Climate Action Plan Standing Committee

Whitefish Climate Action Plan Committee Nov. 17, 2021 In Attendance: Robin Paone, Karin Hilding, Ben Davis, Casey Lewis, Liz Records, Kate McMahon, Lydia Fahrenkrug, Brian Schott, Giuseppe Caltabiano A. Call to Order – Meeting was called to order at 5:35 pm B. Approval of Minutes – Karin moved to approve the minutes. Casey seconded. All approved. C. Communications/Outreach/Education Brian Schott from the Whitefish Sustainable Tourism Committee provided an update on the Sustainable and Explore Whitefish activities. There was a discussion on the overlap between the goals of the two committees and how the committees can coordinate. Brian explained that the Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) has been targeting the geo-traveler. Since 2010 visitation has increased due to their web site, AirBnB and social media. CVB does not promote summer season. The Sustainable Tourism Committee and CVB are looking for a balance between community character and economic vitality. In 2018 the CVB partnered with the City to create a sustainable tourism plan to manage tourism and visitation. This year they launched the “Be A Friend of the Fish”. CVB has a new vision to achieve long-term sustainability through stewardship. Whitefish collects a 1% resort tax and has recently changed the fund from promotion to a community sustainability fund. Initially the fund will target affordable housing. The Committee has also made recommendations to the city council for short-term rentals. See web site for sustainablewhitefish.com for more detail on various efforts. There was discussion about a sustainable coordinator position. The position would support both the CAP and Sustainable Tourism committees. Brian was in support of the position. There was agreement to share the job description with the Sustainable Tourism Committee and to work on to building support for the position as part of the budgeting process. There was discussion on overlaps such as recycling and transit. There is a meeting on December 6th with the transportation consultant to incorporate expansion of transit in the transportation plan. It is important for hiring employees and reducing congestion. Also consider a free transit bus. Another important aspect of the sustainable tourism plan is to establish partnerships. The CVB is looking at a partnership with the Protect Your Winter organization. They have also had discussions with having a fund that visitors can contribute to fund projects related to mitigating climate change. Climate change impact on the winter ski season is an important issue for Whitefish. It was suggested that the Climate Smart Glacier Country also be involved in this discussion. D. Coordination with Climate Action Plan 1. CAP Vacancy – Casey will not be renewing her term. Nathan Dugan may be appointed to fill that vacancy. There was agreement that if Joe Page is no longer serving on the Committee than the Committee should recommend that Council change this position from a staff position to an at-large position. Tara from the Planning Department will fill that staff position. Kate McMahon moved that the committee recommend to the City Council that the resolution establishing the Committee be amended to appoint 3 staff positions and 5 at large positions. it was seconded and all approved. 2. Council Goals • Administration Goals: Resort tax was reapproved. Need to recommend that reallocated funds support climate mitigation projects. Information technology plan should consider energy efficiency and recycling. Purchasing policies should reflect this. Also, more use of remote meetings. Short-term rental enhancements. How to encourage energy efficient construction. Cemetery relocation. Include reforestation and conservation efforts as considerations. Public Work Waste water treatment plant. Casey referred to the CAP plan and actual goals. Adding a solar project is part of the plan for redevelopment of the site. The new wastewater plant is now operational. There is a program for Energy Smart Industrial and BPA to encourage energy efficiency audits. As part of the program, the city may get a rebate for the energy efficiencies from the new plant as it compares to other projects. A report from the audit will be available soon. Also, community solar project with FEC will help offset carbon footprint. The transportation plan supports transit, walkability and strategies to reduce vehicle miles traveled. Kate suggested that a representative from the Bike and Ped committee be invited to the December meeting with the CAP to talk about strategies. Improving the bike/ped connection over the viaduct and EV readiness are other strategies to consider. Workforce housing is another component of reducing vehicle miles. Also, sidewalk maintenance program will improve walkability. Water Conservation should still be a goal so that it reduces energy treatment costs. This should include promoting recommendations from the park irrigation audit. Liz Records noted that Amory Park will be installing a well for irrigation. The Park Dept. will be using native plants and extending bike path around the park. They are also installing pollinators gardens at city parks. Lydia reviewed Police and Fire Plan and discussed energy efficiency in buildings and fleet management. The Fire Department will be responsible for emergency response during wildfire and extreme heat. Police Department has deer management plan goal. Site plan review for subdivisions might also be a good place to encourage recommendations for wildlife management. Involve Fish, Wildlife, and Parks in strategy. Improving pedestrian safety should be coordinated with transportation plan and safe routes for schools. E. Project Updates Existing Projects (20 minutes) o Community Solar Project - FEC is interested in a community solar project. Karin reviewed a facility plan for the wastewater site. The solar would be located along Monegan Road. FEC has proposed a draft agreement where they would be overseeing the construction and maintenance. The community would be buying the panels. Most of the energy would be used at the plant instead of being on the grid. There is also a foundation that is interested in purchasing the solar panels and donating to low-income families. It was moved and seconded to recommend that the proposed community solar project be scheduled for a Council work session to discuss this project. All approved. o Montana Facility Finance Authority – Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Financing – The Committee agreed to have a presentation on this program scheduled for the January meeting. F. Public Comment – Ben updated the committee that the recycling issue will be addressing this issue at the Dec. 6th. There has been opposition to curbside program due to concern about bears. Ben suggested that it would be worthwhile for the Committee to remind the Council about the importance of recycling goals. H. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 pm