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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017.09.27 Conservation Commission Agenda Packet ASHLAND CONSERVATION COMMISSION Meeting Agenda September 27, 2017 — 6:00 PM Community Development Building, Siskiyou Room 51 Winburn Way 1. Call to Order 2. Consent Agenda August 23, 2017 Meeting Minutes 3. Announcements (5 min) 3.1. Next Regular Meeting: October 25, 2017 3.2. Upcoming Sub-committee meeting 3.3. Other Announcements from Commissioners 4. Public Forum (10 min to be evenly divided by public wishing to speak) 5. Old Business (5 min) 5.1. Commission Monthly Column in Sneak Preview (5 min) Nov—Leaf Bag program Dec—CEAP Ordinance/Resolution progress—McGinnis Jan—Ashland School District—Conservation Successes 6. New Business (90 min) 6.1. Commission Goal Setting 7. Wrap Up 8.1 Items to be added to next agenda CITY 0, F Minutes for the Conservation Commission August 23,2017 Page 1 of 3 MINUTES FOR THE ASHLAND CONSERVATION COMMISSION Wednesday, August 23, 2017 Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way 1. Call to Order Vice-Chair Risa Buck called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners Jamie Rosenthal, Mark Weir, Cara Cruickshank, and Roxane Beigel-Coryell were present. Staff member Adam Hanks was present. Commissioners David Sommer, Bryan Sohl, Mari Koopman, James McGinnis, and Council Liaison Traci Darrow were absent. Group discussed the agenda and agreed to only do a preliminary discussion of goal setting due to the number of commissioners absent. 2. Consent Agenda Beigel-Coryell/Weir m/s to approve the minutes of July 28, 2017, as presented. Discussion: None. Voice Vote: all ayes. Motion Passes. 3. Announcements The next commission meeting will be September 27, 2017. Beigel-Coryell thanked Buck for her recent article in the newspaper regarding the SOU recycling program which got its start in Professor Eric Ditmeyer's Environmental Studies class. Professor Ditmeyer was present at the meeting and stated for the group that his students were very enthusiastic and had worked beyond the scope of their capstone project. He thanked Buck and Beigel-Coryell for their assistance and encouragement. 4. Public Forum Eric Ditmeyer— stated he is representing SOCAN. They are starting a Master Climate Protector class similar to the Master Gardener program. There was a test-pilot in spring with 15 students. The first class of the next training will start September 1 Oth. He gave details of the sorts of classes to be offered in the series. He gave and overview of how graduates from the program will be able to use the information learned for themselves and the community. Jeff Sharpe—thanked the commission for their on-going work. 5. Old Business Sneak Preview Column—Group discussed the article submitted by Cruickshank and recommended adding either full urls instead of hyperlinks or deleting the links entirely. Cruickshank agree with this suggestion. Weir/Beigel-Coryell m/s to approve the October article submitted by Cruickshank,with corrections to the urls as discussed. Discussion: None. Voice Vote: all ayes. Motion Passes. Group agreed to the following potential article topics: • November—Leaf Bag program, by Rosenthal Minutes for the Conservation Commission August 23,2017 Page 2 of 3 • December—CEAP ordinances (the big picture on where we are),by McGinnis • January—conservation successes at the ASD, by Sommer Water Subcommittee—Buck handed out the flyer for the Laundry to Landscape event. Southern Oregon Landscape Association is sponsoring the event by covering the cost of the instructor. 6. New Business Review of Imperatrice Property Use Recommendation to Council - Group reviewed the recommendation as presented in the agenda packet. Weir/Beigel-Coryell m/s to approve the recommendation memo as presented. Discussion: Weir stated the memo captures what was discussed and the motion made at the last meeting. Beigel-Coryell stated she appreciated that it wasn't a negative or aggressive memo, but was focused on conservation of natural resources on the site. Cruickshank stated she would have voted no on doing a memo at the last meeting because she believes all the uses being proposed have space on the site. Beigel-Coryell stated the memo doesn't eliminate any of those uses, but affirms the group would like Council to keep in mind the natural conservation on the site and that there are many other good locations for solar in town. Buck stated she was compelled by the presentation regarding the grasshopper sparrow and the need for conservation of that species. Beigel-Coryell asked the group if they should make it clear that the focus is on preserving only a specific area on the property? Hanks reminded the group that there are no locations specifically designated for particular uses at this time. Weir stated he wants it to be clear that he is entirely opposed to having solar on any portion of the site. Cruickshank stated there are not black and white (solidly good or solidly bad)uses on the site—just lots of options and grey areas. Cruickshank moved to amend motion to add a sentence that the group isn't ruling out solar on the site. Motion died for lack of a second. Voice Vote on original motion: 4 ayes, 1 nay. Motion passes. Group thanked Hanks for drafting the memo and discussed when was the appropriate time to send to Council. They agreed it should be part of the next update on the 1 Ox2O ordinance. Conservation Commission Goal Setting—Hanks handed out copies of the goals document submitted by the group members. Group discussed whether they should proceed despite lack of attendance or whether moving forward made more sense. Cruickshank suggested that the group table the discussion at the moment and in the meantime flesh out their own goal suggestions for discussion at the next meeting. Minutes for the Conservation Commission August 23,2017 Page 3 of 3 Hanks asked if the group wanted staff s input on any of the suggestions. Buck stated that she would prefer the group work on a prioritization of what's important and then have staff give input. Group generally agreed to this approach. Weir reminded the group that it would be useful to have the goal setting completed before Council starts their own goal setting/strategic planning process. 7. Wrap Up Hanks informed the group that the Drive Less Challenge is about to start and he is working on getting city employees more connected to the program as well as get information out to the public. He also gave information on the new Zagster bike-share program. Buck gave an overview of the commission's recent update to Council. Group thanked Buck for presenting with Koopman. Hanks gave update on when CEAP related ordinances are scheduled at Council and on the CEAP position hiring process. Meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diana Shiplet Executive Assistant Got Leaves? By Jamie Rosenthal Ashland Conservation Commission We've all marveled at the vibrant colors of Fall leaves. We've held them, raked them, and sought their shade. Since leaves are everywhere this time of year, it's easy to take them for granted and forget their tendency to clog our storm drains. Contrary to popular belief, street sweeping is not a community wide leaf pick-up program. The Conservation Commission would like to remind property owners that they are responsible for removing and disposing of fallen leaves on their property and adjacent sidewalks. Property owners should not blow or rake leaves into the street or right of way. Compostable bags for the collection and disposal of leaves are available for purchase from Recology Ashland at 170 Oak Street. The biodegradable bags cost $14.50 for a set of five which include curbside pickup of the bags by Recology Ashland. Each bag is nearly three feet tall and can hold up to 35 pounds of leaves. The compostable bags, for leaves only, will be picked up on regular garbage collection/green debris and recycling days. Any leftover bags can be used at any point in the year. Customers who do not pay for Green Debris service need to call Recology Ashland to schedule the pickup of their full bags. Recology's prepaid leaf bag program is an opportunity for those who are unable to take advantage of the two free Sunday leaf collection days (Nov 5t", and Dec 10th) at the Recycle Center on 220 Water Street from 9:OOam —4:00 pm. On those days, please arrive prepared to empty your bags of leaves yourself and take your bags back home with you. Keeping leaves out of the street is a simple but important action we can all take to help improve water quality in our streams. The distance between your yard and the water's edge is as close as the nearest storm drain or ditch. Everyone can help maintain the health of our streams by keeping leaves out of the street and storm drains. For more information on these programs, please call Recology Ashland at 541-482-1471 or visit www.RecologyAshland.com. A ActivmIt"Ies: Earth Day, Low Impact Living Series, Bear Creek Salmon Festival Notes: Also interested in working to get the City's Multi-family Recycling Ordinance updated. XName: Roxane Seigel-Coryeill Priority#1:Zero Waste/Waste Prevention Strategies-This can include expansion/continuation, of the downtown recycling baskets, introducing a tax(or other restrictive measures) on drinking straws,,asking Recology to help identify opportunities for the community to have more opportunities for waste diversion, continuing to consider possibilities for community compost. Also updating and asking for enforcement on opportunity to recycle ordinance. Priority#2: Energy Efficien:icy/Renewables-To include programs and education to promote energy efficiency by the City and community,as well as ways to support and encourage renewable energy generation (especially in light of tax credits sunsetting). Possibly working with City to review options to,change the user interface of utility system so that users can better understand how much energy they are using compared to an average user, or their neighbor, or what the impact of their utility use is.Assisting as needed to complete 10 x 20. Priority#3:Support impilementation of LEAP. I'm not sure exactly what this means for the Conservation Commission yet, but maybe looking for ways to provide incentives/programs to underrepresented populations? Activities: Low Impact Living Classes Notes: I would like to see the Commission get more direction from City Council. I would feel better putting my time into projects that I know Council has some interest in. I'm not opposed to doing other things that haven't been specifically directed, but if there is some way for us to get council to,better utilize the Conservation Commission, I would prefer that.Then I think we have a slightly better chance of assuming that the time and energy we are;putting into something will he fruitful., Note from Marni in response to Note from Roxane- I agree! Let's make that a priority. �T6p­` 4 from Risa #1 Air Quality-Anti-, Idling Education and incentivizing electric lawn mowers, and leaf blolwers (this is#1 because we have neglected air quality efforts) #2 Storm Drain Health, Laundry@ Landscape and Rainwater Catchment- education and programs, #3 Downtown, Bottle and Can baskets--continue to expand efforts, #4 City wide Curbside Compost Service(include in LEAP goals) Bryan Sohl Name: Bryan Soh,l Priority#1 Ensure that 1 Ox2O is implemented. Find alternatives to Imperatirce 5 Priority#,2.-, Move Ashland towards a plastic bottle ban, in line with,, the plastic bag ban, and also in line with other cities who have plastic bottle bans. Priority#3: Help city further conserve water . Activities: Energy Summit, Conservation awards. I Notes: Very interested' in CEAP 2.0. Interested in partnering with other Rogue valley Communities, on joint conservation projects across various cities, communities, counties. ,..-,,,Name: Cara Cruickshank Priority#I-Water conservation issues;- Have the city create greywater and rainwater catchment incentives or even make them requirements for new buildings. Also, implementing further water conservation education and incentives. Finally, helping develop more stormwater education materials, drain labeling, Laundry to Landscape and water conservation education and programs Priority#2- Implementing 1OX20, keeping Impleratrice option open as well as seeking alternative sites, plus increasing Energy Efficiency/Renewables by implementing a new program that makes renewable energy a code requirement for all: new construction, and Education of citizens about resource eff iciency issues. Priority #3-Air quality, because it's worsening,here in the Valley, and we have not even addressed it yet. 6 � Name: Marni Koopman Priority#1: Ensure that 10x20 is implemented Priority#2: Research methods for reducing/tracking consumption based emissions Priority#3: Increase participation in Low Impact Living Series classes Activities: 4th of July parade, Low Impact Living classes Notes: Also interested in further efforts to move towards zero waste, finding outside funding for community-led conservation and renewable energy projects, especially targeting businesses, and low-income families. ame: Mark Weir Priority#1: create electrical and water use scorecards per capita for district areas of city, review against other communities, create outreach mechanism for display(Plaza display). Priority#2: Plastic water bottle ban within city. Research, write, submit to council, ........... Priority#3: Have city develop greywater incentive as pillar of water conservation. Implement across city with financial assistance to larger systems (sites). Goal of doubling systems year over year until 50% of residences and 25% of business have functioning systems. Activities: Low Impact Living classes, Notes: Focus on significantly increasing in the quality of data presented for water, electric, waste. Scorecard at least by quarter, centralize scorecard and benchmark against other communities. Advocate for increased property taxes to finance programs focused on : 1}increase recycling rate to 90%, 2}reduce electric use by 25%, 3}reduce water use by 30%. Advocate away from regressive tax and surcharge systems (current norm in city) relate to conservation and resource (electric, water, timber, waste water, etc.) infrastructure. Name: Jamie Rosenthal Priority#1: Provide comprehensive Waste Audits and ongoing support to businesses. Inform businesses of ways to reduce their waste, their consumption of electricity, and their water use. Priority#2: Develop a recycling and waste reduction campaign, geared toward children in general,that uses Buddy Blue,the Recycling Cart,to promote Zero Waste. Priority#3: Ban the sale of plastic water bottles in stores and the use of straws in restaurants. 4 ■ Storm. Drain Marking ■ Low Impact Living Classes at North ■ Car Wash Kits Mountain Park ■ Plastic Bag Ordinance ■ Graywater Conference ■ Downtown Recycling Baskets ■ Green Business Program. Research, ■ Downtown Cigarette Butt Research Pilot, and Launch and Collection Pilot ■ Fourth of July Parade Participation ■ Climate and Energy Action ■ Leaf Bag Program.to Divert Leaves Planning Subcommittee from Storm Drains ■ Sustainability Planning (ICLEI) ■ water Conservation Education and ■ Recycle Center Ad-hoc Committee Promotion [with the Garden Club] ■ Master Water Plan Participation ■ Sustainability Awards ■ Rainwater Catchment Education ■ Earth Bowl Student Competition ■ Monthly Sneak Preview Column ■ Earth Day Event ■ Compost Classes at Recycling o Anti-idling Campaign at schools and Center City Operations 3 • Review and make recommendations to the City for Energy Conservation Programs • Community outreach of energy conservation as an everyday practice Civic Events • 4th of July • Compost classes • Leaf Bag Program ■ Earth Day • Garden Club • Conservation Awards • Energy summit • Further zero waste Green Business ■ Review ICLEI Green Business Challenge • Review concept of Consortium/Regional participation Climate Change • Review strategies for recommendations for the city • Conduct a Vulnerability assessment of climate change impacts to community • Educate City Council/Commissions/Staff Waste Prevention • Incentivize greater participation in recycling • City commits to strive toward zero waste Some examples of activities initiated and/or worked on by the Conservation Commission in recent years include: Goal Setting Brainstorm Notes (for meeting on August 23rd) August 21, 2017 Instructions: Please read the following review materials, and then scroll down and provide your top 3 priorities for the conservation commission in 2017-2018. Be sure and include your name next to your notes. Prioritize there (#1 highest priority) as well and add any extra notes that are needed. Also, In addition to priorities, please list the events that you are interested in having the Conservation Commission participate in this year, that you are personally willing to help with. Item 1: Mission and duties of the conservation Commission The mission of Ashland's conservation Commission is to educate and advocate for the wise use of resources by the city government and the people of Ashland. The powers, duties and responsibilities of the commission are to educate and advocate for the wise and efficient use of resources by the city of Ashland and Ashland citizens. The commission recommends to the City Council the adoption of policies, implementation strategies and funding related to: ■ Recycling, source reduction and solid waste/landfill issues; • Electric conservation issues; ■ water conservation issues; • Resource conservation issues; • New power resource decisions, but not decisions involving wholesale power contracts, • Renewable Resource decisions; • Education of citizens about resource efficiency issues Item 2: conservation commission Goals from 2013-14 Sustainability Planning • Support the City Sustainability Plan • Begin Community Sustainability Plan Water • Storm Drain pilot program for improved filtration/water quality • car Washing best practices guide and educational outreach/code requirements ■ Support Water conservation Programs • Support 3-5 Year Plan for Community outreach ■ Support Water Master Plan • Community outreach to support creywater systems within the city Energy Conservation • Signage for anti-idling • Review and make recommendations how to implement the State of Oregon 1 0-year energy plan 1