck Plan recommendations and coordinated pilot project for green stormwater infrastructure downtown.
• Req. Mgr. identify alternative grant funding source for Hale’s Brook Greenway Plan to provide improved access and environmental enhancements to the adjacent neighborhoods.
• Req. Mgr. expand city fleet policy to include section on alternatively-fueled vehicles.
• Req. Mgr. review visible recycling policy to increase diversion of recyclable material from the waste stream.
• Req. Mgr. consider reduction in certain building permit fees in order to incentivize the use of low-impact development practices.
• Req. Mgr. develop formal Complete Streets policy, possibly with funding through NMCOG’s technical assistance grants.
• Req. Mgr. report on plans for greater savings and efficiency in the solid waste and recycling program for the upcoming year.
• Req. Mgr. report on progress toward a water conservation retrofit and rebate program to be implemented possibly in coordination with energy efficiency loans and grants.
• Req. Mgr./DPD develop formal guidelines with the City Council on the future use of tax increment financing plans, particularly with respect to living wage and environmental standards.
• Req. Mgr. explore potential of a system of bus shelters and bicycle racks with the LRTA and have DPD review corresponding plan for transit-overlay districts surrounding them.
• Req. Mgr. have DPD review Historic District restrictions when in conflict with energy efficiency retrofits.
• Req. Mgr. report on progress toward updated Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Req. Mgr. report on low impact development practices and potential ordinance changes for the city to formally adopt this less-costly approach.
• Req. Mgr. report on progress of stormwater compliance plan.
• Req. Mgr. have DPD/Law Dept provide analysis of greater restrictions on construction within the flood plain, and possible facilitation of an interim transfer of development rights process.
• Req. Council join other cities and towns in support of an updated Bottle Bill (HB 3515, SB 1480).
• Req. Mgr. review data on cost-effectiveness of yard waste collection during summmer months, and craft a plan accordingly.
• Req. Mgr. conduct municipal water usage audit & complete a conservation plan.
• Req. Mgr. report on current procurement policies with regard to the purchase of local and recycled products.
• Req. Mgr. develop proposal to secure funding to address flooding under Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
• Req. Mgr. adopt fuel-efficient city fleet purchasing policy in accordance w/Mass Green Communities Act.
• Req. Mgr. report on plans to increase savings in waste management and support recycling programs in condo and multi-family buildings.
• Req. Mgr. report on plans and progress toward a city-wide Sustainability Plan and MA Green Community status.