2008-01-03 Mayor's Climate Protection Committee AgenM
2. Encourage City staff and citizens to conserve current resources
3. Work with the City Council to implement ideas
4. Effectively address the future impacts of climate change
Committee Members:
Members: Steve Bernheim, Carolyn Chapel, Wes Gallaugher, Wayne Grotheer,
Hank Landau
Citizens: Janice and Bob Freeman
City Staff: Mayor Gary Haakenson, Steve Fisher, Sally Lider, Noel Miller,
Linda Carl
Meeting ends
January3 2008
1.
Geo-thermal heat pumps presentation
Rick enness
2.
Green building codes
Rob Chave, Planning
Manager
3.
ENERGY STAR partnership
Jim Stevens, Facilities
Manager
4.
Update on downtown merchants GHG reduction program
Steve B. Hank & Wes
5.
Possible community open house
Steve B.
6.
"SCALLOPS"
Steve B.
7.
Discussion of comments to the draft document
"Comprehensive Climate Approach for Washington"
Wes
8.
Discussion of adding GHG survey for individuals on the
Edmonds website
Wes
9.
Miscellaneous
All
10. Next month's meeting date — Thursday, February 14
(second Thursday)
Meega Notes
November 1, 2007
Present: Carolyn Chapel, Wes Gallaugher, Steve Fisher, Janice Freeman, Mayor Gary
Haakenson, Noel Miller, Linda Carl
Absent: Steve Bernheim, Hank Landau, Wayne Grotheer, Sally Lider
Also attending: Rob Chave, Rick Jenness, Bob Freeman
1. Green building codes
Rob Chave, Planning Manager, reported that the City building codes have not been updated
since 1980. In the current code there is no distinction between multifamily zones throughout
the city. The Planning Board would like to create a distinction, in which case they would like this
committee's input. For instance, if the code indicated a baseline density requirement, then
ClimateProtection /MeetingNotes 110107.doc
perhaps developers in higher -density areas (such as Highway 99) could receive incentives if
they adopt green codes.
Parking regulations are tied to building uses, which determines the number of spaces required.
If the use of the building changes, then the number of required parking spaces may change. This
could pose a problem if the required number of spaces increases. Sometimes there's the option to
relocate the spaces elsewhere; however, this doesn't really change anything. So the question is,
what makes a real change? What can the City do or provide related to housing that could make
a positive impact? For instance, could we target redevelopment and/or property improvements
and potentially offer lower permit fees for green buildings? (As an aside, Rob mentioned that
Edmonds has a high proportion of affordable rental housing in the County.)
Janice mentioned that the Planning Board has made several recommendations to the City
Council, but so far nothing has moved forward. Rob will research the City of Everett's green
building codes and forward them to the Planning Board and this committee.
Rick asked if the City has considered providing funds for green improvements. Rob mentioned
that local lenders may be willing to work with the City on a program like this.
Rob will be at the December meeting to update the committee on this issue. [The December
meeting was cancelled. The next meeting is January 3.1
2. Downtown merchants GHG reduction program
Wes reviewed the draft letter and spreadsheet with the committee and received feedback. Steve
B. continues to make contact with the local businesses. Gary would like the subcommittee to
focus on specific areas, such as downtown, then Westgate, etc.
3. GHG speedometer
Wes mentioned that Seattle announced that it reduced its GHG emissions by 8% and has met its
Izyoto protocol goal.
Idaho will test/monitor 13 hybrid plug -ins. A "climate cam" was installed in the town square of
Newcastle, Australia and monitors carbon emissions. The European Union has proposed posting
a label on all cars that shows the MPG and GHG emissions level. Wes provided a handout from
the Worldwatch Institute titled, "A Behind -the -Scenes Guide to the Things We Buy," which
analyzes the social impacts of the products we purchase, such as clothing, furniture, and food.
Miscellaneous
Steve F. continues to work on the City's carbon footprint and will then work on a community
analysis. Obtaining information has been difficult in some instances, but he continues to work
with ICLEL
Rick will check with his nephew to see if he wants to intern to help with data collection, and
Noel will check with EdCC to see if a student is interested. Rick also mentioned "esurveys.com"
as a way to offer a survey on the City's website that gives citizens a way to calculate their carbon
or electrical footprint.
Carolyn obtained an electrical output reader from PUD and has used it to collect energy
information at her church. For instance, she determined that energy for the old refrigerator costs
$20/month, and only $2/month for the newer refrigerator. PUD can provide consumption
numbers by zip code or by utility tax data.
Cliniaierrotectioii/MectingNotes 110107.doe