Environmental Sustainability Council

Environmental Services Council Thursday, June 19, 2014 7:30 - 9:30 pm Dogwood Room Minutes 1. Call to Order Members Present: Peter Adriance, Ray Arnaudo, Sarah Bayldon, Peter Oppenheimer, Tim Stevens (Chair), Suzanne Updike. City Liaison: Allison Lohrenz 2. Public Comments: None 3. New Business The Chair announced that the ESC expects to have a new member by our next meeting: Andy Crawford. State Legislation for City of Falls Church Legislative Platform: There was a general sense that it was unlikely that any new legislation regarding the environment would pass this year, given the apparent gridlock in Richmond. But, it was agreed that our efforts to push for legislation on community net metering monitoring for renewable energy sources and for a fee on consumer disposable plastic bags should continue. 4. Old Business Notification for Pesticide spraying on single family homes: The ESC discussed possible actions on the matter of notification of neighboring properties when pesticides are being sprayed. Several members spoke to the need for some type of warning to adjacent properties when toxic chemicals are going to be sprayed. However, we have learned that Virginia law prohibits local legislation without approval by the state. It was agreed to contact the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, as well as our Assemblyman Marcus Simon to see what actions might be possible. LEAP Alliance: Allison has sent a memo to the City Executive on this matter of energy efficiency. It was also agreed to raise this with Councilman Sze, our Council liaison. 5. Informational Items New Website: Allison briefed the ESC on the new city website, and it was agreed that members would review the site and submit suggestions or changes, as necessary. MWCOG Climate and Energy Leadership Award application: We have submitted the City for an award for its efforts on climate and energy efficiency. Solar Panels on City of Falls Church schools: As noted last meeting, schools are able to accept donations for solar panels on their buildings through 501 (C) (3) 505.C.3 accounts. It may be 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).  possible to establish such an account through tThe Falls Church Education Foundation (Debbie HiscottXXXX? , Chair) is the point of contact for the establishment of these accounts. Members agreed to consider a possible role for the ESC in this effort. Open Space Chapter Participation: Peter Oppenheimer reported that no activity has taken place thusfar.?? West Broad Street Small Area Plan: A public meeting held June 21, and another meeting scheduled for the fall. Student member: The Chair pointed out that we can take advantage of the student intern program, if we can identify possible candidates and suitable projects. Rain barrel distribution: July 12 6. Next Meeting Thursday, July 17 (Dogwood Room, City Hall; Notetaker: Sarah Bayldon) 7. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the May 2014 meeting were approved. 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).