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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-8-9 CEPAC Minutes Climate and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (CEPAC) Draft Minutes August 9, 2023; 3:00-5:00 PM 1. Call to Order 1.1. COMMITTEE MEMBERS, PRESENT: Bryan Sohl, Rick Barth, Kip Barrett, Gary Schaff, Sidney Brown, Sharon Dohrmann, ABSENT: Cat Gould, Keeley Reiners, Piper Banks, Kiera Reitz, Becs Walker, Jamie Rosenthal, Colin Bishopp, OPEN POSITIONS: 1 1.2. CITY COUNCIL: Bob Kaplan, Jeff Dahle 1.3. STAFF- Chad Woodward, Thomas McBartlett, Joe Lessard 2. Consent Agenda 2.1. July 12, 2023, Minutes MOTION TO APPROVE: No quorum when addressed, tabled the discussion and no motion occurred later due to time constraints. 3. Public Forum 3.1. John Hawksley discussed how methane gas usage is causing sea ice to melt in the Arctic. 3.2. Mira Saturen discussed how stake holder engagement in passing the Clean Air Ordinance should be a priority for the CEPAC. 3.3. Laura discussed the benefits of her choice to go all electric 10 years ago. Also requested considering new builds to have south-facing roofs in preparation for solar panels. 4. Joseph Lessard, City Manager – City Facilities Next Steps Discussion – Talked about how the municipal code supports the goals of the CEPAC. Lessard discussed which City buildings are being prioritized to reduce their natural gas usage and the steps that are being implemented to upgrade the existing system. Answered a variety of questions about progress on city buildings and contracts for RFPS. 5. Tom McBartlett, Director of Electric Department – Requested a list of requests from the CEPAC that can be worked into the Electric Master Plan. There was an open discussion about the focus of the Master Plan and how it will be prioritized. 6. Updates/Announcements 6.1. Council update – Bob Kaplan discussed retreat that covered climate resilience in the community. It was discussed how this pertains to the electric masterplan and the Inflation Reduction Act. 6.2. Staff update – Chad Woodward discussed the incentive article he wrote to be distributed with utility bills. Updated on different grant applications and potential loans to apply for. 6.3. Chair update – Bryan Sohl discussed clean air ordinance progress. Requested a new time for the CEPAC meetings due to many time conflictions for commission members. 6.4. Updates from other members: 6.4.1. Gary Shaff - Informed committee on transportation advisory committees plans to discuss in a public hearing to remove parking on N. Mountain. 7. Old Business 7.1. Ashland Electrification Ordinance- City staff and City Attorney will be reviewing options that will be brought to council. 7.1.1. RCAT student gave presentation on beginning stakeholder engagement, goals, and next steps to advance the ordinance. Discussion of how to engage the public followed. 8. New Business – 8.1. Working group meeting scheduled. 9. Wrap Up 10. Adjourn. 5:00pm