2010-04-01 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: Carolyn Chapel, Wes Gallaugher, Hank Landau
Todd Cloutier, Bob Freeman, Jeremy Grisham, Brian Potter,
Cynthia Pruitt, Laura Spehar, Rebecca Wolfe
City Staff: Mayor Gary Haakenson, Steve Fisher, Sally Lider, Noel Miller,
Rob Chave, Jen Machuga, Jim Stevens, Linda Carl
Meeting�enda
April 1, 2010
1.
Discussion on sustainability indicators
Rob
2.
3.
Reusable bag subcommittee report
Earth Day event update - April 22
Jen
Todd
4.
"Green Edmonds"
Rob
5.
Floretum Garden Club - atch project
Laura
6.
Miscellaneous
All
7.
Next meeting date — 9 a.m., May 6
Meetln�tNotes
March 4, 2010
1. Intro of seven new committee members
We briefly went around the table and the new members introduced themselves.
2. Presentation of plaque to Wayne Grotheer
Wayne has been with the committee since its inception. He recently resigned due to
increased work demands. The Mayor presented him with a plaque and thanked him for his
many volunteer hours on this committee.
3. Reusable bag subcommittee report
Jen indicated that the guidelines for the poster contest will be sent out today, along with a
press release. The subcommittee is working on putting "Green Edmonds" and reusable bags
information on the website. The City will send out notices to all the businesses affected by the
new policy on plastic bags (approximately 450 businesses).
4. Earth Day event, April 22
Todd reported that there is a meeting tomorrow regarding the logistics of the event; Justus
Stewart from ICLEI—who is one of the event speakers —plans to attend. They are still
working on getting refreshments donated, as well as finding a speaker to present the City's
Climate Action Plan.
ClimateProtection/MeetingAgenda040110.doc
5. Climate Action Plan update
Steve reported that the final CAP was presented to the Planning Board in February. Although
the PB reviewed it, they did not provide an official endorsement. They did, however, endorse
the overall approach and provided a statement of support.
6. Miscellaneous
Gary: The City Council is working on a Styrofoam ban, which is currently on the Public
Safety Committee agenda. Todd mentioned that another Council topic could be recycling
campaign signs.
Gary brought up the topic of this committee's future role and if we want to blend it into
Council goals.
Discussion.
Rebecca: Continued education regarding reusable bags is important. Be an advisory
committee, continue with promotional events, and provide information to the media.
Brian: Use education in informed/supportive way. Provide tools, such as alternate ideas for
using plastic bags.
Todd: The CAP is our framework, but some of it is not within our realm of responsibility. We
may not be able to implement controls, but we can help track what is/isn't working and
encourage what works. Nine homes and three businesses have signed up for energy audits.
Gary volunteered his home, if another is needed. Todd reported that homes in Edmonds
spent $9M for natural gas last year (primarily for hot water); businesses spent about $2.5M.
The goal is to reduce consumption by 10%.
Carolyn: The strength of our committee is that we are concerned citizens meeting regularly
with City staff. We have enough clout to attract important speakers to help educate the
public.
Hank: The committee functions as a sounding board for the community. Has it been helpful?
Gary: Yes. The committee holds a lot of prestige within the community as an advisory group.
He wants this committee to continue; however, we don't want to feel like we're duplicating
efforts.
Hank: The committee has tried to work with the Chamber merchants, but our efforts weren't
too successful. The merchants may be a missing link in the process. He feels our mission
statement is a good guideline.
Gary: The merchants' hesitation could stem from issues with their landlords.
Wayne: Informal advisory groups are very helpful. Work produced by this committee and
staff has been good; the coordinating role has been helpful in providing greater information
to the community
Gary: Maybe we need updates from other groups around the community in order to see
what they're doing and how we can coordinate efforts.
Todd: Perhaps we can develop a matrix of community efforts that includes the groups
working on them.
Rebecca: Also include a calendar.
Cynthia: Shoreline has a similar matrix in line with their policies.
Steve: This committee will play a big part in following through with the CAP as it continues
to evolve. The question is who will take primary responsibility.
ClimateProtection/MeetingAgenda040110.doc
Rob: This forum is the only place that other community organizations (such as Sustainable
Edmonds) can hear what's happening regarding these issues. Without this committee, the
CAP wouldn't have been completed. This is a good place to bring initiatives and get feedback.
This is an "idea" group; some ideas may not get accomplished, but it's a valuable role.
Jen: This is a great group with great ideas. Sometimes it's hard for the staff to do everything
that the committee needs support with, but we'll work hard to get everything done.
Jim: The committee provides information that ban be reported to other entities. For instance,
consumption has been down 11% from 2008 to 2009 for the 15 major City buildings that he
tracks. Jim can brainstorm with his crew regarding ways to reduce energy. The City is hiring
a consultant next quarter to help with "best steps" at the Frances Anderson Center. The
EECBG will pay for some of our energy conservation projects.
Rebecca: Wilderness.org is announcing today its selection for "top forests." Do we want to
consider approaching the legislature regarding issues that affect energy conservation?
Gary: We could consider two or three issues to take to our local legislators.
Hank: The CAP encourages non -motorized transportation. The Edmonds bike group is
working on training third, fourth, and fifth graders about bicycle safety. They need $25K to
get the program up and running (for equipment and bikes; labor is primarily volunteer).
They're hoping the funds will be available in the fall, but they also plan to apply for a grant
with the Hazel Miller Foundation. They're working with Cascade for other funding
opportunities. ESD is enthusiastic about starting the program. Bertrand Hauss, City
Transportation Engineer, has been very helpful as well.
Gary: Try FD 1 for potential funding; it can be tied to public education and outreach.
Rebecca: There may also be some federal funding, such as with No Child Left Inside.
Brian: The CAP is an advisory plan and not a binding document; however, there are a lot of
directives in the plan. How do we track them? Maybe a matrix could include ways to
improve future results.
Gary: This committee will provide plenty of information that will be helpful to the Council
legislatively.
Hank: It's virtually impossible to reach our 2012 goal because of annexations. A matrix can
be viewed two ways —with or without annexations.
Cynthia: Government reports are scrutinized very carefully. We must be willing to work on
ways to improve results.
Todd: Last year's Climate Conversation helped form ideas for the CAP. This year's Earth Day
event can help us move forward.
Richard: Maybe subcommittees can adopt parts of the CAP and move them forward.
Steve: Subcommittees can review measures and see what rises to the top, then rate measures.
Jeremy: People don't like being preached to, especially on climate issues. The City has a great
opportunity to get more involved with the community, such as an event on the waterfront
that provides education to the kids.
Gary: Our beach rangers program provides education, but we can always do more.
Gary closed the discussion and the meeting and thanked everyone for their input.
ClimateProtection/MeetingAgenda040110.doc