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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01-2024 Climate Action CommissionIowa City Climate Action Commission Agenda Monday, April 1, 2024, 3:30 p.m. Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City Meeting Agenda: 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of March 4, 2024 minutes 4. Public Comment on 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. Announcements —informational updates a. Action items from last meeting i. Staff to invite Sarah Walz to return at a future meeting b. Air Quality Council Work Session c. Upcoming events i. Earth Expo (AmeriCorps, April 6) ii. Neighborhood Energy Blitz (April 20) iii. Other events in the community (Commissioners) 6. Unfinished/Ongoing Business a. Discussion of Bicycle Master Plan —Sarah Walz, Johnson County MPO b. Climate Pollution Reduction Grant —update and discussion i. Suggestions on defining "good green jobs" and workforce development goals c. Visioning indicators of success in climate action — any additional metrics, next steps 7. New Business a. Iowa City/UI Pledge Project Recommendations — University of Iowa students 8. Recap a. Confirmation of next meeting time and location i. Monday, May 6, 3:30-5 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Hall b. Actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff 9. Adjourn If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Sarah Gardner, Climate Action Coordinator, at 319-887-6162 or at sarah-gardner@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. MINUTES PRELIMINARY IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION MARCH 4, 2024 — 3:30 PM —FORMAL MEETING EMMA J. HARVART HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Anderson, Michal Eynon -Lynch, John Fraser, Jamie Gade, Zach Haralson, Wim Murray, Brinda Shetty, Michelle Sillman, Angie Smith, Gabriel Sturdevant MEMBERS ABSENT: Ben Grimm STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Walz, Daniel Bissell, Sarah Gardner, Diane Platte OTHERS PRESENT: CALL TO ORDER: Sturdevant called the meeting to order. APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 5, 2024 MINUTES: Fraser moved to approve the minutes from February 5, 2024. Shetty seconded the motion, a vote was taken, and the motion passed 10-0. PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Action Items from last meeting (Staff): • Staff contacted Tyler Baird, city forester, who will present at the May meeting • Staff contacted Sarah Walz, transportation planner, who will present at this meeting Upcoming Events: • P&G presentation to City Council (March 19) • Local Government Sustainability Efforts (AmeriCorps, March 16) • Earth Expo (AmeriCorps, April 6) • Neighborhood Energy Blitz (April 20) • Shetty noted the UI Office of Sustainability website hosts an Earth Month Hub for events UNFINISHED/ONGOING BUSINESS: Climate Action and Adaptation Plan • Gardner summarized new updates since October 2023 and noted a change to the spreadsheet: the elimination of the column for actionable items for commissioners. • Sturdevant asked for details about the Midwest Air Source Heat Pump Collaborative. Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 2 of 4 Gardner described the contractor training for all of eastern Iowa that is occurring at Kirkwood's Cedar Rapids campus in April. • Eynon -Lynch asked about TR-2 "Require climate change analysis for new subdivisions and rezoning." Gardner described reaching out to the original authors of the Accelerated Actions document to discern the intention. Fraser filled in some details. Eynon -Lynch noted potential for digging deeper into building equity into new neighborhoods. Gardner offered to return to this topic in future discussions. • Sillman asked about the heat pump "Get Pumped" campaign. Gardner described the targeted messaging campaign aimed at residents and also businesses. A February survey gathered information about heat pump related questions. • Haralson asked for details about the online solar dashboard for the Public Works building. Gardner noted ideas in the works: installing a sign with QR code along the trail in front of Public Works and replicating the dashboard for the Airport solar project. • Sturdevant asked if there are changes to the Climate Ambassador program. Gardner described the new in -person format for the next training and the changes to the curriculum, including the activity borrowed from the Climate Resilience Corps program. • Gade asked for details about Resilience Hubs. Gardner described partnering for the Phase One planning process with Empowered Solutions, which was founded by the former sustainability manager for Linn County who had helped establish two resilience hubs in Cedar Rapids. Depending on pilot program success and funding, other partners for resilience hubs will be engaged in year two or three. • Fraser asked about the Strategic Communications Plan (SLPP-2). Gardner described the "What R You?" insulation campaign, past and future, as well as other communication messages. • Sturdevant asked for updates about the Root for Trees program. Gardner summarized its ongoing success. • Shetty asked about Neighborhood and Population Outreach (AP-4). Gardner noted that the Amy Colbert with Tippe College of Business is compiling a toolkit for equitable outreach for the six -county area participating in the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant planning process. Gage asked if this toolkit would be able to be applied City-wide across departments and divisions. Gardner said the hope is that it will be written in such a way that other departments can draw portions from it to use in their own outreach. • Gardner noted ICAAR has invited the Green Designations trainer back to do another training, and that the trainer herself has written a grant to enable her to cover her own fees. Fraser noted this indicated the training has become self-sustaining. • Sturdevant asked for details about the Sustainability Operations Guide for Iowa City organizations. Gardner provided context and noted a convening of Purchasing Officers for cities across Iowa that will take place in May. Fraser emphasized the need, in communications efforts, to understand audience. • Sillman asked about the collaboration with Iowa City Public Library for native plantings on the Ped Mall. Gardner described the work in progress, noting the signage will connect with Spot the Hot efforts. Visioning indicators of success in climate action Commissioners discussed prioritization and potential metrics from the 2018 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan summary of actions. Eynon -Lynch noted the rationale for devising metrics: many actions summarized in CAAP updates will likely not be reflected in measurable GHG community emissions, but some way of measuring or reflecting these successes would help assign value to them. Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 3 of 4 Commissioners reviewed the list of actions from the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and each shared what they felt to be the top priorities. Collectively, these were: compact and contiguous development (2.4), on -site renewable energy systems and electrification (1.4), and tree canopy (4.6), which all received four to five votes o Other prioritized actions receiving two to three votes included: community solar projects (1.5), funding mechanisms (5.4), energy efficiency in residences (1.1), public transit (2.1), community gardens and access to healthy, local foods (5.2), local products and responsible purchasing (5.3). o Other actions receiving a single vote included: energy benchmarking (1.6), emerging technologies (2.2), bicycle and pedestrian transportation (2.3), commuter options/passenger rail (2.5), recycling at multi -family properties (3.1) composting (3.2), reducing consumption (3.3), communications and outreach to connect with vulnerable populations (4.2), and public health especially as it relates to heat (4.3). Metrics ideas offered: o number of people biking o square foot per resident (home size) or square footage of pavement per capita o tons of waste in the landfill o dollars invested in climate initiatives o dollars saved through community solar o survey on the health impacts of trees, particularly mental health Other ideas mentioned: o The shift to "electrify everything" is reflected in 1.4 and 1.5. o Funding mechanisms are seen to impact everything else. Policy change can also be a lever. o Routes, Sunday busses, and a more regional transit plan all support equity. o Adding storage (battery) to 1.4 will help load -leveling and resilience of the grid. o Community gardens may benefit from an educational component. NEW BUSINESS: Discussion of Bicycle Master Plan Sarah Walz from Johnson County MPO presented on the Bicycle Master Plan, as summarized in the slides in the agenda packet. Due to lack of time for discussion, commissioners will send questions to Climate Action staff and Walz will return to a future meeting. RECAP: • Confirmation of next meeting time and location: o Monday, April 1, 3:30-5 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Hall • Actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff: o Invite Sarah Walz back. ADJOURNMENT: Eynon -Lynch moved to adjourn, Smith seconded the motion. A vote was taken, and the motion passed 10-0. Meeting adjourned 5:05. Climate Action Commission April 3 2023 Page 4 of 4 CLIMATE ACTION COMM ISSIONATTENDANCE RECORD 2023-2024 A Ul O v 00 O N N W NAME TERM EXP. w w w ,� w N N N fV A A w w w w w Michael 12/31/2025 NM O/E X Anderson Michal Eynon- 12/31/2024 X X NM X X X X X X NM X X Lynch Elizabeth 12/31/2025 X X NM O/E X Fitzsimmons John Fraser 12/31/2024 X O/E NM X O/E X X X NM X X Jamie Gade 12/31/2025 X O/E NM X X X O/ X X NM X X E Ben Grimm 10/31/2023 X X NM X O/E X X X X NM X O/E Zach Haralson 12/31/2025 NM X X Matt Krieger 12/31/2023 X X NM X O/E X O/ X O/E E Jesse Leckband MidAmerican X X NM X Rep Wim Murray MidAmerican X X X X X NM X X Rep Michelle Sillman 12/31/20025 O/E O/E NM X X X X X X NM O/E X Brinda Shetty UI Rep X X NM X O/E X X X O/E NM X X Angie Smith 12/31/2025 X X NM X X Gabe Sturdevant 12/31/2024 X X NM X X X X O/E X NM X X Matt Walter 12/31/2023 O/E X NM X X X X O/E X KEY:X = Present 0 = Absent 0/E = Absent/Excused NM= No Meeting * No longer on Commission 4 pp41W, a s i • � day � .�� ••+- �� (f I Picture it., Iowa City Bicycle Master Plan UPDATE 2023-2024 u 27 miles 10 miles • 26.5 miles • 17 miles Lea de4� Branand Branand r ' � z I„ KEY � Bike Lane C Bikeway • .. Sharrows �� E Sidepath S Trail Z A z � � a x =Fau(txM rail J far;r•ee[ 4 Bike Lxes 1 Turn boxes to help bicydlsts transi F tion between bike lanes on inter- m' setting one-way streets. �t M1 Fase m n9tan $trc ti r L■ ue 1, T E t; •] LtNIVEVERSHY of toWA to P r� on I I v BICYCLE FRIENDLY R Rocheste* Avenue co a JIFFFFRSOM 6KWAY • • • COLLEGE ST #I 3. Eau Court stmet • , uantr <r • Madison Street 4- to 3-lane conversion. • Jefferson and Market Streets buffered bike lanes from Madison Street to Governor Street. • Burlington Street bike lanes from Madison Street to Riverside Drive. • Bikeways from Eastside neighborhoods to Iowa River Corridor Trail. • Bike turn boxes at signalized intersections with bike lanes. • Future 1-way to 2-way conversions? �� � ipin Rai KEY } Bike Laneoot`�' y • ■ Bikeway Sha rrows �- I r Sidepath ,c • • — Trail r ve.srty '• C•rfi:r P I _ I 00 nis OWAM ir to Westside 1 • Bike lanes on Benton Street, from Greenwood Drive to Mormon Trek Blvd. • Coralville Trail connection from Crandic Park to 1st Avenue in Coralville. • Future buffered bike lanes on Sunset Street • Future bike lanes on Melrose Avenue in University Heights. • Future bike lanes on Mormon Trek Boulevard from Hwy 1 to McCollister Boulevard. • Future bridge replacement for Highway 6 and Burlington Street bridges. KEY Bike Lane r' kr. nr � Bikeway i if 5idepath Eastside Trail d•, f ducot�on �� r, 3 tLZ 45 Glendale Rd $kwy fT i rams Cry b usnw. ►rn+.. ,..., v,... CI j E - ".ph uhOd- :surw,y�onsrr..r Al o10— i r Sheridan a Bkwfy A $ y � - . .51.w• YL� �fb•eN Snwe � !r 4N� x � r • Buffered bike lanes on Rochester Avenue, from 1 st Avenue to Montrose Court. • Buffered bike lanes and 10-foot sidepath on American Legion Road from Scott Boulevard to Barrington Road. • Bikeways to South East Junior High and City High. G 1 - 5 .. 1 k•..r T� � � r •� -» ,.. E Bike Lane ■ * Sharrows P Bikeway 400 +■ Sidepath ! 'r■ Trail LAKESIDE Drive f� f Bike lanes on Keokuk 1. r vir►nge' t.-._.. Street, South of Hwy 6. Green y • Bike lanes on Southgate `•• �� Avenue. ram" Bikeways on Sandusky Ala rMa pw: •ram . . . _ Drive, Burns Avenue, and f Lakeside Drive. _- _--= 0 OpenfteetMW cmtnbW,, . '.*e a Drx . • Hwy 6 Trail segment from Heinz Road to Fairmeadows Boulevard. • Future 4- to 3-lane conversion will provide _ ' buffered bike lanes on Gilbert Street, south of Southgate Avenue. • Future Trail link at west i end of Southgate Avenue. ■ y■ Primary Riding in the center of the lane improves visibility. It's the best option to deter unsafe passes, particularly on slower urban roads. ri Bicycle position on the road Secondary Ride further out (3-5 ft from the gutter) to avoid debris, storm drains, and other hazards. This also provides room for maneuvering —a good option for faster roads. In the gutter f You are easily overlooked and can become boxed in when wanting to maneuver around parked cars or .•:. make a turn. ....•..•. O'AD MAY USE FULL LANE n ff o "III, rti SHARE THE ROAD 0 $is SAFE PASSING DISTANCE 111rllle '.l91111 Bicycle Collisions (2012=2023) 43 Aw :;L40028M28 35 34 zz 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 ,0 ,0 ,0 I,0 0 IRC Trail at CRANDIC Park Weekly Totals ccc trips►aay 24-week off-peak average Ad Branding and Wayfinding 13 Partners Iowa City Bike Library Bike Iowa City Bicyclists of Iowa City Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County Iowa City South District Neighborhoods Geoff's Bike and Ski World of Bikes Big Grove S.W. E. A. R (Save Water Energy and Reduce Waste) Be a Water Warrior Fight to conserve our world's water! An easy way to conserve water is reducing your shower time by even a minute. If you want to take it even further, you can make sure all faucets and fixtures are tight and have any leaks fixed. Fun Fact: if everyone in the U.S. reduced their shower time by a minute, it could save 85 billion gallons of water. Redirect the Refuse Not everything belongs in the garbage. Take a closer look at what you want to throw away and make sure it ends up in the right bin. Recycling helps reduce waste and emissions. Another great way to get more out of your garbage is by composting. If you live in the dorms, the University of Iowa has an amazing composting program. (plug here) Even if you live off campus you can still compost! Waste Not Want Not Have a lot of old clothes? Don't throw them out, give them out. There are multiple stores and organizations that would love to take in any extra unwanted clothing. If you go, you might find something you like! You can save money for yourself and resources for the planet. Single Use Is Sad Don't settle for paper towels and plastic bottles. Try out wash cloths and water bottles instead! By eliminating single use products from your lifestyle, you are reducing even more waste and emissions! Energy Etiquette A lot of appliances use energy even if they aren't being used. Try unplugging appliances and other devices when they aren't in use. Another way to reduce energy is to wash clothes with cool water. You could also show off your sweaters more and keep the thermostat set to a lower temperature.