HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-9-11 CEPAC Minutes
Climate and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (CEPAC)
Minutes
September 11, 2025, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
51 Winburn Way Ashland, OR 97520
1. Call to Order
COMMITTEE MEMBERS- Mark Morrison, Gary Shaff, Sharon Dohrmann, Sidney
Brown, Jennie Christopherson
PRESENT: OPEN POSITIONS: 2
ABSENT: Kip Barrett, Bryan Sohl
CITY COUNCIL: None
STAFF: Chad Woodward
2. Consent Agenda.
Minutes- Approved.
o Motion to approve by Christopherson, seconded by Dohrmann.
Approved unanimously.
3. Updates/Announcements
Council Update – N/A
Staff Update – Woodward:
o Shared that electric vehicle chargers grants for 10 new chargers has
been secured. Also shared that Charing Smart process plans to be
done in October.
o Provided an update on on-bill financing project. In particular, the
program is still a go but presents a unique situation that USDA’s
depleted staff is having a difficult time moving forward and invited the
city to help develop the relevant loan document language.
o Home Energy Score update shared that working with Earth Advantage
continues and that everything is moving forward according to the plan.
CEPAC Vice-Chair Update – Morrison
o Schedule of upcoming meetings was discussed and members were
asked to think about food options and bring back ideas at the October
meeting.
o Provided a reminder that annual elections are upcoming and to think
about if anyone wanted to be chair or vice chair in 2026.
o Shared that Morrison and Sohl would reach out to members for 1:1
discussions for the 2026 work plan.
o There was a reminder to encourage people to apply to be on CEPAC as
we are down 2 members.
o Discussed the letter in the Ashland Chronicle and Next Door post
deriding the work of CEPAC. CEPAC chose not to take action to respond.
4. Unfinished Business
Ashland Waste Characterization:
o Staff provided a brief synopsis of the document written by former
CEPAC member Ahnmark. The study highlighted opportunities to
increase recycling rates by 27% in residential and 32% in commercial
areas through better systems and outreach. They also discussed
expanding food scrap programs, which could reduce landfill waste by
74% in both residential and commercial sectors, and considered the
environmental benefits of reducing methane emissions through these
initiatives.
Urban Land Use and Transportation:
o The committee discussed collaboration with SERJAC and CEPAC to
address transportation issues, including a potential electric bike
incentive program. They reviewed a response letter from the TAC
regarding collaboration opportunities, noting some misunderstandings
about their intentions. The TAC chair provided an update on the website
development, which is facing delays due to budget issues. The
committee also discussed the upcoming transportation system plan
update, emphasizing the need for their involvement in making the
system more equitable and suitable for walking and biking.
o The discussion then focused on the role of CEPAC in the transportation
system plan process. The TAC chair clarified that while CEPAC has an
advisory role, the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) makes
policy recommendations, and the city council ultimately adopts the
transportation plan. The group discussed whether CPAC should have a
decision-making role, with some members advocating for more
involvement while others expressed concerns about overstepping TAC's
authority.
Motion to petition city council to ask city council to be a vital part
of the TSP update process. Seconded by Christopherson. Vote
failed 4-1.
Gas Powered and Garden Equipment (Sidney). Note – Chad to veview porper
protocol for advancing CEPAC recommendations
5. New Business
City Facilities tour – Brief discussion revealed that there was interest in still
pursuing this and staff would look into the matter.
6. Adjourn-6:00 pm
Climate and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (CEPAC)
Draft Minutes
September 24, 2025, 3:00 – 5:00 PM
51 Winburn Way Ashland, OR 97520
1. Call to Order
COMMITTEE MEMBERS – Bryan Sohl, Mark Morrison, Sidney Brown, Gary Shaff
CITY COUNCIL: N/A
STAFF: Chad Woodward
OTHER: N/A
2. Discussion:
3. Adjourned