Environmental Sustainability Council

Environmental Services Council Agenda Thursday, July 18, 2013 7:30 - 9:30 pm Dogwood Room, G Corridor 1. Call to Order 2. Public Comments 3. Approval of Minutes (June 2013) 4. New Business (Presentations)  David Smith- Technical Director o Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute  Paul Stoddard- Planner o Transportation policy update 5. Old Business 6. Discussion items  Draft descriptions for legislative letter 7. Informational Items  Misc. 8. Other Business 9. Set Next Meeting  September 19, 2013 10. Adjournment The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability call (703) 248-5456, (TTY 711).  Falls Church Environmental Services Council Thursday July 18, 2013 - 7:30 - 9:30 pm Dogwood Room, G Corridor DRAFT Minutes - Prepared by Suzanne Updike 1. Call to Order Members present: Suzanne Updike, Sarah Bayldon, Peter Oppenheimer, Bill Schellstede and Tim Stevens (Chair) City Staff present: Allison Lohrenz, Jason Widstrom, Paul Stoddard 2. Public Comments - none 3. New Business –Two presentations • David Smith, Technical Director of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute presented information on the increasing use of pervious pavers for storm water management. Pavers are suitable for locations with local traffic volume. Pavers rest on three layers of bedding rock, with or without an impervious liner and underdrain. Locations with favorable conditions (e.g., pervious soil) can sometimes avoid separate SW pipes. In other cases, the paving system only detains a portion of the runoff. He said bedding layer has a 35-40% storage capacity. He cited a range of percentages for possible reductions of runoff volume (25-99%) TN (30-60%), TP (23-50%), TSS (60- 80%), and metals (12-70%). He expressed support for city to provide maximum credit possible in storm water utility fee program to promote the use of pervious pavers. Brief ESC discussion with city engineer, Jason Widstrom following presentation included issues related to the size and application of potential utility fee credits, limitation to use of wider use pervious pavers in FC including cost, slope, underlying soil, maintenance. • Peter Stoddard, City Transportation Planner, provided an update on planning efforts related to walking, biking and transit. Walking – The common distance sited for the average walking commute is under half a mile. Mentioned “walk appeal” – people will walk longer distances when surrounding areas are pleasant. http://www.originalgreen.org/blog/walk-appeal.html Discussed shared parking issue. Last study was done in late 90’s. Need funding/manpower to update parking numbers. No formal agreements exist between commercial properties to share parking at this time.  Biking – He presented ideas for improving specific locations on the W&OD trail, including trail entrances to FCC. City is developing plans to improve the western entrance first (site of existing storage shed). He is seeking funding from EDA to fund wayfinding signs to direct cyclists to various city locations. Would like sherrow markings on streets to alert drivers to share road, no funding exists for this right now. Discussion of possible ways to allow public to request bike racks. Discussion WABA’s work supporting the DC bike rack program, Capital Bike Share. Transit – 1,400 trips start in FCC daily. There are 40 stops, only five with shelters. Looking at possibly consolidating bus stops, possible new/shifted shelter locations. 4. Old business • ESC has a chance to comment on the South Washington Street small area plan. We will discuss at September meeting, as comments are due the end of September. • Storm water. Jason Widstorm, City Engineer, discussed progress of the City’s draft storm water ordinance. It contains new language and incorporates existing code language -- both Chesapeake Bay regulations (pulled from Zoning) and erosion and sediment control. The city council’s second reading of the new ordinance should happen in October. • Jason is seeking a member of the ESC to serve on a citizen panel as the City develops its policy regarding BMP credits as part of the planned storm water utility. 6. Discussion Items • Annual letter to City Council recommending legislation for the 2014 State General Assembly. ESC members expressed support for the draft letter. • Approval of Minutes (May 2013) -- approved. 7. Next meeting: September (Minutes: Adriance) 8. Adjournment - at 9:00