Environmental Sustainability Council

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COUNCIL (ESC) Thursday, September 17, 2020, Virtual Meeting via Skype for Business, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. MINUTES 1. Attendees: ESC Members: Andy Young (Chair), Mike Trauberman, Jon Ward, Andy Sakallaris, Jennifer Tabola, Andy Crawford, Sarah Bayldon. Student reps: Alec Autor Charlie Adams, Colter Adams, Max Caboti-Jones, Meike van der Steen, Maia Vollen. City Council: Letty Hardy City Staff: Kate Walker (ESC Liaison), Zak Bradley (DPW Engineer). Planning Commission Liaison: Tim Stevens. This meeting was held via electronic communications using ‘Skype for Business.’ This meeting was held pursuant to and in compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Section 2.2- 3708.2 and state and local legislation adopted to allow for continued government operation during the COVID-19 declared emergency. 2. Stormwater Utility Rates Study Update : Zak Bradley described the 4 projects the Department of Public Works has underway, all focused on mitigating flooding around residences, with expected completions in FY21. He listed the 6 future projects prioritized by the Stormwater Task Force, all targeting completion by 2025. The next increase in the Utility Rate has been postponed until FY22, but he summarized the annual increases resulting from the Rate Study as almost doubling the rate ($ per sq.ft. of impervious area) by 2027. Of the 88,000 credits available for onsite stormwater retention improvement measures (retention tanks, rain gardens, etc.; 1 credit per 200 sq.ft.), only 1,025 are currently claimed, mostly by non-residential properties. Although regulations require designing for the worst 24-hr 10-yr storm (based on 1970s-80s data), staff considers that inadequate and notes that most recent flooding is due to brief (~3hr) intense rains. For new builds and rebuilds, updated City policies now limit runoff (e.g., downspouts) discharge to 15 ft from rear and side property lines and 10 feet from the right-of-way. 3. Subcommittee Reports: o Energy Transition Subcommittee (ETS): Tim Stevens plans to step down as ETS chair after December. Four focus topics in Sept. 3 meeting: o Approved memo to City Council summarizing 2018 City greenhouse gas inventory to be published soon by MWCOG, noting a 2% drop since 2005, despite significant population and commercial growth. Meeting 2020 goal (20% reduction vs. 2005) is very unlikely, and MWCOG is considering new goals (40% or 50% reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2050). Letty said City Council members would look for specific actionable recommendations if they were to adopt updated greenhouse goals. o Discussed a possible effort to switch City-contracted and City-owned handheld landscaping equipment to electric from gas, to reduce noise and emissions but also to support technology adoption for use by local companies and residents. o Started discussion on issues to raise to City Council for the state Legislative Agenda: improving the VA Clean Economy Act; legislating that Dominion Energy deploy more electric school buses; securing continued net-metering arrangements for rooftop  solar owners; and making the State Building Code adopt the International Energy Conservation Code without dilution. o Discussed expanding the City website with info on electric vehicles and local charging stations o Education Task Group (ETG): T-shirt distribution is underway. The 2020-21 program will be available online. o Habitat Restoration Team (HRT): Free tree saplings will be distributed by the Falls Church Garden Club and Habitat Restoration Task Group at the Farmers’ Market on 9/26. These were donated by the Dominion Energy Foundation, which had planned to distribute them to school students in spring 2020, but the schools were closed due to the pandemic. Plantings and invasive-plant-removal events are planned from 10-noon on 9/19, 10/3, 11/7 and 11/21 at various City parks. See Sign-Up Genius: http://bit.ly/FCHRT, because space is limited. On 10/1, there will be an online Urban Agriculture seminar. On 10/5, the F.C. Garden Club will host a session on How to Save Seeds. 4. Staff Reports (Kate W.): o The W&OD Trail widening should be complete by 6/2021. City has authority over plantings and stormwater aspects. Observed deficiencies in the erosion control barriers or other problems can be reported to Matt Brown (mbrown@fallschurchva.gov). o The Recycling Extravaganza on October 3 will be open to City residents only and will include hazardous waste collection. o The Broad & Washington project may be referred to the ESC for comment; ESC may be briefed at its October 15 meeting, with feedback to City Council required by October 16. o October ESC meeting needs to consider legislative priorities to submit to Cindy Mester for City Council advocacy in the 2020 Virginia Legislative Session. Andy Y. said this and the Broad & Washington project would require inputs before the October meeting o The City is open to ideas for recognizing the life and legacy of the late Dan Sze, former ESC liaison from City Council. Letty reported talking with the City Clerk about something regional, given Dan’s broad involvement with regional issues. 5. New Business: Chair Andy Y. asked members to consider what ESC should focus on going forward. He highlighted promoting cycling / walking in cooperation with the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation. Letty had raised with City staff the need to consider safe walk/bike options for students if in-person school resumes but buses carry too much COVID risk. Discussion highlighted the availability and enthusiasm of student ESC reps, the high school Environmental Club (20+ members), and other students looking for volunteer opportunities. Andy and Letty asked members to consider how racial equity could be addressed within ESC areas of interest. 6. July 2020 ESC Meeting Minutes: Motion to approve by Sarah, seconded by Andy S. Approved by voice vote without objection. 7. Next Meeting  Thursday, October 15, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., likely virtual via Skype for Business Abbreviations / Terminology:  MWCOG: Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments