HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - Climate Action Plan Task Force - 05/12/2022SOUTH BURLINGTON CLIMATE ACTION TASK FORCE
MEETING MINUTES
12 MAY 2022
1
The South Burlington Climate Action Plan Task Force held a meeting on Thursday, 12 May 2022, at 7:00
p.m., in person at 180 Market Street and online via Zoom remote technology.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Chalnick, Darrylin Peters, Ethan Goldman, Michael Mittag, Bill Wargo, Paul
Conner (Ex-Officio Staff member), Helen Riehle (Ex-Officio City Council member)
ALSO PRESENT: Ann Janda (CCRPC project consultant), Marcy Murray, Rosanne Greco, Laurie Smith
1. Instructions on existing building in case of emergency and review of technology options
Mr. Conner provided instructions for those attending in person.
2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items
No change
3. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda
No comments unrelated to the agenda were provided
4. Consider and possible action on recommendation to City Council regarding renewable energy
heating system standards
A. Chalnick and E. Goldman introduced findings from a City of Burlington Ordinance for new
buildings and for charter change enabling the regulation and/or taxation of carbon in the
heating/cooling of existing buildings. A Chalnick, E Goldman, and M Mittag met with Chris Burns
from Burlington to review the ordinance and charter change. The charter change was approved by
the Legislature this year.
The ordinance requires that the heating / cooling of buildings take place with at least 85% carbon
free sources, with certain exceptions. The charter change enables, though future action of the City
of Burlington, the regulations and/or taxation of carbon in the hearting/cooling of existing buildings.
A Chalnick noted that Burlington decided not to include hot water heat pumps in their ordinance.
Apparently concern that large buildings would not be able to manage. Would suggest we expand to
include that, with possible carve-outs.
E Goldman noted that Burlington has benefit of in house department with expertise.
L Smith recommend that if the City of South Burlington does pursue these paths, it should also
require certificates of occupancy to verify.
E Goldman noted that to expand, would likely need to be regionalized for skill set.
M Mittag moved to have staff ask the City Attorney whether the City has the authority to pass an
ordinance similar to Burlington’s. A Chalnick seconded. The motion passed 6-0.
2
A Chalnick recommend gearing up for a charter change. For existing buildings, Burlington passed a
charter change granting Burlington authority to regulate energy sources.
D. Peters asked what would be needed to move forward. Members asked P Conner to provide a
summary of the schedule / process for a charter change.
5. *Continue review of pathways and actions by sector (7:10 pm)
a. Review of remaining sectors: renewable energy, government operations, non-energy
(waste), adaptation & resilience, agriculture & food systems
Members continued their review of the remaining sectors.
R.1.1 D Leban recommended that wind energy be added to solar as an option. P Conner suggested
renewable energy. Members agreed
R.1.3 Members offered to more broadly describe environmental resources as those providing
carbon sequestration. P Conner suggested also could be complementary to agriculture. Members
agreed.
N.1.1 A Chalnick provided revisions to this section to state the South Burlington’s land development
regulations should be revised to protect remaining meadows, forest, grasslands, and farms. B Wargo
provided feedback from the Natural Resources and Conservation Committee; broadly, the
Committee supports this. E Goldman asked whether the language was clear on the subject of
development in areas that are within the transit overlay district. D Peters said the Committee’s
resolution spoke to smart growth and so felt it was included.
A Chalnick moved to update the text to state “Revise South Burlington’s Land Development
Regulations to fully protect our remaining meadows, forest, grasslands, and farms…”. D Peters
seconded. Vote was 3-3, and therefore did not pass.
D Leban then moved to revise the text to remove the word “fully.” Motion was seconded and
passed 6-0.
N.1.2. Compact infill. members discussed A Chalnick’s proposed addition. Members agreed, and
asked that it be moved to transportation/land use.
N.1.3. reducing moved turf. Members discuss encouragement vs requirement of removal of leaf
blowers, conversion of lawn mowers to electric, etc.
N.1.5. Members supported retention and increase of tree canopy.
NE.1.1. Members discussed manners of reducing trash hauling frequency and redundancy.
6. Overview and feedback on draft summer 2022 community outreach plan
P Conner provided an overview of the enclosed public outreach strategy. E Goldman expressed that
the energy committee is willing and interested in supporting.
3
7. Minutes: March 10, March 30, April 14, April 27, 2022
Motion by M Mittag to approve the above-referenced minutes, seconded by A Chalnick. Motion
approved 6-0.
8. Other Business
None
9. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm.