November 10th 2010 SAB Meeting Minutes

City of Lawrence
Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB)
November 10, 2010 (5:30 PM) Meeting Minutes

Call Meeting to Order (Daniel Poull, Acting Chairperson)
Take Roll Call to Determine Quorum of Members

Any Pressing Items?

APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES

Motion and second to approve the September 8, 2010 minutes (Sethi/Hill-Nelson).
Vote: Motion was passed unanimously.

Presentation by Barry Walthall on City Energy Conservation Codes

Barry Walthall, the Building Codes Administrator for the City's Planning and Development Services, informed SAB that on January 1, 2008 the City of Lawrence adopted the 2006 International Building Code which includes Article # 8 on Energy Code. Prior to 2008 the City did not have any energy standards within building codes. Most recently at the October 26, 2010 City Commission meeting, the Commissioners approved to adopted the 2009 International Building Code. Barry Walthall answered board member questions on energy codes and encouraged SAB to continue to support the adoption of the energy codes for building construction.

Discussion of Take Charge Challenge and Potential Nomination of SAB Member to Take Charge Leadership Team

Eileen Horn announced that the City of Lawrence will compete against Manhattan in the Take Charge Challenge, an energy efficiency contest, from January through October 2011. Cities will be judged according to their participation in Efficiency Kansas, the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, Westar's EfficiencyWorks programs, and the number of incandescent bulbs that are switched to CFLs. Each City will receive $25,000 and a part-time coordinator hired by the Climate and Energy Project. The part-time coordinator will convene a Leadership Team of representatives from the community. The prize is a $100,000 energy efficiency or renewable energy project for the City that wins. Eileen Horn asked if SAB would like to nominate one of their board members for the Take Charge Challenge Leadership Team. Chad Luce and Ian Spomer both expressed interest. The decision on who will be the SAB representative will be based on the part-time coordinator appointment since Ian applied for this position.

Update on Sustainability Trailblazers Project

Eileen Horn informed SAB that in January the Lawrence Journal World will roll out a new site similar to Wellcommon but focused on sustainability. A major component of this new site will be the Sustainability Trailblazers contest and map. Businesses, non-profit organizations, government organizations, and schools will be invited to fill out survey questions within six sustainability categories. The plan will be to announce the Sustainability Trailblazers awards at the Earth Day Celebration. Eileen Horn also mentioned that Simran Sethi's KU graduate class is involved in this project and will help highlight the Sustainability Trailblazers in our community.

Discussion of SAB Leave of Absence

Simran Sethi asked SAB if she could take a leave of absence for six months starting in January 2011. The board agreed.

Waste Reduction & Recycling (WRR) Report

Kathy Richardson emailed SAB the WRR staff report including event reports for the Lawrence Energy Conservation Fair and Sustainable Homes Tour, Fall Compost Sale, and Fall Electronic Recycling Event (see attached). Thanks to Daniel and Janice Poull for volunteering at the Electronic Recycling Event as well as to all SAB members who volunteered at the Energy Fair.

Update on menu of options for solid waste and recycling services in Lawrence:
- A solid waste review team was formed in September 2010 and meets weekly with the City Manager. Team members include Eileen Horn, County-City Sustainability Coordinator; Chuck Soules, Public Works Director; Tammy Bennett, Assistant Public Works Director; Steve Stewart, Fleet Manager; Craig Pruett, Solid Waste Operations Supervisor; and Kathy Richardson, Waste Reduction & Recycling Operations Supervisor.
- This staff team is drafting an outline of the menu of options which includes review of our existing services, the development of long-term plans for automation and other efficiency and safety improvements, a variable rate pricing for solid waste collection services, and curbside recycling service opportunities.
- The outline of the menu of options will be place on a future City Commission agenda and staff will suggest presentation of the information developed to date to SAB, neighborhood associations, and other public forums for solicitation of additional input.

The board asked if the City has appointed a Solid Waste Manager. Tammy Bennett informed SAB that there were great candidates interviewed but the City did not find the right fit for this community at this time. The City may re-advertise the manager position in the future.

Sustainability Coordinator Report

Eileen Horn informed SAB of the following:
- The City Commission approved purchase of EnergyCAP, an energy management software, for an in-house audit of City buildings. An Energy Management Work Group of City department and division staff representatives was formed to develop a five year energy plan. There is also budget support for staff education and outreach efforts.
- The City did not receive the EPA Climate Showcase grant.
- The Douglas County Local Food Policy Council is organizing a Farm Tour this Friday for LFPC board members, Chamber staff, and City, County and Planning Commissioners to view the diversity of agricultural operations in Douglas County.
- The Douglas County Extension Office approved the Solar PV project and construction will begin soon.

Miscellaneous Announcements and/or Public Comments

Daniel Poull asked if SAB would be interested in moving the board meeting location to the Lawrence Public Library once the library expansion is completed.

At the next SAB meeting, board member nominations and election of officers will take place. 
Action: Those board members interested in the Chair, Vice-Chair or Secretary positions may email the current SAB Chair and staff prior to the next meeting.

Meeting adjourned 7:02 p.m.

Next meeting: December 8th, 2010 at 5:30 pm.