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R-21-25RESOLUTION NO R-21-25 AMENDED AND RESTATED RESOLUTION REGARDING THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE FOR THE CITY OF FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA WHEREAS, the City Council, pursuant to Resolution No. 09-29, as subsequently amended by Resolution No. 14-68, established the Environmental Sustainability Committee (the "Committee") for the City of Fairfax, Virginia (the "City") and now desires to further amend and clarify the enabling authority; and WHEREAS, the City is engaged in local and regional efforts to support initiatives aimed at supporting and protecting healthy ecosystems of naturally flowing streams, native plants, wildlife, contiguous natural habitat areas, clean air and a healthy tree population; and WHEREAS, the City Council realizes the continued need for the Committee, to advise the City Council on policies and practices to protect and enhance the City's air, water, land, urban forest and human health as it pertains to the natural environment and sustainability initiatives; and WHEREAS, the City supports and wishes to continue to promote sustainable practices that preserve, conserve, reuse and recycle resources. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL that: 1. The purpose of the Committee is to advise the City Council on policies and practices to protect and enhance the City's air, water, land, urban forest and human health. It shall serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council on setting goals and policies for the City and community to continuously improve the natural and built environment. 2. The Committee is charged with the following: a. Policy, Ordinances and Other Standards: Provide guidance to the City Council on institutionalizing practices that protect and enhance the City's air, water, land, urban forest, and human health by evaluating, proposing and prioritizing policies, ordinances and other standards that support the City's Comprehensive Plan, City Council goals and other City commitments. b. Education: Advise the City Council to promote awareness, understanding, and commitment to ensure wise stewardship of the City's natural resources. c. Tree Advisory Board: The Committee shall act as the City's Tree Advisory Board which will include the following duties: i. Coordinate and promote Arbor Day activities; ii. Advocate for the urban forest; iii. Support education programs relating to trees; and iv. Assist with the annual application to renew the Tree City USA designation. d. Annual Report: The Committee shall prepare and submit an annual report to the City Council that includes, but is not limited to these items: - any findings on the current condition of the City's environment. proposed policies and programs that support the conservation, protection and enhancement of the City's environment and sustainability. evaluation of existing programs and policies to protect the environment and improve the City's sustainability, including any identified gaps. - summary of the Committee's actions and recommendations of the previous year. - Committee goals and priorities. e. Annual Meeting with the City Council: Meet annually with the City Council to present the annual report, an assessment of the state of the environment, and recommendations and priorities. The Committee shall be comprised of ten members. a. Eight members will be appointed by the City Council for a three year term. Members will be selected based on their interest and experience in environmental and sustainability issues. If possible, the City Council will include one member from the City business community. City residency is not required for committee members selected from the City business community. b. The ninth member shall be a member of the City School Board who is designated annually by the Board. c. The tenth member shall be a Fairfax High School student (preferably a City resident) and is designated annually by the chairperson of the Committee. d. The Committee chairperson and vice chairperson shall be elected annually by the Committee in June. e. The Committee will meet monthly, except for August. f. The Sustainabiiity Coordinator will provide support for the Committee. Adopted: May 11, 2021 k9� -el Mayor Attest: � VAO City Clerk The vote on the motion to approve was recorded as follows: VOTE: Councilmember Harmon Aye Councilmember Lim Aye Councilmember Miller Aye Councilmember Ross Aye Councilmember Stehle Aye Councilmember Yi Absent