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Agendas and Minutes

Conservation and Climate Outreach Committee (View All)

Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission

Agenda
Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Meeting Video

ASHLAND CONSERVATION AND CLIMATE OUTREACH COMMISSION

Minutes for the Conservation and Climate Outreach Commission
Wednesday, August 25, 2021; Held Electronically

Call to Order (meeting starts at approximately 00:02 on the video)

The meeting was called to order by Chair Marni Koopman at 3:00 p.m. Commissioners Risa Buck, Larry Cooper, James McGinnis, Jamie Rosenthal, and Becs Walker. Council liaison Tonya Graham and staff liaison Stu Green were also present. Commissioner Bryan Sohl was absent.

Consent Agenda
1. July 28, 2021 Meeting Minutes (1:02)

Buck/Cooper moved that we approve the minutes from the July CCOC meeting. Further discussion: none. Ayes: Buck, Cooper, Koopman, McGinnis, Rosenthal, and Walker. Nays: none. Motion passed unanimously.

Announcements
1. Next Regular Meeting: September 22, 2021
2. Rescheduling of November and December Meetings (2:03)

The Commissioners agreed to change the November and December meetings to one week earlier.

Other Announcements from Commissioners (3:02)

Buck announced that former Commissioner Marion Moore passed away and there will be a memorial service for her in September. Kate Kennedy joined the meeting and expressed her interest in joining the Commission.

Reports from Members of Other Commissions

None

Public Forum (13:57)

Louise Shawkat spoke to an email she sent about the next Ashland Climate Action Project webinar in September.

Reports/Presentations
1. Council Update (16:16)

Graham gave an update on:

Annual report from the Commission;
Virtual meetings for Commissions;
Vision Zero Resolution and Transportation System Plan update moved to a Study Session; and
A Housing Capacity Analysis will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan.
1. Staff Update (31:00)

Green gave an update on:

The USDA Zero Interest Loan Application;
The State Legislature did not pass a bill allowing cities to adopt Reach building codes;
Electric Vehicle (EV) Ride and Drive will be in Ashland this Fall;
CPC will give their annual report to Council on September 7;
Online EV workshops; and
Help spread the word on current incentives including EV, e-bike and induction cooking.
1. SOU Update (40:38)

Walker gave an update on:

Fall Term starting;
Water conservation on campus;
Solar projects; and
Sustainable procurement policy.
1. Recology Update (43:28)

Rosenthal gave an update on:

Oregon Refuse and Recycling Association Convention this Fall;
COVID-19 contingency plan for sick drivers and employees; and
Vaccination requirement for employees.

Business
1. Commission Monthly Column in Sneak Preview (50:15)

Koopman submitted edits to Cooper. Buck asked that Cooper’s name be added and will submit one sentence to add for the rainwater catchment section. Buck/McGinnis moved/seconded to approve Larry’s article with edits offered. Further discussion: none. Ayes: Buck, Cooper, Koopman, McGinnis, Rosenthal, and Walker. Nays: none. Motion passed unanimously. The next article for approval will be an announcement of current programs including the leaf drop off day and EV incentives. The article for publication in December will be on recycling. To be scheduled articles include Ashland Solar Cooperative, moving to avoid climate change, and the community climate survey results.

CEAP Priorities Discussion & Project Update (1:10:25)

Koopman combined this and the Project Update section to discuss prioritization of the Climate and Energy Action Plan (CEAP) supporting projects. Koopman shared a document on the screen outlining priority actions including what the Commission currently does. Commissioners gave their input on what actions have been done and why they are done. Koopman suggested having a retreat for the Commission to help focus on long term planning. The Commission expressed interest in having Saturday retreat in-person. Koopman also encouraged everyone to review the CEAP and Green’s annual staff report on CEAP to Council. Koopman also explained what the plans for moving forward that was presented in the annual report and reviewed the CEAP Project Update section. This will be discussed further at the retreat. Green presented some ideas that the Commission could take on.

Vacancies Discussion (1:56:23)

Koopman announced that if Kate Kennedy applies there will only be one voting vacancy for the Ashland School District. Anya Moore has already applied to be a high school member on the Commission and is waiting on the appointment from the Mayor.