2009-09-03 Mayor's Climate Protection Committee AgenCitizens Committee on U.S. Mayors Climate Protection A�2reement
Mission:
1. Encourage citizens to be a part of the solution
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
MeetYA9 enda
September 3, 2009
1.
Update on EECBG program
Rob
2.
Sustainability element of the Comp Plan
Rob
3.
Reusable bag education program
Jen
4.
Presentation of draft climate action plan
Steve F. and subcommittee
5.
Miscellaneous
All
6.
Next meeting date — 9 a.m., Thursday,October 1
Meeting Notes
June 11, 2009
1. Update on EECBG program
Stephen Clifton, the City's Community Services and Economic Development Director, sat in
for Rob Chave and updated the committee on the energy efficiency and conservation block
grant. He distributed a list of potential projects that the City could accomplish for the block
grant amount of $160,200, including purchasing energy -management software, purchasing
two hybrid vehicles and one electric vehicle, and replacing illuminating fixtures at Public
Works with low -energy fixtures. He will present the list of potential projects to the City
Council on Tuesday, June 23. The deadline for submitting the application is June 25, with 18
months to obligate the funds and threes years to spend the money. A second round includes a
competitive grant process, and Stephen is working with PUD, PSE, and the Edmonds School
District to partner for larger grants.
2. Continued discussion on City's climate action plan
Steve F. mentioned that the list of potential EECBG projects could be added to the climate
action plan measures. He distributed the list of measures that we began talking about at last
month's meeting. Some of the measures on the list have been completed, and now we'll see
what the savings are. The measures include both energy and fuel savings. The land -use
measures are more difficult to determine the savings, but ICLEI can help. Steve continues to
look at what other cities are doing; he didn't receive specific comments or input from the
committee regarding his list.
The breakout session from the Climate Conversation showed two trends: trees and education.
The topic of trees included vegetation, urban forests, tree planning, wildlife habitat, native
plant communities, aquatic habitat, etc. This could be crafted as an additional measure.
Education could be included in incentives or free products, such as the Public Works water
ClimateProtection/MeetingNotes061109.doc I
conservation kit. Education could also include partnerships, EnergyStar efforts, recognition
programs for citizens/households/businesses/churches, lending out power
monitors/meters, in-house public education campaign, and energy challenge among
employees. Another common theme in the breakout sessions was the energy code
requirements.
Wes reminded us to look at the 2012 goal to reduce COz and work our way backwards by
first addressing the "low -hanging fruit" to help us meet our goal.
Carolyn mentioned her church's steps toward reducing energy consumption by looking at
the number and age of their refrigerators. They found that one older refrigerator cost
$20/month, but a newer model in the same room cost $4/month. Earth Ministry recently
recognized her church for their efforts.
Rebecca Wolfe suggested additional links on our website that includes more education, such
as using a clothesline compared to the cost of using a dryer.
Jeanne Blair suggested that citizens get together to review the measures on Steve's list and
offer suggestions. Rebecca recommended that students could be utilized for their senior
projects.
Jim Stevens mentioned that there was an energy study of city and public buildings in 2006.
The baseline year for both the City and communitywide is 2000; 2005 is an interim year.
Wes indicated that the County is promoting an energy efficiency challenge this year and
wondered if we could piggyback on their program.
Steve will continue to work on the list and is working toward more Edmonds -specific goals,
such as including the ferry system in our transportation list.
Stephen asked if the Chamber has been engaged in our efforts and Wes mentioned that a
subgroup of this committee previously gave a presentation to the Chamber. Jeanne said she is
becoming a member of the Chamber and volunteered to be our contact there for green ideas.
Stephen suggested recognizing businesses at Council meetings for their efforts in energy
reduction.
Steve mentioned that Sound Disposal is now offering composting options to their Edmonds
customers.
Rebecca said the Sierra Club has rain gardens at Montlake Elementary that captures rain
water. PCC-Edmonds also has one. Sally attended a class last night on rain gardens and rain
barrels.
The committee decided to cancel the July and August meetings and convene again in
September. Instead, a subcommittee will meet to focus on the climate action measures and
help Steve determine which measures should be included in the City's plan. Those who
volunteered for the subcommittee are Wes, Carolyn, Rebecca, Jeanne, Richard Bisbee, plus
Steve and Linda.
ClimateProtection/MeetingNotes061109.doc