Climate Action Plan Standing Committee

CAP Standing Committee Meeting Whitefish City Hall 418 E Second Street, 2nd Floor Wednesday, June 17, 2020 (5:30pm) In Attendance Committee Members: Casey Lewis, Hilary Lindh, Karin Hilding, Ben Davis, Sierra McCartney, Jen Sybrant, Kate McMahon Public: Robin Paone, Sammie McGowan (by phone) A. Meeting called to order at 5:30 B. Minutes from the February 19, 2020 meeting were approved C. Councilor Ben Davis was introduced; he is replacing Melissa Hartman who resigned from Council in March D. Committee Updates Parks and Rec • New bear proof bins purchased to collect recycling at Depot Park Kate M • Climate Smart Glacier Country received a grant to purchase HEPA filters to be distributed to people in need during fire season Public Works • Zack’s Energy Corps internship has been extended 3 months, July – mid September • Alpenglow Apartments solar potential – a Bonneville Power Administration grant was not awarded, but Homeward (developer of the apartments) is going ahead with solar on roof of Building #2. Will be visible from the viaduct and will power common areas in the building. • Wastewater Treatment Plant solar array – cost of the plant higher than anticipated, no funding available for solar at this time • Baker Avenue underpass contract has been awarded, construction to start this fall • Design of a new path along Voerman Rd that will connect with Trail View path is completed, funding for construction may be available in fiscal year (FY) 21 • Pedestrian activated signal on Baker by Riverside park has been approved by MDT, waiting for funding to be approved by City • Transportation Plan update has commenced with project kick-off meeting earlier this week – there will be an opportunity for the standing committee to provide input as a focus group • DEQ electric school bus grant available – earlier responses from school district were positive, but deadline for applying is looming and it does not look like action will be taken • Zack will be updating energy use data for City buildings and facilities – originally collected during development of the CAP • A demonstration rain garden near Grouse Mountain Lodge and the tennis courts has been approved for FY 21. The project will be a joint effort between Public Works and Parks & Rec, and will be combined with a drainage improvement project 1  • Zack has been working on a wildfire preparedness video with Climate Smart and Bigfork – the video focuses on reducing fuels around properties and will be available to use on social media • A geocaching/sustainability adventure course is being designed by a woman employed in the industry who wants to contribute to the town. Once complete, the City can decide whether to host the course or not. • Zack started working with Nikki Reed’s 9th grade English classes this winter on a project to reduce use of plastic bags around town. The project is on hold since interruptions due to COVID-19. The PowerPoint presentation he gave to the class will be on next month’s meeting agenda. E. FY 2021 Budget + Process Update • It is too late to have input on the FY 21 budget, but we have a timeline now for input to FY 22 budget. Committee to discuss budget starting in November or December 2020 and decide on budget items to support or encourage by January 2021. Staff will meet with department heads in February 2021 with committee recommendations or requests, and department heads submit their draft budgets in March. • Kate described how Flathead Electric and multiple agencies are coming together to apply for DEC grants to fund installation of EV chargers. There was a discussion about existing and planned EV chargers in town and Level 2 versus Level 3 chargers • Casey reiterated again the need to let people know about how the CAP is being implemented and all the sustainability accomplishments of the last few years • Karin noted the upcoming CAP update schedule for a July 20 Council work session F. Recycling Update • Republic Services garbage service contract is set to expire next year; Dana is negotiating a new contract. They have been providing recycling as part of the garbage service at no additional charge but are requesting $9,000/month to continue with the service. Dana has indicated she wants to put out an RFP to see if there are any other companies that could provide recycling service at a lesser cost. • The central recycling drop-off location will be closed next year to make way for a housing development at the Snow Lot. A new location has not yet been identified. • Kate described the Montana Cooperative Development Center and its feasibility studies to provide services using a cooperative model. She wants to propose they complete a feasibility study for a rural recycling cooperative. The committee supports the idea. • Sierra designed a recycling poster that can be used at the recycling center, on Parks & Rec’s new bins at Depot Park, on social media or the City website, in the City newsletter or as an insert in utility bills. Hilary will send to Republic Services for a final review and approval to put up at the drop-off center. G. Energy Corps Position No funding for the program next year; city is considering alternatives through Student Conservation Association and Big Sky Watershed Corps 2 H. Council Progress Update Staff will update City Council on progress made to date implementing the CAP at a work session scheduled for July 20. The format of the presentation is yet to be determined. Kate recommends updating the spreadsheet that Sophia started for tracking progress on goals, and then highlighting some of the more interesting activities. I. Public Comment Robin Paone asks if a solar array would help the Wastewater Treatment plant continue running during power outages. That could add value/benefit to help offset the initial capital cost. Meeting Adjourned at 6:50 Next Meeting scheduled for July 15 at 5:30 3