Community Sustainability Commission Agenda
BENICIA COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION MINUTES City Hall Commission Room January 23, 2017 6:00 p.m. 1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS Present: Commissioners Federman, Kerridge, Lindsay, Newcomb, Snider, Chair Maher Absent: Commissioner Perini (excused) Present: Wicklow (arrived 6:30 pm) Absent: Ex-Officio Members Adams, Bardet, Scott, Staff Present: Christina Ratcliffe, Community Development Director Teresa Olson, Management Analyst/Recording Secretary 3. REFERENCE TO FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF PUBLIC 4. ADOPTION OF AGENDA On motion of Commissioner Kerridge, seconded by Chair Maher, the agenda was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain:
Commissioners Federman, Kerridge, Lindsay, Newcomb (departed at 7:19 pm), Snider, Chair Maher None Commissioners Perini None
5. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT A. WRITTEN COMMENT - NONE B. PUBLIC COMMENT - NONE 6. PRESENTATIONS
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6.a OPEN GOVERNMENT TRAINING City Attorney Heather McLaughlin presented the annual open government training. David DeLong of Building Board of Appeals attended the training. The Commission asked various questions on the topic. 6.b SOLANO RCD Marianne Butler gave a presentation on the Solano RCD Suisun Watershed Education Program and shared the program was awarded one of twelve 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards (GEELA) for its excellence and leadership in conducting environmental education programs in Solano County, California. The award was presented to the agency by Secretary Karen Ross with the Department of Food and Agriculture at the California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters in downtown Sacramento on January 19, 2017. Mentor students from the Benicia High School EchO2 Academy spoke about their experiences working with the 6th grade Benicia Middle School students who participated in the RCD Watershed Education Program. The Commissioners asked various questions about the program, funding, expansion of the program, and future opportunities as well as Solano RCD as a whole. Commissioner Kerridge inquired about Solano RCD working with the school district to assist with future funding through charging for the program and supplemental funding through PTA resources. 7. CONSENT CALENDAR On motion of Commissioner Newcomb seconded by Commissioner Lindsay the Consent Calendar was approved by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain:
Commissioners Federman, Kerridge, Lindsay, Newcomb, Snider, Chair Maher None Commissioner Pierini None
7.a - APPROVAL DRAFT MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 14, 2016 7.b - 7.b CAP TEAM PROJECT UPDATES 8. AGENDA ITEMS 8.a ELECTION OF OFFICERS
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On motion of Commissioner Snider, seconded by Commissioner Lindsay, this item was moved to the March meeting due to Commission make-up changing and Commissioner Perini being absent. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain:
Commissioners Federman, Kerridge, Lindsay, Newcomb, Snider, Chair Maher None Commissioners Perini None
8.b FINANCIAL REPORT Ms. Olson provided a summary of the grants awarded to date. 8.c GRANT REPORT UPDATE Ms. Olson summarized the report with responses to the Commissions questions on grant reports from the November 14, 2016 meeting. 8.d RESIDENTIAL SOLAR REBATE PROGRAM HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT Ms. Olson presented the item to the Commission. Public Comment was opened. Sierra Rierson, mentioned the organization Rising Sun who provides home audits at zero cost. Public Comment was closed. The Commission asked various questions of staff and discussed the options. On motion of Commissioner Snider, seconded by Commissioner Lindsay, the Commissioner agreed to remove the home efficiency assessment as a requirement for the rebate, but requested staff to add additional language to the guidelines and application on resources available to residents to assess their home efficiency and benefits of an assessment with applicants signature as acknowledgement. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain:
Commissioners Federman, Kerridge, Lindsay, Snider, Chair Maher None Commissioners Newcomb, Perini None
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8.e 2016 ANNUAL REPORT & 2017-2018 PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES (8:10 pm) Ms. Ratcliffe presented the report to the Commission. The Commission requested the following additions/changes to the annual report: Reviewed GHG Inventory and Forecast Report Mini Maker’s Faire Clean Transportation event Film Screening of “Who Killed the Electric Car?” List the GHG totals per year 2010-2016 Listing of grant funded programs currently existing in 2016 Add language of “Acceptance by City Council” to “Review and Recommendation of the Vulnerability Report and Adaptation Plan” Continue to review and monitor awarded grants and programs Farmer’s Market Event for the National Drive Electric Week September 2016 Grouping of film screening and guest speaker event separate as outreach/education Break-down Commission and Non-Commission Meeting events Participation in the 2017 Film Festival with two Commissioners serving as judges The Commission reviewed and discussed the 2017-2018 work plan. The Commission discussed increased participation/presence at the Farmer’s Market in 2017. The Commission discussed budgetary decisions and recommendations to the City Council. Commissioner Kerridge requested to add a recommendation for permanent funding of a full-time Climate Action Plan Coordinator and funding for a Civic Spark fellow dedicated to the Community Development Department. Commissioner Kerridge also recommended the City explore moving to deep-green through MCE and that the City to explore funding an education/outreach program to provide energy and water assessments to residents and work with the EchO2 Academy program at Benicia High School. Commissioner Federman spoke about Community Applied Technologies being added to the work plan. Commissioner Kerridge mentioned in-fill housing and accessory dwelling units and possibly working with the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission on this topic with the recent changes in the state legislation. Ms. Ratcliffe stated the legislative changes are significant and that staff could bring this item back to the Commission at a future meeting. Commissioner Snider spoke about collaboration efforts of the Commission with other departments or Commissions on City based policy changes in the future.
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Commissioner Lindsay asked about storm water storage and policies implemented in the City of Santa Monica. Ms. Ratcliffe asked for a representative to present the annual report at the City Council meeting estimated to be at a March meeting. A Commissioner to be determined will be present. 8.f SITE VISIT TO LAWRENCE BERKELEY LABORATORY (8:20 pm) The Commission discussed potential dates for a tour of the site and inviting additional City staff. Commissioner Federman will return with potential dates in either February or April. Ms. Ratcliffe advised on noticing requirements if a quorum is attending and potential City staff members or other City Departments who may benefit from attending. 9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF (8:35 Pm) 9.a ARTICLE: NEW MODEL TEASES AN IDEAL MODEL TO CLIMATE CHANGE Ms. Olson shared the article with the Commission. Ms. Ratcliffe mentioned the Graywater Process is going before City Council meeting on February 7th and encouraged Commissioners to attend. Ms. Ratcliffe advised the City Council did not support changing the residency requirement for Commission members. Ms. Olson advised she attended the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition (LGSEC) quarterly meeting in December and provided an overview on the discussion of Zero Net Energy (ZNE) buildings. She shared with the Commission the West Berkeley branch Library is a local model of a ZNE building. 10. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONERS (8:45 Pm) Commissioner Federman asked about recognition awards for the community and discussed adding this to the 2017-2018 work plan. He also spoke about Community Based Technology and wanted to have staff share an article with the Commission. Commissioner Lindsay presented Chair Maher with a proclamation recognizing her service to the Community Sustainability Commission. Chair Maher thanked the Commission for serving with her. She commented on future policy for the City on energy expenses. She mentioned the Commission should further explore promoting and advertising the Commission with cloth bags and to have City Commissions interact more efficiently together, coordinating outreach
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efforts for the Cool California Challenge and asked staff who the current City representatives are for the MCE subcommittee. Commissioner Kerridge thanked Chair Maher for her service stated she is attending the California Climate Change Symposium in Sacramento later this week. Commissioner Snider mentioned he is working on the 2017 Film Festival which is held over Labor Day weekend. He is actively working on creating the website, outreach efforts, judging and reviewing films. Commissioner Lindsay attended the Maker-Space committee meeting. He mentioned planning efforts discussed. Ex-Officio Wicklow thanked Chair Maher for her service. 11. ADJOURNMENT (9:00 Pm) Chair Maher adjourned the meeting at 10:05 pm.
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Commissioners Federman, Kerridge, Lindsay, Newcomb (departed at 7:19 pm), Snider, Chair Maher None Commissioners Perini None
5. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT A. WRITTEN COMMENT - NONE B. PUBLIC COMMENT - NONE 6. PRESENTATIONS
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6.a OPEN GOVERNMENT TRAINING City Attorney Heather McLaughlin presented the annual open government training. David DeLong of Building Board of Appeals attended the training. The Commission asked various questions on the topic. 6.b SOLANO RCD Marianne Butler gave a presentation on the Solano RCD Suisun Watershed Education Program and shared the program was awarded one of twelve 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards (GEELA) for its excellence and leadership in conducting environmental education programs in Solano County, California. The award was presented to the agency by Secretary Karen Ross with the Department of Food and Agriculture at the California Environmental Protection Agency Headquarters in downtown Sacramento on January 19, 2017. Mentor students from the Benicia High School EchO2 Academy spoke about their experiences working with the 6th grade Benicia Middle School students who participated in the RCD Watershed Education Program. The Commissioners asked various questions about the program, funding, expansion of the program, and future opportunities as well as Solano RCD as a whole. Commissioner Kerridge inquired about Solano RCD working with the school district to assist with future funding through charging for the program and supplemental funding through PTA resources. 7. CONSENT CALENDAR On motion of Commissioner Newcomb seconded by Commissioner Lindsay the Consent Calendar was approved by the following vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain:
Commissioners Federman, Kerridge, Lindsay, Newcomb, Snider, Chair Maher None Commissioner Pierini None
7.a - APPROVAL DRAFT MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 14, 2016 7.b - 7.b CAP TEAM PROJECT UPDATES 8. AGENDA ITEMS 8.a ELECTION OF OFFICERS
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On motion of Commissioner Snider, seconded by Commissioner Lindsay, this item was moved to the March meeting due to Commission make-up changing and Commissioner Perini being absent. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain:
Commissioners Federman, Kerridge, Lindsay, Newcomb, Snider, Chair Maher None Commissioners Perini None
8.b FINANCIAL REPORT Ms. Olson provided a summary of the grants awarded to date. 8.c GRANT REPORT UPDATE Ms. Olson summarized the report with responses to the Commissions questions on grant reports from the November 14, 2016 meeting. 8.d RESIDENTIAL SOLAR REBATE PROGRAM HOME ENERGY ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT Ms. Olson presented the item to the Commission. Public Comment was opened. Sierra Rierson, mentioned the organization Rising Sun who provides home audits at zero cost. Public Comment was closed. The Commission asked various questions of staff and discussed the options. On motion of Commissioner Snider, seconded by Commissioner Lindsay, the Commissioner agreed to remove the home efficiency assessment as a requirement for the rebate, but requested staff to add additional language to the guidelines and application on resources available to residents to assess their home efficiency and benefits of an assessment with applicants signature as acknowledgement. Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain:
Commissioners Federman, Kerridge, Lindsay, Snider, Chair Maher None Commissioners Newcomb, Perini None
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8.e 2016 ANNUAL REPORT & 2017-2018 PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES (8:10 pm) Ms. Ratcliffe presented the report to the Commission. The Commission requested the following additions/changes to the annual report: Reviewed GHG Inventory and Forecast Report Mini Maker’s Faire Clean Transportation event Film Screening of “Who Killed the Electric Car?” List the GHG totals per year 2010-2016 Listing of grant funded programs currently existing in 2016 Add language of “Acceptance by City Council” to “Review and Recommendation of the Vulnerability Report and Adaptation Plan” Continue to review and monitor awarded grants and programs Farmer’s Market Event for the National Drive Electric Week September 2016 Grouping of film screening and guest speaker event separate as outreach/education Break-down Commission and Non-Commission Meeting events Participation in the 2017 Film Festival with two Commissioners serving as judges The Commission reviewed and discussed the 2017-2018 work plan. The Commission discussed increased participation/presence at the Farmer’s Market in 2017. The Commission discussed budgetary decisions and recommendations to the City Council. Commissioner Kerridge requested to add a recommendation for permanent funding of a full-time Climate Action Plan Coordinator and funding for a Civic Spark fellow dedicated to the Community Development Department. Commissioner Kerridge also recommended the City explore moving to deep-green through MCE and that the City to explore funding an education/outreach program to provide energy and water assessments to residents and work with the EchO2 Academy program at Benicia High School. Commissioner Federman spoke about Community Applied Technologies being added to the work plan. Commissioner Kerridge mentioned in-fill housing and accessory dwelling units and possibly working with the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission on this topic with the recent changes in the state legislation. Ms. Ratcliffe stated the legislative changes are significant and that staff could bring this item back to the Commission at a future meeting. Commissioner Snider spoke about collaboration efforts of the Commission with other departments or Commissions on City based policy changes in the future.
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Commissioner Lindsay asked about storm water storage and policies implemented in the City of Santa Monica. Ms. Ratcliffe asked for a representative to present the annual report at the City Council meeting estimated to be at a March meeting. A Commissioner to be determined will be present. 8.f SITE VISIT TO LAWRENCE BERKELEY LABORATORY (8:20 pm) The Commission discussed potential dates for a tour of the site and inviting additional City staff. Commissioner Federman will return with potential dates in either February or April. Ms. Ratcliffe advised on noticing requirements if a quorum is attending and potential City staff members or other City Departments who may benefit from attending. 9. COMMUNICATIONS FROM STAFF (8:35 Pm) 9.a ARTICLE: NEW MODEL TEASES AN IDEAL MODEL TO CLIMATE CHANGE Ms. Olson shared the article with the Commission. Ms. Ratcliffe mentioned the Graywater Process is going before City Council meeting on February 7th and encouraged Commissioners to attend. Ms. Ratcliffe advised the City Council did not support changing the residency requirement for Commission members. Ms. Olson advised she attended the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition (LGSEC) quarterly meeting in December and provided an overview on the discussion of Zero Net Energy (ZNE) buildings. She shared with the Commission the West Berkeley branch Library is a local model of a ZNE building. 10. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSIONERS (8:45 Pm) Commissioner Federman asked about recognition awards for the community and discussed adding this to the 2017-2018 work plan. He also spoke about Community Based Technology and wanted to have staff share an article with the Commission. Commissioner Lindsay presented Chair Maher with a proclamation recognizing her service to the Community Sustainability Commission. Chair Maher thanked the Commission for serving with her. She commented on future policy for the City on energy expenses. She mentioned the Commission should further explore promoting and advertising the Commission with cloth bags and to have City Commissions interact more efficiently together, coordinating outreach
5
efforts for the Cool California Challenge and asked staff who the current City representatives are for the MCE subcommittee. Commissioner Kerridge thanked Chair Maher for her service stated she is attending the California Climate Change Symposium in Sacramento later this week. Commissioner Snider mentioned he is working on the 2017 Film Festival which is held over Labor Day weekend. He is actively working on creating the website, outreach efforts, judging and reviewing films. Commissioner Lindsay attended the Maker-Space committee meeting. He mentioned planning efforts discussed. Ex-Officio Wicklow thanked Chair Maher for her service. 11. ADJOURNMENT (9:00 Pm) Chair Maher adjourned the meeting at 10:05 pm.
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