SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN 2013
Background Information 3 2009 Action Plan Evaluation 4 Sustainability Indicators 5 Grants Received 7 Creating the 2013 Action Plan 8 Sections: Waste Reduction 9 Energy 10 Transportation 11 Growth and Development 12 Public Outreach and Engagement 13 Survey Results and Feedback 14 List of Commission Members 20 2
The first Sustainability Community Action Plan was created in 2009 by a group of committed citizens with the support of City staff and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. More than 250 residents provided input into the Plan. Since that time, nine actions have been achieved and twelve are in the process of being completed. Sustainability in Franklin has been a communitydriven initiative and centered around cost savings and quality of life. This updated plan continues the legacy of community engagement and participation with the purpose of improving the quality of life and reducing municipal utility costs. It’s about doing things to reduce costs, positively affect people, and improve our local environment. The matrix on the next page shows what was achieved from the 2009 Sustainability Community Action Plan. 3
4 Category Actions Description of Action Achieved or Implemented In Process Not Begun Eliminated Action 1 Locate, build, open, service two additional drop-off recycling sites (obsolete with curbside program) Action 2 Reduce 10% of waste transferred to landfill annually; 50% reduction by 2015; 75% by 2030 Action 3 Program encouraging the use of recycled wood chips, mulch, compost Action 1 Reduce potable water usage by 25% May-October; 10% reduction in winter months Action 2 Reduce effluent discharge into Harpeth River by 15% in 5 years Action 3 Establish priority sewersheds for inflow and infiltration removal by 2014 Action 1 Monitor sub-watersheds of Harpeth River within UGB by 2011 Action 2 Establish baseline for natural stream conditions for each sub-watershed Action 3 Establish priority sub-watersheds and develop watershed plans based on Actions 1&2 Action 1 Create Incentive-based points program to encourage sustainable practices on new projects by December 31 st , 2010 Action 2 Establish a local Greenway/Open Space Master Plan Action 1 City adoption of 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Action 1 Construct only LEED Certified municipal buildings Action 2 Provide incentives to the private sector to encourage LEED Certification Action 1 Provide education to the community regarding sustainability in terms of the live green webpage, green tips, lecture series, speakers bureau Action 2 Establish a live green partnership for businesses, organizations, households Action 1 Replace 5% of vehicles registered with ones that use alternative energy sources Action 2 Replace 10% of the electricity Citywide with electricity generated by clean and renewable means by 2014 Action 1 Develop a preferred parking program for efficient vehicles in downtown Franklin (deferred) Action 2 Install bicycle parking in Central Franklin Character Area Action 3 Help Implement a regional express bus service between Spring Hill and Nashville Action 1 Reduce total citywide energy usage by 20% per capita by 2014 Action 2 Increase community’s participation in energy audits by 50% by 2014 Action 3 Reduce total greenhouse gas emissions 7% by 2014 Action1 Reduce CO2 emissions 5% by 2012 & another 20% by 2015 Action 2 Eliminate toxic chemicals used by City facilities and school system Enviro Health Evaluation Matrix of 2009 Sustainable Community Action Plan Status of Action Waste Reduction Water & Wastewater Stormwater Urban Nature Urban Design Public Education Alternative Fuel & Energy Transportation Energy What was Achieved from the 2009 Action Plan?
Benchmarks, Measurements, and Indicators Waste Water Treatment 43% Water Delivery 6% City Hall 9% Police HQ 9% Steet Lights 24% Fire 4% Other 5% Total Electricity Usage 2011 (kWh) In the fall of 2011, the City purchased and piloted 45 LED Streetlights for Downtown and Jim Warren Park and has seen a savings of ≈ $1,500 annually. The City is also piloting 82 LED streetlights along the improved section of West McEwen Drive. There is approximately 562 kW of solar power going to the grid throughout the community. The Water Department’s conservation efforts were supported by the Tennessee Wastewater Utilities Partnership. In 2010, the City had not installed any LED streetlights, had zero LEED Certified buildings, and zero electric vehicle charging stations and today there are 125 LED streetlights, 11 LEED Certified buildings, and 8 public locations with electric vehicle charging. City of Franklin Electricity Usage & Costs 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 kWh 17.8 million kWh 18.6 million kWh 19.8 million kWh 19.8 million kWh 17.9 million kWh Cost $2.55 million $2.61 million $2.76 million $2.97 million $2.78 million Information based on MTEMC utility bills; rates rose Wastewater Treatment Plant Energy Conservation Efforts 2011-2012 Action Cost Projected Energy Savings Est. Annual Cost Savings Aeration Optimization $0 1,490,440 kWh $120,000 Electric Meter Change $0 0KWh $48,000 EnerNOC Program $0 Demand Response $16,000 Solar Array (Revenue) $0 168,000 kWh $10-$12,000 Lighting Replacement TBD TBD TBD Total Savings 1,669,440 Kwh $194,000 Energy Initiatives (Community-Wide Totals) Initiative: 2008 2010 2012 Total Solar Projects 0 3 8 (562 kW) EV Car Charging Locations 0 0 8 LED Streetlights 0 0 145 5
Benchmarks, Measurements, and Indicators Transportation: Eight (8) locations with publicly available electric vehicle EV charging stations were established between 2011-2012. In 2009, there were not any bike racks or bollards in Downtown Franklin, now there are five (5) bike racks and eighteen (18) bike bollards. There are currently 12.1 miles of paved multiuse trails and 11.6 miles of bike lanes. In the fall of 2009, RTA established a Direct Bus Service to Nashville that has experienced significant increases in ridership. Urban Design: In 2009, there were zero (0) LEED Certified Buildings, now there are nine (9). The only City owned LEED Certified building is the Police HQ. There are three (3) Green Roofs throughout Franklin and the City owns 705 acres of parks. Residential Waste Statistics Fiscal Year Residential Customers Yard Waste & Brush Collection Blue Bag Recycling BOPAE Trash to Landfill 2009 18,100 5,936 tons NA NA 22,246 tons 2010 18,000 3,247 tons NA 274 tons 19,085 tons 2011 18,034 3,272 tons 1,966 tons 297 tons 19,049 tons 2012 18,000 3,472 tons 2,393 tons 328 tons 17,846 tons * BOPAE stands for Batteries, Oil, Paint, Anti-freeze, electronics recycling The next two (2) pages show a variety of measures, indicators, and benchmarks to help define progress on sustainability efforts. All data was compiled by City staff . City of Franklin Fleet Fuel Usage & Costs 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Gallons Used 462,711 450,994 456,096 454,783 413,227 Cost $1.38 million $823,599 $1.05 Million $1.39 million $1.29 million Data only reflects Pacific Pride fueling transactions. 6
Name of Grant Date Applied Description Amount Requested Awarded? Funding Received DOE EECBG June 1, 2009 Sports lighting upgrades at Jim Warren Park; LED street lights; temporarily fund staff position; $593,700 Yes $593,700 TDEC Local Parks & Recreation Fund August 10, 2010 Resurface Jim Warren Park tennis courts; playground improvements at Liberty and Jim Warren Parks; $65,000 Yes $65,000 TDOT Enhancement Program October 28, 2010 Eastern Flank Battlefield Park access drive; $1,000,000 Yes $500,000 DOE Sunshot August 25, 2011 University of Tennessee manages project to streamline permitting and funding of solar projects; City is a partner and contributes in-kind staff time; $622,000 Yes Technical Assistance DOE Electric Vehicle (EV) Project Sepetember 27, 2011 Installation of 4 EV charging stations for parking garages downtown; $7,500 Yes $7,500 TWRA Riparian Tree Planting December 16, 2011 Planted about 500 trees along streams and wetlands in City parks; $500 Yes $500 TDOT Safe Routes to School March 30, 2012 Fieldstone Farms tunnel improvements & walk/bike activities at Hunter's Bend; $218,000 Yes $212,284 TDEC Household Hazardous Waste May 18, 2012 Will help fund construction of a permanent household hazardous waste and BOPAE drop-off facility; $250,000 Yes $250,000 TDOT Special Litter Reduction November 15, 2012 Expansion of "Get in the Habit Recycling Campaign” and funding for Harpeth River clean-ups; $54,800 Yes $55,000 Total Received: $1,683,984 Acronyms: Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Note the City has received other grants, but the list above are “sustainability” related. City of Franklin Sustainability Related Grants Received Since 2009 7
Three open house forums were held for citizens to learn about what has been accomplished and to also provide their own ideas on what should be addressed. In addition, an online survey was administered and promoted through press releases, the City website and social media pages, numerous email distribution lists, and was also emailed to every HOA contact on file for distribution. 691 people responded to the survey. Creating the New Action Plan Sus-tain-a-bil-i-ty: The City will continue to pursue initiatives that offer a strong economic payback and improve our quality of life via grant, public-private partnership, and low cost/no cost financing. The Franklin Sustainability Commission sets the vision, makes recommendations, and seeks actions that positively affect people, the environment, and the bottom line. 8
Waste Reduction Blue Bag Recycling Statistics Calendar Year Participation Rate 2010 38% 2011 43% 2012 49% Action 1: Continue curbside residential recycling and achieve consistent 60% participation and 18% diversion of recyclables. Baseline: The average 2012 participation rate was 49% and the diversion rate was 15%. Strategies: • Identify options for the continuation and/or expansion of the Blue Bag program. It is a three (3) year pilot that will end in July 2013. • Identify the pros and cons of expanding the recycling service to include rollout containers or bins; • Continue promoting the Get in the Habit Campaign to encourage bluebag participation; • Continue to pursue grant opportunities and additional partnerships to encourage recycling; Timeline: Achieve by December 2013 and reevaluate goals. Action 2: Identify options for curbside glass recycling. Baseline: Williamson County offers glass drop-off convenient centers, but the City does not provide curbside recycling. Strategies: • Review examples of glass recycling programs; • Identify potential uses for recycled glass; Timeline: June 2014 Action 3: Increase awareness about the Batteries, Oil, Paint, Anti-freeze, and Electronics (BOPAE) recycling program. Baseline: In 2011, residents dropped off 304 tons of recyclables through the BOPAE program. Strategies: • Publicize and promote the BOPAE program and everything that is accepted; • Pursue grant funding to establish a more permanent facility for the collection and temporary storage of BOPAE items and household hazardous waste. Timeline: Ongoing “The world we have created today has problems which cannot be solved by thinking the way we thought when we created them.” -Albert Einstein 9
Action 4: Pursue cost saving and energy efficient practices to control energy usage and costs. Baseline: The City reduced total 2012 energy usage by 10% compared to 2011. Strategies: • Continue efforts to reduce energy usage at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP); • Make strategic investments in energy efficient streetlights to reduce City costs; • Retrofit to energy efficient parking garage lights; • Continue to take advantage of MTEMC/TVA programs to conserve energy and reduce costs; Timeline: Ongoing Action 5: Pursue public/private partnerships for municipal renewable energy projects, when cost effective. Baseline: The City currently has one 200 kW solar project. Strategies: • Select a solar developer through a competitive process and utilize solar energy to reduce demand charges and energy usage at City facilities; • Consider waste to energy projects to reduce waste being sent to the landfill and for power generation; • Pursue funding for the purchase of Big Belly Trash Compactors for Downtown Franklin; • Study alternative fuels for the City’s fleet; Timeline: Ongoing Action 6: Continue working with the University of Tennessee lead Sunshot Initiative to streamline the zoning, permitting, interconnection, and funding of solar projects across the state. Baseline: Develop guidelines for the zoning, permitting, and interconnection of small solar projects. Strategies: • Develop clear and predictable review process for solar projects; • Complete case study on Franklin solar project; Timeline: Ongoing Energy Conservation & Renewables 10
Transportation Action 7: Franklin’s growing population and steady economic development has brought upon an increase in traffic congestion. The Commission supports cost effective efforts to reduce traffic congestion that will spur economic development. Baseline: Miles of roadway, bike lanes, and sidewalk improvements made each year and transit ridership data. Strategies: • Ensure roadway improvement projects improve bicycle and pedestrian access and connectivity; • Continue Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) efforts; • Consider transit options within Franklin and also as part of a greater Nashville network; • Continue to collaborate with surrounding municipalities for the planning of infrastructure and new development; • Consider the economic impact when choosing to fund infrastructure projects; Timeline: Ongoing Action 8: Implement the Greenways and Open Space Master Plan to connect neighborhoods, schools, parks, and other destinations with trails and sidewalks. Baseline: Currently, there are 11.6 miles of bike lanes and 12.1 miles of paved multi-use trails Strategies: • Perform a gap analysis to determine critical missing pieces in the bicycle and pedestrian network; • Continue to ensure bicycle and pedestrian facilities are included in new roadway improvement projects; • Partner with a local non-profit to plan and acquire critical easements along identified and supported potential greenway routes; • Pursue grants and other financing opportunities to fund proposed greenways and trails; • Work with developers, when appropriate, to provide missing sections as part of Parkland Dedication; Timeline: Ongoing Action 9: Encourage Safe Routes to School programming and concepts at all Franklin schools. Baseline: Currently, no school in Franklin has a Safe Routes program. Strategies: • Initiate Safe Routes to School program at Hunter’s Bend Elementary; • Share best practices with all Franklin schools; Timeline: Complete Safe Routes grant at Hunter’s Bend by December 2014. Action 10: Transition to alternative-fueled vehicles for the municipal fleet when cost effective. Baseline: Gallons of fuel used annually. Strategies: • Consider fuel efficient and alternative fueled vehicles when replacing fleet vehicles; • Pilot and demo alternative fuels when possible; • Consider public-private partnerships to achieve this goal; • Support the continued adoption of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Timeline: Ongoing 11
Growth and Development Action 11: Sustain Franklin’s small town charm and distinctive historic qualities. Strategies: • Continue long-term commitment to historic preservation; • Encourage adaptive reuse of existing buildings; • Discourage the abandonment and neglect of buildings; • Preserve existing housing stock to the extent possible; • Continue collaboration with non-profit partners for the development of City parks and greenways; Timeline: Ongoing Action 12: Encourage sustainability best practices for design and development. Baseline: Periodic report provided by the Planning & Sustainability Department identifying the results of best practices. Strategies: • Consider the City’s return on investment for all types of development. • Examine opportunities in the zoning ordinance to allow for best practices; • Incorporate appropriate practices from the ASLA Sustainable Sites Initiative; • Pursue strategic planting in places void of trees using the Tree Farm; • Conduct case studies of green development projects throughout the City; Timeline: December 2014. Action13: Ensure a safe, long-term, and reliable drinking water supply. Baseline: Document water consumption, number of trees planted, and stream restoration efforts. Strategies: • Support implementation of the Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP) . • Incorporate key principles from the IWRP into policy guidance; • Incentivize the use of water efficient irrigation systems; • Promote the installation of low-cost water saving showerheads, faucets, toilets; • Pursue stream restoration projects and efforts to improve the health of the Harpeth River. Timeline: Ongoing Action 14: Accommodate and encourage appropriate infill and redevelopment throughout the community. Baseline: Document the number of infill and greenfield projects Strategies: • Study completed infill projects in the community; • Identify potential barriers to infill development; • Consider adding additional parking in downtown; • Maintain important institutional uses in downtown; • Facilitate redevelopment and infill along corridors in the City’s Streetscape Plan; • Determine how to reconcile LSR requirements for infill and redevelopment projects; • Analyze areas of town best and worst suited for dense development. Timeline: Ongoing 12
Action 15: Continue to support and recognize the sustainability efforts occurring throughout the community and in the various City departments. Baseline: The City and the Commission engage in many outreach efforts and should develop an annual plan for which ones to pursue. Strategies: • Issue periodic press releases informing the public on initiatives; • Support the Nashville Plug-In Day for electric vehicles; • Offer interactive activities for Arbor/Earth Day; • Recognize May as Sustainability Month; • Issue periodic surveys and post the results; • Continue Box City; • Meet with local civic groups and organizations; • Revamp and continue the Live Green Partnership. Timeline: Ongoing Public Outreach & Engagement 13
2012 Survey Results & Feedback from Public Meetings 14
Results from the Survey How do you rate the Quality of Life in Franklin? Response Percent Excellent 65.6% Good 32.6% Fair 1.5% Poor 0.3% The City received 691 responses In terms of Quality of Life, what are the City’s greatest strengths? Response Percent Historic Downtown/small town charm 73% Quality of Education 52% Safety/Security 48% Variety of restaurants/shopping 32% Recreational/Parks Open Space 25% Access to health care 21% Farmer’s Market and locally produced food 16% Civil War history 13% Cost of Living 12% Goal to become top sustainable city 10% Other (write-in) 5% *Respondents selected up to 3 choices How familiar are you with the City’s sustainability efforts? Response Percent Very familiar 10% Somewhat familiar 52% Not familiar 38% How satisfied are you with the City’s sustainability efforts? Response Percent Very satisfied 5% satisfied 29% neutral 30% dissatisfied 6% Not familiar with efforts 30% When you think of sustainability, what comes to mind? Response Percent Bluebag Recycling 74% Historic Preservation 42% Parks/Recreation/Open Space 36% The Farmer’s Market 31% Recreational/Parks Open Space 25% Energy Conservation 20% Electric Vehicles 12% Nothing specific 10% Solar Panels 9% Franklin Sustainability Commission 9% Arbor/Earth Day 4% *Respondents selected up to 3 choices 15
Results from the Survey The City received 691 responses Are you satisfied with the City’s Bluebag Recycling Program? Very Satisfied 31% Satisfied 34% Neutral? 12% Dissatisfied 9% I’m eligible, but choose not to participate 8% I’m not eligible to participate 7% How can the City reduce waste to the landfill and reduce associated costs? Encourage higher participation of Bluebag program 75% Better promote Batteries, Oil, Paint, Anti-freeze, and Electronics recycling (BOPAE) 63% Implement “Pay as you Throw” rate structure 35% Consider Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for fleet 27% Encourage homeowners to compost 20% Nothing, increase rates as costs go up 5% The City partnered with a solar developer for the construction of a solar array on City property and did not outlay any funds. Do you support the City’s efforts to make use of underutilized property for renewable energy generation? Yes 76% No 9% No Opinion 15% The City pays to maintain over 7,000 streetlights each year. When cost effective, would you like to see the City transition to using longer lasting energy efficient streetlights? Yes 85% No 6% No Opinion 9% What’s your opinion on trees in our community? Trees are very important and more should be planted 65% The amount of trees in Franklin is just right 32% They are not that important and we have enough trees 3% 16
Results from the Survey The City received 691 responses Downtown Franklin was designed to be a place where people could live within distance of places they work, dine, and shop. Would you like to see more residential units within walking distance of Main Street? Respondents were asked to select all that apply. Mixed use with retail/commercial on ground floor and residential above 41% More condos and townhomes 29% More single family homes 24% No more residential units are needed 23% No Opinion 20% Moreworkforce housing 11% Would you like to see more walkable communities throughout Franklin (residential areas within safe, walking distance to shops, restaurants, schools, and parks)? Yes 79% No 9% No Opinion 12% How would you describe the existing greenway and trail system in Franklin? Paths and trails are well connected to parks, schools, residential areas, and commercial areas 7% Paths and trails are mostly connected, but missing a few sections 33% Paths and greenways are not well connectedto destinations 31% No Opinion 29% Do you feel safe walking and biking from your residence to places within a 2 mile radius? Yes, it’s very safe 55% Somewhat safe 28% No, it’s somewhat not safe 9% It’s not safe at all 7% No Opinion 2% Daily Commute Miles Traveled to Work (one-way) 0-2 miles 7% 2-5 miles 10% 5-10 miles 14% 10-15 miles 9% 15-20 miles 11% 20-30 miles 13% 30+ miles 2% I work from home 13% Not Applicable 22% 17
Results from the Survey The City received 691 responses 18
Walking paths from schools to neighborhoods The community was asked how Franklin can become more sustainable. Ideas were written on paper leaves and then placed on a decorative iron tree. Sticky notes were also used to collect ideas. The responses are shown below. Incentives for historic rehab More bike lanes Less Density Improve Air Quality Reduce stormwater runoff so there’s not a huge increase in flooding & Complete Sidewalks Multi-use trail connections between parks Affordable Housing Promote more residential opportunities in Downtown More bike lanes Incentives for Infill Development Glass recycling & Smaller trash bins Keep Institutions of City and County Gov. Downtown Urge restaurants to use recyclable containers Support of historic areas— effort to conserve greenspace Incorporate historic preservation as part of Action Plan Adult fitness area in public parks Greenway system for bikes and walkers Sidewalk from Pinkerton Park to Ralston Lane Improve Air Quality Bike lane/sidewalk from Franklin Green to Downs Blvd Bike lane on Wilson Pike Develop greenway and blue way trail along Harpeth River Sidewalks on N. Royal Oaks Sidewalk to Factory Require school buses to not idle 19
Sustainability Commission 2012--Present : BOMA Representative (Dr. Ken Moore, Mayor) Franklin Tomorrow (Libby Marley) TVA (Teresa Ashworth-Harris) MTEMC (Chuck Barber) Brian Miller John Saxton Karina Young LK Browning Matt Bryant Ken Scalf, Chairman Andrew Orr, Staff Liaison Sustainability Commission 2009--2012: BOMA Representative (Dr. Ken Moore, Mayor) Franklin Tomorrow (Libby Marley) TVA (Teresa Ashworth-Harris) MTEMC (Chuck Barber) Adam Ballash Brian Miller John Saxton Lisa Smith LK Browning Ken Scalf, Chairman Andrew Orr, Staff Liaison 20
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