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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9-8-20 Climate Action Commission AgendaIowa City Climate Action Commission Age nda Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Electronic Meeting, Zoom Platform Meeting Agenda: Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19. You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda item by going to https://zoom.us/j/93466402384?pwd=U0dIRmJIclhET2NTN25GM0R LenAwUT09 via the internet to visit the Zoom meeting’s registration page and submit the required information. Once approved, you will receive an email message with a link to join the meeting. If you are asked for a meeting or webinar ID, enter the ID number found in the email. A meeting password may also be included in the email. Enter the password when prompted. If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you may call in by telephone by dialing (312) 626-6799. When prompted, enter the meeting or webinar ID. The ID number for this meeting is: 934 6640 2384. Once connected, you may dial *9 to “raise your hand,” letting the meeting host know you would like to speak. Providing comments in 1.Call to Order 2.Roll Call 3.Approval of August 3, 2020 minutes 4.Public Comment of items not on the Agenda (Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 3 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items). 5.Staff Announcements a.Action items from last meeting b.Position vacancy update i.Announced at 8/4 ls Council meeting, has to be open for a minimum of 30 days to all those eligible that wish to apply. ii.The application deadline is 9/8/20 with Council appointment on 9/15/20. c.Progress updates on “Accelerating Iowa City’s Climate Actions” (see attachment). d.Ghg inventory (see attachment) e. Metrics- 2 years data (see attachment) 6.New Business: a.Johnson Clean Energy District – Cheryl Miller b.Discussion of making a formal statement similar to Human Rights Commission c.Equity considerations d.Working group evaluation e.Update on working groups i.Buildings (Krieger, Karr, Soglin) ii. Transportation (Leckband, Giannakouros) iii.Outreach (Krieger, Fraser, Holbrook, Bradley) iv.Equity/Adaptation (Tate, Hutchinson) v.Waste (Bradley) 7.Recap of actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff 8.Adjourn If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Brenda Nations, Sustainability Coordinator, at 319-356-6161 or at brenda-nations@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. MINUTES PRELIMINARY IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION AUGUST 3, 2020 – 3:30 PM – FORMAL MEETING ELECTRONIC MEETING MEMBERS PRESENT: Madeleine Bradley, Stratis Giannakouros, Grace Holbrook, Kasey Hutchinson, John Fraser, GT Karr, Jesse Leckband, Becky Soglin, Eric Tate MEMBERS ABSENT: Matt Krieger STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Gardner, Ashley Monroe, Brenda Nations OTHERS PRESENT: John Barr, Zach Harrelson, Benjamin Grimm RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: None CALL TO ORDER: Soglin called the meeting to order. APPROVAL OF JULY 6, 2020 MINUTES: Fraser moves to approve the minutes from July 6, 2020. Tate seconds the motion, a vote was taken, and the motion passes 8-0 (Giannakouros not present for the vote). PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: John Barr just wanted to thank Juli Seydell-Johnson for her extensive update on the plans by the parks department. Certainly, the question he posed in June was pretty broad, not just specific to Scott Park, and she did a great job of providing a broad overview, but he thinks it is Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19. Climate Action Commission August 3, 2020 Page 2 of 10 2 incumbent upon everyone with this specific park issue to then come back and make it more specific in a future date. Benjamin Grimm gave quick update on the school district progress and climate actions, they are trying to find a consultant to look at the whole breadth of their climate action efforts and their entire operation and what they’ve implemented and what they can still implement. Their goal is to figure out some sort of plan that would work into the facility's master plan 2.0 effort, which he believes is slotted for 2023. He also noted there is some movement again on the environmental stuff with the AmeriCorps staff and they are going back and revisiting their recycling pilot programs at the one junior high, one high school, and one elementary school. Grimm stated given the current COVID situation, they're kind of waiting to see how that all pans out as to when students were back in the building and how they would actually implement that with the projected cafeteria complex complications with social distancing and everything. STAFF/COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS: Action Items from last meeting: Nations noted the first one was for her to add the co-benefits sheet to this packet, which she did. She added that Soglin worked on that and it is in the packet and they're also on the Google Drive. Nations sent the link for the transportation. She also sent the Human Rights Commission statement about the recent developments that was requested. Finally, she got the future zoom meetings set up. Updates from Climate Action and Outreach Office: Nations stated they’re going to be doing these updates every other month in rotation with updates of the 100-day report. Some of the recent activities that they've been doing are they just awarded the climate action grants, they awarded seven and they're listed on page 17 of the packet. They also finished up the fiscal year 2020 grants except for two that wanted an extension because of COVID reasons, which was granted. Nations noted they're finalizing two more grants and have an award to Johnson Clean Energy District on hold for now until they get things going with the new AmeriCorps members. They launched the Climate Action at W ork, the green business recognition program. They have ten applications so far that they're hoping to award businesses or organizations for their climate action work. Nations asked if there is a Commissioner that would like to review the nine applications and help staff make decisions. Regarding the metrics, which will be discussed in more detail later, she listed out all five categories which she is hoping they can agree on tonight and then she can have two or more years of data to present next month to see how it's looking from when they completed the Climate Action Plan because they'd like to have an update for the two year anniversary. Nations noted the monarch festival launched on Sunday, it was a virtual festival but very popular as they had in less than 24 hours over 1000 hits, which is pretty good because that's twice as many as they probably had at an actual in person festival. We have some good videos and really cool information. The Farm to Street event has been cancelled for this year. Gardner is working on the climate festival and the publicity is going to launch this week. Gardner stated the climate festival website is live and ready to be viewed. There are some interactive elements that will be added in as they're developed, including the launch video, which was just Climate Action Commission August 3, 2020 Page 3 of 10 3 completed today. She noted they are anticipating the first press release going out this week, and then they'll start marketing that pretty aggressively in the weeks ahead. Gardner added they are continuing their outreach to businesses and organizations to participate and have gotten some wonderful responses back already. Utility insert ads and advertising about the event went out over the weekend. Gardner next discussed the marketing RFP, noting they are just finalizing the dates as to when folks need to get questions to them for the question and answer section and also the date then for the final application. They expect that to be nailed down and then the RFP itself will go out this week. Nations asked if Gardner had any updates on the climate ambassador program? Gardner stated she did, and she’s been making some wonderful headway in developing the modules for that. She noted they seem to be on track to launch the application for it during the climate festival and then expect the program itself then to launch sometime in October. Nations noted they did finalize getting the contract for the EV readiness planning program, it was awarded to ICF, which is a consulting firm that has done both regional and city EV readiness plans. They are excited to start kicking that off and so they'll have their first call with them sometime in the next week or two. Nations stated she still have not gotten all the information she needs to to complete the greenhouse gas inventory for 2019, she needs information from MidAmerican and from Eastern Iowa Light & Power. Monroe next discussed the tree planting project and the Fair Trade information that's in the agenda packet. One of the objectives in the Accelerating Climate Action Report is framed as a private tree planting effort in coordination with Project Green. Monroe said they are still continuing to pursue a potential partnership with Project Green and hopefully this project can start that. It's a pilot program that would be an instant rebate for any customers that would like to purchase a tree. They haven't finalized the cost share yet but would think that will be indicated by the cost of the actual trees in stock. They’ve reached out tentatively to both Iowa City Landscaping and Earl May, just based upon the fact that they're based in Iowa City and would be the nurseries that would be more likely to have stock available and additionally partly to support the local businesses. They would coordinate a list of eligible type species in coordination with the City's forestry division and then residents can choose whatever planting is appropriate for them and the City would repay the nursery for the balance of the cost. Monroe noted they are thinking carefully about equity and want to make sure that people are able to transport a tree or can be assisted with any type of delivery or tree planting. Homeowners or property owners who are eligible for some other type of discount or income eligible program at the City will be eligible for assistance with transporting and planting, they have yet to define what the requirement would be for that but are trying to make it as low barrier as possible. Additionally, if somebody comes to the City and has no interest in the program because they can't afford whatever that tree cost is, the City might be able to cover either the whole balance of that tree purchase or a greater portion to reduce the cost dramatically. Monroe is curious about what the Commission's feedback might be about this, please communicate with Nations, Climate Action Commission August 3, 2020 Page 4 of 10 4 Gardner, her or anyone. Monroe added this effort will be paired with education about tree care, both through the City and through the nursery that's facilitating that action. Monroe stated this program can get more trees in the ground in a quicker amount of time and give the residents a greater responsibility and pride and in that tree care. Tate noted it looks like from an equity standpoint, the City is focusing on access to this program, monetarily and physical ability, etc., and wondered if they are going to track demographic characteristics of who takes advantage of this program so they can assess the equity on the back end. Monroe replied she hasn’t given a lot of thought to the racial or ethnic demographics, they would want to track the location of plantings so that they can establish a mapping of whatever the increase to the tree canopy is as well as tracking the geographic distribution of where the trees are planted. She is not sure how they would collect that racial or ethnic information but if the Commission feels very strongly about doing that, they'll figure out a way to do it. Tate asked if there is any sort of application process or any sort of paperwork that needs to be filled out to participate in this program? Monroe replied that is still in development. It could be very simple paperwork in order for them to get a voucher or whatever it is if they distribute it that way. The could include other demographic information on the application as well. Tate stated there's two principles that would work here, one is distributional equity in this resource that the City is providing and the second is the individual one. One approach is to do it based on places so they can compare neighborhoods and parts of the City and the other approach is on the individual level and it's not always easy to compare those and see if the individuals are benefiting from this program, are they representative of the area of town that they live in, for example, and just looking at area of town can only tell so much. Therefore, if they want to look at the distributional equity of this and any other program, they need to collect the data. Monroe stated if they have a general consensus or a lack of opposition they will work through the finer details of the program and she is hoping to get this out later this month so people can start planting in the fall when it gets a little bit cooler. Perhaps they can work through the working groups maybe to bring it back and just fine tune anything with the equity working group and maybe the outreach groups and make sure they’re okay to go ahead. The Commission agreed to a general consensus of the program. Giannakouros added there is a website called native plant finder, and it's run by Dr. Tallamy, at the University of Maryland, and they've developed a way that one can prioritize and rank what kind of trees or shrubs are planted in a yard by zip code and therefore maximizing the interactions of moths, butterflies, etc. He noted on campus they plant a lot of gingko and it might as well be made of concrete as it's useless in terms of biodiversity. So, it depends on what the program they're trying to do is if it's like shade trees and those benefits versus biodiversity that should be prioritized. The City arborist probably knows the same things but he would like to see some kind of an assist to homeowners so that for example planting an oak is probably the most important thing they could plant in the backyard as it has such a an impact on moth species and that in turn leads to caterpillars which leads to birds having food. Climate Action Commission August 3, 2020 Page 5 of 10 5 Giannakouros is happy to discuss this more offline but thinks it would be cool to see that biodiversity component, at least the education piece so if someone decides not to get a tree like that, they at least understand the impact that decision can have on biodiversity in the City. If it isn’t done in private backyards, we're not going to have tons of biodiversity. Monroe agreed and thanked Giannakouros for bringing that up, they absolutely want to encourage the biodiversity, that will be part of that education component and part of that pre- selected species. The City wants to share why the there are certain preferred trees. Nations asked about this website where you can look at it by zip code and see the lists all of the different tree species. Giannakouros said there's a website called native plant finder, and it's run through a National Wildlife Federation and Doug Tallamy is the advisor to that effort. It's not really user friendly, or super intuitive. Soglin stated she would have a concern about upkeep of the trees through the first two or three years and whether folks are going to be provided things like fencing if they're in an area with deer, and other help maybe in that first and second year. She noted that the failure rate of trees can be so high and obviously they would want to avoid that. Monroe agreed noting they are experiencing that quite a bit with the publicly transplanted trees, so they are definitely sensitive to that and yes they want to provide resources and make sure that that people have whatever supplies or guidance that they need. She thinks this would be a really great opportunity for some type of volunteer group or connections for Project Green or others to help with that effort. Leckband stated he would be remiss if he didn’t add they need to be sure to include some information about One Call if they're digging holes in their yard. They don’t want anyone hitting a gas line or a power line or water line or sewer line when they're digging. Frasier stated he happen to notice on a neighborhood website the other day someone had been on vacation or something and came home, this was in Manville Heights, and they noticed that a number of trees had been removed and they were rather shocked about this. Frasier understands that a tree is not a tree is not a tree is not a tree but at the same time, he is wondering since they're enforcing this concern, and really building on planting trees, planting trees, planting trees, if there's a possibility of putting up some sign or billboard or notice, so when people see that trees are being assassinated, they understand why and what the reason is and that the trees are in fact going to be replaced, etc., so you there isn’t an undue concern on the part of the citizenry. When they take out trees maybe they ought to make an extra effort to notify the population why that is, in fact happening. Monroe acknowledged that's a good comment and stated that Parks and Recreation does give notice to people but there are instances where that could be missed. If there are other ways the City can go about notifying neighborhoods or areas then she is happy to pass the message along to staff. Monroe wanted to mention that she, Nations, and Wendy Ford from the City met with MidAmerican staff the other day about their rebate and incentive programs that are residential and commercial scale. It's helping the City to develop a better, more informed program as they move forward with the TIF and urban renewal area project that is in the process of approving final approval to move ahead with amending those areas so they can get rebates for energy efficiency projects. MidAmerican gave them a bunch of good ideas that she thinks they can Climate Action Commission August 3, 2020 Page 6 of 10 6 move forward into new development with the Commission for additional electrification projects and those kinds of things. The final thing Monroe wanted to mention is the Fair Trade campaign information that was included in the agenda packet. Just as an FYI the Human Rights Commission has been in discussion about implementing an effort to join the Fair Trade campaign for the City and she just wanted to add it to their awareness that another Commission is in discussion about this. Of course, there's climate implications that go along with the Fair Trade initiatives so there can be further discussion at another date, but she wanted to include it so that they’re aware that a resolution has been drafted. It hasn't been brought to Council yet, but they're getting close. Nations shared that Katie Sarsfield decided to resign from the Commission and that's why she's not at this meeting. Because they have applications still that are pretty recent, Council will be probably looking at those to appoint a new member at their next at their next meeting. Giannakouros volunteered to be on the review committee for the climate action at work, the green business recognition program. REVIEW AND DISCUSS FINALIZING ALL METRICS: Nations stated they want to quickly review the metrics and see if there are any comments on the proposed final metrics that were include in the agenda packet. She noted there's still probably a month or so if they gather the data and it doesn't look right or it seems like they forgot something, at the next meeting they can add those. They have spoken with the buildings group and she feels pretty good about getting their renewable energy from MidAmerican and Eastern Line & Power and the Iowa Power Plant and keeping track of that because it has such a big impact on emissions and then looking at residential, commercial and industrial, their greenhouse gas emissions as a group and then they would also include the municipal buildings. She also worked with the transportation working group and discussed looking at vehicle miles traveled, bus ridership, transportation mode split, number of electric vehicles in City vehicle miles traveled divided by the amount of gasoline that they use and those went pretty well and realizing that transportation modes split is estimated data, but it's a good way to see how people are getting around town. Regarding waste she talked to the landfill about looking at the total landfill tonnage, which comes from the whole county, so looking at that divided by the county population, and looking at the recycling and organic tonnage. She’ll be working with them on figuring out what numbers are the best. Nations stated the two last ones were actually the hardest to do, she talked to the adaptation and equity group and they’re wanting some more data, but it seems like because at every single meeting they talked about trees that they need some numbers about trees for tree canopy and shade. She is going to have some new data on a grant that she’s working on but doesn’t know if they'll be able to have it annually nor the number of new trees planted. They can track the number of trees planted with the City project, but as Soglin said just because someone plants a tree it doesn't mean in three years, it's still alive. Looking at trees and also the number of trees that the City plants and overall tree numbers seems to be really important to the public and is important for a lot of reasons. They are also thinking about looking at the stormwater management program cost share for residents and maybe also including something for other stormwater public projects too, she will try to find out more and start trying to get the data for that. Finally, she noted Krieger thought it would be Climate Action Commission August 3, 2020 Page 7 of 10 7 good to track something like the number of organizations doing climate action at work, even though it may not be a big impact on the emissions, but just showing the number of organizations that they recognize, or also the number of people that complete the climate ambassador program. Those last two areas were hardest to find numbers on so if anybody has any input or any ideas of other things that they could track she is totally open to suggestions. Fraser asked if as a group should they have any concern or thoughts relative to COVID impact on recycling pop can and bottles? Is that stuff being recycled since people aren't able to get their nickel for it? Some grocery stores are back in the business of taking some of those, but a lot could potentially end up in the landfill. Soglin notes that is a great topic, but they might have to table it because it's not on the agenda and while it's important to the immediate issue of the metrics, it's kind of a separate issue. Nations added they won't have 2020 data until the middle of 2021 but agrees COVID is going to change a lot of stuff, things like transportation and the data is going to be wonky and they’re just going to see a weird year and not trends. OUTREACH AND MESSAGING REGARDING THE CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION: Soglin noted this refers to the Commission and the goals. What they had asked last time was for everyone to go back to their working group and ask the two questions that were posted here of what can be done now regarding outreach and messaging, and what can or should be done after the marketing report. Perhaps each working groups can report what they discussed and ideas. Transportation: Leckband noted they didn't have a meeting this past month, so they haven't addressed the questions yet. Personally, he feels they need to try to engage on equity and socio-economic differences and transportation modes and impact. Outreach: Gardner stated in terms of what can be done, obviously the ClimateFest next month is going to forward a lot of those goals. One of the things she’s been talking about working on with the Climate Ambassador program and Climate Action at W ork is consistency of messaging. She is sure that's something they're going to hear in response to the marketing RFP as well. She pointed out that one of the things that all three of those have in common is that each of them focus very specifically on the five sections of the plan and that's just a baseline approach, to make sure people know there are five sections of the plan and then from there build up. She reiterated that once they get the report back in response to the RFP, they'll show how to refine that and build on that messaging. Equity and Adaptation: Hutchinson noted they didn’t discuss these questions specifically but one thing that came to light at the meeting with the Refugees Alliance of Johnson County that Nations invited to our last group meeting, was some major communication divides with some groups that they should probably be engaging with. So, she thinks one thing maybe that the equity group can facilitate with regard to what can be done now is identifying those communication divides with assistance from various groups and figuring out how to approach that. Waste Working Group: Bradley noted they haven’t had a chance to meet given that Sarsfield resigned, but in terms of what can be done now is to review actionable items within the working groups. Climate Action Commission August 3, 2020 Page 8 of 10 8 Buildings Group: Soglin shared the building working group discussion on this, they also had some discussion about digital divide, which perhaps intersects with some of the things that adaptation group was concerned about. They thought that for what can be done now is just on active topics to maybe go back to the to the goals and look at them and see what's truly active and where there's opportunity. For example, Karr and Krieger had been reaching out to the realtors and that's happening now, so they want to recognize which of the actions are already in progress. Related to that is if there's a way to give a heads up to groups and individuals that the marketing firm may want to engage with them, so they're first interaction isn't just someone trying to schedule a meeting with them, but g ive them a head’s up that the firm will want their input and this may be happening in a couple months. This will allow them the ability to start thinking a little bit about the topics. There was someone who mentioned that the City of Evanston had done a survey and that might be a good resource. Also, it is important to note the commercial versus residential side of things to really understand that one approach may not meet everybody's needs. And then for going forward, there were thoughts about once the marketing firm is engaged, that the branding be easy for everybody to understand, not too complicated and to always keep in mind the co-benefits as they had noted that was a prominent part of the Ann Arbor Climate Action Plan. EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR ALL CLIMATE ACTIONS: Soglin noted she came across the article that Nations included in the agenda packet. A quick summary is as Fraser noted, there's COVID related impacts on things like recycling, and there will be immediate as well as long term effects. This article is about planning and climate related projects, such as, getting folks to be able to eat meals in the streets since they shouldn't be inside a restaurant or closing down streets for bike lanes. There are neighborhoods that have been overlooked, sometimes lower income or neighborhoods of people of color. Given some of the comments that were made at the meeting last time, she just thought it was just a really relevant topic for them to be thinking about going forward. Tate noted one of his takeaways from an article was also whose priorities or projects are being fast tracked? Whose priorities do they reflect? Soglin agreed, noting there is a sentence in the article stating they are fast to make changes that wealthy white residents value. Tate added some of what the author suggested as sort of solutions were along the lines of modes of engagement. He thinks they are a bit challenged, they have to make sure that it's in a place it's accessible and maybe the time that's accessible. Stephanie Bowers talked about some other things like the way that it's advertised or maybe there's free parking or childcare or food or something like that, which is all sort of being up ended by COVID because they’re not having any of these in person meetings, which he thinks is probably accentuating the disparities with sort of engagement and opportunities to rectify that. Therefore, he feels they need to be even more thoughtful than pre COVID. Soglin noted that Gardner has connections to other cities on communications and maybe they can learn from other people's successes and unintended mistakes and what works and doesn't work. Fraser noted when he reads articles like this, the term that's coming up in his mind to remind him to think deeper is this term institutional? Institutional, a big deal, it's just institutional is Climate Action Commission August 3, 2020 Page 9 of 10 9 embedded everywhere to the degree that they don't even recognize that it's embedded. He must really ask himself is there truly equity or is it institutionalized to such a degree that they need to change a lot in order for there to be equity. UPDATE ON WORKING GROUPS: Equity and Adaptation: Hutchinson noted the majority of her notes were recapping the meeting with Refugees Alliance of Johnson County. Waste: Bradley noted they have not met since the last meeting. Buildings: Soglin noted their major discussion was about the metrics and communications and outreach. Karr added through the Johnson Clean Energy District they have distributed about a quarter of their LED light bulbs in Iowa City, and they’re working through the process of trying to get the word out and get those distributed in the COVID world. They’re hopefully getting flyers to the neighborhood centers in multiple languages this week, that took a little bit of time to get some translations done, but they're working on that. Transportation: Giannakouros said they did not meet. RECAP OF ACTIONABLE ITEMS FOR COMMISSION, WORKING GROUPS, AND STAFF: Soglin gave a recap of the actionable items. First if any Commissioner had additional thoughts about the tree program make sure to follow up and connect with Monroe on that. Soglin noted Nations had sent out the statement from the Human Rights Commission but it was not officially on the agenda to be able to discuss it, so could that be on a future agenda. Nations will add it to a future agenda. Soglin next addressed the scheduling of the next meeting, the next meeting was supposed to be September 7th as it always is the first Monday of the month, but that lands on Labor Day. Nations proposed to move the meeting to Tuesday, September 8, and everyone agreed. Nations added if the Commission has any input on the metrics, they could send those to her. She will have two years of metrics available for review at the next meeting. Fraser added an action item from himself, he kept waiting for COVID to go away and the City offices to open but he’s going to give up on that and will get in touch with Gardner to help her with the Ambassador Program. Gardner added although it's not necessarily something that has to be done by next month, she hopes that all the Commissioners can be thinking ahead to the Climate Festival that will take place in September. They’re going to be asking residents and organizations and businesses to post something online talking about why climate action matters to them or the types of climate action they take. There are more details on the website and there's a hashtag to use #IowaCityTakesAction and it is her hope that each of the Commissioners will at least consider Climate Action Commission August 3, 2020 Page 10 of 10 10 posting something as a way of participating in the festival. ADJOURNMENT: Tate made a motion to adjourn. Giannakouros seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed unanimously. NAME TERM EXP. 10/7/2019 11/4/2019 12/2/2019 1/6/2020 2/10/2020 3/9/2020 5/4/2020 6/1/2020 7/6/2020 8/3/2020 Madeleine Bradley 12/31/2022 -- -- X X X O/E X X X X John Fraser 12/31/2020 X X X X X X X X X X Stratis Giannakouros UI Rep X X X X X X X X X X Grace Holbrook 12/31/2021 X X X O/E O/E O/E X X X X Kasey Hutchinson 12/31/2022 -- -- X X X X X X X X GT Karr 12/31/2020 X X X X X X X X X X Matt Krieger 12/31/2020 X X X X X X X X X O/E Jesse Leckband MidAmerican Rep X X X X X X X X E X Katie Sarsfield 12/31/2020 X X O/E X X O/E X X O/E -- Becky Soglin 12/31/2022 -- -- X X X X X X X X Eric Tate 12/31/2021 X X X X X X X X E X KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No Meeting -- -- = Not a Member CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2019 - 2020 Progress update on "Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions" as of 7-6-20 New/ Next Step Plan Alignment Month to Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status BPP-1 New 1.5 April Brought forward to City Council in April and was not approved. No next steps planned at this point. Will assess opportunities as locations or chances present themselves. Closed BE-3 New 1.1 & 1.6 May Buildings Working Group indicated initial conversations were in motion with local realtors about value of this action. Staff checked with the group members about where this stands. CAO/CMO can offer support as needed. Example programs elsewhere need to be presented. More research and education needed on realtor and homebuying/selling, paired with engagement with ICAAR. Concerns include an inability to sell inefficient properties. Benefits for informed buying/selling, may need incentive assistance later on, if concentration of activity falls within only a few neighborhoods or stakeholder interest lacking. Education for all residents and renters about housing with energy efficiency and indoor air quality speaks to equity concerns. Commission and Working Group recommendations and feedback needed. In Development BI-4 New 1.2 & 5.4 May Economic Development finalizing requirements. In August Council finalized approved establishing and approving Urban Renewal Areas at Heinz, Sycamore, and Scott Six. Staff is currently finishing a plan to engage with businesses in these areas and encouraging them to take advantage of funding assistance in remaining years of the TIF agreement. Underway BCP-1 New 1.1 – 1.4 May Asked State contacts about progress for rule making process. Response was that due to COVID, the spring 2020 meeting was delayed with hopes to reconvene in fall. City staff preparing communications with elected officials for delivery pre-2021 session. Timing may require advocacy efforts expanded into 2021. Could support these efforts with help from education and advocacy from underserved groups that directly benefit from housing improvements. Underway BCP-2 New 1.1 – 1.4 May Eligible staff voted for adoption of new IECC codes earlier in 2020. This action also requires letters to and engagement with elected officials. Advocacy efforts expanded into 2021. Could support these efforts with help from education and advocacy from underserved groups that directly benefit from housing improvements. Underway BE-1 Next 1.1 – 1.2, 1.6 June Initiate planning and needs assessment; feedback from Commission working group. Identify resources, contacts, and content. Assess web access and source development, method of dissemination. Support eventual actions with strategy from communications plan (Action 5.1 - EDU); Communications RFP released and due in early Sept. Priority issues can be established prior to work by selected consultant with early feedback from the Commission later this fall. Imperative. Review of equity report and assistance from EHR staff essential. Commission and Working Group recommendations and feedback needed. In Development BE-2 New 1.1-1.4 June Initiate introductions to organizations, CAO staff understanding of goals and example programs necessary. Meetings with City development staff. Develop group of stakeholders to discuss barriers and interest in pursuing green build strategies to better partner and build new alliances/education opportunities. Support eventual actions with strategy from communications plan (Action 5.1 - EDU) Use equity report to ensure stakeholders from impacted groups are represented, and feedback is shared with development community, landlords, and builders. Commission and Working Group recommendations and feedback needed. In Development Action Buildings Solar Partnership with MidAmerican Encourage the Local Realtor Community to Include Energy Performance in the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) Property Inventory Launch a TIF-funded climate action incentive program aimed at reducing industrial energy consumption Advocate for State Adoption of Advanced Energy Codes Advocate for Aggressive Energy Code Development and Adoption *(New) Promote Energy Efficiency and Performance Tips to the Public Partner with Stakeholders to Promote Green Building and Rehabilitation BI-2 Next 1.1 June Received updated report from NDS on current activity and efforts. Staff currently exploring alternatives for rehab projects and ability for City to support incentives or supplemented energy efficient equipment if homeowners cannot/won't pay the difference to upgrade. Have met with two local HVAC providers to identify key issues and ideal projects. Proposal still in development; will bring to Commission for feedback and further guidance. Education components also necessary - communications strategy outcomes. Equity mapping not started. Assisted households currently meet federal income requirements. Establish a mapped GIS inventory of energy efficiency assessments and investments. Ensure access to energy efficiency and other sustainable design elements in each project through education and engagement. Underway BR-1 New 1.1 -1.2 June Staff is enrolled in energy inspections training. Additional inspector budgeted in FY21. CAO to meet with NDS staff in fall to understand what staff will be looking at and addressing through compliance checks. Commission/Working Groups should assist with how they would like to measure equity and what should be reported to show progress. Underway BI-5 New 1.1 – 1.4 July JCED applied for a small grant for neighborhood pilot program. Must define GIA involvement, capacity and scheduling. GIA crew begins in late September; opportunities for training supplement to pursue enhanced energy assessments and community education. Explore RFQ for external partner/s to implement a program. Approach to populations served critical. Commission and Working Group recommendations and feedback needed for further development. In Development BR-2 New 1.3 – 1.4 Aug Begin review of options, develop revisions to policy, introduce for Council adoption. Stakeholder process required. Buildings Working Group and Commission involvement in policy review. Currently working on expansion of additional areas for energy efficiency improvements funded by remaining TIF. Greater equity can be achieved through a geographic distribution of benefits. Education and advocacy could benefit populations impacted and served by policy implementation. Not Started BI-1 Next 1.1 Sept Mid Summer - Meetings with AmeriCorps, bringing in new team. Work must be finalized and coordinated with JCED's conceptual expansion of AmeriCorps responsibilities. May need to explore non-AmeriCorps team to perform additional assessments and weatherization services. GIA crew begins in late September; opportunities for training supplement to pursue enhanced energy assessments and community education. AmeriCorps is focused on certain groups - seniors, low income, veterans. Not sure how they track or report these demographics. May need to get creative in how audits are performed in light of Covid-19. Education delivery and equipment installation/provision alternatives probably needed in short term. Establish a mapped GIS inventory of energy efficiency assessments and investments. In Development BI-3 New 1.1 Fall Coordinate efforts with Neighborhood Planner, Recreation, and community organizations; Support actions with strategy from communications plan (Action 5.1 - EDU); will likely align this action with introduction of Climate Ambassador program. Earlier rollout of small projects with summer activities like Parties in the Park. Party in the Park were cancelled due to COVID-19. Climate Action Grant awarded to Green Iowa AmeriCorps for a lightbulb exchange, which should be taking place in early fall. Assess equity report to determine any areas of focus. NDS can assist with housing/permit data that can help focus on neighborhoods with less efficient housing stock. Outreach to underserved groups may spur interest in blitz programs or projects. Working Group recommendations and feedback needed. In Development New/ Next Step Plan Alignment Month to Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status Develop or Partner with Local Stakeholders on a Comprehensive Climate Action Rehabilitation Program Incorporate Stricter Energy Standards into Tax Increment Financing Policies Offer Free Home Energy Assessments through Green Iowa AmeriCorps Coordinate Neighborhood Energy Blitz Events Action Transportation Create a More Robust Energy Code Inspection Program Enhance Energy Standards for City Rehabilitation Projects TPP-1 New 2.1 Ongoing Due to be completed in early fall, was somewhat delayed from Covid-19. Presentation of proposed measures coming to City Council in early fall. Primary implementation of recommendations to begin in 2021. Dependent upon study recommendations and selected actions for implementation. Goal is to serve residents most needing transit service. Commission and Working Group recommendations needed. Underway TCP-1 New 2.2 May Actions already in place but written policy needed. Staff finalizing written policy to be completed by next report update. Underway TCP-1 Next 2.7 May AVL equipment provides idling data. 37 vehicles currently have the technology and another AVL for another 60 will be ordered in FY2021. Currently reformatting reports to make it easier to read for improved use and analysis. Staff will compile data and CAO will assist with reporting. Transportation Working Group needs to define and clarify their recommendation before staff can pursue exploration of technology. Underway TE-1 New 2.3 August Transportation metrics are defined. Some of the metrics are not yet available from the 2019 Census. Climate Ambassador program development is underway. Must continue to identify how we will engage all residents. Review equity report to identify groups and locations to focus attention. Somewhat reliant upon recommendations of transit study. Explore language translations. Commission and Working Group recommendations and feedback needed. Underway New/ Next Step Plan Alignment Month to Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status WCP-1 Next 3.7-3.8 May Report presented to staff at end of May. Plan alternatives needed further development and these are being completed and determined by early September. Staff will determine next steps. Project is near completion. Consideration will be given after final recommendations, to impacts on fiscal health of Enterprise funds and needs to supplement with rate changes over time. Underway WE-1 Next 3.2 June Outreach efforts by staff have included distributing information in news releases, utility bill inserts, social media and website. Continued efforts will be made on how to tailor it with equity in mind. Expand opportunities with local businesses. Tie into carbon sequestration project underway. Unit for Climate Ambassadors that focuses on waste is in development. Focus is reliant upon meetings with staff, current efforts, working Equity Working Group, equity report, translations services available, and outcomes from Communications strategy. Underway WCP-1 New 3.5 June Staff reconnected for this project and project details are being finalized. Community education, possible stakeholder review needed. Likely spring 2021 rollout with new rental contracts for sports. Must assess whether new requirements impact populations differently. Working Group recommendations needed. Underway WE-2 Next 3.3 July Meet with Resource Management to assess current materials that have been developed. Coordinate with Neighborhood Planner. Focus reliant upon meetings with staff, current efforts, working Equity Working Group, equity report, translations services available, and outcomes from Communications strategy. Not Started New/ Next Step Plan Alignment Month to Initiate Workplan Equity Focus Status Adaptation Action Track Adherence to City Idling Policy Significant Transportation Education and Outreach Campaigns Action Waste Initiate a Methane Feasibility Study Engage the Public to Compost Organic Waste Require All Park/Public Space Rentals to Recycle and Use "Green" Event Best Practices. Education Campaigns for Neighborhoods to Reduce Waste/Consumption at the Source Establish an Electric and Fuel- Efficient Vehicle Purchasing Policy Complete the Transit Study and Implement Recommendations to Bolster Service and Increase Ridership AE-1 New 4.2 May Program is in final stages of development. Modules developed over the summer will be launched in the fall after the Climate Festival. Will coordinate with Outreach and Equity Working Groups and Communications staff. Development of program includes application process not reliant upon technology to participate. If tech is necessary, will purchase tablets or other device to loan to ambassador participants for training activities. Special attention paid to connection with local groups that can recommend ambassador applicants. Underway APP-2 New 4.5-4.6 May Work agreement executed with AES in May. Significant follow up with neighborhoods required during process. Planned concentration on intensive maintenance in neighborhood park prairies. Education needed about purpose, need and care for natural areas; build community partnerships with advocacy groups. Explore possibility of extended community education accompanying prairie plantings. Proposal drafted and in staff review. About 60 acres of public land areas have been prepared for prairie plantings this fall. Geographic distribution, education variables dependent on groups impacted. Engage natural area advocacy groups that can assist with public education. Underway APP-4 Next 4.1-4.2 May Equity Working Group will review Equity Report and determine further action. Commission review of project equity review tool for City and other community climate projects. Staff initiated coordination of mapping tools/resources requested by Equity Working Group. Emphasis on highly impacted groups, targeted outreach and collaboration for development and implementation of each climate action. Underway APP-1 Next 4.5 June Met with Stormwater Team. Collect and review current volunteer lists. Assess if we need to promote existing program. Assess creek clean up volunteer process. Involving various community groups dependent on makeup of existing volunteer listing and schedules. Review equity report to verify benefits and participation equitable. Underway AE-1 New 4.6 July Actively proposing a private tree planting program to begin by October. Residents will be able to use a voucher for a discount on tree purchase from Iowa City nurseries. Delivery costs paid until budget met. Low income residents are permitted greater discount for tree purchase and planting. Parks and Recreation Department is managing program and will conduct significant and targeted interpersonal and neighborhood outreach. Will connect with Project Green for additional opportunities for education and outreach programs. Commission provided recommendations and feedback on program proposal. As noted in Workplan, income eligible properties will be permitted a greater discount. The options for receiving the income eligible discount will be applied for being a participant in the City's Low Income Utility Discount Program or being located in an income-eligible U.S. Census block. City is tracking planting addresses to monitor geographic distribution. Additionally, staff engagement will be focused in areas that have less tree canopy than other parts of town. Engagement will also provide an opportunity to inform about the utility discount program. Underway AR-1 Next 4.6 August NDS will draft ordinance. Outreach and communication needed to educate the public, make aware. New Ordinance will apply to new developments. Not Started APP-3 Next 4.6 September Report our proposed planting for upcoming year for municipal tree management. Identify stumbling blocks ahead of new plantings. Possible small group discussion with impacted groups - residents, landlords, City staff, businesses or development groups. Address negative perceptions through modifications or education. Review inventory maps, locate areas in need, target workplan outreach accordingly. Emphasis on benefits of tree canopy in low-mod neighborhoods. In Development AE-2 Next 4.3 October Outreach meetings with Johnson Co. Public Health, University of Iowa, etc. Equity reach will become more clear with agency coordination and partnering. Can use equity scale/report to identify starting agency discussions. Not Started New/ Next Step Plan Alignment Month to Initiate Workplan Equity Focus StatusAction Sustainable Lifestyle Develop Climate Ambassador Team Continue Implementation of the Natural Areas Management Plan Equity Review of Neighborhood and Population Outreach; Develop Outreach Plan for Populations Highly Impacted by Climate Change Flood Mitigation and Stormwater Management Programs/Projects; Buyouts Partner with Project Green on a Tree Planting Partnership; Incentives for Private Tree Planting Street Tree Ordinance Expand Public Tree Planting Educate and Coordinate with Local Agencies on Health Impacts SLE-2 Next 5.5 June Pilot program initiated but rebooted with a modified structure (awards/recognition program). Awards program was introduced and sought applications in summer 2020. Additional opportunities for business-related programs will be to build a network of businesses with climate interests that can support additional demand and resources for infrastructure and policy upgrades. Networking model in development with partnering business advocacy groups. Initial program relies heavily on voluntary participation. Potential for granted funding tied to participation. Will need to make a greater effort to identify and work with businesses with less access to resources. Geographic access and type of business should also be taken into account. Will map geographic participation. Need assistance from Economic Development staff, Equity & Outreach Working Groups, and other econ dev and small business assistance groups. For Climate Action at Work Awards, contacted over 80 community groups with an emphasis on diversity, inviting their participation. Underway SLPP-2 Next 5.5 June Released RFP for consultant to develop marketing plan; drafted in June, reviewed by Commission and receiving proposals through early September. Plan will be focused on Iowa City attributes, alignment with current initiatives, focused attention to branding, models for promotional rollout schedules, template materials for modification by project or program, equity and "language" for how to frame climate activities as broadly appealing content. Application of equity principles will be part of process. Feedback from Commission welcome; Commission member plans to participate in consultant selection. Underway SLE-1 Next 5.5 September Climate Festival is upcoming beginning September 19th. Activities include digital and written storytelling, coordinated individual/community activities, and expanded local partnerships. Outreach began in June/July, finalized steps and promotions in August, gearing up for Festival in Sept. Intentional outreach with underserved groups to ensure access to awareness, education, and participation. Staff, planning committee, and CAC Working Group to connect with local organizations willing to partner on activities, promotion, or hosting remote event. Efforts underway to include translated festival materials in digital and print formats. Underway SLPP-1 Next 5.5 September Working with Parks Department to see if there are plans for additional community garden areas. Equity mapping for plot rentals exists. Need to review 2020 rentals, identify gaps in geo coverage and gaps in possible access for certain groups. Need focused outreach to see where needs might be to connect unresourced individuals with plot availability in upcoming years; will assist in identifying needs/potential for pocket gardens in ROW. Not Started SLI-1 Next 5.4 November Consider adding non-profit and business categories and define what the new program will look like next year. Identify how grant program ties into other City funding initiatives. Could move project earlier in the year to address direct and coordinated support for Covid-19 recovery. Follow Equity Report recommendations to identify and connect with preferred applicant agencies from first tier needs. Community organizations geared towards underserved and disadvantaged groups could also fall into this expansion or, the next year's funding could be introduced specifically to certain groups from equity report and an info session can be held by invitation for these groups, like HRC and HCDC have done. Not Started Host Sustainability Forum and Events Community Garden Expansion/Additions Expand Community Climate Grants Launch a Green Business Program: "Climate Action at Work" Develop a Climate Action Strategic Communications Plan 2019 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Update 2010 2019 Difference: % Change from 2010 Industrial 414,455 222,172 -192,283 -46% Commercial 281,040 173,574 -107,467 -38% Residential 270,753 199,565 -71,189 -26% UI Power Plant 247,332 140,406 -106,926 -43% Transportation 142,094 158,822 16,728 12% Waste 19,037 22,203 3,166 17% Totals:1,374,712 916,741 -457,971 -33% 0 200,000 400,000 600,000 800,000 1,000,000 1,200,000 1,400,000 1,600,000 201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027202820292030CO2e (tonnes)Iowa City Community CO2e Totals by Sector Industrial Commercial Residential UI Power Plant Transportation Waste 2010 Baseline 2030 Target 2050 Target Reduction Trend Line Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Progress Report Buildings 2018 Baseline 2019 % change Improved over baseline % renewable grid energy (MidAmerican)51%61%19.3%Yes U of I power plant ghg emissions (in metric tonnes CO2e)142,691 140,406 -1.6%Yes Residential energy ghg emissions (in metric tonnes CO2e)224,557 199,565 -11.1%Yes Commercial energy ghg emissions (in metric tonnes CO2e)200,816 173,574 -13.6%Yes Industrial energy ghg emissions (in metric tonnes CO2e)272,582 222,172 -18.5%Yes Municipal ghg emissions from facilities (in metric tonnes CO2e)20,364 17,628 -13.4%Yes Transportation 2018 Baseline 2019 % change Improved over baseline Total vehcile miles traveled per capita 4,728 4,803 1.6%No Bus Ridership 1,498,468 1,474,091 -0.02 No Transportation mode split- Drive alone 58%NA NA Numbers Transportation mode split- Transit 8.6%NA NA may not Transportation mode split- Bike 3.5%NA NA be avail. Transportation mode split- Walk 15.7%NA NA annually Number of registered electric vehicles (Johnson Co.)?587 Number of electric and hybrid City vehicles 9 11 22.2%Yes Waste 2018 Baseline 2019 % change Improved over baseline Total landfill tonnage 122,772 131,251 7%No Curbside recycling tonnage 1,798 2,295 28%Yes Curbiside organics tonnage 2,227 3,331 50%Yes Adaptation 2018 Baseline 2019 % change Improved over baseline Percent tree canopy*41.40%? Total number Storwater BMP Grant Awards*** (by FY)181 206 13.8%Yes Number of new trees planted by City 162 400 146.9%Yes Sustainable Livestyle 2018 Baseline 2019 % change Improved over baseline Number of Climate Action at Work awards 0 0 0 Initiated Number of Climate Ambassadors trained 0 0 0 in 2020 Addressing a need to rapidly expand the adoption of solar energy in the Johnson County corridor by developing win-win- win strategies between Utilities, Government, and Consumers. A primary goal would be the movement to an inside-out distributed electric generation model. We have identified two primary models to focus on that could rapidly expand solar in the Johnson County area. The following is an outline of potential report categories for further study. 1. Community Solar (100 KW – 2 MW, site dependent) (by Warren 7/20/20) Creating and incentivizing community solar could be an extremely popular program. The targeted demographic for community solar would be consumers that do not have the appropriate roof or ground space, renters and rental property, and low income. ● Individual ownership ● Corporate ownership ● Lease/own modules – financing and tax structure requirements ● Low income participation – potential LIHEAP funding ● Identify potential properties that might be City or County green spaces ● Pollinator program ● Community garden plots ● Sheep farm (no goats) ● Legislation or Utility participation and partnership required ● Interconnect – metering – billing structure and rates 2. Solar Farms (1 MW to 5 MW) (large projects) Studying and identifying the potential for large distributed solar projects for large energy users would provide a vision and recommended pathway for future planning and development needs. ● Larger tracks of land ● Vacant lands ● Pollinators – bees – like community solar ● Load tagging and corporate and government ownership ● Utility Interconnect and billing mechanisms ● Guaranteed rates and terms SUB CATAGORIES Funding ● Tax credits – Federal and State ● Grants – Foundations (Johnson and Washington County) ● Solar Renewable Energy Credits ● Tags – WED ● Green Power Plan to sell SRECs (develop program and process) ● Investors – Corporate + Individual + Banks + Loans-cash flow funded Analysis needed ● Identify carbon reduction goals ● Identify solar potential ● Identify tax credits and expected cash returns ● Identify SREC markets ● Identify loads ● Identify sites ● Identify needed State legislation and County policy ● Hire consultant to determine area solar potential ● Interconnection, SRECs, kWhr production (metering), energy billing credits (software), SREC offset billing Monitoring ● Tracking and Billing Process ● Metering, measuring, and monitoring for operational efficiency Potential Team Partners: CEEE at UNI, ISETA, Johnson County, Banks, Political support, Energy District Proposed: Johnson County Solar Energy Strategy 6.26.2020 Objectives: 1) Initiate a dialogue among county and local governments, private sector, and residents about strategies to accelerate the development of solar energy production in Johnson County; and 2) develop pertinent landscape, technological, and economic information needed to develop community solar and solar farm projects. Project Description We propose to study solar energy demand, options, siting, interconnections, technologies, and financing in Johnson County. Many public and private entities and consumers in Iowa are on record in support of increasing solar and wind energy to reduce energy costs; diversify energy supply; reduce greenhouse gases and other air pollutants; and support local economies. While wind energy is now a well-established component of our energy portfolio, solar energy has only recently become cost- competitive enough to attract attention and investment. Four models for distributed and centralized solar energy are being adopted around the country: site solar, solar schools, community solar, and solar farms. Site solar -- small, distributed photovoltaic (PV) arrays for homes and businesses – is the focus of the popular county-led “Solarize Johnson County” program. School solar are projects led by community school districts to provide electricity and educational opportunities for students and communities. Community solar refers to larger, centralized PV arrays (~100 kW-2 MW) jointly owned or leased by individual homeowners, renters, and/or businesses that lack the roof or ground space for solar but are interested in low-cost strategies to tap into it. Popular community solar projects include Farmers Electric Cooperative in Kalona, Cedar Falls Utilities, and the City of Ames. Solar farms also refer to larger, centralized installations (1 – 5 MW) owned by governments, utilities, or third-party investment groups to supply large energy users with specific load, interconnection, and business requirements. Bloomfield and State City, Iowa have constructed municipally-owned solar farms (1.8 and 1 MW, respectfully) to help meet their energy-independence goals. Identifying larger tracts of land appropriate for solar farms would provide a pathway for future development in the county. The focus of this assessment will be on community solar and solar farms. It will (1) conduct extensive public outreach to assess consumer and investor support; (2) evaluate technological issues, including interconnection and capacity requirements; and (3) identify potential sites for centralized solar energy production. A final report will be presented to public agencies at the conclusion of the study, with recommendations for next steps in pursuing different models. It is anticipated that technical and outreach consultants will be hired to conduct these (and potentially additional) tasks. Participants Collaboration in this study will be sought from Johnson County, City of Iowa City and other interested communities, financial institutions, energy companies, the University of Iowa, Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association, and UNI Center for Energy & Environmental Education, and other organizations. Timeline: Summer 2020 – Spring 2021