3 September 2017 Newsletter - Laserfiche WebLink

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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR CONTINUED careful use of controlled burns is planned in some areas to control weeds and encourage native plants. Herbicides are electric car charging stations in the Library parking lot and no longer used on playgrounds and we do not use pesticides plan to install more elsewhere in the City to support zero containing neonicotinoids,which are harmful to bee colo- emission vehicle use.We have acquired our first municipal nies,on City lands. electric car(look for the white Nissan Leaf with the Louisville logo). The City of Louisville will continue to implement the recom- mendations of the Sustainability Action Plan in each of its We have a very progressive waste management plan con- five priority areas. We will do our part to contribute to an sistent with the Sustainability Action Plan's waste objec- overall 28%national emission reduction from 2005 levels by tives.Louisville's City wide pay-as-you-throw curbside single 2025. Continuing to implement the actions in our Sustain- stream recycling,trash and composting program has result- ability Action Plan and our continued partnership with Xcel ed in diversion of about half of our waste from the landfill. Energy will assist the world in achieving the goals of the Paris Our branch recycling center also helps reduce this amount. Climate agreement.While we have made progress in reduc- We need to do more by encouraging HOAs not currently pro- ing our impact on the environment in our City,we recognize viding these services to join our program. We will work on that there is an urgent need for more action.We are commit- increasing commercial recycling and composting. The goal ted to evaluating local projects and legislation with sustain- to reduce the use of landfills is good in several ways—we are ability and emissions reduction as a critical factor.With only reducing risks of groundwater contamination and toxins,but 11%of our residences and businesses taking advantage of also reducing methane which is a more potent greenhouse solar or windsource benefits,for example,we have a great gas than carbon dioxide. Our contribution to the County opportunity for continued improvement.As a City,we will be hazardous waste disposal site on the eco-cycle campus al- working to help provide our residents and businesses with lows our residents to drop off hazardous materials(paints, better information on cost effective ways to make a differ- cleaning solvents,batteries etc.)at no charge.You can also ence.This is important work for our entire community and pick up used paints for touch up projects at home for free.To I hope everybody will join with me to find ways to create reduce the volume of trash we generate,the Street Faire is a more sustainable Louisville!The future of Louisville's and now 100%compostable from drink cups to the utensils and Colorado's economy and quality of life depend on it. plates from the food vendors. We are also installing triple bin -Bob units for trash,recycling and compost at all city buildings. Finally,we have worked with Partners for a Clean Environ- CITY DEPARTMENT SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE ment and LSAB to establish the Green Business Recognition Program,serving and recognizing 32 businesses last year. The City has made some significant advances toward sustain- ability in how it operates its facilities.Here is a quick list of Many Louisville residents have expressed interest in hav- some of the more notable things the different City depart- ing access to locally grown and produced food. The City is ments have been up to in order to represent our community supporting this goal of the Louisville Sustainability Advisory responsibly and accountably. Board's Plan in a number of ways. We partnered with the Board and a nonprofit group to develop a Community Gar- City Manager's Office-The department connects resi den in 2015. This is in addition to the garden already in place dents with money-saving energy efficiency resources and by the Sports Complex.These gardens have been very popu organizes outreach programs.Last year it coordinated the lar and we will be looking to build more of them in replacement of City streetlights with LEDs,reducing energy parts of the City in the future. The Louisville Farmer's Market consumption and cost.The City Manager's Office is currently planning a Bus-to-Work event on September 28th,fea- is on Front Street every Saturday morning spring through fall. turfing several breakfast stations in Louisville.Visit the City The Market gives the community access to great local foods. website for more details! The Harney Lastoka Open Space is scheduled to be a Com- Public Works-Early reports from the new Wastewater Treat- munity Supported Agriculture farm in the next year or two, ment Plant indicate the plant is utilizing less energy than the where you'll be able to buy more organic food grown on previous facility.The Department also recently installed a the farm. Also we approved the raising of a small number new bike shelter cage at the Highway 36 overpass and uses of chickens in people's back yards so they can have access recycled asphalt when available and appropriate. to freshly lain eggs. Maintenance of City owned lands is also improving towards this goal.We are working to control and Information Technology IT provides support for electronic eliminate noxious weeks on open space lands with reduced records management,helping the City reduce paper waste. use of herbicides. You may have seen the goat herds at Harp IT has also lowered energy use through equipment upgrades er Lake and on Davidson Mesa munching away on weeds. A Continued on Page 6 September 2017 • Page 3