Committee on Intergovernmental Relations

Regular Meeting

Lansing, MI · March 13, 2019

Minutes

MINUTES Committee on Intergovernmental Relations Wednesday, March 13, 2019 @ 8:30 a.m. Council Conference Room, City Hall CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 8:31 a.m. ROLL CALL Council Member Brian T. Jackson, Chairperson Council Member Jeremy Garza, Vice Chairperson Councilmember Kathie Dunbar, Member - absent OTHERS PRESENT LaSondra Crenshaw, Council Staff Joe Abood, Assistant City Attorney Sharon Bannon, Citizen Marshall Clabeaux, Citizen Randy Dykhuis, Citizen PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS No Public Comment Introductions MINUTES MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 27, 2019 WIL BE APPROVED AT THE NEXT MEETING MARCH 27, 2019 DISCUSSION – Other Municipal Climate Action Plans Council Member Jackson advised the group that today they would be discussing what the Lansing climate action plan could look like compared to others. The city of East Lansing developed their climate plan in 2012, and they targeted five areas. He stated the group would look over other cities climate plans with Ann and see what they do and don’t like. Mr. Clabeaux suggested they narrow the focus to Midwest climate action plans and they should link with cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City. Mr. Dykhuis asked what exactly Ann Erhardt will be delivering. Council Member Jackson stated that when looking at various climate action plans most start with a resolution, with that being said they should start with an authorizing resolution that speaks on plans/expectations and a timeline. Council Member Jackson then asked council staff to provide him with a copy of the 2017 resolution that was passed regarding climate action plan. The requested resolution was provided during the meeting. Ms. Bannon stated they need to figure out how to get people informed about the Intergovernmental Relations meetings. Council Member Jackson advised he does use his personal Facebook page to provide information however it is very limited. During the last meeting the group mentioned putting a notice on the City page, however law advised that could be a violation of the Open Meetings Act. Mr. Clabeaux asked Mr. Abood if they could make a Facebook page labeled Climate Action Plan, and the city could also share the information on their Facebook page. Mr. Abood advised we could use the city webpage and provide a link, however they have to be very careful not to violate the Open Meetings Act. Council Member Jackson stated the plan they are looking at would include more than greenhouse emissions. He felt it would be important that people know they already have a commitment. Council Member Garza asked what Ann’s official start date is. Mr. Abood reference the contract provided and stated the contract would not be approved by law in the form presently presented. The contract would have to be in the correct form in order for the city to adopt. He stated this should be addressed, not changing bench marks but it will have to be in a format that the city could approve. Council Member Garza asked if Ann would be able to write grants. Mr. Clabeaux stated that per the contract she would be able to and it would be beneficial. Council Member Jackson informed the group that at the next meeting they would go over the resolution, and have law provide an update on the contract for Ann Erhardt. The next meeting was set for March 27, 2019. Adjourned at 9:31 a.m. Submitted by, LaSondra Crenshaw, Administrative Assistant Lansing City Council Approved March 27, 2019

Agenda

AGENDA Committee on Intergovernmental Relations Wednesday, March 13, 2019 @ 8:30 a.m. Council Conference Room, City Hall 10th Floor Council Member Brian T. Jackson, Chair Council Member Jeremy Garza, Vice Chair Council Member Kathie Dunbar, Member 1. Call to Order 2. Public Comment 3. Approval of Minutes February 27, 2019 4. Discussion/Action: A.) DISCUSSION – Other Municipal Climate Action Plans 5. Other 6. Adjourn DRAFT MINUTES Committee on Intergovernmental Relations Wednesday, February 27, 2019 @ 8:30 a.m. Council Conference Room, City Hall CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 8:40 a.m. ROLL CALL Council Member Brian T. Jackson, Chairperson Council Member Jeremy Garza, Vice Chairperson - excused Councilmember Kathie Dunbar, Member OTHERS PRESENT LaSondra Crenshaw, Council Staff Joe Abood, Assistant City Attorney Andy Kilpatrick Sharon Bannon, Citizen Marshall Clabeaux, Citizen Laura Sager, Citizen Anna Fisher, Citizen PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS No Public Comment Introductions MINUTES MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMEBER DUNBAR TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 13, 2019. MOTION PASSED 2-0 DRAFT RESOLUTION – City of Lansing Climate Action Planning Mr. Kilpatrick advised there has been some changes regarding dates, and billing procedures. Standard billing was fifty percent up front and the remaining fifty percent at the conclusion of the project. Ms. Fisher stated she is hoping Lansing will have a full time energy manager, as we wouldn’t want to stop with a nine month contractual agreement. She feels as if the council members, and mayor believe this will be too expensive, however she feels we cannot afford to not do it. Council Member Dunbar stated she feels it’s the expense that scares everyone, however there are some inexpensive things that we could do. Council Member Dunbar stated she is pushing for a Sustainability Manager, who would be responsible for checking in every department to see who would be the best contact. She also suggested creating a FB page to get input from others. Mr. Abood advised that the Case law states that you don’t have to comment for it to be considered a deliberation, if two or more people from the same committee, or five or more people from the City Council comment it would violate the Open Meetings Act. However there could be a link on the City page that provides information regarding the climate action plan project, and possibly make it so the public could make comments. Council Member Jackson agreed that our climate action plan should have a clause about continuing education. Mr. Clabeaux suggested three recommendations the first being a full time Community Energy Manager as that would be a vital role, secondly incorporate Green Core programs that are currently being put to use in Chicago, and lastly initiate a Volunteer Support Network. Mr. Clabeaux also suggested an incentive program for first time home buyers that would include a free roof, windows, furnace, or water heater which could possibly motivate more people to buy homes in Lansing. Ms. Fisher suggested we have a town hall that would serve to educate the public. Council Member Jackson added that it’s possible that our plan will grow the foundation. Council Member Jackson asked the group what should be discussed at the next meeting. Should they discuss what we need to do to prepare for the person who is hired, or do we continue to work on our climate action plan. It was decided that at the next meeting the discussion will be about the Climate Action Plan in other states. Ms. Sager suggested that once someone is hired it would be helpful if they come to an Intergovernmental Relations meeting and provide information regarding plans, etc. And possibly invite speakers for a community forum MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER DUNBAR TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION WITH THE FOLLOWING CHANGES ADDED TO THE PARAGRAPH NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: **With the understanding that the balance of the contract shall be paid by Public Services Department** FOR THE CITY OF LANSING CLIMATE ACTION PLANNING PROJECT TO SET PUBLIC HEARING MARCH 11, 2019. MOTION PASSED 2-0 The next meeting was set for March 13, 2019. Adjourned at 9:33 a.m. Submitted by, LaSondra Crenshaw, Administrative Assistant Lansing City Council Approved ___________________