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