HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Climate Action Plan Task Force - 06/09/2022 Climate Action Plan Task Force
180 Market Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 846-4106
www.sbvt.gov
Meeting Thursday, June 9, 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://us06web.zoom.us/j/83791443785
Telephone (audio only): (929) 205 6099; Meeting ID: 837 9144 3785
AGENDA:
1. Instructions on existing building in case of emergency and review of technology options (7:00 pm)
2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items (7:02 pm)
3. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda (7:05 pm)
4. Review City Attorney assessment of renewable energy ordinance requirements and staff summary of
charter change process (7:10 pm)
5. Presentation and discussion of updated science-based targets using ICLEI’s analysis tool (7:30 pm)
6. Review and discussion of prioritization of sectors and actions (7:50 pm)
7. Public Outreach & Equity update (8:45 pm)
8. Minutes: May 12, May 25 (8:55 pm)
9. Other Business (8:59 pm)
10. Adjourn (9:00 pm)
*Item has attachments
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Conner, AICP,
Paul Conner, AICP
Director of Planning & Zoning
Chief Sustainability Officer
180 Market Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4106 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov
MEMORANDUM
TO: Climate Action Plan Task Force
FROM: Paul Conner, AICP, Director of Planning & Zoning
SUBJECT: Municipal Charter Change Procedure
DATE: June 3, 2022
Staff was asked to provide a summary of the process required to amend the City’s Charter. Specifically,
the Task Force was interested in a possible charter change to enable regulation and/or taxation of
carbon use in existing buildings, in a manner similar to the recently-approved charter change in the City
of Burlington.
As a Dillon’s Rule state, municipalities in Vermont only exercises powers expressly granted by the state.
A municipal charter change, therefore, requires two sets of actions: first at the local level, then with the
legislature.
Local level:
• State Law provides a specific process for a municipal charter to be amended. See the attached guide
to charter changes prepared by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.
• In addition to the procedure spelled out above, the City of South Burlington has a Charter
Committee that is responsible for considering possible amendments to the charter. Procedurally,
the City Council tasks the Charter Committee with either a broad or specific charge. The Council, for
instance, recently tasked the Charter Committee with reviewing the City’s governance structure and
language updates, engaging in a community feedback process, and providing recommendations
back to Council by July 2023.
• A Committee or Task Force interested in a charter change would first submit a written request to
the Council. The Council may place the request on an agenda for consideration and may
subsequently approve a charge to the Charter Change Committee to consider and provide a
recommendation to the Council.
• Following the Charter Committee’s review, the Council may elect to place a proposed charter
change before the voters at regular or special election. If the vote passes, the charter change is
submitted to the Legislature. Scheduled elections in South Burlington include Town Meeting Day
(first Tuesday in March) each year, and State/Federal primaries (August) and State/Federal elections
(November) of each even-numbered year.
State Level
• A locally-approved approved charter amendment may be considered by the Legislature and may be
adopted as written, modified, or not adopted.
VLCT QUICK GUIDE TO CHARTER PROCEDURE:
ADOPTION/AMENDMENT/R EPEAL
CHARTER PREPARATION
Charter submission. A proposal to adopt/amend/repeal a governance charter may be
submitted to the legal voters of a municipality at an annual or special town meeting by the
selectboard or a petition of 5% of the voters.
Revisions to voter-backed proposal. A charter proposal by petition cannot be changed by the
selectboard, except for technical corrections, and must be submitted to the voters at the next
annual meeting or primary or general election.
Copies available. Official copy of the charter proposal must be filed as a public record with the
town clerk at least 10 days before the first of two required public hearings. The clerk must
certify the date he or she received the official copy. Copies must be made available to the
public upon request.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Hearings and notice. Selectboard must hold at least two public hearings prior to the vote on
the charter proposal.
First public hearing. The first public hearing is held at least 30 days before the special or
annual town meeting. Notice for the first public hearing must:
o Be in accordance with 17 V.S.A. § 2641:
Post in at least two public places in the municipality, and in or near the
town clerk's office, not less than 30 nor more than 40 days before the
hearing; and
Published in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality at
least five days before the hearing
o Show each charter section(s) to be adopted, repealed, or amended in amended
form by showing deleted matter struck through and new matter underlined.
However, if the selectboard decides the charter proposal is too long or unwieldy
to be shown in amended form, notice shall include:
Concise summary of the charter proposal;
A statement that an official copy of the proposal is on file for public
inspection at the town clerk’s office and that copies will be made
available upon request.
Second public hearing. The second public hearing is held no later than 10 days after the
first public hearing if the charter proposal was made by petition. Notice for second
public hearing is the same process as the first public hearing.
Revisions following public hearings. The selectboard may make revisions only if the charter
proposal is from the selectboard and revisions are made no less than 20 days before the date of
the special or annual town meeting to vote on the charter proposal. If revisions are made, the
selectboard must:
o Post notice of revisions:
In the same places as the warning for the special or annual town meeting; and
Not less than 20 days before the date of the special or annual town meeting.
o Attach revisions to the official copy kept on file for public inspection in the town clerk’s
office.
SPECIAL OR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Notice for town meeting. Notice for special or annual town meeting is the same process and
timing as for annual town meeting under 17 V.S.A. § 2641. The notice must also show each
charter section(s) to be adopted, repealed, or amended in amended form by showing deleted
matter struck through and new matter underlined. However, if the selectboard decides the
charter proposal is too long or unwieldy to be shown in amended form, notice shall include a:
o Concise summary of the charter proposal; and
o Statement that an official copy of the proposal is on file for public inspection at the
town clerk’s office and that copies will be made available upon request.
Method of voting and ballot requirements. The vote on the charter proposal must be
conducted by Australian ballot. The ballot must:
o Show each section to be amended in the amended form by showing deleted matter in
struck through and new matter underlined;
o Allow the voter to vote on each separate proposal contained within the charter
proposal.
o If the selectboard decides the charter proposal is too long or unwieldy to be shown in
the proposed form on the ballot, voters must be permitted to vote on each separate
proposal in its entirety in the form of a “yes” or “no” proposition.
Copies available. An official copy of the charter proposal must be posted conspicuously in each
ballot booth for inspection by the voters during balloting.
POST-VOTE
Results. The town clerk must announce and post voting results immediately after the vote is
counted.
Certification. Within 10 days following the day of the election, the town clerk must certify to
the Secretary of State and provide:
Each separate charter proposal and the facts as to its origin and the procedure followed;
If the charter proposal as made by the selectboard, the minutes recorded by the
selectboard that detail the origins and intent of each separate proposal;
If by voter petition, the body of the petition and evidence of the required
number of petition signatures;
A copy of the official certified copy of the charter proposal filed with the town clerk;
Copies of the warnings and published notices for each of the public hearings;
Minutes recorded by the selectboard that detail each of the public hearings;
Copies of warnings and published notices for the meeting to vote on the charter
proposal; and
A copy of the ballot and the results of the vote or votes on the charter proposal.
Confirmation. The Secretary of State must confirm the town clerk’s certification, file the
certificate, and deliver copies to: The Attorney General, the Clerk of the House of
Representatives, Secretary of the Senate, Chair people of the committees concerned with town
charters to both houses of the General Assembly.
Effective date. The charter/amendment/repeal becomes effective upon enactment into law
either as:
o Originally proposed; or
o Amended by the General Assembly.
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Date: June 3, 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: Climate Action Plan Equity, Prioritization and Science Based Targets
Equity
CCRPC staff are working to apply equity principles to the Climate Action Plan using the State’s Just
Transition scoring rubric as a foundation. However, we have found that the equity review is complex and
will take some time. Therefore, at this meeting, we would like to identify high impact actions to narrow
down the content that needs to be analyzed from an equity perspective.
Climate Action Plan Prioritization
The June 9th CAPTF agenda packet contains draft Climate Action Plan sections related to
buildings/thermal, land use/transportation and natural areas put in the Montgomery County Climate
Action Plan style as requested. Each page shows the science-based target (SBT) as recently modeled (as
applicable) and the associated actions selected from the Task Force’s worksheets on these sectors. The
actions have been categorized into high impact and supporting actions. This aims to show what type of
action is needed by 2030 to meet the targets. High impact actions are the most effective at reducing
emissions at the scale and pace required to meet the City’s climate goals as demonstrated by the SBTs.
High impact actions are policy and investment oriented. Supporting actions are educational, promotional,
and are not quantifiable. Based on the SBT modeling, the buildings/thermal and land use/transportation
sectors and associated high impact actions should be considered as the priority focus of the Climate
Action Plan and for subsequent implementation phases. While other sectors are important to climate
action planning and have been included in the process, they do not produce an equivalent impact to
reduce greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions and should be considered supporting sectors.
Science Based Targets
Science-based targets (SBTs) represent South Burlington’s fair share of the ambition necessary to meet
the Paris Agreement commitment to keep warming below 1.5 °C and are in alignment with Vermont’s
Global Warming Solutions Act requirements.
A SBT scenario has been developed to demonstrate the degree of action needed across the
buildings/thermal and land use/transportation sectors. Although the natural area sector does not have
an SBT, data is available to understand the role forest and trees play in carbon removal on an annual
basis. Additionally, data on forest conversion and forest loss is provided to understand emission impacts
from development. GHG quantification of non-forested land cover (wetland, grassland, cropland) is not
quantifiable due to complexities of soil carbon dynamics and methodology limitations.
The SBT scenario is built from the 2019 ghg emission inventory, which estimates current conditions. A
110 West Canal Street, Suite 202
Winooski, Vermont 05404-2109
802-846-4490
www.ccrpcvt.org
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business as usual (BAU) scenario was also developed to demonstrate the ghg emissions if there is no
climate action taken. The SBT scenario is compared to the business as usual (BAU) scenario to project
emissions over time with various actions applied to assist with understanding the impact level of the
actions.
SBTs and Emission Goals
2030 Emission
Reduction Goal
Base Year 2019
(MT Co2e) 2030 BAU (MT Co2e)
2030 SBTs and
GWSA (MT
Co2e)
60.20% 195,532 196,071 77,822
Growth Rates Employment Population Grid Emissions VMT
1% annually 1.3% annually 0 1.3% annually
Base Year BAU SBT 2030 Modeled
Emissions
Fuel/Sector Year 2019 (MT
Co2e)
2030 (MT
Co2e)
Science Based Target
(MT C02e) Sector
Commercial Natural Gas 30,234 30,568 11,259 Commercial
Energy
Commercial Electric 2,613 0
Residential Electric 1,048 0 18,641 Residential
Energy Residential Natural Gas 30,630 35,306
Industrial Natural Gas 1,905 1,926 397 Industrial
Energy Industrial Electric 765 0
On-Road Transportation 128,337 128,270 46,168 Transportation
Total 195,532 196,070 76,465
Forest Tree
Disturbances/Forest to
Settlement COe2/yr 1,000 1,000 1,000
Landuse
CO2 e/yr Removal from
Undisturbed
Forest/Trees in Settled
Areas -8,769 -8,769 -8,769
Natural Areas
Net Total 187,763 188,301 68,696
*Emissions from Govt Operations are included in the analysis above, CCRPC Staff is working to develop an inventory specific to govt
operations.
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Degree of Implementation (Start Year 2023, End Year 2030)
Measures SBT Scenario Emission Reductions
Residential
Electrification/Number of
Housing Units retrofitted
(annually)
500 housing units
-16,665
Home Weatherization
(annually) 600 homes
Commercial Benchmarking,
Electrification (annually) 8% commercial sq. ft -19,309
Industrial Space Heating
Reduction (annually)
10% reduction in
energy use
-1,529
Electric Vehicle Adoption, by
2030 37.5% EV, 37.5% HEV -52,972
VMT Reduction (annually) 2.5% -23,540
Compact Development
New Units (2,770 units
in high density (> 12.5
du per acre)
-5,589
Note: new buildings built to net zero standards are assumed to be carbon free
Data is subject to change slightly
City of South Burlington Land Cover Change
Note: Methodology for carbon sequestration of non-forested areas is not included in the Land Emissions and Removals Navigator
(LEARN) tool. LEARN is not able to estimate GHG impacts of mitigation activities or land-use trade offs
DRAFT
Buildings and Thermal Actions
South Burlington will weatherize and electrify ex-
isting buildings. New construction will be net zero
by 2030.
By 2030:
Weatherize
• 600 homes annually
Reduce
• Natural gas consumption by 10% annually in the
industrial sector
Electrify
• 8% of existing commercial and public buildings
(by square footage) annually
• 500 housing units annually
• Net Zero Energy Building Code for new construc-
tion
Buildings Emissions Reduction Targets
High Impact Actions:
• Become a 2030 District to encourage commercial buildings to benchmark energy
use and set reduction targets
• Develop an energy efficiency ordinance to mandate weatherization in high energy
use buildings similar to Burlington's Minimum Housing Code Weatherization Ordi-
nance.
• Develop a preferential tax rate for highly efficient buildings that are not using fos-
sil fuel
• Advocate for a state-wide Clean Heat Standard for delivered fuels
• Prohibit fossil fueled thermal in new buildings
• Propose charter change to regulate fossil fueled thermal in existing buildings
• Adopt net zero energy building code for new construction
• Adopt building code to and hire code inspector to ensure energy code compliance
Draft
Transportation/Land Use Actions
South Burlington will make policies to increase electric
vehicle (EV) adoption and reduce vehicle miles traveled
(VMT). Until EVs are broadly adopted, South Burlington
will promote and encourage bike/walking, transit use,
and transportation fuel efficiency.
By 2030:
• Replace 37.5% of gasoline vehicles with all electric vehicles
• Replace 37.5% of gasoline vehicles with plug-hybrid vehicles
• Reduce vehicle miles traveled by 2.5% annually
• In the short term, increase fuel efficiency
Transportation Emissions Reduction
Targets
High Impact Actions:
Electric Vehicle Adoption
• Adopt a policy to require all new buildings have the appropriate amount
of electric vehicle charging equipment and 200-amp electric service
• Work with GMP to develop a policy with incentives for existing commer-
cial properties to install electric vehicle charging equipment
• Utilize Drive Electric VT resources and car dealerships to offer the com-
munity education opportunities about electric and hybrid vehicles
Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled
• Prioritize higher density, mixed use development and affordable housing
through the land development regulations in areas with existing or
planned reliable transit options, services, and infrastructure (including
bike/ped) within the transit overlay district.
• Adopt a Transportation Demand Management requirement for develop-
ment/redevelopment. Include incentives or requirements for multi -modal
transportation or parking maximums where feasible, parking disincen-
tives or other tools. Include bike share, car share, and supporting policies.
• Research the applicability for micro-transit programs in South Burlington.
Consider working with SSTA, Senior Van Services
• Invest in Green Mountain Transit to increase transit ridership on existing
route, identify new routes, and increase frequency.
• Establish park & ride/carpool lots to connect with public transportation,
(e.g. I-189 Exit, Chittenden County Park and Ride Plan).
• Create a walk/bike master plan, recommend investments in retrofits of
infrastructure, including widening or narrowing where needed and con-
sideration of making bike/pedestrian infrastructure safer.
Draft
Natural Areas Actions
South Burlington will Ensure land is managed
to be adaptive and resilient to climate change
impacts
By 2030:
• Reserve remaining natural resource areas
• Increase green infrastructure and soil
health for carbon sequestration (can’t
quantify at this time) wildlife and insect
habitat, flood resiliency and water filtra-
tion services
Natural Areas Targets
Supporting Actions:
• Revise land development regulations to protect remaining meadows,
forests, grasslands and farmlands from further encroachment, as per-
mitted by law.
• Adopt goal to replace 30% of mowed turf with native plant species by
2030. Start campaign to encourage “climate friendly lawns” - residents
are encouraged to convert portions with native perennials and trees.
• Retain and Increase Tree Canopy: Develop a program that supports the
planting of native trees on private property, commit funding to estab-
lish the program and support ongoing implementation.
SOUTH BURLINGTON CLIMATE ACTION TASK FORCE
MEETING MINUTES
12 MAY 2022
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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.
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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.
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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.
SOUTH BURLINGTON CLIMATE ACTION TASK FORCE
MEETING MINUTES
25 May 2022
1
The South Burlington Climate Action Plan Task Force held a meeting on Wednesday, 25 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,
Sriram Srinivasan, Donna Leban, Dalila Hall (Ex-Officio Staff member), Helen Riehle (Ex-Officio City
Council member)
ALSO PRESENT: Melanie Needle (CCRPC project consultant), Ann Janda (CCPRC project consultant),
Roseann Greco, Sarah Dopp
1. Instructions on existing building in case of emergency and review of technology options
Mr. Goldman provided instructions for those attending in person; the majority attended remotely
2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items
- There was general discussion among group members before the meeting was called to order by
Mr. Goldman at 7:11pm.
- Mr. Chalnick asked about follow-up regarding where the group ended up during the 5/12/22
meeting about Small Engines (Pathway SE:1). Mr. Chalnick had provided several additions to
this section. Ms. Janda replied that Paul Conner will have a response to Mr. Chalnick’s questions
at the next meeting.
- Mr. Srinivasan asked about a timeline on greenhouse emissions reductions. Ms. Needle replied
by explaining about the 2019 baseline inventory and that there will be a new iteration available
at the next meeting,
- Ms. Riehle shared that she had followed up with the School’s Superintendent regarding the
Climate Plan and had instructed them to reach out to Mr. Conner and Mr. Goldman to schedule
a time to report to this group where the school district is at on this subject.
o Mr. Goldman mentioned that a memo from the school district would also be helpful as
the committee moves through the workplan.
o Mr. Srinivasan thought more input from the school would be helpful. Mr. Chalnick also
supported this position. Ms. Leban stated that it would be helpful to have this input
sooner rather than later.
3. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda
No comments unrelated to the agenda were provided
R. Greco shared that Underhill, VT has a Climate Action Task Force and she suggested that there
should be coordination among these groups. Ms. Janda added that she is also working with the
Underhill Task Force but that she is not aware of any other similar groups in Chittenden County. Ms.
Needle mentioned that other towns are working on Energy Plans which are similar in scope.
4. Conclude review of pathways and actions by sector
a. Renewable Energy Sector
i. There was general discussion about percentage increase in megawatt hours, Ms.
Needle gave an overview of how CCRPC would approach analyzing this.
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b. Natural Areas Sector
i. There was general discussion about Mr. Chalnick’s additions to the natural areas
target box description. Mr. Srinivasan added some clarifying language about
sequestration. Mr. Goldman added a suggestion about order of working and what
to do with original text shown in black text – everyone was okay with replacing.
There was discussion that the term “Priority Habitat Blocks” is too vague and that it
may already have a defined meaning that is different than how it may generally be
construed.
c. Government Operations Sector
i. Mr. Chalnick suggested a change to Pathway wording for GO.2.
ii. Ms. Leban mentioned that in regards to GO1.2 that there needs to be consideration
for the City to include green policies into its bid contracts. She used example of
current City contract landscaper using gas leaf blowers.
d. Adaptation & Resilience Sector
i. The group discussed Mr. Mittag’s comment about AR.1, Mr. Chalnick suggested
refining it for better precision, for instance including river corridor buffers. Ms.
Riehle commented that this degree of precision was added to the recently adopted
Land Development Regulations.
ii. General wordsmithing was made for items AR1.3, AR1.2, AR1.1 and AR1.8. Ms.
Needle added the changes into the document.
iii. With regards to item AR1.5 it was noted that Paul Conner and Dept. of Public Works
needed to provide input.
e. Agriculture & Food Systems Sector
i. Mr. Chalnick asked if there was any language in the document about asking
supermarkets to adopt refrigerators to better manage refrigerants. It was
suggested that there be a word search for this.
ii. Someone suggested including climate change education in schools. Ms. Needle
suggested that this would be better placed in the Government Operations Sector
and could be worded by adding language like “collaborate with schools as needed.”
iii. A long discussion about how to engage the school district ensued (collaborate &
coordinate) and about what falls into the Government Operations Sector.
f. Mr. Goldman asked for a vote on the sections that were adjusted during the meeting. Ms.
Peters moved to vote in support of the changes that were made, Mr. Mittag seconded the
motion. The motion was unanimously approved.
5. Next Steps: public outreach per 5/12 memo. equity evaluation, & prioritization
a. There was general discussion about what is most impactful and most doable with regards to
“evaluation & prioritization” and being able to reach schools, architects and the developer
community.
b. A. Janda mentioned that this section was put in as a placehold to allow members to begin
thinking about the topic and that it should be raised for more substantive discussion at the
next meeting.
c. Ms. Peters suggested following the process recently used by the Planning Commission for
seeking public input on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan and ARPA funding. Mr. Chalnick
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shared a link to the 05/24/2022 Planning Commission packet which included the Planning
Commission’s Outreach Plan framework with the members over the Zoom chat function.
d. R. Greco offered public comment regarding the language “if law permits” which was
mentioned as clarifying wording earlier during the meeting. She reminded all that even if
something isn’t legal it should still be challenged and/or changed because some of the laws
governing climate are over twenty years old.
e. There was general discussion that collaborating with Schools should include their
transportation footprint.
f. Mr. Mittag suggested that the City should looking into parking pricing and road pricing.
g. Ms. Leban mentioned that the group may want to consider adopting similar language to
Burlington’s with regard to an Energy Code and working with Residential Building Energy
Standards (RBES) to adopt similar language. It was discussed that the City should require
Certificates of Occupancy for all new construction. Mr. Goldman asked that this position be
more fleshed out.
6. Other Business - None
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.