Green Building Task Force

GREEN BUILDING TASK FORCE October 17, 2012 Environmental Resource Center 290 E. Central Street 1:30 p.m. PRESENT: Task Force Members: Jeff Barber, Neil Brady, King Coltrin, Melissa Cox, Lisa Drew-Alton, Emily Fox, Jason Hainline, Jennifer McClure, Zach Miller, Jared Rasmussen, Joel Thomas Technical Resources: Barbara Lucks, Jason Bekebrede, Vanessa Brandon, Chris Coulter, Matt O’Reilly, Cara Shaefer, Chris Straw ABSENT: Task Force Members: Ronda Headland, Brad Kielhofner, Michael Nesbitt, Harlan Hill GUESTS: Amos Bridges, News-Leader STAFF: Greg Burris – City Manager, Fred Marty – Deputy City Manager, Tim Smith – Greene County Administrator, Kimberly White – City of Springfield, Tana Pulles – City of Springfield Welcome Greg Burris, City Manager for the City of Springfield, opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. in the Environmental Resource Center, 290 E. Central Street, welcoming task force and community members in attendance. Greg Burris spoke to the attendees about the importance of the Green Building Task Force in relation to Springfield/Greene County being a development friendly community. Greg shared comments made by Dr. Carl Brooks, Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 Director, at the Environmental Resource Center dedication and ribbon cutting held earlier in the month. The comments made by Dr. Brooks were as follows: “Springfield has set the mark for communities in the heartland. Your pointing the way forward to think holistically about all of our resources; people, water, land and soil. Communities strive when all their parts are working together and this ERC will help Springfield better understand how to work with their natural environment so everyone benefits. Springfield people must have something in their DNA that makes them embrace environmental quality and understand how it fits together with economic vitality. You folks aren’t afraid to try new things. You think new thoughts. You explore new frontiers. All of us in the heartland can learn good lessons by thinking like Springfield folks.” Tim Smith read the “official charge” of the Green Building Task Force to the group which states “To investigate and evaluate the latest green building policies, procedures and ordinances and recommend their application to the regional development.” Introductions Self introductions were given including all attendees by name, company and/or organization represented. 1 Discussion of Sunshine Law Requirements Following introductions, Barbara Lucks, Sustainability Officer for the City of Springfield, welcomed the attendees and briefly discussed the Sunshine Law and meetings held/to be held. Barbara read to the attendees from section 610.20 of the Missouri Sunshine Law, to include items related to meeting notices, postings, minutes, electronic messages relating to the task force and other items related to the Missouri Sunshine Law and the task force. The website http://ago.mo.gov/pdf/MissouriSunshineLaw.pdf was given as a resource for more information. Input from Task Force Members Barbara gave an overview of the Task Force process with the group. She discussed, relating to green building, Where we are? (level of awareness – where we see the city), Where do we want to be? (what the City is doing relating to the task force members thoughts on green building), What other cities are doing? (reference to task list sent out to task force members). Some discussion topics will include: permitting process as it pertains to green building; techniques; guideline standards; codes; benchmark cities (cities similar to our city) and premier cities (outstanding cities – may not be benchmark cities); cost and benefits; criteria; and/or formula – basically to move this forward in a cost effective manner; incentives to accelerate green projects; community education campaign. Open Comment Session During the open comment session, the following topics were discussed: Codes and regulations are: • Not conducive to development needs (i.e. stormwater detention) • Codes - are they current? – are they compatible with green building practices? • There appears to be a disconnect between organizations • Curb/gutter regulations can be problematic • Give consideration to learning curve with innovative developments • Differentiate traditional development with green touches to that of true green development • Consider both city and county jurisdictions • Green site design has been a successful component • Elements of green building that can be standardized are desired • A possible green site design template would be helpful • Make available a committee of managers to assist with green development in areas such as resources, education etc. • City regulations typically do not align with latest design standards. Look for innovative ideas to keep city abreast of new design standards • Green building calls for more regulation than present city standards have in place • Lack of developer incentives or promotion on the part of city and/or county is seen as an impediment to green development • Present roadblock of PD incorporated into preliminary process. Next Steps Barbara gave a brief update of items reviewed in the discussions. A time-table was given to identify other cities with good ideas – this would help to identify the who’s, what’s and how’s of other cities. The group was given the option to choose whether to work as groups or as individuals, with the decision being working on an individual basis at this point. 2 The group homework assignment was made; identify cities with good practices, ideas, and/or incentives to be considered by the group for adoption in Springfield. Attendees were asked to email the cities to Barbara to begin a list for review at the next meeting. Next Meeting Date Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the next meeting was discussed and scheduled for Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.. Adjourned The meeting was adjourned at 3:02 p.m. 3