Climate Action Plan Standing Committee

Climate Action Plan Standing Committee Meeting Minutes February 16, 2022 A. Attending – Liz, Robin, Kate, Nathan, Lydia, Karin, Ben, Tara, Jen Asebrook B. Minutes from January 19, 2022 meeting were approved Agenda item F. was moved up due to Tara’s delayed arrival to the meeting. F. Potential Solar on Roof of O’Shaughnessy- Jen Asebrook, Executive Director of Whitefish Theatre Company Looking for possible marketing campaign for businesses in the community who are applying sustainable practices such as supplies. Would like to connect with other businesses to share resources, messaging, etc. Jen is also looking to put solar panels on south-facing roof of O’Shaughnessy Center. The committee discussed qualifications of grants for such project, suggestions included USDA, DEQ, MREA. Jen stated she would like to fundraise for this project. Committee discussed the possibility of highlighting businesses who are committed to sustainability. The City Newsletter may be an option. C. Communications/Outreach/Education – Tara Osendorf City’s Landscape Plan- the City has a consultant on board. These plans include drought-resistant landscaping, zoning ordinances, parking lot standards, tree credit tables. Kate asked about subdivision standards and if PUD’s could prioritize these standards for developers. EV readiness- currently low in priority, snow lot not listed as a location for EVs. Downtown Parking Pilot Program- committee is working on details of this program including residential street parking, carpooling options, and walking routes. Liz mentioned the software program that the Recreation Department uses for program registration, and that there is a carpooling module that may be utilized by the City if needed. A walking school bus was also discussed as a possibility. Discussion amongst committee members included Missoula in Motion’s parking passport and carsharing. Growth Policy- Tara discussed the general process this is undergoing, and that it has not been updated since 2007. D. Coordination with Climate Action Plan  CAP Vacancy- Karin said the position will be posted in Pilot on 2/17. Budget Questionnaire for Department Directors- Maria (Parks and Recreation) was the only Director who had completed the survey. Kate and Karin talked about reaching out to Directors in person. E. Project Updates Existing Projects Recycling- Karin said the next work session for this topic will be March 7. Community Solar Project- Flathead Electric. Looking at the language of the proposal- wanting to clarify that the goal is to add production/output of power rather than replacing hydroelectricity. Staffing and funding issues have also contributed to the delay in updated plans. Proposed Projects Guidelines & Best Practices for buildings, subdivisions, site design- Robin researched the payoff program for heat pumps that other electric companies are offering and wondering if CAP would like to talk to Flathead Electric about a project like this to present to council. The committee discussed that they would support a project like this, but not spearhead it. Montana Facility Finance Authority- C-PACE- Zoom meeting to be held Wednesday Feb. 23 9:00 am – 10:00 am about what the process would be like to start a program like this in our community. G. Other Committee Status Updates- the committee decided to discuss the budget in more detail at the next meeting, to assure that the items on the committee’s priority list can be considered during the upcoming budget season. H. Public Comment- None I. Meeting Adjourned at 7:07