Environmental Sustainability Council

Falls Church Environmental Services Council Thursday March 20, 2014 ­ 7:30 ­ 9:00 pm Falls Church Community Center, Community Room DRAFT Minutes ­ Prepared by Peter Oppenheimer ○ Members present: Tim Stevens (Chair), Suzanne Updike, Bill Schellstede, Sarah Bayldon, Peter Oppenheimer ○ Members absent: Ray Arnaudo, Peter Adriance ○ City staff liaison: Allison Lohrenz 1. Call to Order 2. Public Comments ­ none 3. Minutes of February 2014 ­ approved 4. New Business ● Presentation by Cynthia Adams, Executive Director, Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) (www.leap­va.org). Adams discussed the benefits of residential energy efficiency, insulation, and air sealing, which include healthier and more comfortable living spaces, improved quality of life, cost savings, and increased value of property. She also noted that LEAP can also enter into MOUs with municipalities (e.g., Reston) to publicize their services and establish partner arrangements. As the result of LEAP’s MOU with Reston, $10 of each $45 charged for a residential energy check­up is donated to a Friends of Reston for its use in environmental projects. ● Discussion of Kensington Project (Assisted Living Project proposed for West Broad Street). Consensus that the City should support and encourage the developer’s decision to seek LEED Silver certification for the project. Other environmental and sustainability considerations that the ESC supports: streetscape improvements that are pedestrian friendly, undergrounding of utilities, stormwater management and bike storage. ESC will have an opportunity for further consideration prior to City Council’s final decision. 5. Old Business ● Stormwater Ordinance. Comments are due March 24. Jason Widstrom is developing the staff report. Tim Stevens has drafted comments for submission by March 21. ESC’s general consensus was supportive of Stevens’ draft comments  and should be submitted with minor modifications as discussed. 6. Informational Items ● Arborist search update ­ Several qualified candidates have been interviewed, the process is ongoing. ● Environmental Updates ○ 1st leaf mulch event is scheduled for 3/22 ○ 1st rain barrel pickup date is 3/22 ○ City’s next hazardous waste event is scheduled for August 7. Next Meeting ● Set for Thursday, April 17 8. Adjournment ­ 9:00 p.m.