HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.08.27 Conservation Commission Minutes ASHLAND CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
August 27, 2014
Community Development Building, Siskiyou Room
51 W i n b u rn Way
Call to Order
Vice Chair Beigel-Coryell called the meeting to order at 6:02. Commissioners
Silverberg, Hartman, McGinnis, Beigel-Coryell, Sohl, Weir were in attendance.
Commissioners Buck and Beam were absent. Chair Koopman arrived at 6:10. Council
liaison Rosenthal and Staff Hanks and Shiplet were also in attendance.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the July 23, 2014 Commission meeting were reviewed with a motion for
approval from Weir and a second from McGinnis and a unanimous approval.
Announcements
Koopman reminded the Commission of the next Regular Meeting of September 24,
2014. Also, upcoming subcommittee meetings on September 3rd and 17tn.
Koopman also noted that the November/December Commission Meeting dates have
changed due to the holidays those months to November 19t" and December 17th
Commissioner Weir noted an article from the ACEEE regarding Germany and their
renewable program as well as inquired about whether or not aluminum was a part of the
City's water treatment process as a sulfate coagulant (based on article from Science
magazine Aug 14, 2014. Hanks said he would pass along to PW staff.
Chair Koopman updated the group on the Rogue Energy Alliance and their community
energy planning process. They are looking for funding to staff the project. McGinnis
suggested crowdsourcing as an option
Public Forum
N/A
Reports / Presentations/Updates
Council - Councilor Rosenthal
Councilor Rosenthal mentioned the scheduled study session with the Council on the
STAR Framework recommendation by the Commission and asked if there was anything
he could do to assist in the Commissions efforts for that meeting. Weir inquired about
what Rosenthal thought could get through. Rosenthal reminded the Commission that
the study session was a discussion and leads to a direction rather than any sort of
approval and noted that the ultimate approval would come at a later date. Rosenthal
noted that he felt that other Councilors had a generally positive take on the topic and
looked forward to the discussion.
City Conservation & Operations — Hanks
Hanks noted that Clean Energy Works, an energy efficiency retrofitter partnering with
the City, has announced their first qualified project in Ashland, with many in the
approval process behind it. Hanks also noted that some water supply materials were
included in the meeting packet for reference. One is the City's draw down curve which
shows the water supply relative to the expected daily use rate of the water. The other
document is the daily statistics of water supply and consumption from the Water
Treatment Plant showing the water volume in from each fork of Ashland Creek, TID
and storage capacity of Reeder Reservoir.
Hanks asked what the Commission would like to hear in this regular spot on the agenda
and was interested in making sure that the information shared was valuable and
relevant to the Commission. Commissioner Weir noted that he would rather have
information submitted in writing in the packet materials rather than a presentation
format. McGinnis suggested that the focus should be on the relationship of the
information to the Commission's goals. Silverberg and Beigel-Coryell liked the oral
format. Hartman noted that two reports a year would be adequate for him.
Hanks suggested that he work with Koopman to provide information that fits the needs
of the Commission.
Quarterly Report
To begin again in September
1.Ashland School District
2. Recology Ashland Sanitary
3. Southern Oregon University
4. City of Ashland (water conservation, energy conservation,solar,water quality,waste,etc -one topic each time)
Recycling Center Ad-Hoc— Beigel-Corgi
Commissioner Beigel-Coryell gave an update to the Commission on the work of the Ad-
hoc committee and referred the group to the materials in the packet that summarized
the recommendations. Hanks noted that the materials in the packet did not reflect the
final vote at the last ad-hoc committee meeting regarding comingle options at the
Recycle Center and clarified that the committee voted to retain the comingle, not
eliminate it. Hanks noted that the recommendations would be presented to the Council
in September.
Koopman suggested that the Commission reserve 15 minutes on the next meeting
agenda for the final review of recommendations to Council.
Commission Annual Report to Council — Recap
Chair Koopman gave a quick summary of the annual presentation to the Council and
indicated that it went well and the recap also matched up well with the goals for the next
year. Weir added that he felt the use of a script was very helpful and the time allotted
for each Commissioner speaking was just right and that he felt that it was very effective
overall. Rosenthal also commented that it was well received by the Council and
thanked the Commission for their good work.
Sustainability Sub-Committee — STAR framework update
McGinnis updated the Commission on the efforts of the sub-committee and noted that
they have made contact with all but one Councilor (Morris) and felt that the overall tone
was one of support for the concept. McGinnis noted also that several City Councilors
are commenting that the Commission actually take on the climate change planning.
McGinnis reiterated that the STAR format is a framework not a plan in of itself.
Koopman noted that funding for the effort is important and added that the sub-
committee has discussed the pro and con of the City as the lead rather than a
community led plan.
Councilor Rosenthal suggested that the presentation answer why the plan is important
to the community and to be clear that the Commission conveys what they are asking the
Council for, which he thinks is 1) adopt the STAR approach 2) solidify funding for
staffing/consultant technical assistance
Commissioner Weir asked about the details of the funding request and suggested that a
specific amount be requested. Rosenthal added that it would be helpful for the
Commission to present three options;1) minimal, 2) what you really want and 3) the
ultimate plan. Commissioner Sohl asked if the presentation asks for using parts of it or
doing it all and suggested that the Commission ask other communities that are doing to
to see how they got it started.
Commissioner Silverberg mentioned that an important element to the staffing/consultant
work is what type of skill set is needed to perform the tasks. Beigel-Coryell agreed but
thought that would be much later in the process and most likely handled by Staff.
Koopman thanked the group for the discussion and stated that it was very helpful
feedback for the next sub-committee meeting.
Old Business
Commission Goals — Review/Approve
Koopman and Beigel-Coryell presented an updated goals document from the last
Commission discussion on the topic. Commissioners discussed approving the
document as a whole or going through each goal ultimately deciding to go through each
goal.
Green house Gas Mitigation —Weir motion for all items in bold to be approved.
McGinnis second and approved unanimously.
City/Community Sustainability— McGinnis motioned to keep all content for this
category, Beigel-Coryell second. Sohl recommended to change the second bullet under
"Track progress" to "recommend the City completes .....". Hartman second. Approved
with one nay (Weir)
Waste Minimization — Beigel-Coryell moved to approve as is, second from McGinnis.
Approved unanimously.
Citizen Education — Hartman noted that these are just goals and not all are required to
be met and the Commission could change the details throughout the year. Hartman
moved to approve, Buck second and approved unanimously
Protect and Restore (Water) — Koopman recommended discussion prior to motion.
McGinnis wants it but feels it needs a champion for it to stay a goal. Silverberg inquired
where this fit with the Commission's charge. Weir noted he had no desire to champion.
Hartman added that he felt the Commission has enough on its plate already.
McGinnis motioned to adopt goal but not objectives/actions, Sohl second. Approved
unanimously.
Climate Change/Adaptation — McGinnis motioned to adopt goal but no
objectives/actions until hearing from Council/Mayor after STAR presentation, Sohl
second. Approved with one nay (Silverberg)
Air/Noise Pollution — Beigel-Coryell motioned to remove, Silverberg second. McGinnis
noted that the issue is part of the Commission's charge. Weir noted that air pollution in
particular is a huge issue in Southern Oregon. Koopman suggested that the
Commission could come back to it next year. Sohl noted that it could be too much for
the Commission. Motion passed unanimously.
Commission Monthly Column in Sneak Preview
Hartman handed out the draft compost article he wrote for the September Sneak
Preview. The Commission discussed the ability for the Commission to be able to
generate content and meet the monthly deadline. Hartman suggested that he would
come up with a plan and take the lead in coordinating the effort. Hanks noted that the
Commission should review/approve the articles each month before they are submitted
which will require having a few topics being written or in review in advance of the month
the submittal is needed.
The Commission approved the compost article and agree to coordinate future content
with Hartman for scheduling. Hanks added that he would be glad to assist Hartman as
needed.
New Business
Cigarette Butt Collection Pilot Project— Hanks/Beam
Deferred to future meeting.
8. Wrap Up
Koopman adjourned the meeting at 8:00