Sustainability Council

City of Lowell – Sustainability Council Lowell Sustainability Council Agenda Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm Mayor’s Reception Room, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852 & via Zoom Meeting: https://lowellma.zoom.us/meeting/tZMlcOGurzoqG9J8y6TgbUK5DexyigAHw8K3/ics?icsToken=9 8tyKuGvpjwiHNWUsBiBRpwEGo_CWe7zmH5fjfp3xAazNydRVyijEudaK7t4MfDH Meeting ID: 878 7861 1016 Passcode: 604786 Optional dial-in number: +1 646 558 8656 US Present City of Lowell Sustainability Director, Katherine Moses Sustainability Council Chair, Mikaela Hondros-McCarthy Member AnaCristina Fragoso (present via Zoom) Member Cormac Hondros-McCarthy (present via Zoom) Attendee, Bryan Molinari Attendee, Greg Studwell Attendee, Jay Mason Attendee, Walter J. Hurley Attendee, Kevin Soleil City of Lowell Sustainability Coordinator/Attendee, Cynthia Hagan I. Minutes for Approval January meeting minutes February meeting minutes A motion was made to approve the January minutes. Member C. Hondros-McCarthy made a motion to accept the minutes. Member Fragoso seconded the approval of the minutes. Attendee, Kevin Soleil indicated that his last name was misspelled throughout the minutes and asked for the correction to be made across all minutes. All voted in favor. There were no abstentions or objections. A motion was made to approve the February minutes. Member C. Hondros McCarthy made a motion to accept the minutes. Member Fragoso seconded the approval of the minutes. All voted in favor. There were no abstentions or objections. II. New Business a. Bike Friendly City Application (Member Soleil and Director Moses) Attendee Soleil indicated the members took a collective look at the application process and indicated that it was substantial. He hopes to work with the city planner on its completion. Director Moses reported that she had spoken with the Transportation Director, Elizabeth Oltman and she indicated that Transportation Director Oltman would be happy to attend a future sustainability council meeting and speak to some of the transportation initiatives her  City of Lowell – Sustainability Council Lowell Sustainability Council Agenda Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm Mayor’s Reception Room, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852 & via Zoom Meeting: https://lowellma.zoom.us/meeting/tZMlcOGurzoqG9J8y6TgbUK5DexyigAHw8K3/ics?icsToken=9 8tyKuGvpjwiHNWUsBiBRpwEGo_CWe7zmH5fjfp3xAazNydRVyijEudaK7t4MfDH Meeting ID: 878 7861 1016 Passcode: 604786 Optional dial-in number: +1 646 558 8656 US division is working on. Attendee Soleil was amenable to this but preferred all correspondence come through his personal email account KevinWSoleil@gmail.com. Attendee Soleil indicated that he would be absent for the next sustainability council meeting but would be willing to meet with the transportation director prior. Attendee Soleil invited former Member Studwell to continue to be involved in this project as it was an ongoing area of interest. There was a question as to whether his involvement would be appropriate as he recently resigned. It was decided that his involvement as a citizen of Lowell would be appropriate. Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy indicated that she was also interested and would like to attend as well. Member Fragoso stated she would also like to attend the bike mobility meeting. Attendee Mason asked to be copied regarding this meeting in case he could attend. Director Moses suggested that since Attendee Soleil was leading this initiative and would not be available for the April sustainability council meeting, that it might be preferable to schedule Transportation Director Oltman’s attendance at the May sustainability council meeting as a featured speaker. Director Moses further indicated that she could forward the bike friendly city application to the transportation director to review in the meantime. Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy indicated that the application was due at the end of June and a May meeting might be too late. She requested an email introduction so the sustainability council could set up a meeting prior to the May sustainability council meeting with interested members. Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy suggested that everyone present make introductions as many attendees were new to the sustainability council. b. LSC City website and communications for advocacy roles Following introductions, Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy, moved forward to discuss LSC communications and the City website. She indicated that the previous administrator for the LSC’s Facebook page, Sophie Mortimer, did not leave the login and password information. Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy further expressed that the City might need to hack into the former administrator’s email in an effort to access those permissions. She asked Energy Coordinator Cynthia Hagan if that’s something she would be able to accomplish. Coordinator Hagan indicated that when dealing with personal information, Facebook privacy rules would obstruct access and the most appropriate way to access this information was through Sophie Mortimer. Director Moses indicated that when Administrator Mortimer left the City, she did  City of Lowell – Sustainability Council Lowell Sustainability Council Agenda Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm Mayor’s Reception Room, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852 & via Zoom Meeting: https://lowellma.zoom.us/meeting/tZMlcOGurzoqG9J8y6TgbUK5DexyigAHw8K3/ics?icsToken=9 8tyKuGvpjwiHNWUsBiBRpwEGo_CWe7zmH5fjfp3xAazNydRVyijEudaK7t4MfDH Meeting ID: 878 7861 1016 Passcode: 604786 Optional dial-in number: +1 646 558 8656 US not leave forwarding contact information. Director Moses suggested we contact MIS to see if they could access this data and reattribute admin permissions. Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy asked that the administration privileges be transferred to her. Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy indicated that a separate communications issue was how the LSC could be found using Google. She elaborated that when you “Google Lowell sustainability council,” though the current City Sustainability Council page lists first, the second page listed is an outdated page. Sustainability Director, Moses suggested that the team follow-up with MIS to see if this could be corrected. c. Status of the Community Choice Aggregation contract Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy then asked Sustainability Director, Moses for an update on the status on the community aggregation contract. Director Moses reported she made a recommendation to the City that they remain at 45% as the default, but have the option, once permitted by the DPU or pending legislation, to offer up to 100% for those who want to go further in their climate goals. She further recommended an option above the required renewable percentages at 5% for those who may be struggling financially and might not be eligible for any assistance programs. Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy asked if there was anything Director Moses could share about the terms of the contract, such as the term length. Director Moses stated that the term length was 3 years as that provides the best market stability. She further stated that the winning bid indicated a 5% increase, while other surrounding towns have seen a 50% increase. Once the City has the appropriate permissions, Director Moses indicated that the City could launch an educational campaign to make sure the public is aware of the options. Attendee Mason asked if the City knew how the 5% increase stacks up against National Grid’s regular rate. Director Moses indicated that it is lower than National Grid’s winter rate but higher than their summer rate. However, on balance, the aggregation contract gives the city stability and allows for the integration of more green energy than National Grid has as their default. Attendee Mason then asked if the city rate compares favorably with the National Grid rate. Director Moses reported that from her understanding, it does compare favorably. However, she would get more definitive information for the next meeting.  City of Lowell – Sustainability Council Lowell Sustainability Council Agenda Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm Mayor’s Reception Room, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852 & via Zoom Meeting: https://lowellma.zoom.us/meeting/tZMlcOGurzoqG9J8y6TgbUK5DexyigAHw8K3/ics?icsToken=9 8tyKuGvpjwiHNWUsBiBRpwEGo_CWe7zmH5fjfp3xAazNydRVyijEudaK7t4MfDH Meeting ID: 878 7861 1016 Passcode: 604786 Optional dial-in number: +1 646 558 8656 US Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy asked Katherine Moses to clarify the timing of the contract. Director Moses reported that the new pricing will start in December and will extend for 36 months. They do not yet have a timeframe as to when the DPU will rule on their petition in terms of offering multiple products. She further indicated legislation is moving forward that would address this issue as well, and the City remains optimistic on both fronts. d. Lowell Forward Plan review and integration with our current goals Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy then moved to discuss the Lowell Forward Plan and asked Director Moses to discuss the sustainability goals included within the plan. Director Moses indicated that the goals embedded in the plan move the city of Lowell toward the Commonwealth’s goal of being net zero by 2050, as well as toward engaging those who may experience the greatest energy burden and climate impacts. As a follow-up Director Moses indicated that she would be willing to print out the portion of the action plan that incorporates sustainability and speak to that from a City standpoint in a future meeting. Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy indicated that the Lowell Forward plan also included a bike mobility, energy efficiency and housing and there was much within it that could be incorporated into the sustainability council’s goals. e. Upcoming events i. National Grid Customer Savings Event, 4/1 from 4-7 @ Morey The National Grid customer savings event is on April 1, 2024. Director Moses indicated that the purpose of this event was to connect people with resources to make energy more affordable. National Grid has representatives onsite along with Victor Vargas, the City energy advocate, to support people in applying for the discount rate and in signing up for the aggregation. Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy asked if there was a digital link the sustainability council could forward to interested parties. Director Moses indicated that National Grid had created event flyers in the city’s four primary languages and would forward those. She further indicated that National Grid has also been communicating with customers via email and text messaging regarding the event. III. Continued Business a. LSC budget request- follow up Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy requested a follow-up regarding the Sustainability Council’s budget and reimbursement requests. Director Moses reported that City budget hearings begin in April. There was no information regarding the status of reimbursement requests for the previous year.  City of Lowell – Sustainability Council Lowell Sustainability Council Agenda Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm Mayor’s Reception Room, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852 & via Zoom Meeting: https://lowellma.zoom.us/meeting/tZMlcOGurzoqG9J8y6TgbUK5DexyigAHw8K3/ics?icsToken=9 8tyKuGvpjwiHNWUsBiBRpwEGo_CWe7zmH5fjfp3xAazNydRVyijEudaK7t4MfDH Meeting ID: 878 7861 1016 Passcode: 604786 Optional dial-in number: +1 646 558 8656 US Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy indicated that she would follow up with Director Moses regarding the reimbursement request issue one week from today. b. LSC Goals for 2024 (Body) Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy reported that the LSC had reached a consensus for their 2024 goals after a process led by former Chair Jay Mason. However, since there were new members and attendees, Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy asked for further input. Attendee Jay Mason suggested that a copy of the previously defined goals be circulated for review to allow for ample time to consider goal modification. Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy indicated that she would share this document as well as the link to the Lowell Forward Plan and the bike friendly community application. Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy then asked Attendee Jay Mason if he would like to expand on an opportunity within E for L. Attendee Jay Mason indicated that he did not currently have that information but that it was something that could be helpful in moving Lowell toward energy efficiency goals. Director Moses indicated the organization has monthly meetings and both sustainability members and representatives of the City have attended those meetings. c. Follow up on Grant updates sent by Katherine & items of interest Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy asked Director Moses to provide an update regarding grant progress. Director Moses indicated that the sustainability division closed out the Green Communities Grant making the City eligible for the next round of funding from Green Communities. The City is also applying for a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Grant. This project, led by Lowell City planners, will be a ‘sponge park’ that incorporates green infrastructure elements. Its purpose is not only to add green infrastructure to Lowell but also to showcase resiliency possibilities. The City is also moving forward with grants that support Lowell’s energy advocate position. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant will fund weatherization at city hall and several schools. The regular Community Development Block Grant will fund weatherization of the library and several municipal fire stations. Lowell recently received the executed grant for GAP III grant to install energy efficient transformers at wastewater. The City also recently secured a $4.2 million Indoor Ventilation and Air Quality grant to install new chillers in five schools. Lowell was selected as one of three communities for EPA’s Climate Resilience Schools Technical Assistance Grant. In addition, Lowell was chosen as the first National Grid community to pilot a networked geothermal demonstration.  City of Lowell – Sustainability Council Lowell Sustainability Council Agenda Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm Mayor’s Reception Room, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852 & via Zoom Meeting: https://lowellma.zoom.us/meeting/tZMlcOGurzoqG9J8y6TgbUK5DexyigAHw8K3/ics?icsToken=9 8tyKuGvpjwiHNWUsBiBRpwEGo_CWe7zmH5fjfp3xAazNydRVyijEudaK7t4MfDH Meeting ID: 878 7861 1016 Passcode: 604786 Optional dial-in number: +1 646 558 8656 US The City of Lowell was approached by students from Andover regarding a technical assistance grant from FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure technical assistance program. The idea is that FEMA would help Lowell craft something that would be competitive for their monetary grants. Director Moses indicated that she was in the final completion stages to submit a grant proposal for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, requesting $9.7 million for our RELIEF concept (Reducing Emissions in Lowell through Infrastructure and Efficiency First). The proposed concept focuses on reducing GHG reductions in our schools, with a path to electrification across our school portfolio by 2050. Attendee Mason indicated that he would like to note that the meeting had ten minutes left and there were more things to get through on the agenda. Therefore, Director Moses ended her update. d. Follow up on Sustainability updates for LSC & items of interest No further discussion by members or attendees. IV. LSC Subcommittee Updates (add/remove) a. Recycling Member Fragoso indicated the most current recycling meeting was cancelled and asked for the next tentative date. Director Moses indicated that she would circulate a doodle poll to try and get a tentative next date for the Recycling Director and DPW Commissioner. b. Communications No further discussion by members or attendees. c. Road to 100/Community Choice Aggregation No further discussion by members or attendees. d. Heat Island No further discussion by members or attendees.  City of Lowell – Sustainability Council Lowell Sustainability Council Agenda Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm Mayor’s Reception Room, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852 & via Zoom Meeting: https://lowellma.zoom.us/meeting/tZMlcOGurzoqG9J8y6TgbUK5DexyigAHw8K3/ics?icsToken=9 8tyKuGvpjwiHNWUsBiBRpwEGo_CWe7zmH5fjfp3xAazNydRVyijEudaK7t4MfDH Meeting ID: 878 7861 1016 Passcode: 604786 Optional dial-in number: +1 646 558 8656 US e. Electric Vehicles Member C. Hondros-McCarthy queried regarding the Tesla supercharger that is being installed; he clarified that it was located by the 99 Restaurant. Director Moses indicated that this charger was owned by a private entity and the City has no affiliation. Member C. Hondros-McCarthy further questioned whether any projects involving EV charging were being undertaken by the City. Director Moses clarified that the city was not currently working on EV projects. However, they are examining the potential for the Community Charging Grant within the Bipartisan Infrastructure law when the opportunity opens. Attendee Mason indicated it might be possible for Member C. Hondros-McCarthy to contact the building department to see if there are any permits for work down at the Crosspoint sites. Member C. Hondros-McCarthy stated if there was nothing the Sustainability Council could do to accelerate it, there was no point in checking. Chair M. Hondros-McCarthy indicated that a charger was just installed at 555 Merrimack so residents there have direct access to a charging station. She further indicated that a colleague had obtained a grant to work with community-based organizations to educate the public regarding EV rebates. She indicated that if Director Moses knew of any community-based organizations or other interested parties, there was the possibility of a free educational webinar regarding rebates for new electric vehicles. Member Fragoso indicated that she charges her car at work for free and has a level-two charger at her home. She queried as to what fees were being charged by the City for electric charging. Director Moses indicated that city-owned chargers do not charge for electricity, but only charge a fee to park in that space. However, due to the status of the parking enterprise fund, the City is considering a charge to cover a portion of those costs and networking fees. Member C. Hondros- McCarthy indicated that since using EV charging stations is a cheaper alternative to gas, it makes sense that the City begin to charge for those services. He suggested monies obtained via this avenue be utilized to install more EV charging stations throughout the city. f. Bicycle/Pedestrian Mobility No further discussion by members or attendees. g. Lowell High School  City of Lowell – Sustainability Council Lowell Sustainability Council Agenda Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 6:30 pm Mayor’s Reception Room, City Hall, 375 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 01852 & via Zoom Meeting: https://lowellma.zoom.us/meeting/tZMlcOGurzoqG9J8y6TgbUK5DexyigAHw8K3/ics?icsToken=9 8tyKuGvpjwiHNWUsBiBRpwEGo_CWe7zmH5fjfp3xAazNydRVyijEudaK7t4MfDH Meeting ID: 878 7861 1016 Passcode: 604786 Optional dial-in number: +1 646 558 8656 US Attendee Mason asked for update regarding Lowell High School solar. Director Moses reported the project had recently received approval by the City Council and the contracts had been signed by all the appropriate parties. That site moved into a 45-day impact study to allow National Grid to assess if additional upgrades would be necessary before it could be put online. The solar vendor and OPM for the high school have already begun talks about how to expedite this process after the school is handed over to the City. Estimates are that it will be online in the fall of 2024. Chair M. Hondros- McCarthy asked Director Moses if there was anything that could be shared about the terms of the lease or pricing on the solar for the high school. Director Moses indicated that she would gather this information. V. Adjournment Member Fragoso made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Member C. Hondros-McCarthy seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 8:03 PM.