Climate Action Plan Standing Committee

CAP Standing Committee Meeting Online via WebEx May 19, 2021 In Attendance Committee Members: Hilary Lindh, Karin Hilding, Liz Records, Casey Lewis, Kate McMahon, Robin Paone, Ryder Delaloye Other: Craig Workman A. Meeting called to order at 5:40 pm B. Approval of Minutes – April minutes unanimously approved C. Emergency Ordinance 21-03 Repealed – City committee meetings to be held in person in future D. Committee Status Updates • Update on Curbside Recycling Public Works director Craig Workman reviewed the City Council meeting and public hearing held Monday, May 17 to discuss the curbside recycling program. Some of the comments included interest in adding glass recycling to the contract, questions about where the materials will be shipped and whether they are indeed recycled, and consideration that perhaps no plastics should be collected since preventing contamination is so difficult. The committee discussed the benefits of single stream versus multi-stream collection, public participation, the need for public education, and the value of including recycling at Depot Park and other City facilities. Craig talked about the schedule for curbside recycling to start in the fall, the education program Republic has developed, and how the specific language in the contract will be the City’s tool for ensuring recyclables are in fact recycled. Ryder asked whether the school district should or could have a role in the education component; Craig and committee agree it should. Once the contract is in place the committee may appoint a sub-committee to focus on developing an education campaign. The committee has several questions for Republic Services and Liz will compile those questions for Craig to forward to Chad from Republic prior to his attending the June CAP meeting. Craig will also work with him to set up a tour of the Republic recycling facility for the committee. • Resolution 21-14 in support of Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act City Council adopted on May 17. Congrats to Robin for her work to make it happen. • Draft letter from committee supporting creation of a sustainability coordinator position at the City. Karin put together a letter to City Council with rationale for why the position should be created. Liz suggested adding specific projects the Energy Corps members completed as part of creation and implementation of the CAP. Kate added that the grant writing component of the position responsibilities could help offset the cost of the position. Karin will also add in the economic value of implementing the action items in the plan. Casey wondered if the wages Helena pays for their coordinator are similar to other communities and Hilary thought they are  probably lower wages in Helena than would be needed in Whitefish. Karin will revise the draft letter and send out to committee for a last look. Karin and Hilary will find out the best way and time of presenting the letter to Council and report back to committee. • Casey reported the Big Sky interns she recommended for teaching a rain garden class at the Whitefish School District Adult Education program were contacted by David Donaldson and are on the schedule to teach this summer. The committee was unaware that any action had been taken on this topic. Upon checking the Adult Ed website, we discovered there is a second course listed under Sustainability – a vegetable gardening class is also offered. Hilary will add a link to the courses on the City’s Sustainability page. Casey also noted the third of six webinars on zero waste offered by Climate Smart Glacier Country is coming up May 26. • Liz said the Irrigation and Landscape Plans were finalized and she will send out to the committee. • Karin talked to Kate from Home ReSource in Missoula about reuse of building materials. She would like someone from ReSource to attend a CAP meeting to describe what they do and talk about ways we could do something similar in Whitefish. E. Public Comment- none F. Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm Next meeting: June 16