Environmental Sustainability Commission Special Meeting

Name: Environmental Sustainability Commission Special Meeting — La Mesa, CA
Start: 2025-02-24T18:00:00
End: 2025-02-24T20:00:00
Location: La Mesa, CA

Special Meeting

La Mesa, CA · February 24, 2025

Agenda Minutes Video Recording

Minutes

La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission Minutes of a Regular Meeting Date: February 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Location: City Manager's Conference Room, 8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California Present: Chair Richard Williams Vice Chair Amanda-Dawn Natalia Commissioner Michael Bourton Commissioner Dasmine McFarlin Commissioner Mary Nooristani Commissioner Jack Sellinger Commissioner Brianna Coston Commissioner Christina Potter Staff: Environmental Program Manager Hilary Ego Environmental Analyst Serena Lee _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ricky Williams called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA Ricky Williams asks if there are any additions or deletions to the agenda. Ricky Williams then proposes moving Staff and Commissioner announcements before the current business so Jack can talk about the Encinitas Building Electrification Fair because he has to leave early. Everyone agrees, and Item 7 is moved to the first current business item after public comment. 3. PRESENTATION 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES) NOTE: In accordance with state law, an item not scheduled on the agenda may be brought forward by the general public for comment; however, the 1 Environmental Sustainability Commission will not be able to discuss or take any action on the item at this meeting. If appropriate, the item will be referred to Staff or placed on a future agenda. 5. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 6.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 27, 2025 SPECIAL MEETING Recommended Motion: To vote on approving the minutes from the January 27, 2025 Special Meeting Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia Vote: 7-0 Ayes: McFarlin, Bourton, Natalia, Nooristani, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: None Motion Approved 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires in March 2025 Ricky Williams stated that the subcommittee plans to create a policy checklist document so that other city staff can coordinate with the CAP team to ensure projects have a climate lens. Ricky Williams also stated they discussed encouraging other departments to come to Hilary and discuss how to work together and cross-collaborate to implement the CAP. Brianna Coston stated that she walks most places in La Mesa and noticed a motorcycle cop pulling people over for running stop signs. Brianna Coston noted that this could be tied to education and driver safety. Amanda-Dawn Natalia agreed and stated that she was scared when her daughter was almost hit by a trash truck while biking. Implementing education towards drivers to create awareness of cyclists and walkers in La Mesa can be helpful. Also, the committee wants to make a working group with the mobility committee to collaborate on this project. 2 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE E-BIKE INCENTIVE PROGRAM AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE E-bike Incentive Program ad hoc subcommittee expires in March 2025 Dasmine McFarlin stated that the program was transformed over time and talked about the logistics of the application and wanting to make it accessible for everyone. Ricky Williams stated some terms of the program and gave an overview of the application, eligible equipment list, and social media updates to the commission. Brianna Coston stated that creating an accessible, easy-to-read application is essential. Christina Potter asked the price of an e-bike and how many are on the eligible equipment list. Hilary Ego stated the price of an e-bike varied, but some cheaper options are around $1,000 pre-tax, and there are over 20 bikes on the list. Hilary Ego also gave more information about what proof income qualified applicants need to apply. Brianna Coston asked if there would be kid-sized bikes on the list. Serena Lee stated that there are only adult-sized bikes and that people must go to a bike shop to get fitted. Ricky Williams stated that there will also be a required educational component to the E-bike Incentive Program. Amanda-Dawn Natalia asked what class of e-bikes would be allowed and if the bikes would be allowed in the La Mesa bike lanes. Hilary Ego stated they can go in the bike lanes and that class one and class two e-bikes will be the only approved bikes. Jack Sellinger excuses himself from the meeting and departs. 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee expires in April 2025 Barbara Shustek stated that Lainey is developing an equity framework and is looking to get data on how the CAP teams can provide information and educate local community members. 3 Dasmine McFarlin stated that there is no equity framework and that it is crucial to implement this in La Mesa. She stated that the subcommittee is looking at data from the community. For example, there is talk about giving out free trees, but what happens if you live in an apartment? Dasmine McFarlin ended by stating that it was a great brainstorming session. Lainey Bloom stated that outreach is essential and having different forms can reach a broad audience. Lainey Bloom also said she wants to dive deeper into how the City programs can be more equitable. The next steps are getting this implemented either on a high level or looking into a more specific framework. Amanda-Dawn Natalia states that making sure we are asking the right questions and meeting the needs of everyone in the community is impactful and that this subcommittee is doing great work. Brianna Coston states that the renter-focused outreach portion that was discussed would be a great way to connect with community members. Barbara Shustek stated that renters of multi-family housing complexes would appreciate including programs like a tree giveaway. She noted that a free tree program is an excellent example of how disadvantaged renters do not get access to it. Dasmine McFarlin gave an example of the DIY tool kit and said it is hard to get the information out to the community because some people might not have internet access. Ricky Williams asked if this would be internal or if anyone could be involved. Hilary Ego responded both. Christina Potter stated that it could be effective to reach other people through tabling at grocery stores. It can cast a wider net. Ricky Williams stated that almost 40% of people who live in La Mesa are renters and that climate action plans primarily focus on homeowners. Brianna Coston states that housing stock in La Mesa is very old but still in high demand, prompting owners not to make upgrades on old, inefficient items. Barbara Shustek suggested creating a mindset change. For example, some homeowners do not like trees. So, building that shift can be beneficial for implementing the CAP. Barbara Shustek also gave the example of Hilcrest, and the change in street diets has made people 4 complain. Through more education and outreach, people might change their behavior and see these upgrades through a different lens. Ricky Williams stated that environmentally disadvantaged communities, such as students, youth, and transit-reliant people, are additional important people to reach out to. Amanda-Dawn Natalia discussed the hardships of reaching renters but stated that mailing outreach materials directly to them can be an option. Hilary Ego stated that the CAP team sent letters to owners and renters for the Cal-fire grant. Michael Bourton stated that putting flyers at the trolley stop could reach a broad audience if permission was granted to post on an information board. Mary Nooristani stated that putting something up on billboards could be a good way to reach people. Michael Bourton states that reaching out to supermarkets and putting up information about La Mesa could be helpful. 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE CREATION OF NEW AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES Hilary Ego stated that the CAP team is going to author an implementation work plan. Hilary Ego stated that they are currently in the budget process and want to create an implementation subcommittee for the ESC. Hilary Ego wants to get community feedback on priorities and notes that it is for FY26 and FY 27. Mary Nooristani stated that she is interested in this implementation subcommittee. Recommended Motion: To create an Implementation Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee comprised of Mary Nooristani, Amanda-Dawn Natalia, and Barbara Shustek until May 2025 with the purpose of providing comments and feedback on prioritizing future projects and programs. Moved by Commissioner Nooristani Seconded by Chair Williams Vote: 6-0-1 Ayes: McFarlin, Bourton, Natalia, Nooristani, Shustek, Williams Noes: None 5 Abstain: None Absent: Sellinger Motion Approved Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that she wants to focus on biker-to-diver and driver-to-biker education components and build a subcommittee around this idea. She states that a need to focus on protecting people who choose to use alternative modes of transportation. There is already an educational component focusing on bicycles and pedestrians, but adding drivers to the equation can be beneficial to all. Recommended Motion: To create an Alternative Transportation Safety ad hoc subcommittee comprised of Michael Bourton, Amanda-Dawn Natalia, and Ricky Williams until May 2025 with the purpose of providing education to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians about road safety. Moved by Vice Chair Natalia Seconded by Chair Williams Vote: 6-0-1 Ayes: McFarlin, Bourton, Natalia, Nooristani, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Sellinger Motion Approved 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS Jack Sellinger stated that he attended the Electrification Fair in Encinitas on February 22nd. Jack Sellinger learned from energy efficiency and renewable energy vendors and found it informative for planning a future event in La Mesa. Hilary Ego spoke about the updates to the energy services contract and noted she is working through the scope of work. Hilary Ego also stated Logan has been leading the e-bike voucher program, which is launching next month, and Lainey is working on the Green Business Program and looking at the entry-level program to attract more businesses. Hilary Ego also announced that City Hall just got certified as a La Mesa Green Business. Hilary Ego spoke about the ribbon cutting, noting that there was a great turnout with already certified businesses in La Mesa. Hilary Ego touched on starting to plan Earth Day, thinking about activities and looking into getting more sign-ups. She stated that 6 the CAP team is going through the budget, looking at the CAP implementation work plan, working on a partnership with Tree San Diego for a free tree giveaway, hosting educational materials for the community through GRID alternative, tabling at events, and education and outreach throughout the City. Serena Lee spoke about the Litter-Free La Mesa event. She stated that she heard Amanda went and informed the commission that the next one is March 29th. Serena Lee said that they will soon hire a Community Clean-Up Coordinator. Serena Lee stated the EVCS master plan survey is still open and closes on March 15th, and she stated that, if possible, she would love to hear more input from the public. Serena Lee also mentioned that the CAP team is trying to determine how to best involve the owners through this process. Serena Lee highlighted that the teams did an EVCS staff training with planners and engineers, discussing how the City envisions future electric vehicle charging. She talked about the presentation at the Sunrise Rotary Club on Feb 7th, saying that it went smoothly and people asked many questions. Serena also discussed planning the Anaerobic Digester Lemon Grove waste facility and the commission prefers Thursday, April 24th. Serena Lee stated she will add it to the agenda next time and aims for the 9 AM start time. Christina Potter highlighted some great things that Helix is doing relating to sustainability. She stated how Helix had an environmental sustainability committee last year, bumped up to Power 100 for the whole campus, partnered with SANDAG for a school commuted program, installed energy monitoring devices across campus, a consultant did an energy audit, and students are doing an energy reduction competition. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated she went to Litter Free La Mesa and enjoyed the volunteer event. She said it was well attended and that she had picked up 4 pounds of trash. She also went to the Helix Operations Center on the 29th of January, showing the fleet electrification project that is breaking ground this year. Amanda-Dawn Natalia also stated she is planning on attending the zero waste symposium at the County of San Diego. Brianna Coston stated she went to the groundbreaking Casa Del Oro Library. They announced that it will be net zero, and the library will be ground leased from La Mesa Spring Valley School District Land. Barbara Shustek stated there is a new green bin in her apartment complex. 8. ADJOURNMENT 7 Chair Ricky Williams adjourned the meeting at 7:20 PM. 8

Agenda

LA MESA ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION AGENDA A Special Meeting Date: Monday, February 24, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Location: City Manager's Conference Room, 8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California Commissioners: Chair Richard Williams Vice Chair Amanda-Dawn Natalia Commissioner Michael Bourton Commissioner Dasmine McFarlin Commissioner Mary Nooristani Commissioner Jack Sellinger Commissioner Barbara Shustek Advisory Commissioner Joe Britton Members: Commissioner Brianna Coston Commissioner Barbara Dagman Commissioner Joe Garuba Commissioner Jen Lebron Commissioner Christina Potter Commissioner Fabian Rodriguez Environmental Program Manager Hilary Ego Environmental Analyst Serena Lee The public may view the meeting in-person or live using the following remote options: Teleconference Meeting Webinar https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84322400342 Telephone (Audio only) (669) 900-6833 or (253) 215-8782 Webinar ID: 843 2240 0342 Copy and paste the webinar link into your internet browser if the webinar link does not work directly from the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS • In-Person comments during the meeting: Join us for the Commission meeting at the time and location specified on this agenda to make your comments. Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes. • How to submit eComments: eComments are available once an agenda is published. Locate the meeting in "upcoming meetings" and click the comment bubble icon. Click on the item you wish to comment on. eComments can be submitted when the agenda is published and until 2 hours prior to the meeting. eComments are limited to 3700 characters (approximately 500 words). eComments may be viewed by the Commission and members of the public following the close of the eComment submission period (2 hours prior to the meeting). Email your comment to hego@cityoflamesa.us if you have difficulty submitting an eComment. eComments will not be read aloud as a regular meeting item; however any member of the Commission or member of the public may do so during their respective comment time. PLEASE NOTE: Public Comment will be limited to 3 minutes per item. The timer begins when the participant begins speaking. Time cannot by combined or yielded to another speaker. Citizens who wish to make an audio/visual presentation pertaining to an item on the agenda, or during Public Comments, should contact the City Manager's Office at 619.667.1105, no later than 12:00 p.m., the business day prior to the meeting day. Advance notification will ensure compatibility with City equipment and allow Commission meeting presentations to progress smoothly and in a consistent and equitable manner. Please note that all presentations/digital materials are considered part of the maximum time limit provided to speakers. Agenda reports for items on this agenda are available for public review at the City Manager's Office, 8130 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours. Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Commission after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at the City Manager's Office, 8130 Allison Avenue, during normal business hours. ACCESSIBILITY: The City of La Mesa encourages the participation of disabled individuals in the services, activities and programs provided by the City. Individuals with disabilities, who require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the Commission meetings, should contact the Administrative Services Department 48 hours prior to the meeting at 619.667.1175, fax 619.667.1163, or GSpaniol@cityoflamesa.us. Hearing assisted devices are available for the hearing impaired. A City staff member is available to provide these devices upon entry to City Council meetings, commission/board meetings or public hearings held in the City Council Chambers. A photo i.d. or signature will be required to secure a Page 2 of 12 device for the meeting. Pages 1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA 3. PRESENTATION 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES) NOTE: In accordance with state law, an item not scheduled on the agenda may be brought forward by the general public for comment; however, the Environmental Sustainability Commission will not be able to discuss or take any action on the item at this meeting. If appropriate, the item will be referred to Staff or placed on a future agenda. 5. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 6.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 27, 2025 4 SPECIAL MEETING 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Alternative Transportation Infrastructure ad hoc subcommittee expires in March 2025 6.3 DISCUSSION OF THE E-BIKE INCENTIVE PROGRAM AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE E-bike Incentive Program ad hoc subcommittee expires in March 2025 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE EQUITY FRAMEWORK AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE Equity Framework ad hoc subcommittee expires in April 2025 6.5 DISCUSSION OF THE CREATION OF NEW AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS 8. ADJOURNMENT Page 3 of 12 La Mesa Environmental Sustainability Commission Minutes of a Regular Meeting Date: January 27, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Location: City Manager's Conference Room, 8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California Present: Chair Richard Williams Vice Chair Amanda-Dawn Natalia Commissioner Dasmine McFarlin Commissioner Mary Nooristani Commissioner Jack Sellinger Commissioner Barbara Shustek Staff: Commissioner Brianna Coston Commissioner Christina Potter Environmental Sustainability Manager Hilary Ego Environmental Analyst Serena Lee _____________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ricky Williams called the meeting to order at 6:01 PM. 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2. ADDITIONS AND/OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA 3. PRESENTATION 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS – (TOTAL TIME – 15 MINUTES) NOTE: In accordance with state law, an item not scheduled on the agenda may be brought forward by the general public for comment; however, the Environmental Sustainability Commission will not be able to discuss or take any action on the item at this meeting. If appropriate, the item will be referred to Staff or placed on a future agenda. Public Comment from Wendy Mahalik stating that for new buildings, the City of San Diego is producing a high-performance reach code similar to the reach code 1 Page 4 of 12 adopted by the City of Encinitas. La Mesa could consider producing the same. There is an abundance of education-based measures in the Climate Action Plan about building electrification. Some good resources are Clean Tech CA, a State- run program that educates technicians and the Switch is On, a website where people can access current energy information on rebates and equipment. There is a Home Electrification Fair in Encinitas on Saturday, February 22nd brought to the public by Citizens Climate Lobby and co-sponsored by San Diego LEARN. 5. CONFLICT DISCLOSURES 6. CURRENT BUSINESS 6.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 16, 2024 REGULAR MEETING No edits for the December 16, 2024 regular meeting minutes. Motion: To vote on approving the minutes from the December 16, 2024 Regular Meeting. Moved by Vice Chair Natalia Seconded by Commissioner Shustek Vote: 6-1 Ayes: McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Bourton Motion Approved 6.2 DISCUSSION OF THE 2025 WORK PLAN AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE 2025 Work Plan ad hoc subcommittee expires January 2025 Ricky Williams stated that there were no major changes to the document and moved through the areas of focus. The first goal focuses on the greatest GHG emissions mainly highlighting actions in transportation and building electrification. The second goal relates to actions that are co- benefit forward and have important outcomes for community well-being. The third goal encompasses items not included in the Climate Action Plan such as the development of new implementation efforts and supporting staff for CAP Updates. Hilary Ego stated that 1.3 on the work plan, encouraging roundabouts, is now broader to encompass other initiatives. 2 Page 5 of 12 Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that there was a duplication of the word “further” on 1.6 c of the work plan and stated that “add best practice research” should be removed from 2.5 of the document. Brianna Coston stated that “commission” was misspelled on the heading. Ricky Williams stated that the goal would be to vote to approve the 2025 Work Plan. It would go back to City staff for purview. Hilary Ego stated that the Work Plan will be on consent and read through by Council. Hilary Ego will notify the commission if Council makes changes and if the changes are between now and the next commission meeting it will just go to City Council. Motion: To vote on approving the 2025 Work Plan as drafted pending City review. Moved by Commissioner Nooristani Seconded by Commissioner Sellinger Vote: 6-1 Ayes: McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Bourton Motion Approved 6.3 DISCUSSION OF 2025 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE Hilary Ego stated that the next commission meeting is scheduled on President’s Day, February 17th, and asked if people are available or not. She stated that she will not be in attendance at the March meeting. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated that she would be absent on February 17th. Ricky Williams stated that the commission could reschedule the February meeting to the 24th. Ricky Williams asked if there are any other dates to change. Hilary Ego stated that July and August meetings have been rescheduled in past years. Brianna Coston stated that no other meetings fall on holidays this year. Motion: To vote on canceling the February 27 commission meeting and schedule a special meeting on February 24. Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia 3 Page 6 of 12 Vote: 6-1 Ayes: McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Bourton Motion Approved 6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE CREATION OF NEW AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEES Ad Hoc Subcommittees can be created during this time. Public Comment from Wendy Mahalik stating that there were no public read outs of the work that the Single-Use Plastics Ad Hoc Subcommittee had done at Council. The commission could bring it to Council’s attention that the Ad Hoc Subcommittee has been on the ESC’s work plan in the past and that they are continuing to work on this issue. Ricky Williams asked Hilary Ego if the commission should consider creating any new Ad Hoc Subcommittees at this time. Hilary Ego stated the commission is free to create them at this time. Ricky Williams asked if there are specific areas of focus needed. Hilary Ego stated that the CAP team needs help with finalizing and marketing the City’s E-bike incentive program. It is currently designed with free community classes happening once a month and an E-bike incentive. This program was discussed about a year ago and it would be important to get community input before the program is launched. There are also many other areas of the CAP to be supported. Discussion on Single-Use Plastics Subcommittee Dasmine McFarlin stated being interested in a single-use plastics subcommittee. Hilary Ego stated that there was a community working group established and that the Council direction was to get feedback from stakeholders. A survey was opened in November for restaurants to fill out. The next step is to bring the survey back to the community working group. A subcommittee on plastics may not be needed at this time but there is opportunity for waste reduction. Barbara Shustek asked if there was anyone from council assigned to this community working group currently. Brianna Coston stated that Councilmember Lothian and Councilmember Dillard are assigned to the group. Hilary stated that she attends the working group meetings. 4 Page 7 of 12 Amanda-Dawn Natalia, Ricky Williams, and Hilary Ego discussed the potential of the single-use plastics committee being sunsetted if Council modifies that section of the work plan. Ricky Williams stated that the commission could sunset the plastic committee and revise it if need be. Hilary Ego stated it would be best to call out the CAP measure in this scenario over the work plan goal. Discussion on Transportation Subcommittees After discussion around transportation needs, Ricky Williams stated that there could be two areas of focus. One on CIP and infrastructure components and another focusing on the E-bike incentive program and education. Mary Nooristani stated interest in working on a variety of the transportation measures, specifically aiming to work alongside Capital Improvement Project (CIP). Hilary Ego stated that she will be meeting with CIP soon and get back to the commission with their current work. Ricky Williams stated the outcome of the subcommittee could be an approach for the commission to advise on infrastructure projects in the City. Hilary Ego stated the subcommittee would support decisions on roadway or infrastructure improvements. Mary Nooristani asked if anyone wants to join this subcommittee. Ricky Williams stated his interest in joining. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated her interest in bike and pedestrian safety initiatives. Briana Coston stated that CIP’s fiscal year spreadsheet was posted and approved with mobility access, bus shelters improvement, public transportation infrastructure. Amanda-Dawn Natalia questioned if the E-bike incentive and education program would be a part of the alternative transportation infrastructure recommendations Ad Hoc Subcommittee or if there should be stand-alone committee for the initiative. Ricky Williams stated the commission could have a separate subcommittee to support the development of the application. Hilary Ego stated that City staff could use feedback on the application and other materials created for the program before launching the application in March. The program materials would be ready to go, and the subcommittee would provide feedback from a resident perspective. Discussion on Building Electrification Subcommittees 5 Page 8 of 12 Ricky Williams stated that tying building electrification to other regional efforts for existing housing stock analyses might be better suited for next meeting when Michael Bourton is present. Hilary Ego stated that with the topic of building energy efficiency there is room for education as people are switching out appliances and there are existing resources to direct people towards. She stated that while waiting for Mike Bourton to return, the members of the commission could attend the Electrification Fair in Encinitas from 10:00-1:30 and report back. Jack Sellinger stated members could attend and take notes and pictures. Hilary questioned if any Commissioners were interested in attending the Encinitas Electrification Fair. Ricky Williams and Jack Bourton stated their interest in attending the event. Hilary Ego stated that she would follow up with further information and add it as a discussion topic to the February meeting agenda. Discussion on Waste Subcommittees Ricky Williams asked Serena Lee if there is any space to work on food waste reduction and education and asked about Solana Center’s work. Serena Lee stated that Solana Center is doing technical site visits, working with businesses to get them into compliance. Education on organic waste is always needed as well. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated the importance of having access to green bins in public spaces like the Village. Serena Lee stated that green bins may have been moved from where they are supposed to be located. Hilary Ego stated that the issue of organic bins can be brought up in the Downtown Village Specific Plan meeting. Christina Potter stated that many multi-family properties do not have green bins accessible. Serena Lee stated that every multi-family unit is reported to have one as stated by EDCO. An audit is done to see where the most need is. Ricky Williams stated the potential to survey multi-family homes or outline a process for this that would be helpful to existing work. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated the potential for an all-encompassing subcommittee on waste recovery and questioned the food recovery initiatives occurring. Serena Lee stated that the State Law SB 1383 requires large edible food generators such as restaurants, hotels, schools, to donate the largest amount of food they are able to instead of throwing it away. Hilary Ego questioned if there was room in the budget for a presentation to the ESC. Serena Lee stated there was no room in the 6 Page 9 of 12 budget but that she could handle a presentation on the matter. Amanda- Dawn Natalia stated this would be very helpful. Discussion on Equity Framework Subcommittee Hilary Ego stated the opportunity to conduct best practice research and support the work Lainey Bloom (CivicSpark Fellow) is working on for an equity framework recommendation. Ricky questioned what Lainey Bloom (CivicSpark Fellow) would specifically need support on for an equity framework memo. Brianna Coston questioned if the memo would go to council. Hilary Ego stated the memo could go a couple different ways and that the need of an equity framework would be defined. Dasmine McFarlin stated interest in joining an equity framework subcommittee. Barbara stated she would join the subcommittee. Motion: To vote on creating an alternative transportation infrastructure recommendations Ad Hoc Subcommittee with Commissioner Nooristani, Chair Williams, Vice Chair Natalia to sunset in two months. Moved by Commissioner Nooristani Seconded by Vice Chair Natalia Vote: 6-1 Ayes: McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Bourton Motion Approved Motion: To vote on creating an ad hoc subcommittee to support the development of the E-bike incentive and education program and application consisting of Chair Williams and Commissioner McFarlin. Moved by Chair Williams Seconded by Commissioner McFarlin Vote: 6-1 Ayes: McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Bourton Motion Approved 7 Page 10 of 12 Motion: To vote on creating an ad hoc subcommittee to support the creation of an equity framework with Commissioner Shustek and Commissioner McFarlin. Moved by Commissioner McFarlin Seconded by Commissioner Shustek Vote: 6-1 Ayes: McFarlin, Natalia, Sellinger, Shustek, Williams Noes: None Abstain: None Absent: Bourton Motion Approved 7. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS Hilary Ego highlighted overarching projects. She stated to save the date of the La Mesa Earth Day Fair on April 19th from 11am-3pm and that the City would appreciate help from commissioners at the event to table at the CAP team table. She stated that CivicSpark Fellows Lainey and Logan will be coordinating volunteers for the Kid Zone and that this can be open to students and other people interested. She stated that commissioners can forward the save the date information to vendors that are interested in tabling at the event. Brianna Coston stated that the school district brought electric school busses last year and that Parkway’s environmental club was in attendance, and it could be good for Murray Manor’s green team to be there as well. Hilary Ego stated she is currently working on energy projects for the City, tree education programs with Tree San Diego, expansion of the Green Business Network led by Lainey (CivicSpark Fellow). She stated if the commission knows of any businesses that would be interested in the program to direct them towards the CAP team. Serena Lee stated that EDCO offered to show a maximum of 10 commission members their materials recovery facility, where recycling is dropped off. This would likely occur on a workday. She also stated the potential for people to visit the facility in Escondido where organics are incinerated in digestors. There was interest for both site visits. She stated she will get potential dates to be sent out. Serena Lee stated that the first working group meeting for the EV Charging Station Master Plan was held last Thursday, consisting of members from commissions and boards. She stated her gratitude for members joining. There is a survey through survey monkey and an interactive map where pins can be placed for desired locations of EV charging stations, both located on the website. 8 Page 11 of 12 Hilary Ego stated to please fill the survey out regardless of if people own an EV. Serena Lee stated the master plan is intended for the City to have a top 10 priority list of where grants can be applied. Private property could be supported with the plan and potentially policy. Ricky Williams stated that he attended the meeting and would encourage this to be shared with people that have less involvement with EVs. An outcome of this could be to demystify EVs and make them more approachable. Brianna Coston stated that adding the topic of the type of charger being installed to the survey could be beneficial. Amanda-Dawn Natalia stated the importance of framing the survey as more clearly open to everyone. Jack Sellinger stated he wanted to understand the infrastructure required for EV chargers and if solar panels are involved. Ricky Williams stated that the process can be extensive with significant infrastructure needed for high voltage. Public street charging can be easier with existing electricity to tap into. Ricky Williams and Hilary Ego stated the potential for EV arcs, which charge EVs with solar panels. Brianna Coston, Jack Sellinger, Ricky Williams and Barbara Shustek stated hurdles in electrical upgrades that are needed and accessibility issues in apartment complexes. Serena Lee stated that Litter Free La mesa dates have been released with February 22nd as the first event. Last year, 958 pounds of litter was removed and 239 total volunteers showed up. Litter Free La Mesa will transition to the responsibility of the new Community Cleanup Coordinator. Serena Lee stated the City came to the end of their contract with I Love A Clean San Diego for the organic waste program at schools. In 2024, 10,000 students and 500 staff were educated on organics and edible food recovery. Solana Center is now stepping in for edible food recovery work. More clothing swaps and fix-it clinics will be coming soon. Ricky Williams stated a recommendation of the Climate One podcast and discussed their recent episode on the LA fires. Barbara Shustek and Ricky Williams stated the issue of battery fires and the negative connotations that arise from them. 8. ADJOURNMENT Chair Ricky Williams adjourned the meeting at 7:19 PM. 9 Page 12 of 12

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