Environmental Sustainability Council

Environmental Sustainability Council Meeting Thursday, September 14, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Dogwood Room, City Hall MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER Members Cory Firestone Weiss (Chair), Chris McCloud, Tom Cash, Andy Crawford, Phil Skotte, Andrew Young, Dan Sze (City Council Liaison), Kate Walker (Staff Liaison & Environmental Programs Coordinator) Youth Representatives: Niharika Singhvi, Zachary Holmes, Hannah Trauberman, Evelyn Duross, Katie Deal Public: Jiaxin Wei 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS No public comments were received. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (JANUARY 19TH) Minutes of the previous meeting were approved with no objections. 4. NEW BUSINESS Kate Walker led a discussion to generate ideas for a proposed Community Environmental Network, which would revitalize the Block Captains network from years ago. This network successfully communicated key environmental issues for the city neighbor to neighbor. Kate will draft an implementation plan and report back to the ESC. 5: Ongoing Business Legislative Agenda: Dan Sze presented the Virginia Municipal League’s (VML) agenda and proposed Environmental Policy Statement for the upcoming legislative session. Suggestions from the ESC Energy Transiton Subcommittee will be incorporated in VML’s document, which should be finalized and available for ESC review at our October meeting. ESC will prioritize five initiatives and advise Cindy Mester that they would like the City to support those items in Richmond. Green Building Policy: Cory has been discussing the ESC’s Green Buildings Policy ideas with Planning staff and other individuals. She will continue to reach out in preparation for future meetings with other Boards and Commissions. Students: Zachary Holmes will be mapping invasive species in City parks for the ESC Habitat Restoration Group. Hannah and Evelyn will be working on Operation Earth Watch. Niharika will review the MWCOG Climate and Energy Action Plan to identify priority actions for the City. Subcommittees: Energy – Kate reported that the library is interested in having a loan kit for LED light bulbs for homeowners, similar to the current program to loan thermal cameras. Aziz will approach the library on this matter. Kate briefed on the September 22 Car Free Day. City staff is being encouraged to go “car free” on this day and ESC volunteers will encourage residents to go car free at the City Festival. Kate asked for volunteers to speak with residents. 1 of 2 City Council Elections: Cory encouraged members to attend two forums where candidates will be present to ask questions about environmental positions and issues. City Council candidates will hold a forum September 27th and School Board candidates will hold a forum October 25th. Cory suggested the our October ESC meeting have a school focus to include FCCPS decision-makers, architects who planned Arlington’s green school facilities and representatives from USGBC’s Green Schools Program. The ESC agreed to this proposal. Composting: Kate reported that about 400 residents have signed up for composting, which is enough for a successful pilot. Outreach is continuing and the City is considering how to respond to requests from multi-family units. Recycling: Kate reported that Liz and Chris will devise a plan for improved recycling at commercial establishments based on the data Liz gathered. Chris will update the ESC at a future date. 7. Next Meeting October 19, Dogwood Room Minutes – Thomas Cash 2 of 2