SR-106-015 (2)
EPWM:CP:BJ:DK:task force vacancy.doc
Council Meeting: October 25, 2005 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Appoint New Member to the City’s Task Force on the
Environment
Introduction
This report recommends that City Council appoint Robert Lempert to fill a vacant
position on the Task Force on the Environment.
Background
The Task Force on the Environment was established by City Council in July 1991 with
the appointment of seven members recommended by the City Manager. Each of the
seven members either resides or is employed within the City of Santa Monica. The
members possess expertise in various environmental areas ranging from stormwater
pollution control to energy efficiency.
Since its inception, the Task Force has provided input and leadership on environmental
issues impacting the City and was the principal sponsor of the Santa Monica
Sustainable City Plan. The Task Force plays a critical role in the review and goal
setting process for the City’s broad environmental agenda and has provided ongoing
advice and expertise as specific program proposals have been formulated.
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Discussion
Sandy Grant recently resigned from the Task Force due to time commitments related to
her serving as Chair of the City’s Sustainable City Task Force. To fill the vacancy, City
staff posted advertisements in local newspapers inviting applications from persons living
or working in Santa Monica. In recognition of the significant upcoming climate change-
related initiatives expected to be before City Council, the Task Force favored individuals
with qualifications and experience in that area. The four applications received and
reviewed by the Task Force at their August 15, 2005, meeting are attached. Robert
Lempert was recommended by the Task Force to fill the vacancy based on that review.
Robert Lempert has extensive experience researching climate change and energy
policy issues. He is a senior scientist at RAND, a professor in the RAND graduate
school, a Fellow of the American Physics Society, and a member of the National
Research Council’s Climate Research Committee, which provides advice to Federal
agencies on matters pertaining to scientific aspects of climate and climate change. Dr.
Lempert has led energy and climate related studies for the National Science
Foundation, Department of Energy, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, and the US Environmental Protection
Agency.
Budget/Financial Impact
The recommendation presented in this report does not have a budget or financial
impact.
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Recommendation
It is recommended that City Council authorize the City Manager to appoint Robert
Lempert as a new member to fill the vacant position on the Santa Monica Task Force on
the Environment.
Prepared by: Craig Perkins, Director, Environmental and Public Works Management
Brian Johnson, Environmental Programs Manager
Dean Kubani, Senior Environmental Analyst
(Not available electronically. Available for review at the
Attachment: Applications
City Clerk’s Office.)
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