Green Team

Morgantown Municipal Green Team Minutes, Nov. 6, 2017 Attending: Jim Kotcon, Jing Zhang, Karen Kalafat, Barry Wendell, Krisha Redillas (WVU Environmental Design and Psychology), Joe Kanosky, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Judith Wilkinson, Janis Gunel, and Erdogan Gunel In the absence of the chair, reports were received and an informal discussion was held among participants. Recycling: Karen Kalafat sent a list of questions to Republic Services regarding its recycling plans. Karen will ask the City Manager to verify quarterly reports on recycling, what problems are reported, and what to do to improve commercial recycling. The current recycling flyer from Republic still does not list glass as an accepted item. Downstream Strategies will be preparing a report on city recycling programs. Hydropower Dam: The City and WV-DEP have appealed the issuance of a license to FERC due to the inadequate guarantees to protect the Rail Trail and the lack of 401 Certification provisions. Richard Mine: Funds were awarded to treat acid mine drainage. Joey discussed a report on that project, Transportation: Jonathon Rosenbaum discussed funds awarded to WV from the VW settlement ($12,000,000). Jonathon said he talked to Perry McCutcheon of the WV-DOH Planning office. WV must apply for the funds by Dec. 1, and beneficiaries must demonstrate that funded projects improve air quality. Projects discussed included using up to 15 % of funds for charging stations, replacing diesel buses with electric or more efficient diesel. We want 100 % ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicles). Climate Team: Plans are being developed to meet the City’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. Rick L. will contact the Tree Board to get an estimate of potential carbon captured by tree growth. Additional investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy were discussed. Next meeting of the committee is Nov. 13. LEED: Jing announced that he will be getting LEED certified in Sustainable Neighborhoods and Resilient Cities. He will circulate topics to the Green Team. Other: Barry Wendell discussed “Blue Zones”, places where people live to 100 and are happier. The City has established a health and Wellness Commission. Meeting adjourned at 6:52 PM. Submitted by Jim Kotcon