Sustainability Advisory Commission Meeting

CITY OF URBANA, ILLINOIS SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMISSION Executive Council Room, Urbana City Building Tuesday, January 10, 2017 Commissioners Present: Chairperson Marya Ryan, Vice Chair Stephen Wald, Stacy Gloss, Beth Meschewski, Andrew Stumpf Commissioners Absent: Todd Rusk, Morgan Johnston Additional Present: Peter Murphy via phone (Midwest Renewable Energy Association), Thor Petersen (Parkland College Sustainability), Marcus Ricci (City of Urbana Community Development Services), Andy Robinson (Smart Energy Design Assistance Center) Staff Present: Scott Tess, Kate Brickman Call to Order, Roll Call, and Declaration of Quorum The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Kate Brickman called the roll and a quorum was present. Changes to the Agenda There were no changes to the agenda. Approval of Minutes Motion was made by Mr. Wald, second by Mr. Stumpf, to approve the minutes from the November 1, 2016 meeting. Motion carried. Motion was made by Mr. Wald, second by Mr. Stumpf, to approve the minutes from the December 6, 2016 meeting with corrections to include the discussion of meeting notifications under the Youth Engagement item. Motion carried. Public Input Cailie Kafura, local Food and Water Watch and Green Corps organizer introduced herself and her efforts to advocate that Sen. Durbin help block Scott Pruitt’s appointment as head of the EPA to the Commission. Communications Staff Report Scott Tess gave the monthly Staff Report which included progress on the Climate Action Plan (CAP) Phase 2, highlighting installation of onsite renewable energy at the City’s Arbor Division shop, U.S. Department of Energy SolSmart designation, and a current count of tree species, genus, and family preponderance in the City’s urban forest. Related to Public Engagement, Tess reported speaking with a panel hosted by the League of Women Voters dealing with how the Illinois state budget impasse impacts natural resources and sustainability work. Additionally, an update on thermometer recycling costs through the U-Cycle program was provided. The Report included an updated SAC meeting schedule and stated February 7, 2017 as the next meeting date. Continuing Business There was no continuing business. New Business Review Draft Solar Urbana-Champaign 2.0 Request for Proposal Peter Murphy, Market Development Coordinator at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, provided an overview of the draft Solar Urbana-Champaign 2.0 request for proposal for competitively bid community bulk purchase of solar installations program design. The purpose of the program is to lower power bills, reduce pollution and allow people in Champaign County to be their own power plant by having discounted solar arrays installed on their houses. The City of Urbana, working with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, will utilize the Sustainability Advisory Commission (SAC) and other community partners as a built-in review body for the proposal process. Discussion ensued regarding differences from the previously bid successful program, and the timeline for the request for proposal process and execution of the new area solar program. Commission provided feedback with Peter to provide edits before the advertisement date of January 13. Proposals are due on February 1 and SAC will review and make selection of a qualified firm at the February 7 meeting. Announcements There were no announcements. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m. This meeting was recorded.