Environmental Sustainability Council

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COUNCIL (ESC) Thursday, May 20, 2021, Virtual Meeting via Microsoft Teams, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. MINUTES 1. Attendees: ESC Members: Andy Young (Chair), Mike Trauberman, Jon Ward, Andy Sakallaris, Andy Crawford, Joseph Schiarizzi, Stacey Evers, Sarah Bayldon, Jennifer Tabola; Planning Commission: Cory Firestone Weiss; City Staff: Kate Walker ESC Staff Liaison; UFC/HRTG: Amy Crumpton; Guest: Jeff Peterson, VPIS President 2. This meeting was held via electronic communications using ‘Microsoft Teams.’ 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. 3. Public Comments: None 4. Equity & the City Council Work Plan – Stacy Evers Stacy led the group through the results and discussion of a survey she had created and circulated to all ESC members and liaisons to facilitate developing a response to the City Council request to Boards and Commissions to review our duties and goals to ensure that the City is equitably serving the needs of all. The results highlighted and addressed the following items.  Glass recycling  Developing a policy for developers to incorporate LEED Gold status in new construction  Street light conversion  Use of electric vehicles  Traffic Control and Mitigation  Urban Agriculture  Access to “Green” spaces  Establishing a “Green” Bank for investments ESC members also discussed what we could do, as a group, to encourage diversity and inclusion within the ESC itself. Actions that were discussed included:  Outreach to community  Discussion with city staff who have direct interface with impacted communities i.e. City Council Members, housing, transportation departments and library staff  Educating community about City history e.g. using Tinner Hill and City websites  Seeking “best in class” information through outreach to nearby jurisdictions  Providing professional diversity training  Coordination with public schools It was agreed that Stacy would create a draft letter based on the survey results and discussion for review by ESC members prior to submission to the City Council later this month. 1 5. Energy Policy – Jon Ward ETS role: It was discussed and agreed that climate and energy topics would now be incorporated into ESC meetings, rather than being addressed primarily in separate ETS meetings. Separate meetings or task groups may occur as needed. Recommendations for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Jon presented a draft letter to City Council with recommendations for voluntary concessions related to the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in future major developments in the City. The recommendations address initial charger installation and planning for future needs. After discussion, the ESC voted to circulate the letter for further review and comment prior to submission to City Council later this month. GHG mitigation recommendations for commercial developments: Jon presented for discussion and feedback a preliminary draft power point presentation and memo addressing how Voluntary Concessions for commercial developments could approach near-zero net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 6. Subcommittee Reports ETG: Sarah informed the group that project Earthwatch has ended for the year. There will be an end of year celebration at the TJ School on Sunday May 23, 2021. Naomi Goodwin will take over the leadership role for the next school year. HRTG: Amy reported that the last HRTG event took place on May 15, 2021 at Cherry Hill Park. 500 plants and 35 trees and shrubs were planted. Jeremy Edwards will be leaving the city on June 1, 2021. The green space crew has been disbanded and the city will fill these vacant positions in the near future. Parks and Recreation held a walk thru of the Fellows Property on April 15, 2021 with more to come on the final development of the property. 7. Other updates: Staff: Kate reported that City staff has done a preliminary review of the developers’ proposal for 1 City Center. City Council has not yet placed this discussion on their agenda. City Hall will open at 50% capacity on June 1, 2021. Mask wearing is encouraged in public areas, but will not be enforced. The ESC discussed resuming in person meetings, hybrid meetings or continued on line meetings. No decision was made at this time. Stormwater Taskforce: Andy S reported that the Stormwater Task force continues to meet. They are scheduled to report to City Council by the end of June 2021. New ESC Student members: Three new student members will join the ESC through the Citizens for a Better City program next fall: Terah Nguyen, Tobias Senderowisch, and Lauren Mellon. 8. Review and Approval of April 15th 2021 Minutes were approved 9. Adjourned 9:30 p.m. 2