City Council

CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Monday, June 7, 2021 MINUTES Minutes adopted November 3, 2021 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Stewart, Councilmember Kovar, Councilmember Dyballa, Councilmember Kostiuk, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Searcy Also Present: City Clerk Carpenter, Deputy City Manager Jessica Clarke, Sustainability Manger Gina Mathias The City Council convened at 7:00 PM via Zoom. PRESENTATION AND WORK SESSION 1. Pending Montgomery County Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) Sustainability Manger Gina Mathias provided background information on BEPS and how such standards are in line with environmental goals laid out by the Council. She also introduced staff from the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). DEP Manager of Energy and Sustainability Programs Lindsey Shaw updated the Council on Building Energy Performance Standards Legislation. The policy sets a minimum energy performance threshold for existing buildings. Ms. Shaw also described the formation of a Building Advisory Board and what types of buildings would be covered by the policy (presentation attached). Councilmember Dyballa asked Ms. Shaw about the implications for affordable housing. Councilmember Searcy commented on public housing and the financial constraints of updating old units. She commented on tree canopy and solar panel objectives as possibly being in conflict with one another. Division Chief of Energy, Climate and Compliance Stan Edwards responded that he agreed but that solar panels should not be added at the expense of tree removal. Councilmember Kostiuk asked about the impact of BEPS on under resourced properties including non-profits, houses of worship and some institutional buildings. Page 1 of 2 Councilmember Kovar asked about the impact of Community Choice Energy legislation on BEPS. Mayor Stewart asked about how property owners who are in the middle of bringing their current buildings up to code should proceed. ADJOURN The City Council adjourned for the evening at approximately 8:20 p.m. Page 2 of 2