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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Climate Action Plan Task Force - 01/26/2022 Climate Action Plan Task Force 180 Market Street South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 846-4106 www.sbvt.gov Meeting Wednesday, January 26, 2022 City Hall, 180 Market Street, Room 301 and Online 7:00 pm This meeting will be held both in person and digitally via Zoom. Participation Options: In person: South Burlington City Hall Room 301, 180 Market Street Assisted Listening Service Available; reach out to staff before meeting begins Interactive Online (audio & video): https://zoom.us/j/9960639517 Telephone (audio only): 929 205 6099; Meeting ID: 996 063 9517 AGENDA: 1. Instructions on existing building in case of emergency and review of technology options – Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning (7:00 pm) 2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items 3. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda 4. Review of South Burlington data & demographics: population, transportation, employment, housing, etc., Melanie Needle, CCRPC 5. *First draft of possible mitigation and adaptation Pathways and Actions to be included in the Climate Action Plan, Ann Janda, CCRPC 6. Consider assigning Pathways & Actions, by topic area, to small work groups for review and recommendations to the full Climate Action Plan Task Force in February and March 7. *Revised Climate Action Plan Table of Contents, Melanie Needle, CCRPC 8. Discuss equity in the context of the Climate Action Plan, Ann Janda, CCRPC 9. *Minutes: January 13, 2021 10. Other Business 11. Adjourn (8:55 pm) *Item has attachments Respectfully submitted, Paul Conner, AICP, Paul Conner, AICP Director of Planning & Zoning Chief Sustainability Officer 180 Market Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sb vt.gov MEMORANDUM TO: South Burlington Climate Action Plan Task Force FROM: Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning & Chief Sustainability Officer SUBJECT: January 26 Task Force Meeting Hi folks. Enclosed is this week’s packet. A note about meeting format. Our City Manager Jessie Baker has encouraged committee members to meet remotely if they are able and comfortable. In speaking with the chair, Ethan, he felt it would be easiest and most equitable if all members participated in the same way, and so encouraged for this meeting at least that members attend remotely, as was the case for the majority at the last meeting. Staff will be present for there to be physical location for the meeting as an option for all as well. If members would like to discuss this at Wednesday’s meeting that can certainly be done as well. See below for some quick notes on by agenda item: 1. Instructions on existing building in case of emergency and review of technology options – Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning (7:00 pm) 2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items 3. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda 4. Review of South Burlington data & demographics: population, transportation, employment, housing, etc., Melanie Needle, CCRPC Melanie will be providing a brief presentation about the data and demographics of South Burlington. There are three main purposes for this: a) To determine how in what ways South Burlington’s characteristics are similar to, and different from, the State as a whole as we consider Actions and Pathways identified in the State CAP b) To review the cross-section of South Burlington’s people, housing, and businesses to set the table for the next work c) To review South Burlington in context of its surroundings, and how our residents and employees move between this and other communities. 5. *First draft of possible mitigation and adaptation Pathways and Actions to be included in the Climate Action Plan, Ann Janda, CCRPC Enclosed are a brief cover memo and a VERY FIRST cut at Pathways and Actions of possible relevance to South Burlington. As you look through this, please keep in mind that these are taken largely from the State CAP and as such are (a) not all applicable to SB (though Ann cut many from the State CAP that are clearly not applicable), (b) not yet tailored to the specific needs of South Burlington, (c) not yet as specific or measurable as is the intent, and (d) not the full universe of what could be in the local CAP. On this last point, since the starting point was the State CAP, there are potentially many things a local municipality could do that would not be in a State Plan (just as we know the inverse to be the case). 2 6. Consider assigning Pathways & Actions, by topic area, to small work groups for review and recommendations to the full Climate Action Plan Task Force in February and March As discussed at the last meeting, the recommendation will be for the Task Force to break into some small work groups to take sectors and bring proposals back to the full Task Force over its next couple of meetings. Staff will meet with the chair in advance of the meeting to sketch out some possible sectors. 7. *Revised Climate Action Plan Table of Contents, Melanie Needle, CCRPC See attached updated draft TOC. 8. Discuss equity in the context of the Climate Action Plan, Ann Janda, CCRPC Ann will discuss a proposed approach of using the State’s equity analysis tool to evaluate and integrate equity within this Plan. 9. *Minutes: January 13, 2021 Enclosed. 10. Other Business 11. Adjourn (8:55 pm) 1 Date: January 21, 2022 TO: Paul Conner, South Burlington Planning Director, and the South Burlington Climate Action Plan Task Force FROM: Ann Janda, Senior Energy Project Manager, CCRPC, Melanie Needle, Senior Planner, CCRPC RE: City of South Burlington Possible Climate Action Plan Pathways and Actions CCRPC Staff has identified the State Climate Action Plan pathways and actions that are relevant and necessary for the City of South Burlington to consider in the City’s Climate Action Plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, improving air quality, preserving forested areas, advancing equity, and reducing risk to people and property. The list of pathways and actions consider common sense approaches and cutting-edge policies that range from education opportunities to policy changes to equipment/infrastructure upgrades. A list of the pathways and actions are provided in the attached worksheet. The attached worksheet also has specific information for understanding the relationship to the State’s Climate Action Plan and how each action will be implemented via cost, metrics for measuring progress, greenhouse gas reductions, equity considerations, and assignment of responsibilities to departments, staff, or community partners where known. At the January 26th meeting, CCRPC and City Staff will discuss the intent of the pathways and actions and inform the Climate Action Plan Task Force members the approach for reviewing the pathways/actions by sector. 110 West Canal Street, Suite 202 Winooski, Vermont 05404-2109 802-846-4490 www.ccrpcvt.org City of South Burlington Climate Action Planning 1 January 2021 Pathways & Actions Planning Worksheet This planning worksheet is intended to support the development of pathways and actions for the City of South Burlington Climate Action Plan. The starting point for the pathways and actions in this worksheet is the State of Vermont Climate Action Plan (CAP). The number and sector in the first column will help you to connect the pathway/action suggested here to the State’s CAP. However, the pathways and actions identified in this worksheet are more specific and relevant to the City of South Burlington. Some pathways include a specific measurable target that will be used for tracking progress and for understanding the magnitude of change necessary to meet the City’s climate and energy goals. The pathways and actions also include high level implementation elements, including lead entity and metrics for tracking progress. Each action is also associated with an estimate of the cost to the city for implementation. Cost is referred to as low, medium, and high. Actions that are educational in nature and policy oriented are considered low. Actions that are oriented towards maintaining and enhancing existing infrastructure are considered medium cost. Actions which call for new infrastructure or capital purchases are considered high cost. Cost can be assessed according to the categories below. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings will be evaluated during a later step in our planning process. Follow this link to review the State’s vetted equity assessment tool. $-Low $$-Medium $$$-High City of South Burlington Climate Action Planning 2 January 2021 City of South Burlington VT CAP/Sector Pathways Metrics Actions Leaders Equity Rating GHG Savings Cost 1/Transportation 100% of light duty vehicles be electric by 2035 # of electric vehicles registered annually Educate student drivers about electric and high efficiency transportation options. School District consultant 40-50% Low Promote EV education and buyer assistance support currently being offered by Drive Electric Vermont. Energy Comm. Low 1/Transportation Ensure all residents have access to electric vehicle charging at their home or workplace. # of electric vehicle charging stations Develop a toolkit to support existing multifamily properties installing electric vehicle charging installations P+Z consultant 40-50% Low City of South Burlington Climate Action Planning 3 January 2021 Adopt a policy to require all new buildings be built with electric vehicle charging equipment P+Z Low Develop a toolkit to support existing commercial buildings installing electric vehicle charging installations P+Z consultant Low 2/Transportation XX% of heavy-duty vehicles be powered by lower carbon alternatives to gas and diesel % of heavy duty vehicles replaced with lower carbon fuels Determine strategy and budget for municipal vehicles and equipment to replace with lower carbon alternatives. Consider having VTCCC conduct a free fleet analysis. City Council, PW, City Manager 40-50% Low Conduct an annual accounting of fossil fuel data for municipal fleet vehicles PW Low Budget for annual EVSE installments at various City departments. City Manager/City Council Low 3/Transportation Reduce vehicle miles traveled by X% for all vehicles registered in South Burlington VMT, miles of bike/ped infrastructure Support micro-transit pilot programs City Manager 40-50% Low Support telecommuting for city government employees City Manager Low Partner with CATMA to provide telecommuting options to employers in the City. City Manager Low Partner with Green Mountain Transit Authority to increase transit ridership on existing routes and identify new routes. Ensure there is a shelter at every bus stop. City Manager Low City of South Burlington Climate Action Planning 4 January 2021 Maintain existing bike/ped infrastructure to ensure it can be utilized during all seasons City Manager PW P+Z Medium Increase bike/ped infrastructure city wide and ensure the bike/ped system is well connected to facilitate efficient travel. High Establish park & ride/carpool lots to connect with public transportation, (e.g. I-189 Exit) City Manager PW P+Z High Periodic Open Streets event (perhaps closing northbound lane of Dorset Street and/or Market Street) City Manager PW P+Z Recreation Communications Low Showcase bike path with an annual event (marathon/half marathon/5k) City Manager PW P+Z Recreation Communications Low 1/Buildings Thermal Reduce energy use in buildings and City Facilities by at least 25% Annual electricity consumption, annual natural gas consumption Number of educational events # of buildings weatherized Conduct educational efforts 2 times per year with specific outreach to low-income residents to educate city residents and businesses about programs offered by Efficiency Vermont, VT GAS, Champlain Valley Weatherization, Green Mountain Power, and the Vermont Green Building Network. City Council City Manager Communications 35%-45% Low Promote wood stove change- out programs that take older non-EPA certified stoves out of service and replace them with Energy Comm. Low City of South Burlington Climate Action Planning 5 January 2021 more efficient and lower emitting models. Facilitate one workshop annually and conduct building walk-throughs for owners and tenants of rental housing to encourage implementation of energy efficiency measures. Energy Comm. Low Develop program similar to the FAA/Chamberlain program to weatherize low-moderate income households Energy Comm. Low The City should work with Efficiency Vermont and landlords to target weatherization actions in low income and multi-unit housing (learning from Burlington’s program with BED) Energy Comm. Low Consider joining with Burlington in becoming a 2030 District https://www.2030districts.org/ City Council Low 2/Buildings Thermal Decrease fossil fuel consumption by X % in new buildings Natural gas consumption per year # of cold climate heat pumps installed Adopt a policy to require all new buildings be built with heat pumps to heat/cool the building envelope and domestic hot water. City Council City Manager 35%-45% Low City leaders to participate in regulatory obstacles to eliminate natural gas in new buildings City Council City Manager Low Targeted outreach to neighborhoods which rely on delivered fuels to educate them on transitioning to cold climate heat pumps City of South Burlington Climate Action Planning 6 January 2021 Install solar on City Center City Council City Manager PW Medium Create a program to incentivize residents and businesses to install solar arrays on their roofs, over parking lots, or as appropriate as free-standing structures Planning Commission Low Install solar and water turbine in wastewater treatment plant City Manager PW Medium The City shall continue to lead the community by increasing its renewable energy production and battery storage portfolio of municipal buildings. City Council City Manager PW Medium The City and the School District should work together to maximize allowable solar Net Metered generation, with the additional 1MW allowed for schools. City Council City Manager PW Low The City should work with GMP/PUC to allow for electricity generated by wastewater treatment plants to be net metered for city use (increasing the city cap) City Council City Manager PW Low City of South Burlington Climate Action Planning 7 January 2021 Land Use (Under Adaptation and Resilience) Change land use policies so current and future land development will be adaptive and resilient to climate change impacts # of landuse policies changed or added Protect identified habitat blocks critical for carbon storage. Planning Commission P+Z Unknown at this time Low Remove parking minimums and establish parking maximums where feasible Planning Commission P+Z Low Establish a system for disclosure of residential home energy efficiency ratings Planning Commission P+Z Low Maintain current levels of vegetation in the built environment through a tree ordinance and green roofs Planning Commission P+Z City Council Low At least 30% of new housing units within ¼ mile of high-frequency transit are designated affordable. # of affordable housing units built each year with ¼ of transit routes Evaluate the density standards in the land development regulations to increase affordable housing at densities necessary for providing reliable transit options that are more efficient and produce less GHG emissions. Planning Commission P+Z Low 3 Non-Energy Sector (Waste) Reduce emissions and energy at the City’s wastewater facilities by X% by 2035 % of emissions annually from wastewater treatment Energy consumption from wastewater treatment Reduce Fugitive Emissions from Wastewater Treatment Facilities City Manager PW Unknown at this time High Reduce solid waste by X% by 2035 Tonnage of solid waste Collaborate with Chittenden Solid Waste District to reduce PW CSWD Unknown at this time Low City of South Burlington Climate Action Planning 8 January 2021 municipal and construction waste Govt Operations (not in VT CAP) All city equipment to be powered by low carbon fuels by 2035 # of carbon free equipment replacements per year Develop a plan to replace mowers, leaf blowers, snow blowers and other equipment with electric models. City Manager PW Unknown at this time Low Adaptation and Resilience Need to review All Hazard Mitigation Plan N/A Protect river corridors and limit development in vulnerable areas Planning Commission P+Z N/A Low Implement green infrastructure principles into the built environment Planning Commission P+Z Low Increase protection of wetlands Planning Commission P+Z Low Develop extreme heat response plans City Manager Low Assess culverts for geomorphic capacity and aquatic organism passage PW consultant Low Agriculture/Food Systems Maintain and enhance agricultural viability and sustainability for agricultural uses through management planning, infrastructure improvements, and stewardship N/A Work with local universities and pilot carbon sequestration practices City Manager Energy Comm. N/A Low Promote dialog between farmers and beekeepers to develop pollinator habitat City Manager Energy Comm. Low Promote long-term agricultural stewardship and sustainability practices that enhance soil health and regeneration, reduce erosion, and conserve water City Manager Energy Comm. Low Work with local universities to learn about low carbon fuel agricultural vehicles. City Manager Energy Comm. Low City of South Burlington Climate Action Planning 9 January 2021 South Burlington Climate Action Plan Draft Table of Contents Executive Summary Introduction Audiences and How to Use this Document: Residents, Landowners, Business Owners and Nonprofits, City Government, Schools, Students, and Nonresident Employees Equity Considerations Goals: Reduce GHG Emissions, Increase Carbon Sequestration, and Foster Adaptation and Resilience Pathways and Actions in the Sectors (Actions will be marked according to symbols for each audience) 1. Transportation 2. Land Use 3. Buildings/Thermal 4. Government Operations 5. Waste (Solidwaste and Wastewater) 6. Adaptation and Resilience 7. Renewable Energy 8. Agriculture Monitoring and Benchmarking Credits and Acknowledgements Appendix I: Methodology and Process Behind the Climate Action Plan Appendix II: Climate Change Science Appendix III: Public outreach and process Appendix IV: Act 174 Content SOUTH BURLINGTON CLIMATE ACTION TASK FORCE MEETING MINUTES 13 JANUARY 2022 1 The South Burlington Climate Action Plan Task Force held a meeting on Thursday, 13 January 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in person at 180 Market Street and online via Zoom remote technology. MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Chalnick, Bill Wargo, Darrylin Peters, Donna Leban, Ethan Goldman, Michael Mittag, Sriram Srinivasan, Helen Riehle (Ex-Officio Council Liaison), Paul Conner (Ex-Officio Staff Liaison) ALSO PRESENT: Melanie Needle (CCRPC project consultant), Ann Janda (CCRPC Project Consultant), R. Greco, S. Crowley, M. Murray, N. Anderson 1. Instructions on existing building in case of emergency and review of technology options – Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning Mr. Conner provided instructions for those attending in person. 2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items No changes were made to the agenda 3. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda (7:04 pm) No comments unrelated to the agenda were provided 4. Election of Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk Mr. Conner presided over election of chair. Mr. Srinivasan nominated Ethan Goldman to serve as chair. Ms. Leban seconded. Mr. Goldman said that he would accept the nomination. No other nominations were made. Mr. Goldman said that he would accept the nomination. Motion passed 7- 0. Mr. Goldman invited nominations for vice-chair. Ms. Riehle nominated Andrew Chalnick, seconded by Mr. Mittag. Mr. Chalnick said he would accept the nomination. Ms. Leban offered that she would nominate Mr. Srinivasan. Mr. Srinivasan said he would serve if nobody else wished to, but that he was happy with Mr. Chalnick offering to serve. Motion to approve Mr. Chalnick approved 7-0. The Task Force decided not to elect a clerk. Mr. Conner said he could generally prepare minutes. Others offered as needed. 5. Presentation and Discussion of Draft Vermont State Climate Action Plan, Ann Janda, CCRPC Ms. Janda provided an overview, guided by a powerpoint slide set, of the Vermont Climate Action Plan (CAP). Ms. Needle noted that while parts of the State CAP are not relevant at the local level, it will be used a starting point for the South Burlington Plan. The CAP sets emissions reduction targets. It is organized around 5 areas: emissions reduction, resilience and adaptions (natural and working lands), resilience and adaption (built environment), cross-cutting, and Non-energy sector. It is Prepared through an equity lens. Those most impacted prioritized. The state CAP has a Carbon Budget for Vermont Emissions Reductions. 2 There are several sectors within the Emissions Reductions Area: Transportation Sector Pathways: • Light duty vehicle electrification via various methods • Medium to heavy duty vehicle electrification via various methods • Reduce Vehicle miles travelled: State transportation implementation plan focused on smart growth, and then if feasible additional methods free transit, amtrak expansion, complete streets • Lower the carbon intensity of fuels Buildings and Thermal Sector Pathways: • Weatherization and Energy Code. Prioritization on those affected most - therefore weatherization is at the top. Residential building energy code net zero by 2030 • Reduce Carbon Content of Fuels Electricity Sector Pathways: • Decrease GHG emissions from electric sector purchases • Enable all Vermonters to choose electrifications (provide 200-amp service) • Load management and grid optimization Agriculture Sector Pathways • Reduce the sources of emissions and enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases Non-energy Sector Pathways • Reducing emissions on refrigerants • reduce process from semiconductor manufacturing • reduce fugitive emissions from wastewater treatment facilities Resilience and Adaption (natural and working lands, built environment) Land Use: support smart growth. Ms. Janda provided a sample list of a series of pathways and actions under this heading Support local energy and resilience projects. Ms. Janda provided a sample list of a series of pathways and actions under this heading Forest health and conservation Cross-cutting pathways Ms. Janda noted the action to update Act 250 in order to promote compact settlement Individual Vermonters Ms. Janda noted a list of actions that can be undertaken by individual Vermonters Cross-cutting themes: • Support climate action planning • Support compliance with building energy codes • Solar and wind capacity on new buildings 3 Task Force members discussed topics within the above, including measurement, clarifications, applicability at the local level, and local authority under some of the themes. 6. Discussion of Target Audience(s) for South Burlington Climate Action Plan, Ann Janda, CCRPC Ms. Janda said that CCRPC staff had heard the Task Force’s direction at the first meeting clearly: to write the plan in an accessible manner. She identified the following audiences for the plan: residents, Residents, businesses & non-profits, schools, municipal officials. Members of the Task Force discussed other audiences: land owners of large parcels that contain natural resource, those in the mortgage and banking sections, students, employees. Mr. Conner suggested considering a primary audience and secondary audiences, to make sure that the focus of the writing remains clear and concise, to be able to have the main topics discussed easily and clearly. Members agreed. 7. Review of proposed Project Schedule and Approach, Melanie Needle, CCRPC (8:10 pm) Ms. Needle provided an overview of the schedule. The timeline is proposed to be 9 months, a little longer than the 6 months discussed previously, giving time for the CCRPC to turn drafts around, answer questions, and to give time for the Task Force to work through issues and for the public to weigh in. Ms. Conner noted the proposed approach around Pathways / Actions. At the next meeting, the CCRPC would provide a first draft of the full set. Recommendation would then be for the Task Force to break into small work groups to review by topic area, and for the Task Force to have 2 full meetings during which they would review this all together. Ms. Chalnick expressed that he felt that there would be 1-2 areas – notably building thermal – that will be the focus of the work and the full Task Force should focus on those. Mr. Srinivasan felt that it would be important for all sectors to be covered, and not to pre-eliminate subjects. Mr. Goldman asked Ms. Janda if she would be provided a pared-down list from the State Climate Action Plan. Ms. Janda said yes, that the initial list would be South Burlington oriented. Ms. Needle noted that the next meeting would start with a review of South Burlington demographics & existing conditions, to help frame the key issues for South Burlington. Mr. Goldman recommended the Task Force see the list and the consider working groups at their next meeting. Ms. Needle noted a conflict on the planned May 12th meeting. Mr. Conner said he would circulate alternate dates for that meeting. 8. Update on greenhouse gas emissions work / accounting, Melanie Needle, Ethan Goldman, Sriram Srinivasan Ms. Needle provided a brief overview. Mr. Conner noted that this small work group of Ms. Needle, Ms. Janda, Mr. Goldman, and Mr. Srinivasan proposed to work through these important but technical elements. Members agreed this was a good approach. 9. Minutes: November 29, 2021 A motion was made to approve the minutes of 29 November. The motion was seconded and approved 7-0. 10. Other Business 11. Adjourn (9:35 pm)