2019-04-04 Citizens Climate Protectioin Committee MiCitizens Committee on US Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement
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
DRAFT
Climate Protection Committee (CPC)
April 4, 2019 - Meeting Minutes.
Opening: The regular meeting of the CPC was called to order at 8:45 am on April 4, 2018 in
the Fortner Conference Room of City Hall by Steve Fischer
In Attendance: Steve Fisher, Cynthia Pruitt, Shane Hope, Janice Freeman, Nancy Fleck,
Pamela Van Swearing, T.C. Richmond, Diane Buckshnis, David Schaefer, Lisa Conley, Hank
Landau, Dawna Lahti
Introductions:
The Mayor introduced new member T. C. Richmond —she is a local attorney who has been
working on Climate Change at the Federal level as Vice Chair in 2014 of the Committee of
experts which published the National Climate Assessment Report. Since the committee was
disbanded by the Trump Administration, the group is now working in conjunction with
Columbia University and the City of New York to create a network of cities focused on climate
action under the banner Science Climate Action Network (SCAN). Announcement of SCAN's
creation is being reported April 4, 2019 by the media.
Steve Fisher—cochair of the committee —works as Recycling Coordinator for the Public
Works & Utilities Department at the City of Edmonds
Cynthia Pruitt —co-chair of the committee —what causes her to persevere for Climate Action
are articles like the one in The Seattle Times —Sunday, March 31 st—which discussed ...
Shane Hope— Director of the Development Services Department —leading the charge on the
climate goals projects which involves revising the Climate Action Plan and updating the City's
GHG inventory. She manages the department in charge of building permits, codes ...
Janice Freeman —citizen activist —helped found Sustainable Edmonds with her husband and
has been active in the committee for several years. Currently involved with the Senior Center as
it works to adapt to potential sea level rise.
Pam Van Swerlinger—interested citizen —attorney former prosecuting attorney sometimes
involved with Environmental issues. She is interested in better understanding how the
Committee functions.
Nancy Fleck —citizen activist —became interested in protecting the environment as a child and
continues to want to provide a viable environment for her grandchildren to enjoy.
Diane Buckshnis—City Council Member —has been represented the Council on the
Committee for several years. Has a background finance but a passion for environmental
projects including protecting the Edmond's Marsh by keeping the City moving forward on the
daylighting of Willow Creek.
David Schaefer —citizen activist —has no background in environmental issues, but has a
strong interest and brings a keen ability to critique the Committee's actions.
Lisa Conley —citizen activist —no environmental background but interested in sharing
communications and providing easy actionable items that anyone can take.
Hank Landau —environmental engineer who founded the firm Landau Associates located her
in Edmonds. Has been a committee member since the beginning. Made note that from 2012 to
2017 the City's Public Works Dept. reduced their energy consumption by 63%. This is the kind
of information which should be passed on to our local media.
Dawna Lahti —citizen activist —teacher for ten years and now active in several groups to raise
awareness in environmental issues including the faith -based group Care of Creation.
Discussion of February 7, 2019 Meeting Minutes: The main focus of the February meeting
was to set a GHG goal for the City.
Cynthia Pruitt —a straw poll was held which indicated a general consensus that the goal
should be 1.5%. Some committee members felt further in-depth discussion was needed.
Hank Landau —felt in addition to determining a GHG total for the year, a GHG per capita
should be determined so going forward we can have an accurate GHG record inspite of any
population growth. With two new committee members perhaps we need to revisit the 1.5%
goal?
Dave Schaefer —What do we need to do —what actions can we make —to reach the 1.5%
goal? The things we didn't know in February we still don't know —so how can we agree on a
1.5% goal. Can we include something about the Marsh on how it sequesters carbon?
Diane Buckshnis— Sequestration by the Marsh is a complicated issue. We would need a
separate report on the science which would cost $12-13 million —Marsh proponents has been
hoping to set aside 10% of the Oil Company property to expand the Marsh, but WADOT wants
the property to be holding lanes for the ferry. They will give the City a small piece for
daylighting Willow Creek as an update to the Master Plan.
There was general discussion on the difference between the Global Climate Impacts and
the Local Climate Impacts on Edmonds.
Shane felt the ESA/Good Company final report should help to make the impacts on
Edmonds clear.
T.C. Richmond pointed out the importance of setting the strongest carbon reduction goal
possible because the goal you pick determines the policies you implement. If the policies you
set are directed toward a 1.5% goal then you may miss opportunities to set a policy that could
achieve a 2% reduction in GHG.
Cynthia Pruitt —let's table the approval of the February minutes until the May 2 meeting
since committee members did not have time to review them prior to the meeting.
Action Item Person Responsible Deadline
Review February 7, 2019 meeting minutes for changes All Committee Members May 2, 2019
and approval
Recommended Reading by Hank Landau: Article about Blue Carbon (Blue Carbon is the
carbon captured by the world's oceans and coastal ecosystems such as the Edmonds Marsh.)
The article discusses an extensive sequestering study on the Snohomish River Estuary.
Action Item Person Responsible Deadline
Resend the Snohomish Estuary Blue Carbon Article Shane Hope ASAP
Climate Goals Project Summary by Shane Hope
Shane provided a powerpoint presentation reviewing the work the City has done so far as it
continues to make progress toward a 2019 Climate Action Plan.
Sustainability Presentation originally presented by Shane Hope, Carry Hite and Phil Williams
at the City Council Meeting on January 22, 2019
Climate Goals for Edmonds: Background (includes the Good Company and ESA
presentation made to the City Council in January 2019)
During the presentation discussion arose around:
Publicity for City Success Stories: Dave felt Public Works reduction by 63% needed to be
highlighted in local media such as myedmondsnews.com
Climate Tool for Edmonds: ESA/Good Company are creating a model which would allow
City staff to see how our programs are helping us reach our GHG goals. It will be a
mathematical model with a number of assumptions —plan to stretch the goal out to 2050
State Legislation: There is current state legislation that strives to provide a way to account
for Bonneville Power's coal vs green energy.
Big Idea Slide: What would daily life look like in Edmonds based on which GHG goal we
choose to work toward.
Pam asked the Committee —How do we balance our needs with those of other
communities? Why implement strong actions to curb climate change that may adversely affect
our citizens, when larger surrounding communities are not taking the same actions?
Shane responded we can do our part in hopes of being an example and inspiring other
communities to act. Also we work with many agencies in the area jointly to achieve climate
goals area wide for example working with Sound Transit and WADOT on transportation issues.
Dave responded we can't cure the world, but we can do our part in Edmonds to stem
Climate Change.
May Meeting (Good Company Presentation): ESA/Good Company will present a draft
Climate Action Plan and the Custom Tool they have created for Edmonds to evaluate GHG.
They will also present next steps in the process.
Cynthia would like a better understanding of the draft report prior to the next meeting. Can
we set up an extra meeting/study group to review the draft Climate Action Plan and prepare?
Committee members agreed with her proposal.
Shane Hope agreed to forward the Good Company Plan Draft as soon as she received it.
Various Committee members hoped the plan would include the importance of the Marsh as
a carbon sink inspite of the difficulty in scientifically quantifying its effect. As well as briefly
mentioning the role mature trees play.
Action Item
Send Consultant's draft plan to committee members
for review and study so they can be prepared with
comments
Set-up study meeting to discuss Consultant's draft
plan with other committee members and prepare for
May meeting
Person Responsible Deadline
Shane Hope ASAP
Cynthia Pruitt Upon Draft
Receipt
Announcements: Steve Fisher announced that Larry Pierce has resigned from the committee
due to other time commitments.
Agenda for May 2, 2019 Meeting: ESA/Good Company Presentation on the Clty's Draft
Climate Action Plan —Note New Meeting Time 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 10:10 am by Steve Fisher. The next general meeting
will be on Thursday, May 2, 2019 in the Fortner Conference Room at City Hall. The time for the
meeting will be increased to be 2 hours long —beginning at 8:30 am and ending at 10:30 am.