Agendas and Minutes

Conservation and Climate Outreach Committee (View All)

Regular Monthly Meeting

Agenda
Wednesday, June 25, 2003

These Minutes are preliminary pending approval by Conservation Commission at the July 23, 2003 Conservation Commission Meeting.

MINUTES FOR Conservation Commission
June 25, 2003 – 7:00 p.m.
Civic Center Council Chambers
1175 E. Main Street
Ashland

CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson, Alex Amarotico, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Ashland Council Chambers.

ROLL CALL
Attendees: Charles Bennett, Jim Hartman, Darcy Cronin, Joanne Krippaehne, Russ Chapman, and Bruce Moats were present. Carol Carlson and Paige Prewett were absent

City Council Liaison: Alex Amarotico
Staff Liaison: Robin Pierce

APPROVAL OF MINUTES


Darcy Cronin moved to approve the minutes, Chapman seconded the motion.
Voice vote: all Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

The minutes of the Conservation Commission Meeting of June 25, 2003 were approved.

PUBLIC FORUM

No speakers present.

ASHLAND SANITARY & RECYCLING UPDATE:

Lisa Black reported about the AOR conference she recently attended and explained this year they combined education with their annual meeting. She gave a brief description of some events and brought material to share with the Commission. She was impressed with the different sessions and highlighted some for the Commission, including green Oregon schools session, organic collecting, DEQ collection of data for waste composting and junk art talent.

Black also reported she is working with the Daily Tiding regarding an article about mixed waste paper in hopes of relaying information to the public.

Addressing a prior concern about commercial recycling, Black informed the committee that Ashland Sanitary runs a regular commercial cardboard route, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday including up to 110 customers. Talent is included in the Friday run and also has regular customers.

Krippaehne wondered about customers that were not regular each week, and Black explained when their boxes were filled they call and it is picked up. Also Ashland Sanitary is working on a brochure for expanded commercial recycling for businesses and will offer services available.

Bruce Moats asked about the future of the mixed paper recycling and Chapman explained Ashland Sanitary is committed long term. Black distributed the current market reports.

Jim Hartman wondered if the schools had clear bags, it might make sorting easier. Chapman hopes to get new carts that can be labeled clearly to help sorting matters. Hartman suggested that parents could volunteer to help with transporting the paper after it is collected, around every two weeks.

Amarotico asked for clarification to the fluorescent tube policy. Chapman explained if it comes from a business, the drivers when they see it will call the office and the office will send a letter instructing the business to call American Appliance Recycles in White City who will come to pick the lights up.

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Marketing

    No marketing report


2. Green Business

Amarotico reported on information that Giardina had given him regarding different businesses trying to utilize different conservation techniques. Ross Finney reported participants in the meeting would like to create a program and then present it to the Commission. Finney feels trying to get businesses to take the first step is the real key.

OLD BUSINESS

Budget

Krippaehne reported there were no funds needed for the 4th of July and reminded the Commission about allocating funds to Cathy Cartmill for signage needs. Moats suggested the remainder of the money, $191.76, be given to the Ashland Environmental Club and Cronin questioned the ability of purchasing signs within a few days finishing out the remainder of the physical year. Bennett suggested the money be given to the environmental club and revisit the needs for the signs with next year's budget.

Cronin moved to spend the balance of the budget, $191.76, to the Ashland Environmental Club at the Ashland High School. Bennett seconded the motion.

Voice vote: all Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

NEW BUSINESS

No new Business

OTHER BUSINESS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Commission Items not on Agenda

Chapman remarked about giving gift certificates for green power through the BEF Website as a great way to give someone gifts. Cronin reported on the Portland alternative gift fair that supported good causes and projects. The fair made it possible for people to contribute in a number of ways through gift giving.

Chapman reported on rainwater harvesting and wondered how to make it economical for the average home. Discussion followed about the procedure for rainwater harvesting.

Amarotico remarked about the Sustainability Forum he attended in Portland and mentioned that Christopher Diamond will be coming to facilitate a study session with the City Council. Discussion followed about different cities using methods for solar and wind projects and how they were funded.

The Commission discussed solar panels generating power for individual homes and businesses and the possibility of saving 3/4 of the energy used now. Discussion followed concerning the maximum house ordinance. Krippachne mentioned conservation should be relayed through education and Amarotico reminded the Commission about the Valdez Principles. Discussion followed regarding usage of resources. Chapman reminded the responsibility is with the planning department and we are required to stay with the law and the comprehensive plan. Robbin Pearce remarked about the Earth Advantage Program is restricted to a certain number of square feet for the structure to qualify it for Earth Advantage.

Water Efficient Product Labeling Program

Robbin Pearce remarked about how the American Waterworks Association Regional Conference includes a water conservation part and the conservation team has participated in that for the last 8-10 years. She explained this year they were able to present classes to water system personal that had never been to a water conservation class before. It was very successful with lots of dialogue.

She asked for the Commission for a letter of support that she could take to the City Council for water product labeling. Similar to energy efficient labels on appliances, this will include water using appliances, plumbing products, cooling systems, irrigation devices, landscape materials and other commonly sold water using products. She will keep the Commission updated about irrigation control aspects becoming affordable and technologically advanced. She described the weather stations in use now that are informative about the micro climates.

Krippaechne asked about product examples, outside of appliances and Pearce explained they hope to establish an interactive group between the manufactures and conservation professionals that will help fine tune how labels are acquired.

Krippaehne moved to endorse the position statement regarding the Water Efficient Product Labeling Program. Cronin seconded the motion.

Amarotico wondered if there would be a rating system and Pearce explained about the difference between Energy Star ratings and the Department of Oregon ratings. The Department of Oregon rating is higher. Pearce maintains continued dialogue with the manufactures about the high standards of our program and also the state in qualifying Ashland residents to receive rebates. Pearce continues to request that Energy Star make their standards higher.

Voice vote: all Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Cronin commented about the water publication from the City of Ashland was fabulous and Pearce mentioned she is hoping to include this year the successes of conservation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next meeting scheduled for July 23th.

ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:05pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary McClary, Assistant
to Electric Department

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