Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016.03.02 CEAP MinutesMinutes for the Climate and Energy Action Plan ad hoc Committee March 2, 2016 Page 1 of 3 MINUTES FOR THE CLIMATE & ENERGY ACTION PLAN ad hoc COMMITTEE Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way 1. Call to Order Councilor Rich Rosenthal called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Committee members Claudia Alick, Roxanne Biegel-Coryell, Louise Shawkat, Greg Jones, Jim Hartman, James McGinnis, and Stuart Green were present. Committee members Bryan Sohl and Marni Koopman arrived late. Staff member Adam Hanks was present. 2. Approval of Minutes By group consensus, the minutes of January 20 and February 17, 2016 were approved as presented. 3. Public Forum Huelz Gutchen: stated that he wrote up a concept for an Ashland Renewable Energy Department. He liked most of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory numbers but didn't agree with them all. He thinks that not including forest -related data was incorrect. He stated the inventory showed that Ashland is reducing carbons but we're still adding more. Ken Crocker: stated that this is an important time to work together before the consultant starts. He thought that it might be good for the group to do an teambuilding meeting to understand where each person stands and what their understanding of the expectations of the outcome of this group might be. He also suggested that the group might want to reach out now for experts in various sectors to get them on board. Group briefly discussed whether committee members needed to explain their expectations. Determined that they would include those where necessary in the process but not have a unique process/topic for that purpose. Committee member Sohl arrived 3: 3 7 p. m. 4. Discussion and Preparation for Working with Cascadia Consulting Rosenthal reviewed the process through which Cascadia was selected as the contractor for developing the action plan. Hanks stated the contract is in the final approval stages and that today he needs the group to focus on making sure they are comfortable with the work plan, public process, and important milestones. Group requested that Cascadia clarify what sectors they are planning on focusing on and how they plan to connect with the appropriate stakeholders in those sectors. Committee member Koopman arrived 3: 48 p.m. Minutes for the Climate and Energy Action Plan ad hoc Committee March 2, 2016 Page 2 of 3 Rosenthal paused the discussion to introduce committee member Koopman, who was appointed on March 1 st Group discussed targets and how those will be determined by Cascadia. What role will the committee have in guiding those targets? Hanks stated that part of what we hired Cascadia for is their expertize in determining base targets but that the committee can and should review those ensure that they are comfortable with Cascadia's work. Group discussed the possibility of having separate subcommittees to work on specific target sectors. Determined that these might not be the best use of committee time, and may be part of Cascadia's work plan. The important part is that the committee work to make sure Cascadia has a full understanding of our community and our values so the plan is more likely to be successful. Some questions the group would like Cascadia to consider: • What digital spaces will Cascadia employ? Will they push or pull information (i.e. is this for community knowledge or for gaining input from the community?) • Where does the committee's own knowledge/input come into play, process -wise? • How will Cascadia engage all group —including those not normally included in processes? • How will Cascadia address social equity in the plan? • What is Jeff Golden's role in the process (the limited number of hours listed in the proposal seem to indicate he's not going to be involved in any committee meetings). Group discussed whether or not there were specific sectors/groups who are not represented on the committee. Wondered if they should request the Mayor appoint some one who is an economist? A youth (high school or college)? A latino? Have we emphasized diversity enough? Group did not come to a decision on these questions. 5. Schedule for Upcoming Meetings Koopman stated that Geos Institute received a small grant to do outreach on climate change in Southern Oregon. This would take the form of polling/information gathering but does not have to occur in Ashland. The polling would be done in conjuction with SOU, and would be similar in format to the Road Diet polling which occurred recently. Additionally, the Ashland Climate Challenge organizers continue to meet and are willing to do small group meetings to enhance this process. If the group wishes to use either of these forms of outreach, Geos is happy to coordinate with Cascadia. She stated that Geos has already been in contact with Cascadia regarding this topic. Group generally agreed that if Cascadia can find a use for either form of outreach they are okay with using Geos as a resource. The one concern mentioned was ensuring the messaging is consistent throughout the process. Group discussed adding to each agenda a teambuilding time to answer one brief get -to -know -you question, generally to be provided by committee member Alick. Agreed to add this agenda item. The next meeting will be held on March 16th at 5:30 pm, location TBD. Minutes for the Climate and Energy Action Plan ad hoc Committee March 2, 2016 Page 3 of 3 6. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diana Shiplet, Executive Assistant