2017-09-14 Mayor's Climate Protection Committee MinuCitizens Committee on U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
Mission:
1. Encourage citizens to be a part of the solution
z. 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
Climate Protection Committee CPC
September 14, 2017 — Meeting Notes
In Attendance: Larry Pierce, Steve Fisher, Janice Freeman, Sandra Distelhorst, Dawna Lahti,
Councilmember Diane Buckshnis, Mayor Dave Earling, Rob Chave, Jenn Machuga
(Visitors) Edmonds Neighborhood Action Coalition members: John Paynich, Ed McMorrow,
Nancy Johnson, Carmen Rumbaut
Call to Order: The meeting is called to order at 8:47 AM.
Approval of Minutes: Dawna pointed out a correction from the minutes of the July 6
meeting: Grizzly bears are no longer endangered in Alaska, and are being re -introduced to
the Cascades.
Edmonds Neighborhood Action Coalition (ENAC) presentation: The ENAC presented a draft
letter addressed to the Mayor, the CPC, and others suggesting ways to reduce the use of gas -
powered leaf blowers plus proposing an educational campaign. Gas -powered leaf blowers
emit pollutants, noise, and greenhouse gasses (GHG). Several lines of discussion were
presented. Members brought up the possibility that city workers might still be using gas
blowers but could find out that status. Dawna asked if city workers can use rakes instead of
leaf blowers (gas or otherwise), as leaf blowers kick up particulates into the air.
Sandra asked for research stats on the issue and John said that he would get them to the CPC.
The ENAC was seeking advice on hopefully presenting their findings to City Council in the
near future. They stated that over 40 cities in California already have ordinances that limit
the use of leaf blowers.
Janice inquired if looking into licensing requirements for landscaping companies might be a
good methodology for possible control over the issue. Councilmember Buckshnis mentioned
that it may be possible for the ENAC to give a presentation at one of the Taming Bigfoot
meetings.
Taming Bigfoot Edmonds (TBE): Sandra updated the group about meeting with Bob
Binschadler regarding the TBE kickoff event on October 24. Sandra presented both TBE and
the Climate Reality Project to the Planning Board the night before and said that attendees
were engaged, and expressed interest in TBE.
Dawna mentions that there will be an event November z at Holy Rosary Church: Jeff Renner,
the meteorologist, will be presenting "Our Changing Climate".
Sandra said that businesses are donating to the TBE project and are being recognized on the
TBE website. The steering committee will likely increase the amount of recognition in the
form of posters or other kudos. Steve mentioned that the Bigfoot costume is available for
use and would like to have more "Bigfoot sightings" (photo ops) around Edmonds and at
various events for promotion of TBE.
City Council Resolution 1389: There were amendments to Resolution 1389 that stated that
the CPC work with the "Planning Division" regarding efforts to reduce GHG emissions in the
city. Steve said that the CPC should move toward more discussion on that issue.
Councilmember Buckshnis said that Councilmember Mike Nelson stated that Edmonds could
be greenhouse -gas -free NOW, but the resolution has a goal set for 2019. There was a brief
discussion of how this might happen.
Sandra handed out a one -page summary of the Edmonds GHG inventory for 2009. Steve said
that Edmonds is once again a member of ICLEI, after some lapse in membership. This allows
Edmonds to use ICLEI software and protocols for tracking and calculating GHG. Steve said
that the scope of GHG inventory has broadened over time. Rob mentioned that the Climate
Action Plan would likely need to be updated.
Sustainability Heroes: Sandra handed out a page with a draft outline of criteria for being
nominated or recognized as a Sustainability Hero. She asked members if the recognition
should be regarded as an "award", as was done for the Students Saving Salmon group
recently. Sandra's outline showed a process for interviews and awards. She said that she
would like to do one more interview before the end of the year. Sandra also asked members
to read and comment on the draft prior to the next CPC meeting.
There was a brief discussion as to whether the Sustainability Heroes nominees must be
Edmonds residents. The group generally agreed that one could be a non-resident, but should
be connected to Edmonds in some manner, to be nominated.
Action Plan: Items were considered for the next meeting agenda. There was a discussion as
to whether the CPC meetings should be monthly rather than every -other -month in lieu of the
new directions from Resolution 1389.
Announcements: Steve stated that Edmonds has signed on to the "EnviroStars" program,
which is a regional green business recognition program.
Councilmember Buckshnis said that she would like to see more joint efforts between the CPC
and the Tree Board.
Janice mentioned that one goal of Sustainable Edmonds is to develop "food security",
including the ability for one to grow their own food and harvest fruit trees.
Adjourn: The meeting is adjourned at 1o:10 AM.