HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-13 CEPAC Minutes
Climate and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (CEPAC)
Draft Minutes
December 13, 2023, 3:00-6:00 PM
1. Call to Order
1.1. COMMITTEE MEMBERS-
PRESENT: Piper Banks, Kip Barrett, Cat Gould, Kiera Reitz, Gary Shaff, Sharon
Dohrmann, Bryan Sohl, Colin Bishopp, Becs Walker, Richard Barth, Jamie Rosenthal
OPEN POSITIONS: 1
ABSENT: Keeley Reiners, Sidney Brown,
1.1. CITY COUNCIL: Bob Kaplan and Jeff Dahle
1.2. STAFF: Chad Woodward
2. Consent Agenda
2.1. November Minutes- Approved.
Motion to approve made by Kip Barrett. Seconded by Gary Schaff.
Approved unanimously.
3. Updates/Announcements
3.1. Council Update –
3.1.1. Jeff Dahle- none to report.
3.1.2. Bob Kaplan- Stoddard presented details and opportunities for
renewables in the Electric Master Plan. Future solar opportunities. The
city’s 3 substations have the capacity to support more electrification. 40%
of masterplan completed.
3.2. Staff Update –
3.2.1. Chad Woodward submitted a list of goals and accomplishments to
th
Council. Discussed 2023 accomplishments. Details of December 18
committee appreciation meeting. Information sharing meeting with
Avista to discuss process and opened the door for their input in the
ordinance process.
3.3. Chair Update –
3.3.1. Bryan Sohl- reminded members of the new meeting time starting in the
new year.
3.4. Other Committee Members Update-
3.4.1. Cat Gould- attended the Forrest Lands Committee removing dead and
dying Douglas firs. The tree commission is starting a new project with
Plant Oregon collecting live Christmas trees to replant.
3.4.2. Gary Schaff- Traffic committee took parking fee discussion to Council.
Discussed how new parking rules affect low-income residences.
3.4.3. Linda- Transportation advisory committee discussed how unbundling
parking fees from rental housing fees would be beneficial for low-income
households. The bike parking inventory project began. Forms online for
public input.
4. Old Business
4.1. Venn Diagrams and Individual CEPAC member reports on Ideas for work
plan
4.1.1. Becs Walker- SOU’s prioritization of electrification and its effects on
Ashland as an active part of the community. Works with students and
SOU specific committees to grow community involvement in climate
issues.
4.1.2. Sharon Dohrman - works with Ashland Climate Collaborative. Works to
create bike culture and how to expand that in Ashland. Collaborate with
Picadilly to create bike friendly events to promote a positive culture.
4.1.3. Colin Bishopp- market enabling policies that have attainable solutions.
Worked with the Department of Energy and discussed how grants could
benefit from an increase in long-term projects. Strengths in building
efficiency upgrades and the grants that support those projects.
4.1.4. Kip Barrett- Expressed a need for more climate supporting goals to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
4.1.5. Jeff Dahle- Strengths in data analysis and technical writing. Expressed
ideas for commissions to work together towards common goals. More
community-based events. Suggested updating the CEAP.
4.1.6. Bob Kaplan- Sees an important goal to be securing the USDA loan.
Request for a progress report to show to council.
4.1.7. Chad Woodward- Listens to the goals of the committee and interprets
them. Requests input and group’s knowledge about additional funding
available to the city.
4.1.8. Bryan Sohl- Strengths in identifying problems and finding solutions.
Expressed a desire to get a completed plan for the electrification
ordinance.
4.1.9. Gary Shaff- Strengths in land use and transportation. Ordinance and
policy development in support. What the CEPAC can do to reach the
goals of the CEAP.
4.1.10. Rick Barth- strengths in working collaboratively. Works alongside the
Ashland Climate Collaborative. Sees a need for structure and core goals
based on individuals’ strengths.
4.1.11. Cat Gould- Enjoys work in getting homes transitioned to electrification.
Home energy scores are important. Equity needs to be considered for
low-income families.
4.2. 2024 Work Plan
4.2.1. Bryan Sohl- discussed previous year’s accomplishments and the need
for a representative from the Ashland School District. Opened the
discussion for recommendations. Expressed interest in attending the
Planning commission.
4.2.1.1. Cat Gould- expressed interest in attending Parks & Recreation
Committees. Has been attending some Forrest Lands Commission
meetings.
4.2.1.2. Sidney Brown- expressed interest in Housing & Human Services
committee.
4.2.1.3. Gary Schaff- has been attending the Transportation
Commission.
4.2.2. Gary Schaff- Climate friendly areas- Land use areas altered. Four
designated areas for zoning and development standards. Transportation
and land use altered to be climate friendly.
4.3. 2024 Goals- What goals need to be focused on that haven’t been discussed
yet?
4.3.1. Woodward- launch and promote USDA home energy loan, provide
comprehensive electrification options to council, explore other small
engine replacement incentives for city, expand public engagement,
reinvigorate the home energy score program, continue to provide
feedback and bike lane opportunities, maintain relationships with other
commissions, and explore additional federal and state funding
opportunities.
4.3.2. Dohrman- suggested delegating certain members to take on specific
responsibilities to remove additional City Staff workloads.
4.3.3. Gould- suggested she learn about where to find new grant
opportunities. Stated that additional members might be unaware of how
to access this information.
4.3.4. Barrett- should the CEPAC’s goals reflect the areas that the city has the
biggest impact?
4.3.5. The group discussed working group regulations. Dahle volunteered to
investigate guidelines.
4.3.6. Barth- advises outlining specific electrification goals to present to the
council.
4.3.7. Shaff- expressed that the CEPAC’s focus should be directed towards
encouraging the council to approve necessary steps to meet the goals
outlined by the CEAP. New policies and procedures are uniquely able to
be enacted by The City.
5. Wrap Up
6. Adjourn-6:00pm