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To: City Clerk Group
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Written Submittal from Michael Miller for City Council Meeting on February 18, 2025 Date: Monday, February 17, 2025 11:42:17 AM
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FROM:
Michael Miller
6153 Braeburn Drive
Goleta, CA 93117
[email protected]
REGARDING:
Comments for Goleta City Council Meeting on February 18, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments to the agenda items to be addressed at the February 18 City Council Meeting.\
Item C.1 25-053 Second Reading of Ordinance Amending Energy Performance Reach Code.
Comments : The original intent of the Goleta code was to mandate all-electric construction for new buildings. However, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in CRA v. City of Berkeley found that an ordinance requiring all-electric new buildings was pre-empted by the federal EPCA. Goleta’s amended energy performance reach code will be viewed as an attempt to mandate all-electric by making the mixed energy alternative allowable, but unaffordable. As stated by the city, the only path for a mixed energy design to meet the code is by adding PV+batteries. In addition, the mixed energy design will need to have 220V provisions at the electric panel and appliance locations for electric space heaters, water heaters, ranges, ovens, and dryers. As a result, the added requirements imposed on the mixed energy designs will make them significantly more costly and uncompetitive to your favored all-electric design. I believe this is a side step move to achieve an all-electric code that will be viewed as such by the courts. Therefore, it is recommended that Goleta utilize the California Building and Energy Code without local amendments.
Item D.2 25-061 2025-27 Strategic Plan Updates & Future Priorities Workshop.
Comments: Section 2.3 Support childcare initiatives and programs, focuses on childcare centers in future commercial and residential development which will both increase new housing costs and not address the child care needs of current families in our community. Our resources need to be focused on a solution that has broader access to child care such as child care centers.
Comments: Section 4.2 Response to emergency events. The new lithium battery power station represents a significant potential safety hazard as illustrated in the recent fire at a similar station. An emergency response plan for such an event should be developed and include evacuation zones for toxic gas, special fire fighting techniques for lithium as well as handling the toxic residue in the aftermath.
Comments: Section 5.6 Vision Zero approach to capital improvement program. Some implementations of the Vision Zero approach have had contrary results. One specific area in question is the pilings separating the roadway and bike lanes on Calle Real. The use of pilings may help separate traffic; however, street sweepers cannot access the bike lanes and the debris build-up poses a safety hazard to cyclists. Consideration should be given to removing the pilings and providing clean and safe bike paths. Associated road repair is also a key element of improving cycling safety.
Comments: Section 9 Equity, Inclusion and Access. The DEI plans associated with employment will be viewed as discriminatory and not merit based. Other DEI mandates, training and funding are also likely to be questioned. It is recommended that the City review the goals in this section.
Item D.1 Capital Improvement Program.
Comments: CIP Projects – Construction Phase Slide 4 (page 9). Please note that the JDW Splash Pad carries health risks due to contamination. Similar splash pads for children have caused significant health issues. As a result, diligent maintenance and cleaning will be required and will need to be funded. Simply deleting this item from the plan should be considered.
Unlisted Item Comments: America’s 250 year anniversary is approaching and celebration plans should be made for the City of Goleta. A fireworks display in particular would be a great community event.
Sincerely,
Michael Miller