HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-3-22 CEPAC Minutes
Climate and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (CEPAC)
March 22, 2023; 3:00 -5:00 pm
Draft Minutes
Meeting called to order at 3pm by Bob Kaplan. Kaplan facilitated due to lack of a Chair as it is a
newly formed committee.
Committee members
Present: Becs Walker, Rick Barth, Keeley Reiners, Gary Shaff, Bryan Sohl, Jamie
Rosenthal, Kip Barret (first 30 minutes) Jeff Dahle (council liaison), Bob Kaplan (council
liaison), Chad Woodward (staff liaison)
Absent: Kip Barrett (later 1.5 hours – during voting)
Open Positions: 5
1. Introductions
1.1. Brief introductions were offered from each committee member, city councilors and
staff.
2. Public Forum
2.1. Seven students from Ashland High School, along with a Rogue Climate Action Team
Advisor attended and presented to the committee. The students provided copies of
their draft ordinance, prohibiting natural gas connections in new buildings, presented
to City Council earlier in the week. Two students provided supporting statements
regarding their fears about their climate future and need for such action.
3. Consent Agenda
3.1. As the committee consists of new members, minutes of the previous committees were
acknowledged this committee but not confirmed.
4. Announcements
4.1. Council Update – Bob Kaplan
Kaplan update on the change to a consolidated committee and highlighted that the
specific responsibilities listed are mostly the same as those listed for the climate
policy commission.
City Council directed the CEPAC to take up the Concept Ordinance regarding natural
gas presented by students and advise the council regarding directions.
4.2. Staff Update – Chad Woodward
Woodward noted that he was recently hired and is the process of fully developing
his work plan. He noted that existing projects such as electric incentives (vehicle,
bike) and related reporting would be continued and that he is looking into projects
that have been put on hold due to staffing shortages. He mentioned he will be
looking for new projects and opportunities. He looks forward to working with the
committee on their priorities.
4.3. Other Announcements from Committee Members
Schaff shared a bike ride is happening from Plaza to Council Chambers. Leaving at
5:00 pm on 4/4/23 and arriving at Council Chambers by
Rosenthal shared that the Annual Household Hazardous Waste collection event will
be on 5/13/23 in White City. Free for residents.
4.4. Reports from Representative of Committees - none.
5. New Business
5.1. Regular Meeting Date and Time for CEPAC:
This decision was delayed until the later in the meeting in the hopes that Kip Barret
would be able to rejoin.
5.2. Concept Ordinance Prohibiting Fossil Fuel Infrastructure in Newly Constructed Buildings
Committee discussed having a proper process to fully vet the situation. Including
discussing the issues with stakeholders and public engagement. There was a
discussion on how the proposed ordinance compared to the Eugene (and
Milwaukee) proposals and what is going on with the Eugene proposal.
There was a discussion of having a working group on this subject to investigate the
matter and report information back to the CEPAC.
Woodward offered to research the feasibility of using a Management Advisory
Committee.
Walker, Sohl and Barth offered to collaborate on additional research about the
ordinance to assist the CEPAC in determining the best process to explore the
proposed ordinance and making it viable.
5.3. Transportation Capital Improvements – recommended modifications
Shaff gave a presentation on why protected bike lanes are important to increase
biking as an alternative means of transit and how it would be helpful to include
these needs in the Transportation Capital Improvement Program(TCIP) being
submitted to City Council on 4/4/23.
Shaff also provided a proposal of changes to the TCIP that would allow for including
bike lanes and traffic calming. The committee discussed the merits of the proposal
and the interplay of various committees.
MOTION: Motion by Sohl and seconded by Walker: To support the Transportation
Committee’s proposal to City Council and ask the City Council to consider the amendments
provided in the proposal to the CEPAC “Draft – Letter to the Council regarding the 2024-2029
Transportation CIP.”
VOTE: passes 5-1. Yes: Reiner, Sohl, Walker, Rosenthal, Shaff. No: Barth.
5.4. CEPAC Workplan for 2023:
Kaplan suggests the committee determine priorities for moving forward and begin
the process by reviewing the prior committees work.
Sohl suggests everyone read the Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP) to aid in
moving forward.
Shaff, Rosenthal, to help consolidate and present on priorities moving forward
with Woodward to provide staff assistance.
6. Elect Chair and Vice Chair
6.1. Bryan Sohl offered to be the Chair and Rick Barth offered to be the Vice Chair. Walker
supported both nominees and Shaff asked for a vote:
VOTE: Sohl and Barth elected unanimously. (Reiner, Sohl, Walker, Rosenthal, Shaff, Barth)
7. Wrap Up
7.1. As Barret was not able to attend the end of the meeting, it was agreed the next two
thth
meetings would be set on the same schedule (4 Wednesday from 3-5 pm; April 26,
th
May 24) and timing would discussed again at a future meeting.
8. Adjourn
8.1. The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 pm