Environmental Advisory Council

EAC April 21, 2026 Minutes Members in Attendance: Grant Alger, Jason Wood, Emma Jenkins-Long, Kirstyn Gudknecht, John Thomas, Steve Nelson, and Dave Riedel. Grant Rowe, Sustainability Coordinator, was also in attendance. Two community members, Finn and Chadah English, were also in attendance. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:32 pm. Approval of Minutes, March 17, 2026: The minutes were approved as submitted. Reports: • Earth Day Event Final Details: o The EAC reviewed the weather for the Earth Day program scheduled for April 25th. Grant R. shared that, despite forecasts of rain, the Borough has multiple canopies that may provide cover. Grant R. will connect with Grant A. as the event approaches to confirm whether stormy weather will cancel the event. Outside of weather, Grant R. shared that—if the event occurs—he will be at Borough Hall with Public Works early to help set up multiple tables reserved for organizations. Grant A. asked when the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) members should arrive. Grant R. shared a sign-up sheet to lead the EAC table. Kirstyn, Grant A., Steve, Jason, and John all volunteered to table. Grant A. shared trifolds for the EAC to design/decorate for Earth Day. Grant R. took a trifold and agreed to create a design. He also shared that he would paint a stump that can serve as a sign at the Earth Day event. o Grant R. also showed the printed copy of the Doylestown Climate Action Plan (DCAP) to the EAC and went over the two sustainability games, called CUSP Kits. He suggested that both be shown at the Earth Day event. Emma volunteered to lead the CUSP kits at the Earth Day event. • DCAP Priority Actions: The EAC discussed ways to promote and implement the Doylestown Climate Action Plan (DCAP) now that it has been adopted. Steve reviewed the 21 high- priority/short-term action items listed in the plan and highlighted the specific actions related to the Borough, e.g., work that the Borough can lead. The EAC analyzed these options, including electrification, C-PACE funding, and energy efficiency. The group decided it would be best to select two action steps inspired by the 21 high-priority/short-term actions in the plan. In doing so, it was decided that both fleet vehicle electrification (action 3) and solar (actions 9 & 13) would be prioritized, with an emphasis on schools to start. The EAC discussed ways to contact local schools to share information on electric school buses and solar funding programs. Steve suggested that the EAC may need to seek Borough approval before reaching out to any contacts at the school district. Grant R. agreed to look into this further. Emma commented that, regardless of the outcome, the EAC should investigate ways to document its efforts to demonstrate progress in implementing the DCAP. • Outreach & Communications o Website Enhancements: Grant R. shared a draft website based on the document Kirstyn drafted related to native plants. It covers a background on native plants, their benefits, and links to the Homegrown National Park initiative. Emma asked if local plant nurseries could be added to the site. Grant R. shared that he has a website listing nurseries in the area, and he can add them to the site. Following the discussion, Steve made a motion for the new webpage to go live on the Borough’s website, and John seconded the motion. The motion passed. o Farmers Market: Grant R. reviewed the schedule for the EAC farmers market tabling. He shared that he attended the Doylestown Township EAC meeting, and they asked if the Borough EAC would be willing to collaborate on a joint farmers market table in  May. Following the discussion, the EAC decided to ask the Doylestown Township EAC to select a different month, as the May market is their first of the season. Grant R. agreed to follow up with the Township. Following the discussion, the Borough EAC began scheduling EAC staffing for the Farmers Market. • EAC Collaboration Ideas o Rain Barrel Workshop: Grant A. shared that the Borough is still in the process of planning and promoting a rain barrel workshop with Doylestown Township and New Britain Borough. Grant R. added that registration for the event is steadily approaching 50 people. o Film: Grant R. shared that a local company, Indigenous Ingenuities, is screening the caterpillar film that the EAC had initially planned to screen. Kirstyn suggested that the EAC reschedule their film based on this and push the event to the Fall. The members of the EAC agreed. o EAC Summit: Grant R. commented that Doylestown Township used to run and manage a gathering of local Environmental Advisory Councils (EACs), an EAC Summit. They are now interested in revamping this initiative and are hoping that the Doylestown Borough EAC can help lead it. Steve shared that WeConservePA leads a broader EAC Conference meeting. Grant A. suggested that we could lead a more local EAC gathering. Steve commented that this could be a large undertaking. Grant R. suggested that the Borough EAC start with a smaller event, e.g., a conversation of sorts among local EACs. Emma suggested that the event be pushed to early 2027 (February). Grant R. agreed to share this update with Doylestown Township. • Park Habitat Enhancements o Installation of Chapman Park Sign: Grant R. shared that the Borough is taking steps to install an educational sign at Chapman Park. It is slated to be installed around the week before the Pump Track reopens. o Re-greening of Pump Track: Grant A. commented that Council Member Liz Wyckoff led the effort to renovate and resurface the Pump Track, and is hoping to add native plantings around the area. Grant R. added that efforts are underway to see what is possible and what funds are available (PECO and broader). • Bird Town o Bird Safe Doylestown: Grant R. shared that he attended a brief meeting at the Bucks County Justice Center regarding Bird Safe Glass. The County seemed interested in applying for a 50-50 match grant to install bird-safe glass in two key areas of the Justice Center. o Committee Collaborations: Grant A. shared that he went to a Blue Bird presentation that Doylestown Township held and informed the EAC that he is happy to share more information on bird town events if anyone is ever interested. • Community Composting Opportunity: Grant R. shared that he is still reaching out and exploring the two major compost companies in Doylestown Borough. • Budget Check-In: Grant R. pulled up the EAC budget to share with the EAC. The most recent EAC expense is the rain barrel workshop. Emma asked if the EAC is allowed to fundraise. Grant R. offered to look into this. • Staff Report o Electric Investments: EV Chargers, Zero-Turn Mower, and Low-Speed Vehicle: Grant R. offered a quick overview of recent Doylestown Borough work in the environmental space. This includes efforts to install an updated EV charger with much faster charging capabilities and better kWh tracking (usage) for tax purposes. In addition, the Borough recently purchased a fully electric zero-turn mower and is exploring purchasing an electric low-speed vehicle for summer plant watering. • Old/New Business/Public Comment  o Grant A. shared that Penn Environment is having a virtual lobbying day related to clean energy on May 28th. o Grant A. brought up a conversation regarding certifications. He asked the EAC which specific certification(s), e.g., monarch butterfly, park, etc., the group is interested in and/or is pursuing. Emma suggested that the EAC focus on certifications that have tangible benefits, e.g., could help with grants or other initiatives. Grant R. suggested that certifications can be used for promotion, but that the EAC may not want to take time to apply for them just for the sake of doing so. o Grant R. noted that the Doylestown Township EAC shared an EAC tabling opportunity on Wednesday, May 20th. If anyone is interested, they can reach out. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 pm. Respectfully Submitted by: Erika Fellman