HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-5-9 CEPAC Minutes
Climate and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (CEPAC)
Draft Minutes
May 9, 2024, 3:00-5:00 PM (special time)
1. Call to Order
1.1. COMMITTEE MEMBERS-
PRESENT: Kip Barrett, Cat Gould, Kiera Reitz, Bryan Sohl, Richard Barth, Eric
Ahnmark, Sharon Dohrmann, Gary Shaff, Mark Morrison Sidney Brown, OPEN
POSITIONS: 1
ABSENT: Piper Banks, Becs Walker
1.1. CITY COUNCIL: Bob Kaplan and Jeff Dahle
1.2. STAFF: Chad Woodward
2. Consent Agenda
2.1. Minutes- Approved.
Motion to approve made by Shaff. Seconded by Walker. Approved
unanimously.
3. Public Forum-
3.1. David McAlister-
4. Updates/Announcements
4.1. Introduction of SOCAN Executive Director Daniel Scotton- Currently is
educating on importance of electric small appliances. Will update with new
goals as he becomes more established in the group. SOCAN currently
supports RCAT’s gas-ban ordinance.
4.2. Council Update –
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4.2.1. Bob Kaplan- April 15 study session with Recology. Wildfire season
preparation update. Water treatment plant presentation (video available
on city website). Business meeting regarding city manager’s report. Gas-
ban ordinance presentation planned.
4.3. Staff Update –
4.3.1. Chad Woodward- Council retreat presentation on CEPAC goals and
future work. Oregon Department of Energy (ODoE) Director & Associate
Director of Strategic Initiatives met with staff. Rare internship application
graduated to phase 2. If granted, internship would begin in September.
Community block grant in progress as discussed. Solar for all funds
released- No news on how to apply, at this time. Solar for all fund
dispersal discussed. RESP loan presentation ready. ODoE presentation
shared. Future grant opportunities discussed.
4.4. Chair Update –
4.4.1. Bryan Sohl- Attended the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
Ashland and Boise have been chosen to be part of a wildfire prevention
study.
4.5. Other Committee Members Update-
4.5.1. Recology update – Eric Ahnmark- Upcoming green debris drop off.
Program started with SOU to have student artists create art installation
from the Recology Transfer Station. Outdoor sculpture space and indoor
installation in the student gallery. Presentations begin on 5/17/2024 and
ends at the end of the season (no set date, TBD as the weather allows).
Rogue world Music Festival sponsored by Recology. Recycling
Modernization Act (RMA): wholesale change in state’s recycling projects.
Rollout in July 2025. Will share more as information becomes available.
4.5.2. ASD update – Mark Morrison- R99 process; determined to be a
significant cost increase. Grant opportunities being evaluated to offset
cost. Researching emergency preparedness opportunities.
4.6. Updates from other Committees/Commissions
4.6.1. Ashland Climate Collaborative- Sharon Dohrman- Evaluating
candidates for their Executive Director position. OHA grant dispersal being
determined. Compost team has table at the Grower’s Market. Ashland
Co-op paying for the market cost. First Friday bike rides being
established. Bike to School Bus system needs refinement. School bus
system needs to be more transparent for parents.
4.6.2. Electrify Ashland Now- Rick Barth- Recruiting electrification coaches.
Neighborhood climate action network seeking leaders. Email
info@ashlandclimate.org
5. Old Business
5.1. Ordinance Update – Chad Woodward / Bryan Sohl- City is requesting a
presentation between Staff & Council on 6/17 at Council’s Study Session. Work
study session rescheduled to prepare for presentation. Documents will
include 70 pg. summarization plus public comment received. Formal legal
review to happen later, seeking external legal review. Guidance to staff and
finance needed. Compromise options discussed. Rogue Climate encouraged
using a model of low NOx that transitions to zero over time. Concerns over
cost of all-electric replacements discussed.
Motion for Bryan Sohl to pursue an agenda to present January findings. Made
by Shaff. Seconded by Gould. Approved unanimously
5.2. Study Session Updates
5.2.1. Home Energy Score – Gould- Working with Tina Grimes from Rogue
Valley Association of Realtors to discuss. One inspector getting recertified
and reinstated. Promotion scholarship ready to be sent for new inspectors
to be certified. Brochures need to be printed and distributed to realtors.
Credits available on home energy assessment training for existing
realtors.
5.2.2. Transportation – Shaff - Discussion with transportation commission to
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identify common interests between the groups. RVTD invited to June 26
meeting to discuss their masterplan.
5.3. RESP Feeback- Woodward discussing loan with Council. Implementation is the
next step. Please respond to survey so priorities can be determined.
6. New Business
6.1. CEAP Membership and officers. Keely Reiners resigned. Need one more voting
member below 35 years of age.
6.1.1. Officers Election
6.1.1.1. Chair - Bryan Sohl nominated by Gould. Seconded by Dohrman.
Approved unanimously.
6.1.1.2. Vice-Chair- Mark Morrison Nominated by Gould. Seconded by
Sohl. Approved unanimously.
7. Open Discussion- Food Co-Op sustainability report discussed. City launching
new website on 5/22.
8. Adjourn-6:00pm