2008-03-06 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
City Staff: Mayor Gary Haakenson, Steve Fisher, Sally Lider, Noel Miller,
Rob Chave, Jen Machuga, Jim Stevens, Linda Carl
Meefing ends
March 6, 2008
1.
Discussion on low -impact development program (refer to
All
material distributed at January 3 meeting & Rob's memo emailed
(Rob and Jen)
on February 20)
2.
Approach to amending the City's comp plan re: climate
Rob
issues
3.
Miscellaneous
All
4.
Next month's meeting date — Thursday,Aril 3
Meeting Notes
February 21, 2008
Present: Duane Bowman, Lesley Brown, Rob Chave, Steve Fisher, Janice Freeman, Bob
Freeman, Mayor Gary Haakenson, Eric Lammersdorf, Hank Landau, Jen
Machuga, Noel Miller, Scott Schlumberger, Elizabeth Stachow, Jim Stevens,
Teresa Wippel, Linda Carl
Absent: Steve Bernheim, Wayne Grotheer, Carolyn Chapel, Wes Gallaugher, Sally Lider
1. Low -impact development program
Rob Chave (Planning Manager) distributed a memo summarizing the materials he shared at the
January 3 meeting regarding green -building codes and possible sustainable -building practices.
He would like this committee to help prioritize the options presented in order for staff to focus
on the top priorities and for all of us to have a unified approach. Rob presented a range of
options, from high control/regulatory, to volunteer/incentives.
Although not yet approved by the full legislature, the State Senate passed a bill this week that
creates a pilot program at the State level that works in conjunction with CTED (Community
Trade & Economic Development). At least three counties and six cities statewide will be involved
in the program, which is aimed at determining what local jurisdictions can do in this area. They
plan to develop "best practices" by 2009.
Duane Bowman (Development Services Director) mentioned that Edmonds is in the "nearshore
area" of WRIA 8 (Water Resource Inventory Area). The City just signed a letter of agreement
with the EPA for staff resources for training and developing websites for local jurisdictions in
regards to low -impact development (LID). An application for a grant has been submitted. The
ClimateProtection/MeetingNoteso22108doc
City has participated in the past in a pilot program that included an analysis of our LID
regulations.
Duane indicated that staff has drafted some changes for the City's development code in regards
to this issue. After receiving feedback from citizens and builders, the potential changes will go to
the Planning Board, then to the City Council for adoption into the code. Staff is in the process of
rewriting the code; however, the position of stormwater engineer is currently vacant, and
therefore it could take more time than normal.
The code looks at site development, tree retention, stormwater issues, etc. It's possible that the
code will address Edmonds Crossing and its connection to Puget Sound.
Jen Machuga (Planner) briefly reviewed a green -building cost/benefit study that was distributed
to the committee. The study found that energy savings alone offset the initial additional costs of
developing "green" buildings, and that these don't include the potentially substantial health and
productivity benefits of green buildings.
Hank asked if staff could determine what the costs are to the City to implement the new codes,
and if the Energy Star program fits in with the options outlined in Rob's memo.
2. Report on carbon footprint findings
Steve F. distributed a handout regarding data for the City's GHG emissions. The data was
gathered from 2006 information, which is the interim year for our study (1999 is the base
year). The report includes the best available stats, and includes only City operations. Steve
mentioned that the CO2 tonnes total (3,304) is relatively low compared to other cities. The next
steps in data -gathering will included analyzing 2007 numbers, gathering community statistics,
and potentially forecasting numbers for future goals. The program for data analysis that Steve
used is the one provided by ICLEI.
Steve will provide the information to Linda to post on the City's website.
3. ENERGY STAR partnership
Jim Stevens, City of Edmonds facilities manager, led the effort in signing the City as a partner
with Energy Star last December. This provides the ability to track energy consumption in our
buildings and to input data for analysis. Energy Star has a system of rating energy efficiency
from zero to 100; zero being the least efficient. If a building is rated in the top 25 percent, it
receives an Energy Star "stamp." City Hall is currently at 73 percent. Jim indicated that we
should reach 75 percent or higher by trimming costs and implementing energy -savings
programs. Jim is in the process of getting his Energy Star certification.
4. Fuel economy tips
Jim also provided a handout with suggestions on how our vehicles can be more fuel efficient.
He'll draft up something to include in the April issue of the City newsletter.
5. Update on downtown merchants GHG reduction program
Hank reported that the subcommittee is working on a model for small businesses. After a small-
business owner determines his or her business' GHG output, they can then focus on reducing
that number. Hanle ordered a handbook from Energy Star with ideas for implementing
efficiencies. He indicated that the State legislature is also working on assisting small businesses
to become more energy efficient.
6. Environment day in Olympia and Sustainable Edmonds
Last month, Bob and Janice Freeman attended environment day in Olympia. The focus of the day
was to endorse various bills through the legislature in four priority areas: reducing GHG
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emissions and introducing a cap and trade [top priority]; addressing impacts of climate change
through the Growth Management Act [passed in the Senate]; urban forestry, specifically
regarding land -tree coverage [passed in the House]; and use of locally produced foods in school
lunch programs.
This information will be posted on the Sustainable Edmonds website. Sustainable Edmonds is an
independent local citizens' group affiliated with Sustainable Communities All Over Puget Sound
(SCALLOPS). Its mission includes helping Edmonds to become ecologically, economically, and
socially sustainable. Their website (www.SustainableEdmonds.org) was launched this week.
Miscellaneous
Teresa Wippel mentioned that Green for Good (www.greenforaood.coni) launched its website a
few weeks ago. She and David Kanter met with the Mayor recently to talk about plans for an
environmental fair in Edmonds; they plan to meet with local growers next.
Lesley Brown would like to meet with City staff to find out how to incorporate green -building
codes in the project she's working on.
Noel reported that City crews are working on installing a plug-in station for electric cars in the
public safety complex parking lot.
Liz Stachow (reporter for The Edmonds Beacon) asked everyone to feel free to provide her with
any information they would like included in The Beacon related to sustainability, efficiency, etc.
Climalerrotection/Meet ingNotas022108doc