Developing rules that would require Boulder residents to plant new trees when old ones are cut down, and supporting a U.S. “Department of Peace” were among the ideas tossed around by the City Council on the final day of its annual retreat Saturday.
But figuring out Boulder’s energy future will be, by far, the city’s dominant focus this year, the council agreed.
City Manager Jane Brautigam made it clear to the nine elected leaders Saturday that a large portion of Boulder’s staff and resources will be dedicated to planning options for where and how the city gets its energy in the coming years.
“The energy future of Boulder is the main thing we’re working on this year,” Brautigam said. “It is one of the reasons . . . we can’t free up as many resources as we’d like” for other programs.
The intense focus on energy issues, which could include drafting a November ballot measure, means the council was asked to restrain itself in adding new projects in 2011.
But a few new projects could still be added.
Councilman Macon Cowles said he wants to adopt a tree plan that would require new trees to be planted when old ones are cut down.
Councilwoman Crystal Gray said she wants the council to draft a resolution supporting a U.S. Department of Peace.
“We need it now, more than ever,” she said.
