2020-05-07 Citizens Climate Protection Committee MinCity of Edmonds - Mayors Climate Protection Committee ("CPC")
Meeting Minutes DRAFT
May 7, 2020
Citizens Committee on US Mayor's Climate Protection
Agreement
Mission of the CPS is to (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, and (4) Effectively address the future impacts
of climate change
In Attendance via zoom video call /phone:
Lisa Conley, T.C. Richmond, Dawna Lahti, Cynthia Pruitt, Mayor Mike Nelson, Shane
Hope, and Kernen Lien
1. Call to Order & Review of Agenda: The regular meeting of the CPC was called to order at
8:45 am on a zoom video call initiated by the City.
2. Welcome and Introductions: Board members, staff and guests introduced themselves with
each mentioning an observation of the impact of Covid-19 on the community.
3. Mayor's Climate Comments
T.0 introduced the Mayor into the discuss with the explanation that CPC would like to be a
model on reopening with climate change in mind. How can the CPC assist the City? Is it wise
to continue public outreach at this time?
Mayor Nelson: Under the Governor's proclamations, the City Council is limited in its
activities, but the City is interested in reopening with a green focus such as consideration of
making roads more pedestrian friendly. The newly formed conservation group will focus on
habitat restoration when Covid-19 allows. The committee may want to sustain community
support through letters through the media. The Mayor asked the committee to keep us on
course through observations of positive action that has occurred within the community.
Cynthia suggested using articles previously sent my T.0 to use for public outreach. Lisa
supported messaging with hope versus scaring. Dawna observed that signage of the
temporary nature of use of plastics would be a good reminder of the eventual return to no
plastics. T.C. noted that telecommuting is likely to continue for many Edmonds residents
and that the street closure on Sunset Ave has been very positive. Cynthia observed that
employees have been more productive at home and that there is a direct relationship to
lowering greenhouse gases. Shane noted that that managing and sustaining teams may
require some future travel to offices. Cynthia proposed the CPC write a short press release.
Lisa agreed to write the first draft. A motion was made for the CPC to draft and have issued
a press release. The motion was seconded and unanimously adopted.
4. Other City Activities
Shane provided an update. On hiring of an urban forester; Highway 99 center median
planning project for traffic calming, closure of Sunset Avenue to promote social distancing,
free bus passes, and continued work on the marsh, and water front community center.
5. Climate Goals Project Status Update
Shane stated that the City Council is unable to take action on non -urgent matters until a
future reopening phase, but they would be taking up the issue of the climate goal in the
future.
Kernen explained that the Climate Plan was on hold. The next step in development is to hold
a robust public outreach. ESA (consultant) will need a new contract.
Cynthia asked about on-line public outreach and the need for contract and budget. Shane
responded that the City will hold off on new contract to consider any changing City
income/budget. T.C. observed that integrating climate change needs to be the overarching
priority as the City reopens and realigns budget. Shane offered the example of prioritizing
sidewalk construction to promote pedestrian usability as a metric.
7. Public Comment -None
8. Approval of March 5, 220 Meeting minutes - Unanimously approved.
9. Adjournment
Next Meeting: Thursday, June 4, 2020 beginning at 8:54 a.m. via Zoom
Note: T.C. will request city assistance with contacting CPC Members to make sure they could
access the City's new email system.