Citizens Advisory Committee

CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 13, 2014 I. CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chairman Frommer called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m., in the Council Chambers Conference Room, 240 Water Street, Henderson, Nevada. II. CONFIRMATION OF POSTING AND ROLL CALL Tedie Jackson, Council and Commission Services Reporter, confirmed the meeting had been posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law by posting the agenda three working days prior to the meeting at City Hall, Emergency Services Facility, Green Valley Police Substation, and Fire Station No. 96. Present: Vice-Chairman David Frommer Jeff Bassing Adrienne Cox (via teleconference) Cornelius Eason Nancy Frago Dean Ishman Andrew Jacobsen Paula Petruso Huston Pullen Absent: Chairman Thomas Piechota (excused) Jim Dunn (excused) Brin Gibson (excused) Robert Nielsen (excused) Melodee Wilcox (excused) Staff: Michael Tassi, Planning Manager Sean Robertson, Principal Planner Danny Fazekas, Planner Nancy Savage, Assistant City Attorney III Tedie Jackson, Council and Commission Services Reporter Guests: Adam Grant, NV Energy Michelle Lindsey, NV Energy Mark Darden, NV Energy Telma Lopez, Southwest Gas Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Page 2 of 6 August 13, 2014 – Minutes III. PUBLIC COMMENT No comments were presented by the public. IV. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA (Motion) Ms. Petruso introduced a motion to accept the agenda as presented, seconded by Ms. Frago. The vote favoring approval was unanimous. Vice-Chairman Frommer declared the motion carried. V. NEW BUSINESS 1 CITIZENS' ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES FOR MAY 14, 2014. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Review of the minutes for the May 14, 2014, Citizens' Advisory Committee meeting. (Motion) Mr. Ishman introduced a motion to adopt the May 14, 2014, Citizens’ Advisory Committee meeting minutes as presented, seconded by Ms. Frago. The vote favoring approval was unanimous. Vice-Chairman Frommer declared the motion carried. 2 CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE WORK GROUP UPDATE - ENERGY EFFICIENCY OUTREACH SPEAKER: DAVID FROMMER, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF Work group update from the Energy Efficiency Work Group and gather feedback. Adam Grant Project Manager of Energy Efficiency/Conservation from NV Energy will discuss potential partnership opportunities with the Citizens’ Advisory Committee. Vice-Chairman Frommer reported that the energy efficiency outreach work group has been discussing tangible programs related to energy efficiency. Ideas include an incandescent light bulb exchange program; components of leadership development in the School District; and tying into science and math curriculum in schools. He noted that NV Energy has a variety of energy efficiency incentive programs focused on residential, small business, institutional, and non-profit organizations. Adam Grant, NV Energy Project Manager of Energy Efficiency/Conservation, introduced Mark Darden, who represents NV Energy for commercial, industrial, small business, non-profit energy efficiency programs; and Michelle Lindsey, wo Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Page 3 of 6 August 13, 2014 – Minutes represents NV Energy efficiency programs. Mr. Grant reviewed NV Energy programs that would be beneficial for this initiative. He reviewed the Sure Bet Direct Program, Direct Install Program, and a nonprofit program for 501c3s to retrofit businesses. Mr. Darden distributed the following handouts: 2014 Sure Bet Director Program for Southern Nevada, NV Energy trifold brochure, and 2014 Direct Install Contractors list. Ms. Lindsey reported that NV Energy provides presentations on energy efficiency education at various events, seminars, webinars, et cetera. She noted that they also have energy conservation workbooks for children and provide outreach efforts to schools and libraries. Ms. Lindsey stated they are looking for additional opportunities to meet the needs of the community. Mr. Fazekas thanked NV Energy for attending this meeting. He suggested the committee members consider non-profit organizations that could be used for a pilot program. Mr. Grant commented that they will have funding for projects in January 2015, which begins their fiscal year. Responding to several questions, NV Energy representatives replied that some programs are provided in Spanish, they complete approximately 400 to 600 projects per year, and solar rebate information is available on the website. It was noted that the CAC members can share this information with friends, family, co-workers, and associations. Mr. Fazekas commented that the workgroup will continue to discuss these ideas and invite NV Energy back to put together program options. Ms. Lindsey distributed a small trifold handout with information about NV Energy Residential Lighting Program through LED bulbs. She also provided members with a gift bag consisting of a pencil, pencil sharpener, and several brochures. Mr. Fazekas reported that a light bulb program is not feasible due to lack of funding and resources. He noted that the Henderson Library is interested in a partnership to host events or distribute flyers associated with energy efficiency. He showed an energy-wise kit from Resource Action Programs. The kit included LED light bulbs, water, different types of energy efficient shower heads, energy efficient information, and student workbooks. Each kit costs $40 to $50, and a minimum of 500 boxes must be purchased. This idea also presents a challenge due to lack of funding. A brief discussion ensued regarding partnering with NV Energy to help businesses and non-profit organizations take advantage of their programs. Staff will find out if NV Energy has a list of non-profit organizations they are working with. A suggestion was made to have a large non-profit organization (American Red Cross, United Way) be a speaker at community organizations, Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Page 4 of 6 August 13, 2014 – Minutes community events, and homeowner association meetings. 3 CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE WORK GROUP UPDATE - SOUTHERN NEVADA STRONG SPEAKER: PAULA PETRUSO AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF Work group update from the Southern Nevada Strong Work Group and gather feedback. Ms. Petruso reported that the Housing Urban Development Department gave Southern Nevada a federal grant in the amount of $3.5 million to promote sustainable communities and see long-term economic success. Southern Nevada Strong was formed to integrate quality transportation, quality housing opportunities, and quality job opportunities. She stated that the CAC was asked to review the conclusions and matrix of objectives and goals identified of Southern Nevada Strong. Mr. Fazekas reported that CAC work group completed an exercise on the matrix to identify what the committee could work on. Ms. Petruso suggested the CAC could be the citizens’ voice in Henderson and be involved in outreach efforts, demonstration projects, and help facilitate presentations. Mr. Fazekas stated that the work group will meet in the coming months and identify three to five goals and objectives for a committee project. These will be discussed at the next CAC meeting to determine if they should be further developed and presented to City Council. He reviewed the Southern Nevada Strong MetroQuest Outreach Status Report, and noted that the Boulder Highway opportunity site strategies are being finalized and should be presented to City Council tentatively in October. 4 CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE WORK GROUP UPDATE – RECYCLING OUTREACH AND EDUCATION SPEAKER: DEAN ISHMAN AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF Work group update from the Recycling Outreach and Education Work Group and gather feedback. Mr. Ishman reported that this group researched best practices in other cities and communities in recycling efforts. He noted that the ultimate goal is to have zero waste and suggested a future objective could be an education initiative to separate food waste from recyclables. The work group has another meeting on August 27, 2014. Mr. Fazekas said Republic Services has $2,500.00 to dedicate towards public outreach in an effort to increase recycling efforts in the community. He noted Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Page 5 of 6 August 13, 2014 – Minutes that this funding will increase to $5,000.00 in five years. Vice-Chairman Frommer commented that Republic Services has had challenges finding raw commodities in recycling due to too much food waste remaining in recycled products. VI. CHAIRMAN\MEMBER COMMENTS Ms. Petruso reported on a (MAPS) Metropolitan Area Projects program in Oklahoma City where citizens to pay a one-percent additional sales tax to improve cosmetic attractions. The money is put into a savings account until the entire project is funded. She noted that many projects struggle because they are not capitalized properly; however, this program has been very successful and supported by the residents. Mr. Fazekas provided more details regarding this program and agreed that it is impressive. A brief discussion ensued regarding building new parks that the City cannot maintain properly. Vice-Chairman Frommer commended Mr. Fazekas for all the time and effort spent in the work groups and believes they are effective. Mr. Pullen suggested the CAC partner with NV Energy at the Henderson Business Expo on October 3, 2014. He also recommended that the CAC share energy efficiency efforts with the Water Street Business Association. He will provide links and website information to staff regarding upcoming events the CAC could participate in. It was suggested that this issue be a discussion/action item at the next meeting. VII. PUBLIC COMMENT No comments were presented by the public. Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting Page 6 of 6 August 13, 2014 – Minutes VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to be discussed, Vice-Chairman Frommer adjourned the meeting at 7:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ___________________________ Tedie Jackson, Council and Commission Services Reporter