Conservation and Sustainability Commission

Town of Vienna 127 Center Street S Vienna, VA. 22180 p: 703-319-8630 Meeting Minutes Conservation and Sustainability Commission Thursday, September 23, 2021 7:30 PM Town Hall 1. Continuity of Government Approved and found for the September 23, 2021, meeting that the usual conservation and sustainability commission procedures cannot be implemented safely or practically; and all agenda items are necessary to address the attack, emergency, crisis or disaster, and the failure to act on these agenda items could result in irrevocable public harm; and/or all agenda items are necessary and essential to assure the continuity of town government. 2. Roll Call Mr. Burns, Ms. Caplan, Mr. Comerford, Ms. DiMauro, Mr. Robinson, and Ms. Chandra were present. Ms. Esswein and Ms. Weinberg were absent. 3. Approval of the Minutes Moved to approve the minutes of the August 26, 2021 meeting. There was no discussion. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Communication from Citizens and/or Commissioners 5. Regular Business New Business A. Discussion of Vienna Voice articles for continuity of messaging during COVID-19 Discussion of Vienna Voice articles for continuity of messaging during COVID-19. September (Tree Planting), October (Invasive Species), and November (Winterizing Garden) issue articles have been supplied to Town PIO to publish. Agreed on December article on January 2022 Disposable Plastic Bag Tax Ordinance. Old Business A. Update on Green Expo to adjust for COVID-19 limitations B. Update on Vienna Sustainability challenge awardees, publicity, and ceremony during COVID-19 C. Update on CSC participation in Comprehensive Plan update D. Update on Fall Native Plant Sale E. Update on invasive plant removal efforts and native/pollinator garden initiatives F. Update on Solarize/SolSmart programs and time sensitive solar and resilience grants G. Update on Town Council approved compost collection H. Update on Town Council approved pro bono tree project Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 11/24/2021 Conservation and Sustainability Meeting Minutes September 23, 2021 Commission I. Website and social media updates for continuity of messaging during COVID-19 J. Update on VPAC and Windover Heights Board of Review meeting K. Update on CSC appointments for continuity of government during COVID-19 Update on Vienna Sustainability Challenge Finalizing promotion of Sustainability Challenge awardees with gift card raffle and booth logistics for Oktoberfest event. Requested additional volunteers for the booth. Ms. Caplan and Mr. Robinson agreed to assist. Mr. Robinson to provide handouts from Holy Comforter. Update on CSC participation in Comprehensive Plan The Town Planning Commission is still in review. No date has been set for discussion. Update on Fall Native Plant Sale Sale scheduled for 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, Saturday, September 25, 2021, at the Vienna Community Center. Ms. Weinberg has organized volunteers for set up and clean up. Update on invasive plant removal efforts and native/pollinator garden initiatives Mr. Robinson working on additional plants and cleanup of Meadow Lane native garden. Mr. Edwards spoke on local park restoration and removal of invasive plant species. Discussed significant volunteer invasive removal efforts by Vienna Presbyterian Church, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and Latter-Day Saints at Glyndon Park and Southside Park. Town hopes to continue Thursday morning volunteer invasive removal efforts. Lorien Wood School and Fairfax ReLeaf will plant trees at Wildwood Park. The Town will supply welded wire cages to protect the new plantings. Update on Solarize/ Solsmart programs Solarize/SolSmart programs in Vienna generated 4 contracts and 21 sign ups this year. The Commission will need someone to help with Solarize Vienna in spring 2022, which will likely start earlier than prior years. The Commission is looking for a new member with a climate and energy efficiency background. Update on Town Council approved compost collection Discussed Fairfax Co. Solid Waste Management update on the pilot compost collection program. Over 32 tons have been collected from the drop-off locations, with very high costs. Six (6) tons have been collected from 4 Farmers Markets, with the largest portion coming from the Burke community. Current challenges are high costs and keeping carts/bins clean. New subcontractor to Compost Crew has helped with washing/cleaning. Commission to strategize a compost education program Mr. Burns and Ms. Caplan to discuss the Commission’s plan on this item. Update on Town Council approved pro bono tree project Interviews are wrapping up with builders, site engineers, and Town Council members. Discussed award of Community Forestry Grant and Town’s $7,500 match for the urban tree canopy assessment. October 2021 CSC tree planting initiative with seedlings provided by Fairfax ReLeaf. Ms. Esswein is organizing the seeding giveaway event set for Saturday, October 23, 2021. Request to save newspaper and plastic bags for this initiative. Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 11/24/2021 Conservation and Sustainability Meeting Minutes September 23, 2021 Commission Discussion on expanding the Town’s tree planting and conservation efforts. Update on VPAC and Windover Heights Board of Review meeting VPAC is focused on business development and Harmony Park art installation. There was no update regarding Windover Heights Board of Review activities. Closing Discussion Local efforts of promoting zero waste. Commission looking for volunteer to start planning an in-person 2022 Green Expo. Code Create Vienna survey results to be announced. Glass recycling current data request. 6. Meeting Adjournment THE TOWN OF VIENNA IS COMMITTED TO FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STANDARDS. TRANSLATION SERVICES, ASSISTANCE OR ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS FROM PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE TO BE REQUESTED NOT LESS THAN 3 WORKING DAYS BEFORE THE DAY OF THE EVENT. PLEASE CALL (703) 255-6304, OR 711 VIRGINIA RELAY SERVICE FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED. Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 11/24/2021