Environmental Sustainability Board

CITY OF HENDERSONVILLE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY BOARD City Hall Chambers | 160 6th Ave E. | Hendersonville NC 28792 Thursday, September 21, 2023 – 3:30 PM AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER A. Call To Order; Kelly Pahle, Chairperson Ann called the meeting to order at 3:33p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Approval of agenda Virginia motioned to approve first followed by Jill. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Meeting Minutes; Environmental Sustainability Board meeting August 17, 2023 Marcia motioned to approve first followed by Mary Ellen. 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Virginia requests that a bike rack is installed at City Hall. Caitlyn is checking to see if there is any in storage and if this can be requested for FY25 budget. No other public comments. 5. PRESENTERS A. Crystal Cauley, Bird Sanctuary at Brooklyn Creek and Wildlife Habitat Certification - 10 minutes Board unanimously approved the Wildlife Habitat Certification and future recognition of Wild Birds Unlimited for providing matching funds for the bird sanctuary. Future efforts of bird sanctuary: Crystal would like 3 benches at sanctuary and is looking at expanding to a second location at Four Seasons Rotary Park. Caitlyn suggested the board consider in FY25 budget if funds should be requested for these improvements. 6. STAFF LIAISON UPDATE A. Litter Sweep Weeks - Caitlyn Gendusa, Sustainability Manager B. Brooklyn Creek Community Garden - Caitlyn Gendusa, Sustainability Manager C. Building efficiency projects (energy audit and policy) - Caitlyn Gendusa, Sustainability Manager ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY BOARD – September 21, 2023 Page | 1 7. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE A. Mayor Pro-tem, Lyndsey Simpson - Plastic bag and styrofoam regulation discussion with MountainTrue and request for E.S.B. member to keep up to speed on progress/next-steps Due to recent development with proposed state budget that would prohibit local government regulations in waste management, Councilmember Simpson would like to hold off on board involvement but would like to keep up to date on any new developments on the topic. Caitlyn will forward background information to board. - Neighbors for More Neighbors Case for Support Representative will present to board on this topic at the November meeting. The board is very interested in being involved in housing needs for the City. Caitlyn will email affordable housing background research she completed. 8. BOARD MEMBER UPDATES A. Mayor's Monarch Pledge: Marcia Shaffer, board member Councilmember Simpson is checking on Blue Ridge Community College plants and when they will be ready for a plant giveaway event. The pledge requirements are fulfilled for this year and options were presented for next year. New cycle starts in December. Marcia advised the board votes on who will ensure we meet the program requirements for 2024. B. Waste Reduction: Virginia Tegel, board member Virginia is investigating a pilot compost drop off location at a nearby church. Virginia also voiced we should ensure compost is kept locally and not able to be sold for profit when presenting on Asheville’s model. Food Waste Solutions WNC conference coming up. Board members can visit wncfoodwaste.org if interested in attending. 9. SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATES A. Hendo Earth Fest - Ann Twiggs and Frank Stewart, chair members First meeting is Friday September 29th at 10:30a.m. Virginia volunteered to handle volunteer coordinating for event. 10. NEW BUSINESS A. Sustainability Strategic Plan energy section review, Caitlyn Gendusa - staff liaison Topic will be discussed at the October board meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY BOARD – September 21, 2023 Page | 2 11. ADJOURNMENT Marcia motioned to adjourn first followed by Jill. The City of Hendersonville is committed to providing accessible facilities, programs and services for all people in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Should you need assistance or an accommodation for this meeting please contact the City Clerk no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting at 697-3005. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY BOARD – September 21, 2023 Page | 3