On May 6th, 2008, the City Council banned the use of funds to buy single use plastic bottled water in all areas of municipal government. The ban was recommended by the Sustainability Task Force and was a move to help "walk our walk", as Ann Schwab said, in the realm of sustainability. However, several agencies would be affected by the bans and would thus have to determine how to best get water to their workers. Two of the main departments affected are the Chico Police Department and Chico Fire Department. Tom Nickell said that he was particularly concerned about them during the summer months.1 However, the motion that was voted on included an exception "for employees in public safety or where otherwise health risk would exist."2
The Council Votes
- Vice Mayor Ann Schwab - Yes
- Tom Nickell - Yes
- Scott Gruendl - Yes
- Mayor Andrew Holcombe - Yes
- Mary Flynn - Yes
- Larry Wahl - No
- Steve Bertagna - No
Footnotes
1. http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_9178486
2. Regular Chico City Council Meeting Minutes, May 6 2008, http://www.chico.ca.us/City_Council/Home_Page.asp
