Green Team

Morgantown Green Team 13 January 2020 Morgantown Public Library Facilitator: Jim Kotcon Note Taker: Caitlyn Lewis ATTENDEES Jim Kotcon; Chair, Pam Cubberly; Vice Chair, Karan Kalafat, Steven Knudsen, Mark Brazaitis, Joe Kanosky, Sarah Cayton, Vanessa Reaves, and Caitlyn Lewis UPDATES Mark shared a letter he prepared on behalf of the Green Team in support of Morgantown Monongalia Planning Organization’s proposed plan for interconnected bike/hiking trails. 1 Steven suggested “quality of life” be added. The Team approved the addition Action: The Green Team approved the amended letter to be sent to City Manager Paul Brake and the City Council. The team discussed progress on the green business proposal presented to the team last fall by WVU Eberly College faculty Andrea Soccorsi and her students. Sarah suggested refining qualifications for a business to be a “green business” before sending the proposal to the city council. Action: Pam and Vanessa suggested having an RRR meeting to discuss next steps with the project. Jim supported the RRR group meeting and proposed that discussions involve the recognition of businesses, simplification of the project, and a plan for sustainability going forward with the goal of presenting the project to the City Council this year. Pam informed the team that interviews with several applicants for the recycling manager position are ongoing. She proposed developing a list of potentially useful contact information and general statistics that the Green Team can provide to Emily Muzzarelli and the selected recycling manager candidate. Karen was supportive of the idea. Joe suggested meeting with the recycling manager first before sending any information over to see what will be of most use. Jim and Joe agreed that the next step with the City’s implementation of IAC recommendations is to find out specifics on what has been implemented to date so the team can make suggestions moving forward. Steven asked that streetlight color and brightness is taken into consideration to prevent harming animal populations. Jim relayed to the team that Mon Power is scheduled to communicate with the Public Service Commission regarding the implementation of a tariff for LED street lights by February 15, or an explanation for why they do not believe it to be feasible. Action: Jim agreed to meet with Damien Davis, Chief Engineer to get more information on what actions the City has already taken and what future plans are. 1 See Appendix A New Business Jim informed the team that the Beechurst power plant, Morgantown Energy Associates, is technically closed, however, it is still supplying steam and hot water to WVU and electricity to Mon Power. Jim received some updated data for the Climate Action Plan and plans to be ready to present those data by the Feb 3. Green Team Meeting. Pam presented updates to the team’s Long-Term Strategy Plan including adding the phrase “global warming” the team suggested using (the term “climate change” instead), changes to the list of projects for 2020, changes to Appendix A: the list of the Green Team Activities and Results (2007-2019), updates to descriptions of officer duties, and additions to the list of accomplishments since 2007. Action: The team approved the changes to date, including bio information for members and updates to officer duties; the final version will be forwarded to Paul Brake, City Manager for approval. Pam will purchase public display equipment as approved by the team late last year. Jim presented a draft of the annual report to the team and asked if any additions were necessary. Vanessa requested the addition of the pilot project with WVU Sustainability Office, Karen mentioned adding the collaboration of the team with the university, and the collaboration with stakeholders in the community with respect to solid waste. Action: The team approved of the additions, Vanessa agreed to prepare a statement on the pilot project, and Jim prepared to make changes in order to have a final version by Wednesday Jan. 15. Jim suggested a vote on the approval of Caitlyn Lewis as a new member. Action: The team approved Caitlyn as a new member of the Green Team. The meeting adjourned at 7:10pm. Appendix A: -A Team pproved Letter on MMPO’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan January 13, 2020 Dear Members of the Morgantown City Council and City Manager Paul Brake, The Morgantown Green Team supports the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. There are a number of compelling reasons to do so: ● By offering a network of trails and pathways for non-motorized transportation, Morgantown and Mon County would provide alternative ways for residents to commute to work, travel to schools and stores, and otherwise access a variety of areas in the city and county. This would reduce the amount of automobile traffic on our already overcrowded and stressed roads. ● A network of bicycle and pedestrian pathways would provide more access to healthy lifestyle choices such as walking, running, hiking, and biking. It is a widely cited fact that West Virginia has the highest rate of obesity in the country. With new routes devoted to pedestrians and bicycles, we would be doing our part to reduce obesity. In addition, it would improve the overall quality of life of residents. ● In encouraging transportation by foot and bicycle, Morgantown and Mon County would reduce the amount of greenhouse gases our area emits and thereby contribute to the worldwide effort to combat climate change. ● A network of bicycle and pedestrian pathways would distinguish our area from other communities in West Virginia and beyond and thereby encourage more tourism, which would be a boon to local businesses. ● The plan would provide bicyclists and pedestrians with safer transportation alternatives. They would not have to ride as frequently on city and county roads and streets, where they are extremely vulnerable to accidents. In its overarching effort to make our community healthier, safer, more connected, and less dependent on motorized transportation, the MMPO’s plan is most welcome. The Green Team supports it enthusiastically. Sincerely, Jim Kotcon Chair, Morgantown Municipal Green Team CC: Monongalia County Commission, MMPO