Committee for a Better Environment

Committee for a Better Environment Via Teleconferencing through Zoom January 22, 2024 – 7:00 PM Staff Present Absent Janet McCaslin X Susan Whitney, Councilmember X Members Term Expires Present Absent Alexa Bely 6/30/2025 X Brendan Hall 6/30/2024 X Wentao Guo 6/30/2025 X Todd Larsen 6/30/2026 X Nikki Pancho 6/30/2025 X William “Donnie” Scally 6/30/2026 X Nicole Sieck 6/30/2026 X Stacy Teng 6/30/2025 X Caroline Wick 6/30/2026 X Janice Wallace 6/30/2026 X Also Present: Sheryl DeWalt, Contract Secretary The meeting began at 7:06pm by Todd Larsen, Chair. 1. Mr. Larsen accepted the agenda without exception. 2. The December 2023 minutes were reviewed. Ms. Bely motioned, and Mr. Hall seconded to accept the minutes. Motion carries 7-0-0. 3. City activities: a. There is $11,840.63 currently in CBE’s budget. $8,000.00 will be dedicated to the electric lawn equipment incentive leaving $3,840.63 for the fiscal year. A reminder that $400.00 will be dedicated to the Green Awards. b. There is space in Lakeland, directly across from the soccer field, that is possibly being purchased through Open Space. 4. The question was asked about the Trolley Trail and who plows it? Most of the Trolley Trail is city property, but some of it belongs to MNCPPC. 5. The electric lawn equipment program is going forward. CBE needs to write a FAQ sheet to share with residents. The maximum cap per household will be $250.00 and a maximum cap of $150.00 per household for multi-use systems. Ms. Bely and Mr. Larsen will work on the FAQ. There was a brief discussion on whether the city contractors would use electric equipment going forward; Ms. McCaslin stated that the contract will be up for renewal and will be part of the renewal negotiations. 6. An update on the Green event was tabled until the February CBE meeting. City Communications needs at least six months or more for advertising any approved events. Monies will need to be allocated from the remaining budget. 7. Spring stormwater drain art/medallions. Mr. Scally reported that the Girl Scouts want to create a drain art drawing to achieve a Silver award. He’s been in contact with artists who will be available in May for painting. He should have a few drawings to share at the March CBE meeting. 8. Climate Action Plan. Mr. Guo and Mr. Larsen put together a list of priorities and shared it with Ms. McCaslin and Bill Gardiner, Assistant City Manager. Thus far, positive feedback has been received. Next step is to draft a letter to Mayor and City Council outlining a course of action for the Climate Action Plan. A copy will be shared with CBE members for review prior to sending to Mayor and City Council. 9. Briefing discussed the LEED certification program. It is a very expensive program to achieve certification ($8,000.00) and continue with yearly recertification ($5,000.00). It will be up to the City Council to decide on pursuing LEED certification. The deadline for applying is in February. 10. The Sustainability Survey. Mr. Larsen, Ms. Wallace, Ms. Teng and Ms. Bely met to finalize the survey. A link to survey was sent to CBE by Ms. Bely. The survey does include some of the new programs. There are optional pop-up questions at the end for residents. The survey will be sent to Communications for approval and posting on all City social media sites. Once the survey results are received, CBE will host an educational webinar to discuss it with residents. 11. Bee City update: a. The seed germination plant list was updated and will be posted on the website. b. The committee is working on the Xerces Society recertification which is due by the end of February. 12. CBE is still looking for a way to recognize green companies in the City. The City of Bowie has a great program and College Park may be able to emulate it. Further discussion at a future CBE meeting. 13. Municipal Scene - February – cleaning out your basement has been completed and turned it. March – indoor seed plantings – Mr. Scally (due by February 20). 14. TLB Update: a. Tree ordinance and how it should be enforced. b. Green space presentation – TLB would like to work with CBE to help identify spaces to preserve. c. What to do about residents who removed trees without permits. There seems to be an inducement from solar companies about cutting down trees.  15. The Seniors Committee wants to stay in touch with CBE as issues arise for seniors that CBE may be able to assist. 16. BDCA will have a Permaculture Garden clean-up day on April 20. Councilmember Hew will be present. Ms. Sieck, Councilmember Whitney, and Ms. McCaslin will also be present. Mr. Larsen will reach out to Girl Scout Troop #96 and see if they would like to assist. A motion was made by Mr. Larsen and seconded by Ms. Bely for $100.00 for donuts, coffee, and juice. Motion carries 7-0-0. 17. Several environmental and environmental justice legislations that CBE is recommending Mayor and City Council to support. Mr. Larsen motion and Ms. Sieck seconded to write a letter to Mayor and City Council. Motion carries 7-0-0. Ms. Bely, Ms. Sieck, and Mr. Larsen will work on a letter. 18. The next CBE meeting will be on February 26, 2024, at 7:00pm. 19. Ms. Bely motioned and Ms. Sieck seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion carries 7-0- 0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.