City of Urbana Sustainability Advisory Commission met Feb. 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:
Commissioners Present: Chairperson Stacy Gloss, Dustin Allred, Claire Johnson, Todd Rusk, Andrew Stumpf, Morgan White, Tesfaye Wolde-Medhin
Staff Present: Scott Tess, Kathryn Levy
Call to Order, Roll Call, and Declaration of Quorum The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Stacy Gloss. Kathryn Levy called the roll and a quorum was present.
Changes to the Agenda There were no changes to the Agenda
Approval of Minutes Motion was made by Ms. White, second by Ms. Johnson, to approve the Minutes from the January 9, 2017 meeting. Motion carried.
Public Input Mr. Prashanth, University of Illinois student, spoke on the Climate Action Plan (CAP) Phase 2.
Megha Bamola, University of Illinois student, spoke on public engagement.
Kulsoom Abbas, University of Illinois student, spoke on the iMatter proposal and pledge.
Amanda Soski, Urbana, spoke on measuring the impact of sustainable initiatives.
Communications
Staff Report Scott Tess gave the monthly Staff Report which included progress on the Climate Action Plan (CAP) Phase 2, highlighting Solar Urbana-Champaign 3.0 and benchmarking the 2017 calendar year community greenhouse gas inventory.
Related to the Sustainable Water Management Plan, Tess noted an Invitation for Bid for an upcoming rain barrel and compost bin sale.
An update on Environmental Division activities was provided. These included development of a backyard composting workshop, a nuisance abatement bid, electronics recycling law provisions, and coordinating implementation of the new Public Works asset management software.
The Report stated March, 2018 as the next meeting date in the Executive Conference Room.
Continuing Business
Public Engagement Mr. Rusk co-chair of the Public Engagement Committee, provided an update on research into public engagement strategies with regard to meeting the sustainability objectives as outlined in the Climate Action Plan (CAP) Phase 2. Rusk indicated that he and co-chair Mr. Stumpf have drafted a framework to help in the process.
In discussion with Commissioners, Rusk specified the need to engage the expertise and interest of the greater community of stakeholders beyond the Commission, City staff, and City Council. Additionally, three areas to focus on were listed: commercial buildings, transportation fuels, and natural gas usage in residential buildings.
The Committee will continue looking at next steps.
New Business
Municipal Renewable Energy Bonds Allen Axelrod, University of Illinois PH.D. student in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, gave a presentation on ways the City can save money while pushing their sustainability commitments and goals. Using the fire station at 1407 N. Lincoln Avenue as a case study, Axelrod analyzed the potential for solar photo voltaic opportunities.
Discussion ensued.
Scott Tess asked that Axelrod return to the Commissions April meeting upon further scrutiny of available options.
Sustainability Funding Sources Eric Jakobsson, Urbana City Council Member, gave a presentation on what the Commission would have to do to maximize the chances that the City Council would adopt a sustainability tax.
Chairperson Gloss asked for recommendation of how the Commission would like to expand on and explore this prospect. Discussion ensued.
Chairperson Gloss indicated that she would review her notes and video again and make a decision on how best to move forward.
Off Fossil Fuels Act Lois Kane, Urbana member of the national non-profit organization Food and Water Watch, gave an update on H.R.3671 - Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act. She asks that the Commission encourage Council to endorse the Off Act Elected Officials Pledge.
Discussion ensued.
Announcements
To the Ends of the Earth movie at the Channing Murray Foundation, 1209 W Oregon Street, Urbana, Friday, March 2 at 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
The following Champaign County Sustainability Network events were mentioned:
• Green Drinks at Riggs Beer Company in Urbana, Friday, February 9 at 5:30 PM - 7 PM;
• Broadway Food Hall in Urbana- local food and lunch, Thursday, February 15 at 12 PM - 1 PM; and
• Solar is Rising in Champaign County, 3301 N. Boardwalk Drive, Champaign, Thursday, March 15 at 12 PM - 1:30 PM.
Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
https://www.urbanaillinois.us/sites/default/files/attachments/SAC_Minutes_February2018.pdf
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