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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018.09.26 Conservation Commission Agenda Packet ASHLAND CONSERVATION COMMISSION Meeting Agenda September 26, 2018 — 6:00 PM Community Development Building, Siskiyou Room 51 Winburn Way 1. Call to Order 2. Commission Vacancies Update 3. Consent Agenda August 22, 2018 Minutes 4. Announcements (5 min) 4.1. Next Regular Meeting: October 24, 2018 4.2. Upcoming Sub-committee meetings 4.3. Other Announcements from Commissioners 5. Public Forum 0 0 min to be evenly divided by public wishing to speak) 6. Reports/Presentations 4.2 Council Liaison Update 4.4 City Operations/Administration 7. Old Business (25 min) 7.1. Commission Monthly Column in Sneak Preview (5 min) Nov—Straws on Demand Pilot Program Progress report Dec—Holiday content(encore of previous article?) 7.2. Sub-committee updates (30 min) • Energy Conservation • Renewable Energy • Water • Waste Prevention 8. New Business (10 Min) • DEQ Materials Management Grant Application • CEAP 2.0 Committee Update • Review Commission Rules • Review Commission Goals • Commission Powers and Duties Review 7. Wrap Up 8.1 Items to be added to next agenda CITY 0, F Minutes for the Conservation Commission August 22,2018 Page 1 of 6 MINUTES FOR THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION Wednesday, August 22, 2018 Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Roxane Beigel-Coryell at 6 p.m. Commission members Risa Buck, Marni Koopman, James McGinnis, and Bryan Sohl were present. Councilor Stefanie Seffinger and staff liaison Adam Hanks were also present. Commission members David Sommer and Jaime Rosenthal were absent. 1. Welcome/Intro of New Commissioner The newly appointed Commissioner Erin Halcomb, unfortunately had to resign after moving to a new state. 2. Consent Agenda Approval of previous three meeting minutes has been moved to September's meeting. 3. Announcements Beigel-Coryell announced that the next regular scheduled meeting will be held on September 26, 2018. Beigel-Coryell asked all members to let her know closer to next meeting if they are able or unable to attend to avoid not having a quorum. The committee also discussed the regularly scheduled meetings in November and December. It was decided that November's meeting will be held as scheduled on November 28th. December's meeting currently falls on December 26th and the Commission will discuss at a later date if they want to move that meeting to an earlier date, such as December 19th, or cancel it completely. Hanks will check if the Siskiyou Room is available for the earlier date. 3.1. Upcoming Sub-committee meetings A Waste Prevention sub-committee meeting will be scheduled at next meeting to discuss the straw ban pilot program as long as all members of sub-committee are present. 3.2. Other Announcements from Commissioners Sohl stated that his climate activist daughter was on NPR discussing Jordan Cove and LNG pipelines on the East and West Coast. The members congratulated her for her role. Koopman announced the date for the next Climate Bash, which will be on February 15, 2018 and will most likely held at the Armory. 4. Public Forum Huelz Gutcheon/2253 Highway 99—described the amount of energy the human body requires in one hour(100 watts) related to how far an electric car could drive with the same amount of energy. Gutcheon stated that he reviewed the 2015-2017 Council goals and objectives and two objectives stood out to him: 1) to seek opportunities for all citizens to meet basic needs and 2) develop and support land use and transportation policy to achieve sustainable development. CITY 0, F Minutes for the Conservation Commission August 22, 2018 Page 2 of 6 Gutcheon stressed the lack of progress on requiring new constructions be wired to charge electric cars that are aligned with these goals. He recognized that this will be a large change to take on, but needs to be done if the City and Council are interested in carbon reduction. He stated that Council needs to determine if they want to play a larger role in combatting man-made climate change. 5. Reports/Presentations 5.1 Council Liaison Update Councilor Seffinger discussed the previous night's City Council meeting outcomes including decisions on the Transportation Network Companies (TNC) and the Wildfire Mitigation Ordinances. Seffinger emphasized that it is a time of change for the Council with the upcoming November election, the new City Administrator, current budget issues. Buck stated, that if it is helpful, both Buck and Beigel-Coryell can catch Seffinger up on different projects of the Commission since she is new to the Commission. 5.2 SOU Update Beigel-Coryell stated that SOU has three solar installs planned. Two of those installs are starting in a couple of weeks and the other one SOU is soliciting bids for. All will be rooftop installations with one using the City's new virtual net metering program since it will be on a storage shed. The new recreation center is still in process for getting LEED certified. 5.3 City Operations/Administration Staff member Hanks mentioned the TNC Ordinance including a small incentive towards electric vehicles, progress on the Climate Energy and Action Plan, and pilot incentive programs for electric vehicles and further incentivizing fuel switching. Hanks gave an update on the City's incentive programs. Current 2018 data shows that there have been 64 heating systems upgraded or installed using the incentives. Those include: • 20 heat pump systems 17 BPA funded, 3 City funded • 44 duct less systems 24 BPA funded, 20 City funded Hanks stated that most City funded systems are ones that have moved from gas to electric systems; therefore, did not qualify for BPA incentives. Last year there were only 109 systems, so the incentive program is tracking slightly above for surpassing the previous year's total. Solar incentives for current budget are over the 50% mark for the first budget year. This overage is a result of the State residential tax credits that ended in 2017. Hanks also stated that the number of solar systems, even those not-qualifying for City incentives, are going up based on the amount of net-metering requests the City has received. Hanks plans on working with the Climate Energy and Action Plan Implementation (LEAP 2) Committee to include the annual figures in the CEAP's website dashboard. Buck was interested in learning more about the City's process for permitting solar trackers. Hanks will collect information on this process for the next meeting. Minutes for the Conservation Commission August 22, 2018 Page 3 of 6 6. Old Business 6.1. Commission Monthly Column in Sneak Preview Beigel-Coryell thanked the CEAP 2 Committee and McGinnis for their submission to the Sneak Preview's September issue. Koopman sent out an article on Alternative Transportation for the Commission to review and discuss at the meeting. McGinnis had a question about how the dollar savings were calculated. Koopman explained that the source was the Ashland.ChooseEV.com website and that the calculations were based off using a Chevy Spark as a reference point. McGinnis moved to approve the article as written with Buck seconding the motion. Beigel- Coryell asked if there was any further discussion and the Commissioners thanked Koopman and Stu Green who was not present,but helped with the article. The motion passed with all in favor. November's article concerning the Straws on Demand Pilot Program will be on next month's agenda for approval. The article will entail a progress report on the current program with possibly including participating businesses' feedback. The Commission will revisit material from the previous years to include for December's article. Hanks will compile the previous December articles and include them in next meeting's packet. 6.2. Sub-committee updates Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy, and Water sub-committees have not had recent meetings or have new items to report to the Commission. Hanks mentioned the "Love Your Water" campaign run this summer by Julie Smitherman, Water Conservation Analyst, and the Public Works Department. Buck stated that Julie should attend one of the future meetings either in October or later in the year. The Waste Prevention sub-committee has been working on the Straws on Demand pilot program which ended on August 14th. The sub-committee will send a survey to the involved businesses on the overall experience, feedback from customers and employees, and the cost of paper versus plastic straws. Next meeting will include the article outlining these results as well as an update with the business feedback compiled by the Waste Reduction sub-committee. The survey and feedback will help the sub-committee decide on whether or not to expand the program and future steps. Beigel-Coryell also mentioned that the sub-committee is talking to local businesses about a pilot program for reusable to-go boxes. There is potential to partner with the City and local businesses to get grant funding for the to-go boxes that select businesses could pilot the program. Hanks informed the Commission that the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's Materials Management Grants are due September 28, 2018. The City's Economic Development grants are due in March of next year and a non-profit has to be the applicant. New Business 7.1 CEAP 2.0 Committee Update McGinnis updated the Commission on the previous CEAP 2 meeting. Three things were reviewed: Minutes for the Conservation Commission August 22, 2018 Page 4 of 6 • Council recommendation and possible Commission restructure presented by CEAP 1 CEAP 1 recommend a Commission restructure based on Diana Shiplet's presentation to Council. The restructure was aimed at reducing the amount of Commission overlap, increasing community involvement, and being better aligned with Council goals and requests. Buck requested that Hanks send the Commission restructure presentation discussed in the previous CEAP 2 meeting and the packet items from that meeting as well in advance of next meeting, if possible. • CEAP 2's Council recommendation Discussion revolved around expanding upon CEAP 1's recommendation for commission restructure as well as the future for a CEAP committee. As CEAP 2 is near the end of its charge and getting prepared to present its recommendation to Council. • Finalized EMPOWER Ashland plan McGinnis reported that the CEAP 2 members approved the EMPOWER Ashland Plan designed to engage the community to adopt the plans recommendations. Target audience for this plan included local contractor's, youth, car dealers, and other stakeholders to be determined. The plan includes three strategies: online presence,printed materials, and community events and presentations. 7.2 Review Commission Rules Beigel-Coryell read through the Commission rules that were agreed upon as a group: • Participate on sub-committees • Be on time • Actively listen • Check in that everyone understands • Raise your hand to speak to have one voice at a time • Okay to disagree • Be respectful of meeting time by staying on topic • Moving certain topics outside of the meeting, if necessary • Topic bin for later discussion • Do your homework by reading the packet materials to be prepared for meetings • Take responsibility for creating the Commission that you want to have • Encourage group engagement in an informal way • Support our relationship to and with the City • Keep open mind Hank mentioned there were some rules relating to staff responsibilities as well: • Staff will send out agenda and packet with enough time for members to view • Commissioners will get packet items to staff as needed 7.3 Review Commission Goals Beigel-Coryell announced the Commission goals from September 2017: Minutes for the Conservation Commission August 22, 2018 Page 5 of 6 • Working with sub-committees: Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy, Water, and Waste Prevention • 10 x 20 Ordinance Hanks informed the Commission that the 10 x 20 Ordinance update is scheduled for the October Pt Council Study Session. Hanks will have more information for the September Conservation Commission meeting. Koopman asked Sohl if he would like to join the Renewable Energy sub- committee and meet with Hanks before next meeting to discuss 10 x 20's progress. Sohl agreed to join. McGinnis suggested discussing possible advertising for 10 x 20 at next meeting. • Electric use score cards Sohl asked if there was something members are passionate about; how would they get it on the goal's list. Beigel-Coryell said members can email her and she can collect those proposed goals for next meetings discussion. 7.4 Commission Presentation to Council—Prep Beigel-Coryell announced the presentation to Council is set for the September 4th regular business meeting. Hanks presented members with presentation information from last year. Beigel-Coryell asked if there were any new items were wanted to be part of the presentation. Items interested by members included: • Straws on Demand pilot program • Bottles & Cans Baskets Hanks will get total number installed within the City. • Gray water and laundry landscape workshops • Conservation Corner in Sneak Preview Hanks proposed that they compile previous articles published for the Council communication packet. • Acknowledge CEAP 2's work and cross over with Conservation Commission If members have any additional ideas for the presentation, they can email Beigel-Coryell. 8. Wrap Up Items discussed at this meeting for next agenda include: • Approval of previous meetings minutes • A Waste Prevention sub-committee meeting will be scheduled to discuss the straw ban pilot program as long as all members of sub-committee are present • November's article concerning the Straws on Demand Pilot Program • Update on Straws on Demand business feedback • Update on the 10 x 20 Ordinance and possible advertising for 10 x 20 • Solar tracker permitting Members can email Beigel-Coryell with any additional items to be on next agenda. Adjournment Meeting was officially adjourned at 7:3 5 p.m. by Chair Beigel-Coryell. Minutes for the Conservation Commission August 22, 2018 Page 6 of 6 Action Items: • All members need to email Beigel-Coryell closer to next meeting about whether or not they will be able to attend. • Members with any additional ideas for the presentation can email Beigel-Coryell. • Members can email Beigel-Coryell with any additional items to be on next agenda. • Buck and Beigel-Coryell will catch Seffinger up on different projects of the Commission. • Hanks will check if the Siskiyou Room is available for a possible early meeting on December 19tn. • Hanks will collect information on this solar tracker permitting for the next meeting. • Hanks will schedule with Julie Smitherman to have her attend one of the fall meetings. • Hanks will get total number of bottles and cans baskets installed within the City. • Hanks will compile previous articles published in the Sneak Preview for the Council communication packet. • Hanks will send the Commission restructure presentation discussed in the previous CEAP 2 meeting and the packet items from that meeting. • Hanks will compile the Sneak Preview's previous December articles for next meeting's packet. • The Renewable Energy sub-committee will meet with Hanks before the September meeting to discuss the 10 x 20 Ordinance. • The Waste Prevention sub-committee will compile business feedback on the Straws on Demand program to present at the September meeting. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Taylor, Executive Assistant CITY OF ASHLAND Memo DATE: December 14, 2017 TO: City Council CC: Conservation Commission FROM: Marni Koopman, Risa Buck, Co-Chairs of the Conservation Commission RE: Conservation Commission Recommendation on Imperatrice Property Over the past 12-18 months, the Conservation Commission has been actively participating in discussions and review of proposals from citizens and interested organizations on the future potential uses of the Imperatrice Property. This interest was brought into focus with several public forum presentations from citizens interested in a utility scale solar park on the property. While the local, renewable electricity generation aspect of the project was very intriguing and consistent in one sense with the Commission's overall perspective on energy policy, the Commission was also keenly aware of the unique and fragile ecosystem that exists on the Imperatrice property and was concerned about the impacts of development on the land, the plants and the animals. Before making any sort of formal recommendation, the Commission heard from representatives from the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, who have long had an interest in preserving a portion or potentially the entire property for conservation and compatible recreational uses for the community. As a result of this presentation and further Commission discussion of previous presentations on solar generation potential, the Commission had a formal motion and vote to recommend to City Council that the property be retained for its biological diversity and its active and passive recreational opportunities for the community. The Commission feels that this biodiversity and recreational potential (trails, viewing areas, educational signage, etc) can be done in a very compatible way and best serves the Ashland community, the region and especially the unique and ever scarce plant and wildlife species that make the over 860 acre property so special. Should the Council desire to move forward in defining and formalizing any particular new use for this property, the Commission is very much interested and hopeful that Council utilize the Commission to assist in the review and recommendation on the proposed uses in the future. City of Ashland ADMINISTRATION DEPT Tel:541-552-2046 . 20 East Main St Fax:541-488-5311 Ashland,Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900 www.ashland.orms adamgashland.onus Straws on Demand---Any ideas for article title? Let's get creative folks! If you visited any of the many local restaurants in Ashland this summer you likely discovered that several served your beverage without a straw. If you asked for a straw, many of them probably served you a paper straw.This is because the City of Ashland's Conservation Commission worked with more than fourteen local businesses this summer to launch the pilot Straws-on-Demand program.The Conservation Commission was inspired to act when Louise Shawkat, a SOCAN activist, presented to the Commission about plastic waste from straws and she requested for Ashland to act. Why straws?According to the National Park Service,Americans use 500 million plastic drinking straws every day, enough to fill 125 school buses with straws. However, when offered a straw, 50 to 80 percent of consumers choose not to take one. With this new knowledge, the Conservation Commission developed the Straws-on-Demand pilot program.To participate, select businesses followed two basic guidelines: 1) to only offer straws on demand, which means a straw isn't automatically served with a beverage, and 2) to only offer paper or reusable straws, no plastic or"compostable" plastic straws. Compostable straws are discouraged as they are considered the wolf in sheep's clothing of the sustainability movement. Unless they are heated to 120 degrees at an industrial composting facility, which there are none nearby,they can easily take over one hundred years to decompose in landfills. Adding to the confusion, compostable products of all kinds should never go into recycling carts as they mimic actual plastic at sorting facilities and will contaminate that"stream" of material. The Straws-on-Demand program started in mid-May with a handful of businesses and ballooned to more than fourteen formal participants as word got out.The "official" pilot ended in mid-August, with all participants planning to continue their Straws-on- Demand programs beyond the pilot. Participating restaurants reported that they used an average of 72 percent fewer straws during the program than before and that feedback from customers and employees was overwhelmingly positive. Straws are just one example of the many single-use disposable conveniences we've become needlessly accustomed to. If you are interested in making truly earth-friendly choices, it's important to consider opting out of all single-use disposable products while opting in for products that can be used repeatedly. The Conservation Commission is continuing to work on opportunities to partner with local restaurants to reduce waste. If you own a restaurant in Ashland, or know someone who does, and you'd like more information about participating in the Straws-on-Demand program, please contact Stu Green, Climate and Energy Analyst for the City of Ashland, by emailing .. ....w., r en shl n r.us, or calling 541-552-2085. While working to expand the Straws on Demands program, the Commission is also working with select local restaurants to explore a new pilot program for reusable take out boxes, such as those being used at Simple Cafe on A Street.This pilot program would expand upon Simple Cafe's reuse program to include additional eateries throughout Ashland. Providing reusable to go boxes at several restaurants in town will help residents and visitors reduce waste from take out containers. Keep your eyes out for this program in the future! 2015 New Year's WASTE ZERO Challenge — It's hard to believe that another new year is upon us. This offers each of us an opportunity for pause to reflect upon some habits we may want to modify in the coming year. It could be to exercise more, be kinder to one another, eat less processed food, support more local businesses and one of my personal favorites, trash avoidance. Here are some ideas to support your efforts to have a smaller impact on the planet. Maybe you will be inspired to add these choices to 2015. Since I have a strong aversion to items we use one time and then toss into the landfill forever, I am hoping these ideas are practical and useful as you create some new habits for the new year ahead. Please be willing to constantly tweak these modifications until they fit just right for you and your family. I hope these tips will be helpful and even inspiring. My personal experience with waste generation is that it boils down to (2) things, the first is awareness and the 2 nd is getting organized. Let's start with awareness. Begin to NOTICE (in a non judgmental way) what you are purchasing or accumulating daily and ask yourself : 1. How many times will I use this product before I am done with it ? 2. Where will it end up when I am finished using it. 3. Might there be another product that will work longer/better/chea per? 4. Can I avoid this product by making a different choice? 5. Is this product made with renewable resources and/or recycled content and be easily recycled in the Rogue Valley? So, I think you have a better idea what I mean by "awareness". The next step is to get organized. I'll admit it does take some planning and organization or re-organization to be prepared and have more of what you need to accomplish greater "trash avoidance" If you spend time on your bike or in your car, consider stashing these items IF they are things you use/need often. The point here is to have what you need when you want it. A worthy goal for waste prevention is to strive to reduce or eliminate disposables (these are items you use only once) HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP: • Drink local tap water in re-usable containers • Bring your own mug for coffee or tea. • When shopping, bring your own bags & choose products minimally packaged. • Choose recycled-content products. Look for products with recycled content- paper, clothes, shoes, metal & plastics. • Choose re-usable cloth napkins, silverware, glasses/cups & plates. • Use both sides of a sheet of paper. • Buy or make birthday, anniversary & get well cards from recycled paper. Re-use cards & re-send as post cards or send electronic good wishes. • Recycle ONLY approved items in commingle with glass separate (no clamshells or plastic bags for example) • Compost yard debris @ home or subscribe to yard debris service. • Compost food scraps at home in a critter proof compost bin. • Never pour anything hazardous down our storm drain. ONLY rain down the storm drain. • Choose the least toxic product available • Ride a bike., walk, take the bus or carpool whenever possible • Use it up, Wear it out, Pass it on, or Do without! This is not a complete list but hopefully will provide some ideas for you to get started. Team up with your household, neighbors, school classroom, church, business, athletic team, organization, meditation group or book club to strive toward these achievable changes. I look forward to helping you trouble shoot the challenges and celebrate the accomplishments. We can do this and we can learn from each other. May this New Year move you a little closer toward all that you aspire to be! Risa Buck is the "Waste Zero Specialist" for Recology Ashland and member of the Ashland Conservation Commission. For most of us, the holiday season represents a magical time of togetherness, giving, and celebration. Holiday gatherings and celebrations are a wonderful reason to bring loved ones together for good times and memorable bonding. But these events also come at a cost beyond the average $800 each American spends on gifts alone. From Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, household waste increases by more than 25%. Did you notice that your trash cart already seems fuller than it usually does? According the EPA, the added food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons all add up to an additional 1 million tons a week in our landfills. That's an awful lot of trash for the sake of good tidings. So what can we do to reduce the amount of holiday waste produced while we're doing all that eating, drinking and being merry? We shouldn't have to skip celebrating altogether to enjoy this time of year, but we should consider the impacts of our traditions, and choose less wasteful options when we become aware of them. Make your holiday season even greener by following some of these 5 environmentally friendly holiday season tips! Buy Rechargeable Batteries. Did you know that about 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season? Consider trimming your holiday wasteline by choosing rechargeable batteries instead. Rechargeable batteries produce less waste because they can be recharged with a simple battery charger and reused hundreds of times. An added benefit to choosing rechargeable batteries is that they are surprisingly easy to recycle. And, because these batteries can be recharged and reused numerous times, they contribute less waste to landfills. Party Responsibly. Go Green! `Tis the season for entertaining! Instead of relying on disposable plates, napkins, cups, and utensils during for your holiday parties, this year, throw a fun party and keep it green at the same time. Impress your friends and loved ones with a creative, low-cost and environmentally conscious holiday bash and skip the disposables. Try using reusable plates, cups, utensils, and cloth napkins instead, and let your guests know why - maybe they'll be hosting their next get-together the same way! Green Shop `Til You Drop. Maximize your cheer and minimize your waste during all your holiday shopping! Pass on plastic bags which are not easily decomposed and contribute towards the degradation of the environment. A plastic bag can take from 15 to 1,000 years to break down, depending on environment. Moreover, the cost to recycle plastic bags outweighs their value. Opt to take your reusable cloth bags along with you on shopping trips instead of relying on a store to contain your purchases in bags they provide. That's A Wrap. Unfortunately, wrapping paper is high in clay content and low in paper content which makes it difficult to recycle. There are all kinds of ways to wrap holiday gifts without using up and throwing out new wrapping paper each year. Consider using earth-friendly gift wrapping alternatives, such as newspapers (comic sections work great!), scarves, handkerchiefs and bandanas, or old posters and maps. Don't Trash Your Tree. After the holidays, instead of throwing your Christmas tree in the trash, consider having your tree picked up at the curb. Real Christmas trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes. Recology will start collecting trees at the curb the week of January 9th. There is no charge for Christmas tree collection until January 23rd when the fee will be $5 per tree. Please visit RecologyAsh land.corn for more information on tree pickup. During the holiday season, and all year, each of us can make a huge difference, and give mother earth the gift that keeps on giving, by limiting the amount of waste we produce each holiday season. So please consider taking on some new green traditions this year. Happy holidays! Minutes for the Conservation Commission September 27,2017 Page 1 of 4 MINUTES FOR THE ASHLAND CONSERVATION COMMISSION Wednesday, September 27, 2017 Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way 1. Call to Order Chair Marni Koopman called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Commissioners Risa Buck, Roxane Beigel-Coryell, Jaime Rosenthal, Mark Weir, James McGinnis, and Cara Cruickshank were present. Staff member Adam Hanks, Commissioner David Sommer, and Council Liaison Traci Darrow were absent. 2. Consent Agenda Beigel-Coryell/Rosenthal m/s to approve the minutes of August 23, 2017, as presented. Discussion: None. Voice Vote: all ayes. Motion Passes. 3. Announcements The next commission meeting will be October 25, 2017. Buck stated that September 291h is the due date for instructors to submit events or classes at North Mountain Park for inclusion in the Parks and Recreation guide. This guide is for classes to be held December through May. Beigel-Coryell stated that September 30th is SOU's day of service. This year they are working at Mt. Ashland. Community members can participate. Rosenthal stated that there is a new Recology Ashland Facebook page. She hopes to use it to spread the word about waste reduction and operational information. Rosenthal gave an overview of some of the recycling restrictions which will likely effect Recology's costs as well as what items will be accepted. 4. Public Forum Louise Shawkat— stated that Energize Rogue has another ductless heat pump program. They were able to get the grant because the last one created three jobs. She also stated that SOCAN will be having a Master Climate Protector Class starting soon. Huelz Gutchen— stated that there are three kinds of carbon; plant absorbable (good), inside (raises quickly with no ventilation), and world (raises slowly but is bad). When carbon levels are at 800 parts/million people get drowsy and suffer mental consequences. As world carbon levels are headed in this direction all human will be dumbed down. He also stated that we should all have CO2 monitors in our homes to control our inside levels. He stated some new equipment, like refrigerators, have lower carbon emissions but higher inside carbon issues. He also stated that half of all bad carbon is absorbed by the ocean which is leading to more plankton death which in turn leads to less oxygen in the air. 5. Old Business Sneak Preview Column Minutes for the Conservation Commission September 27,2017 Page 2 of 4 Beigel-Coryell/McGinnis m/s to approve the November article submitted by Rosenthal as submitted. Discussion: None. Voice Vote: all ayes. Motion Passes. Group agreed to the following potential article topics: • December—CEAP ordinances (the big picture on where we are),by McGinnis • January—conservation successes at the ASD, by Sommer 6. New Business Conservation Commission Goal Setting—Koopman read aloud the Commission's mission and duties and the group brainstormed the following: Agreements (how the ,group wants to operate) => Participation on subcommittees => On-time => Active Listening (checking in that everyone understands/is understood) => Raise hand to speak/one voice at a time => It's okay to disagree => Be respectful of meeting time • Stay on topic • Move certain topics outside of the meeting, as necessary • Create topic "bin" for later discussions • Be prepared(do your homework) => Take responsibility for creating the commission you want to have => Encourage group engagement in an informal way? (get to know each other) => Support relationship to and with the City => Keep an open mind Group listed potential priorities for their goals, broken down into basic categories; Waste Reduction, Water Conservation, Renewable Energy, Energy Conservation, Air Quality, and Education and Outreach. They then voted by having each member place a dot next their top five priorities. These were the results (number next to bullet indicates the number of dot votes): Priorities Waste Reduction 1 - Plastic Bottle Ban—look at other cities 1 - Track consumption based emissions 2 - Straws 1 - City-wide curbside compost services 2 - Update multi-family recycling ordinance 2 - Expand downtown recycling basket program 0 - Recology—help with waste diversion 2 - Target businesses for waste reduction Minutes for the Conservation Commission September 27,2017 Page 3 of 4 Water Conservation 2— Greywater and rainwater catchment incentives 1 —Water conservation education & incentives 2— Storm water education, drain labeling 0— Create water use scorecards Renewable Energy 4— 1 Ox20 implementation 1 — Support and encourage renewable energy generation 2— Code requirements for renewable energy 1 —Participate in electric utility comprehensive plan Energy Conservation 4— Create electrical use scorecards 0— Improve energy use data collection 0— Improve user interface 2—Educate citizens 0—Demand management planning 0— Support CEAP specific to energy conservation Air Quality 0— Idling 2—Leaf blower—incentivizing electric or leaf vacuums Education and Outreach 0—Earth Day 0—Bear Creek Salmon Festival 0-4 th of July 1 —Low Impact Living Series 1 — Conservation Corner (Sneak Preview) Group discussed the Education and Outreach section and whether this was a natural extension of any subcommittee work. Group generally agreed that education is integral throughout all commission activities. They also generally agreed to continue with the Conservation Corner by committing to each write one or two articles a year, with the exception of Commissioner Buck who already has a regular column. Weir agreed to create a metric to determine if the Conservation Corner articles are effective and group agreed to review whether to continue with the articles afterward. Group agreed the following would be next steps in the goal setting process: 1) Agree to subcommittee participation. Group generally agreed to the following assignments (recognizing that Commissioner Sommers was absent and may want to participate): • Water subcommittee— Cruickshank, Buck, Weir • Waste reduction—Beigel-Coryell, Buck, Rosenthal, Koopman • Renewable Energy— Cruickshank, McGinnis, Koopman • Energy Conservation—Beigel-Coryell, McGinnis, Weir Minutes for the Conservation Commission September 27,2017 Page 4 of 4 2) Consult with City Staff 3) Create deliverables and/or agree to bumble around until an idea forms 4) Create pilot program 5) Get Council direction/approval 7. Wrap Up "Bin items" for future meetings • Packet agreement (due dates, etc.) • Discussion re: annual retreat • Sneak Preview calendar • Landry to Landscape workshop follow up • CEAP update from Hanks Meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Diana Shiplet Executive Assistant Go Green for the Holidays Make"green" holiday choices when you are shopping,traveling, sending cards, decorating, and choosing gifts.When you save energy and resources, you protect the environment and safeguard health both now and for the future. The winter holidays are nearly here! You may be ready for the festivities, or you may still be planning holiday gatherings and shopping for decorations and gifts. Most of us want to enjoy the fun and spirit of the season without spending too much money or using too many resources in the process. And most of all, we all want to enjoy quality time with those we love. The good news is that you can participate in all these holiday activities and still manage to conserve resources. In doing so, you also protect the environment, and protecting the environment can safeguard your health both now and in the future. Even if you already reduce, reuse, and recycle, browse through the suggestions below for more ways to bring those practices into your holiday activities. If all of us make even a few eco-friendly choices, we will save energy and resources and send less trash to the landfill during this busy time of year. Decorate with items that are energy-efficient and durable. • Research the most energy efficient choice for your holiday tree. The choice will vary depending on your location. o Use other types of decorations besides trees. o Find out about trees grown in your area or trees grown in ways that keep forests healthy and safe. o Buy a living tree that you can plant outside after the holidays o Buy a smaller tree so that you have less to recycle. o Dispose of your tree at a chipping facility or return it to the environment in other eco- friendlyways. • Use energy efficiently. o Consider using few or no lights in your holiday decorations. o Decorate with more energy efficient LED strings. o Plug your decorative indoor and outdoor lights into a timer to save electricity. • Decorate creatively and inexpensively with natural materials from your yard or with items you already own. CONSERVATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL ON CEAP COORDINATION 23 May 2017 MISSION — The Mission of the Conservation Commission is to educate and advocate for the wise use of resources by the city government and the people of Ashland. The Conservation Commission was established in 1996. The Commission recommends to the City Council the adoption of policies, implementation strategies, and funding related to recycling, electricity conservation, water conservation, resource conservation, renewable energy, and education of citizens around energy efficiency issues. Yet even more than its advisory role, and unlike many of the other City Commissions, the Conservation Commission conducts independent and collaborative projects and educational outreach based the expertise brought by the Commissioners. Some examples of activities carried out by the Conservation Commission in recent years include: • Storm Drain Marking 0 Catchment Education • Car Wash Kits 0 Monthly Sneak Preview Column • Plastic Bag Ordinance 0 Compost Classes at Recycling Center • Bottle and Can Recycling Baskets 0 Low Impact Living Classes at North Downtown Mountain Park • Downtown Cigarette Butt Collection 0 Graywater Conference Pilot 0 Green Business Committee • Climate and Energy Action Planning 0 Fourth of July Parade Subcommittee 0 Leaf Bags • Sustainability Planning (ICLEI) 0 Garden Club Subcommittee 0 Sustainability Awards • Recycle Center Ad-hoc Committee 0 Earth Bowl Participation 0 Earth Day Event • Master Water Plan Participation 0 Anti-idling Campaign at Schools 1 RECOMMENDATION — In light of the potential new Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP) Commission, the Conservation Commission recommends that the CEAP Commission and Conservation Commission remain separate entities. The Conservation Commission will continue to serve the City with research, advocacy, and outreach on issues pertaining to conservation. Reasoning—The Conservation Commission offers expertise and specific focus on issues of sustainability and conservation, far beyond the specific targets and actions identified within the CEAP. Conservation Commission outreach on waste reduction, water conservation, and education on sustainability are likely outside the scope of a CEAP Commission. The CEAP, by design, affects all departments, Commissions, local businesses, and residents in Ashland. The CEAP Commission will represent a diverse and wide-reaching subset of Ashland's residents and businesses, including schools, young people, retirees, local businesses, communities of color, and others. All the City's Commissions, including Parks, Planning, Airport, Forest Lands, Housing and Human Services, and others, as well as City Staff and Departments, will be affected by the CEAP. The Conservation Commission is just one of many Commissions expected to receive additional direction and guidance by the CEAP Commission, in order to ensure that activities and research align with the needs and mandates of the CEAP. Conservation Commission will become even more vital—As the new CEAP Commission and the City identify options for meeting our aggressive emissions targets and for adapting to climate change, the Conservation Commission will become even more vital as a body of experts able and willing to do research and make recommendations on the most effective and/or feasible approaches. The Conservation Commission will also continue to provide an outreach and advocacy body that participates in community events, offers classes, and builds buy-in. The activities listed above are vital for continued progress on sustainability and conservation in Ashland. And yet, these activities are unlikely to be carried out by the CEAP Commission, both because of more diverse membership and expertise, as well as a different mandate. The Conservation Commission anticipates and welcomes direction and prioritization from the CEAP Commission and City Council on specific research needs and topics. Conservation Commissioners represent a depth of expertise on issues pertaining to water, natural systems,, energy, waste management, and other topics that are unlikely to be matched by the CEAP Commission's more diverse membership. Appendix 1. Examples of Powers and Duties of Ashland Commissions and their Relevance to CEAP (Note: This is not a comprehensive list) CEAP Commission Powers and Duties(from proposed ordinance) • Monitor and advise on the Implementation of the CEAP for the Community and City Operations • Recommend modifications to benchmarks,targets or implementing actions contained in the CEAP as needed to incorporate the best available science and practices to achieve CEAP related goals and targets • Monitor progress toward achieving the reductions of GHG emissions prescribed by this ordinance • Work to ensure that the CEAP considers public input and long-term social,economic and environmental impacts • Recommend changes in city ordinances, rules and processes that facilitate and/or incentivize residents and businesses to reduce their GHG emissions • Work to ensure the plans are socially equitable for all community members including low-income,young people, persons of color,elderly and those living with disabilities • Work to ensure the CEAP protects Ashland's quality of life by identifying, benefiting, and preserving long- term natural resources,services,amenities, institutions, industries,and community characteristics valued by Ashland residents Airport Commission Powers and Duties • To advise the Mayor and City Council on all matters relating to the management,operation,and further development of the Ashland Airport • To investigate Federal,State,County and private funding for airport improvements • To review and recommend project applications for funding to the City Council CEAP Actions Relevant to Airport Commission • BE-1-3. Facilitate and encourage solar energy production. • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) Forest Lands Powers and Duties • To develop forest management plans for the City of Ashland's municipal forests • To provide direction and oversight to planning teams concerning wildland urban interface (wildfire lands) and Ashland Creek Watershed • To develop community volunteer programs to assist in implementation of the Ashland Forest Plan and other project plans • To submit recommendations to the City Council regarding forest management practices • To ensure that plans integrate diverse opinions of citizens and private land owners • To promote public knowledge and acceptance of the Ashland Forest Plan programs CEAP Actions Relevant to Forest Lands Commission • NS-1.1. Manage forests to retain biodiversity, resilience,and ecosystem function and services in the face of climate change. Use best available science to inform fire management and planning. • NS-1-2. Use green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable pavement, other pervious surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads. • NS-1-3. Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish and riparian species. • NS-1.4. Map and protect areas that provide ecosystem services • Manage Ecosystems and Landscapes to minimize climate related health impacts • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) Housing and Human Services Powers and Duties • To monitor and assess the continuum of housing and human services needs of the community,and utilize this information to advise the City Council regarding policy and funding strategies relating to housing and human services 3 • To consider the feasibility of and advise the City Council on programs that assist in addressing the unmet utility, medical,transportation,and food needs of seniors,children and families in Ashland, and other related human services programs • To review and make recommendations to the City Council on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) related allocations • To monitor projects funded with the Community Development Block Grant(CDBG), City of Ashland Social Service Grants, and the Housing Trust Funds • To investigate federal,state,county and private funding for implementation of housing and human services programs • To foster public knowledge and support of official city housing and human services programs • To enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors by promoting integrated approaches that provide decent housing,a suitable living environment, and expanded opportunities for low-and moderate-income persons • To evaluate, review,and recommend to the Planning Commission and City Council innovative land use strategies targeted at promoting a broad variety of housing types • To monitor housing discrimination complaints and corrective actions within the City,and to report to the City Council measures taken to further equal opportunity to all persons to live in decent housing facilities regardless of race,color, religion,sex, sexual orientation,gender identity, national origin,source of income,or familial status CEAP Actions Relevant to Housing and Human Services Commission • PHSW-1-1. Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning • PHSW-3-1.Work with vulnerable populations to create specific adaptation strategies that address public health • PHSW-4-2. Identify and address populations and essential City services within the 100-year flood zone • BE-1-2. Promote switching to low and non-carbon fuels • BE-2-1. Expand participation in energy efficiency programs&promote climate-friendly building/construction • BE-2-2. Require building energy scores to identify and incentivize cost-effective energy efficiency improvements • BE-2-3. Identify and adopt strategies to reduce energy efficiency barriers in rent/lease properties • BE-2-4. Establish minimum energy efficiency standards for the affordable housing program • BE-5-1. Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool roofs and passive cooling • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) Parks and Recreation Powers and Duties • Adopt by-laws, rules and regulations for the proper conduct of public recreation in the City • Coordinate recreational facilities now within the City,or hereafter to be constructed or created • Conduct any form of recreation or cultural activity that will employ the leisure time of the people of Ashland and vicinity in a constructive and wholesome manner CEAP Actions Relevant to Parks and Recreation Commission • NS-1.1. Manage forests to retain biodiversity, resilience,and ecosystem function and services in the face of climate change. Use best available science to inform fire management and planning. • NS-1-2. Use green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable pavement,other pervious surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads. • NS-1-3. Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish and riparian species. • NS-1.4. Map and protect areas that provide ecosystem services • BE-1-3. Facilitate and encourage solar energy production. • BE-5-1. Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool roofs and passive cooling. • CM-1-1. Implement an education campaign for waste and consumption reduction strategies • CM-2-2. Expand community gardening and urban agriculture. • PHSW-1-1. Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning. 4 • Manage Ecosystems and Landscapes to minimize climate related health impacts • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) Planning Commission Powers and Duties • Responsible for the city's comprehensive plan and development standards that implement that plan CEAP Actions Relevant to Planning Commission • BE-1-2. Promote switching to low and non-carbon fuels. • BE-2-1. Expand participation in energy efficiency programs&promote climate-friendly building/construction • BE-5-1. Encourage heat-tolerant building approaches such as cool roofs and passive cooling. • BE-2-3. Identify and adopt strategies to reduce energy efficiency barriers in rent/lease properties • ULT-1-1.Coordinate with neighboring local governments to promote use of transit,carpooling,and car- sharing • ULT-1-3. Establish policies to support development near transit hubs without displacing disadvantaged populations • ULT-2-2. Explore opportunities to convert to shared streets where appropriate to provide multimodal connectivity • ULT-4-1. Regulate new development in the Wildfire Lands Overlay part of the urban growth boundary • ULT-4-2. Revise community development plans to favor walkable neighborhoods and infill density • CM-2-2. Expand community gardening and urban agriculture • NS-1-2. Use green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable pavement,other pervious surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads • NS-2-2. Explore water-efficient technologies on irrigation systems and consider requiring them during permitting. • PHSW-1-1. Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning • PHSW-3-2. Identify and minimize potential urban heat impacts • PHSW-4-2. Identify and address populations and essential City services within the 100-year flood zone. • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) Conservation Commission Powers and Duties • Recycling,source reduction and solid waste/landfill issues • Recycling,source reduction and solid waste/landfill issues • Electric conservation issues • Air Quality 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 CEAP Actions Relevant to Conservation Commission • BE-1-2. Promote switching to low and non-carbon fuels. • BE-2-1. Expand participation in energy efficiency programs&promote climate-friendly building/construction • BE-2-3. Identify and adopt strategies to reduce energy efficiency barriers in rent/lease properties • CM-2-2. Expand community gardening and urban agriculture • CM-3-1. Improve recycling programs, implement new education and outreach,and expand public space recycling • CM-4-1.Support edible food donation • CM-4-2. Provide a best practices guide to help households and businesses reduce food waste and consumption • CM-4-3. Evaluate opportunities for recycling of commercial food waste 5 • NS-1-2. Use green infrastructure such as bioswales, permeable pavement,other pervious surfaces to reduce flood risk and minimize sediment entry into creeks from trails and roads • NS-1-3. Undertake restoration efforts to retain and restore native fish and riparian species • NS-2-1. Evaluate incentives for practices that reduce use of potable water for nonpotable purposes and recharge ground water • NS-2-3. Expand water conservation outreach and incentive programs for residents and businesses • PHSW-1-1. Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning • PHSW-2-1. Engage leading employers in a dialogue on climate action • PHSW-3-2. Identify and minimize potential urban heat impacts • CC-1-1. Create a formal public outreach and education plan to inform the community about climate actions • CC-1-3.Assess the feasibility of a City-sponsored carbon offset program • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) Transportation Commission Powers and Duties • Proactively plan for a transportation system that is integrated into the community and enhances Ashland's livability,character and natural environment • Focus must be on people being able to move easily through the city in all modes of travel • Modal equity then is more than just a phase. It is a planning concept that does not necessarily imply equal financial commitment or equal percentage use of each mode, but rather ensures that we will have the opportunity to conveniently and safely use the transportation mode of our choice, and allow us to move toward a less auto-dependent community. CEAP Actions Relevant to Transportation Commission • BE-1-2. Promote switching to low and non-carbon fuels. • ULT-1-1.Coordinate with neighboring local governments to promote use of transit, carpooling, and car- sharing • ULT-1-2.Work with RVTD to implement climate-friendly transit. • ULT-1-3. Establish policies to support development near transit hubs without displacing disadvantaged populations • ULT-1-4. Evaluate feasibility of expanded local transit options • ULT-2-1. Implement bicycle-and pedestrian-friendly actions in the Transportation System Plan and Downtown Parking Management Plan • ULT-2-2. Explore opportunities to convert to shared streets where appropriate to provide multimodal connectivity • ULT-3-1. Implement a local fuel-related tax. • ULT-3-3. Develop and provide information about electric and hybrid vehicles on the City website • ULT-5-1. Provide carpool and vanpool parking,charging stations, and parking for EVs for City employees • Mainstream and integrate climate considerations(include consideration of CEAP goals within the scope of every appropriate City Advisory Commission) 6