Sustainability and Resilience Commission

Sustainability and Resilience Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Page 1 of 4 Commission Notice and Agenda Regular Meeting of the La Cañada Flintridge Sustainability and Resilience Commission Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM City Hall One Civic Center Drive La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 Francis Pollara, Chair Julie Kane-Ritsch, Vice Chair Quemars Ahmed, Commissioner Ahee Han, Commissioner Lauren Oakes, Commissioner Page 1 of 11  Sustainability and Resilience Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Page 2 of 4 Commission How to View the Meeting Remotely Regular Sustainability and Resilience Commission meetings are streamed live for public viewing. However, please note that not all Special Sustainability and Resilience Commission meetings are available for live streaming. City Website Live Streaming at https://lcf.ca.gov/city-clerk/agenda-minutes/. Comments from the Public The public is encouraged to address the Sustainability and Resilience Commission on any matter posted on the agenda or on any other matter within its jurisdiction. If you wish to address the Sustainability and Resilience Commission, you may do so during the Comments from the Public period noted on the agenda. Each person is allowed 3-minutes speaking time. Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. The Sustainability and Resilience Commission may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future Sustainability and Resilience Commission meeting. Agenda Materials Copies of staff reports and supporting documentation pertaining to agenda items are available for public viewing and inspection at City Hall, 2nd Floor Lobby Area, during regular business hours, and on the City’s website https://lcf.ca.gov. For further information regarding agenda items, please contact the Community Development Department at (818) 790-8881. SB 343 – Any writings relating to an agenda item distributed to a majority of the City Council less than 72 hours prior to the meeting will be available for public review in the City Clerk’s Office during normal business hours and/or posted on the City’s website. Levine Act - To promote transparency and fairness in government decision-making, the Levine Act imposes contribution prohibitions and disclosure requirements. Specifically, any elected or appointed City officer is prohibited from making or attempting to influence a decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the officer received a contribution of more than $500 within the preceding 12 months from a party or their agent. (Gov. Code § 84308(c)(1).) Additionally, parties to proceedings involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use pending before any elected or appointed City officer must disclose any campaign contributions exceeding $500 that they made within the preceding 12 months. (Gov. Code § 84308(e)(1).) For more information please visit: https://lcf.ca.gov/city-clerk/levine-act/. Reasonable Accommodations In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Government Code Section 54953(g), the City Council has adopted a "reasonable accommodations" policy to expedite accommodation requests. The policy can also be found on the City’s website. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office, (818) 790-8880 to make an accommodation request, or to obtain an electronic or printed copy of the policy. Page 2 of 11 Sustainability and Resilience Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Page 3 of 4 Commission 6:00 PM Sustainability and Resilience Commission Regular Meeting Preliminary Business Call to Order Next Ordinance: XXX Next Resolution: XX-XX Roll Call Francis Pollara, Chair Julie Kane-Ritsch, Vice Chair Quemars Ahmed, Commissioner Ahee Han, Commissioner Lauren Oakes, Commissioner Pledge of Allegiance Comments from the Public Limited to 3 minutes per speaker for items on the Consent Calendar, items not on the Agenda, or any issue within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Sustainability and Resilience Commission. Public comment is limited to a maximum of 20 minutes. Speakers not able to speak due to the 20-minute time limit will be provided with the opportunity to speak at the end of the meeting. If the matter on which you wish to speak is an Agenda item (other than a Consent Calendar item), you will be provided the opportunity to address the Sustainability and Resilience Commission when the matter is considered. Selection of Chair and Vice-Chair Selection of Representative to the Emergency Preparedness Coordinating Committee Nomination and selection of an advisory participant to the Emergency Preparedness Coordinating Committee. Presentations Presentation from LA Compost Reordering of and Additions to the Agenda Consent Calendar Items on the Consent Calendar will be enacted by one motion and roll call vote without individual discussion. If discussion is desired, the item will be removed and considered separately. 1) Approval of Meeting Minutes of the Sustainability and Resilience Commission a. Regular Meeting of the Sustainability and Resilience Commission – April 14, 2026 b. Regular Meeting of the Sustainability and Resilience Commission – May 12, 2026 c. Regular Meeting of the Sustainability and Resilience Commission – June 9, 2026 Other Business Discussion of establishment of an ad-hoc subcommittee to discuss process, objectives, focus, and development of webpage for sustainability information. Concluding Business Page 3 of 11  Sustainability and Resilience Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Page 4 of 4 Commission • Commissioners' Comments • Staff Comments Adjournment Motion to Adjourn I certify under penalty of perjury that the agenda was posted on the City Hall bulletin board at One Civic Center Drive at least 72 hours prior to the meeting, in accordance with Government Code Section 54954.2. Antonio Gardea Deputy Director of Community Development Page 4 of 11  City of La Cañada Flintridge April 14, 2026 Sustainability and Resilience Council Chambers Commission Minutes One Civic Center Drive Regular Meeting La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pollara called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. ROLL CALL: Chair Pollara, Vice Chair Kane-Ritsch, and Commissioners Ahmed and Han. Commissioner Oakes arrived at 6:15 p.m. STAFF PRESENT: Assistant Community Development Director Gardea, Senior Management Analyst II Brancheau and consultant, Laura Baetscher (in-person). PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Chair Pollara. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None. REORDERING OF AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. Approval of Minutes a. Sustainability and Resilience Commission Special Meeting – February 24, 2026 b. Sustainability and Resilience Commission Regular Meeting – March 10, 2026 c. Sustainability and Resilience Commission Special Meeting – March 31, 2026 A MOTION was made by Commissioner Han, seconded by Vice Chair Kane-Ritsch, and carried (4 – 0, Commissioner Oakes had not arrived yet) to approve the Minutes of the Sustainability and Resilience Commission Regular Meetings of February 24, 2026, March 10, 2026, and March 31, 2026. Approval of Minutes of the Sustainability and Resilience Commission Meetings: 1. Approval of Minutes of the Sustainability and Resilience Commission Meetings a. Regular meeting of February 24, 2026 b. Regular meeting of March 10, 2026 c. Regular meeting of March 31, 2026 (Approved 4 – 0). NEW OR CONTINUED BUSINESS: 1. Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment – Provide Recommendations to the City Council Consultant Baetscher gave a presentation and answered questions from the Commission. Commission Minutes Page 1 of 3 April 14, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 5 of 11  A MOTION was made by Commissioner Ahmed, seconded by Commissioner Oakes, and carried (5 – 0) to recommend approval of the proposed Gas-Powered Landscape Equipment Ordinance with the following amendments: That Section 4.25.030, under “Landscape Equipment,” be amended to include language that allows for landscape equipment that is equal to or less than 25 horsepower; That Section 4.25.040 B be amended to include only riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, walk behind mowers, trimmers, edgers, and weedwhackers; That Section 4.25.040 C be amended to include brush cutters and chainsaws; That Section 4.25.040 C be amended to include equipment that is “equal to or under 25 horsepower;” That Section 4.25.050 C. be amended to eliminate items 1 and 2 (strike the misdemeanor and infraction punishment for noncompliance) to only include an administrative citation as enforcement; That the Ordinance be approved by October 1, 2026. The following policy recommendations were added to the recitals of the Resolution: To allow for businesses license fees to be waived for landscape businesses for the first business license year so that the businesses can apply the savings towards the cost of new non gas- powered equipment. To issue a special license (“Green License”) for landscape businesses that operate in the City. That the Commission revisit an education plan once the City Council officially adopts the ordinance. That the City and La Cañada Unified School District (LCUSD) transition to electric landscaping equipment as soon as feasible to set a leadership example for the community. CONCLUDING BUSINESS: Comments from the Commissioners Commissioner Ahmed explained that he had been approached by members of the community about what the Commission’s potential involvement would be participating in events like the City’s Arbor Day event and/or other ongoing summer events. Assistant Director Gardea clarified for Chair Pollara that the meeting was not live-broadcast. Commission Minutes Page 2 of 3 April 14, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 6 of 11 Chair Pollara informed all in attendance that he had participated in a symposium with the Council for Watershed Health of which he will provide information on his participation for a future regular meeting as a “Receive and File item.” Senior Management Analyst II Brancheau informed Vice Chair Kane-Ritsch of the upcoming City Council budget meeting dates and clarified that the Commission’s requested Council Consideration Items (CCIs) will be agendized no later than 72 hours prior to the City Council budget meetings. Commissioner Han informed all that she attended an Emergency Preparedness Coordinating Committee (EPCC) meeting on March 18, 2026 and gave a brief update. Assistant Director Gardea clarified for Chair Pollara that contact has been made regarding Public Safety Commission involvement regarding providing information on Wildfire Preparedness solutions. An item will be brought forward to the SRC for discussion at a later date. Assistant Director Gardea confirmed that the next Regular Commission meeting date will be May 12, 2026. He indicated that the Open Space and Conservation Element drafts would be brought forward on that date for Commission review and comment. Assistant Director Gardea mentioned that there had been a request for the SRC Subcommittee to meet with the Watershed Council. Comments from Staff No additional comments. ADJOURNMENT Chair Pollara adjourned the Regular meeting at 7:28 p.m. _____________________________________________________________ Antonio Gardea, Secretary to the Sustainability and Resilience Commission Minutes approved by the Sustainability and Resilience Commission on _______________ Commission Minutes Page 3 of 3 April 14, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 7 of 11  City of La Cañada Flintridge May 12, 2026 Sustainability and Resilience Council Chambers Commission Minutes One Civic Center Drive Regular Meeting La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pollara called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. ROLL CALL: Vice Chair Kane-Ritsch and Commissioners Ahmed and Han. Commissioner Oakes was absent. STAFF PRESENT: Assistant Community Development Director Gardea, Senior Management Analyst II Brancheau, consultant Surabhi Barbhaya (Kimley-Horn) and consultant P.J. Tillman (Cascadia Consulting). PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Chair Pollara. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Comments were provided by Anne Tryba. REORDERING OF AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: Item C under Commissioners’ Comments was moved to last on the agenda. CONSENT CALENDAR: None. NEW OR CONTINUED BUSINESS: 1. General Plan Update (Conservation Element) - Consideration of Goals and Policies – Assistant Director Gardea gave a presentation and Consultant Barbhaya answered questions from the Commissioners. A MOTION was made by Commissioner Han, seconded by Vice Chair Kane-Ritsch, and Carried (4-0, Oakes was absent) to recommend approval to the City Council to adopt the updates to the Conservation Element of the General Plan. OTHER BUSINESS: None. CONCLUDING BUSINESS: Meetings attended at the expense of the local agency – None. Regional and local representation – None. Subcommittee updates – Chair Pollara explained that he and Vice-Chair Kane-Ritsch attended a meeting with the Council for Watershed Health. Commission Minutes Page 1 of 2 May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 8 of 11 Request for future agenda items – Chair Pollara indicated that he would like the Council for Watershed Health to give a presentation to the Commission at a future meeting. Assistant Director Gardea explained that the Beach Cities District - Blue Zones – a presentation could be scheduled around September. He also explained that the City of Davis could provide information to the Commission virtually. Also, at the request of City Councilmember Fossan, the Greenway Network will be explored further as well. Commissioners’ Comments – The Commissioners discussed the items and received and filed the information a) Brookside Stormwater Capture Project - Chair Pollara reported on this item. b) Eaton Wash Stormwater Capture Project – No extensive discussion took place on this item. c) Request for Proposals (Sustainability Analyst) –This item was taken last. A discussion took place- a MOTION was made by Vice Chair Kane-Ritsch, seconded by Commissioner Han, carried (4-0, Commissioner Oakes was absent) to continue the item to the Regular Meeting to be held in June 2026. d) Electric Vehicle Charging Survey- a MOTION was made by Commissioner Ahmed, seconded by Vice Chair Kane-Ritsch, carried (4-0, Commissioner Oakes was absent) to approve the request of a flash survey for EVC survey. Staff Comments Assistant Director Gardea explained that the Open Space and Circulation Elements can be agendized for the Commission’s review to receive and file in the future once the Parks and Recreation and Public Works and Traffic Commissions both first review and provide any comments. ADJOURNMENT Chair Pollara adjourned the Regular meeting at 7:14 p.m. _____________________________________________________________ Antonio Gardea, Secretary to the Sustainability and Resilience Commission Minutes approved by the Sustainability and Resilience Commission on _______________ Commission Minutes Page 2 of 2 May 12, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 9 of 11  City of La Cañada Flintridge June 9, 2026 Sustainability and Resilience Council Chambers Commission Minutes One Civic Center Drive Regular Meeting La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING CALL TO ORDER: Chair Pollara called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Vice Chair Kane-Ritsch and Commissioners Ahmed and Oakes. Commissioner Han was absent. STAFF PRESENT: Assistant Community Development Director Gardea, Senior Management Analyst II Brancheau, and Kimley-Horn consultant, Surabhi Barbhaya PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Led by Chair Pollara. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None. REORDERING OF AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: CONSENT CALENDAR: No items. Assistant Director Gardea informed the Commissioners that meeting minutes from the past few SRC meetings will be brought to the Commission soon, given the implementation of the City’s new CivicPlus recording system; additional coordination with the City Clerk’s office is taking place. NEW OR CONTINUED BUSINESS: 1. Consistency Review General Plan Element Updates (Open Space and Recreation Element and Circulation Element) - Consideration of Goals and Policies Assistant Director Gardea gave a presentation and answered questions from the Commissioners. A MOTION was made by Vice Chair Kane-Ritsch, seconded by Commissioner Ahmed and carried (4-0, Commissioner Han was absent) to recommend approval to the City Council to adopt the updates to the Open Space and Recreation and Circulation Element of the General Plan. 2. Trails Council Report – Invasive Species A MOTION was made by Commissioner Ahmed, seconded by Commissioner Oakes and carried (4-0, Commissioner Han was absent) to receive and file the report. 3. Sustainability Analyst – Request for Proposals Commission Minutes Page 1 of 2 June 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 10 of 11  A MOTION was made by Vice Chair Kane-Ritsch, seconded by Chair Pollara and carried (4-0, Commissioner Han was absent) to receive and file the report on Sustainability Analyst Request for Proposals. OTHER BUSINESS: None. CONCLUDING BUSINESS: Commissioners’ Comments Chair Pollara expressed that he would like to see movement made on drafting of a Workplan for the Commission as well as carrying out Greenspace efforts. Assistant Director Gardea explained that City Council decisions with regards to the Commission budget requests will help to dictate what items move forward in the new fiscal year. He further explained that focus should be made to implement the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Chair Pollara suggested that the School District be contacted regarding Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies to help to reduce vehicle trips with the new school year coming up. Staff Comments Assistant Director Gardea recommended that the SRC Subcommittee meet once the City Council reaches a decision on whether to approve the implementation of the gas-powered landscape equipment ban ordinance. He reiterated to the Commission that the Blue Zones alliance item will be discussed in the future as well. Chair Pollara indicated that a board member with the Valley Water Company asked that he and any SRC Commissioners attend a tour at their facility. Assistant Director Gardea clarified that a request for a new SRC Commission member would be put out approximately by the end of the year. A new member is required due to the likelihood of Commissioner Ahmed securing the required number of votes to be placed on the City Council. ADJOURNMENT Chair Pollara adjourned the Regular meeting at 7:04 p.m. _____________________________________________________________ Antonio Gardea, Secretary to the Sustainability and Resilience Commission Minutes approved by the Sustainability and Resilience Commission on _______________ Commission Minutes Page 2 of 2 June 9, 2026 Regular Meeting Page 11 of 11