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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-06-2025 Climate Action CommissionIowa City Climate Action Commission Agenda Monday, January 6, 2025, 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 Dec. 2, 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/Reports a. Welcome and introductions i. New members: Emma Bork, Nadja Krylov, and Robert Traer b. Annual Commission By -Laws Reminders c. Reminder to speak into microphones d. Action items from last meeting i. Staff will follow up as to how other organizations can support the City's legislative priorities ii. Staff will follow up with Transit about presenting to CAC in 2025 e. Community Survey Results Presentation (Jan. 7 City Council Work Session, 4 p.m.) f. Events i. Inclusive Transportation book discussion (Jan. 30, noon, ICPL Meeting Room A) ii. Inclusive Transportation discussion with author (Feb. 4, 6 p.m., Zoom) iii. Other events in the community (Commissioners) 6. New Business a. Midyear presentations from Climate Action Grant awardees —Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, Habitat for Humanity, and Trinity Episcopal Church b. Election of Chair and Vice Chair— Commission Members 7. Old Business a. Discussion of 2025 Climate Action Commission meeting time and dates 8. Recap a. Confirmation of next meeting time and location i. Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 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 IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION DECEMBER 2, 2024 —3:30 PM — FORMAL MEETING EMMA J. HARVAT HALL PRELIMINARY MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Anderson, Michal Eynon -Lynch, Zach Haralson, Jamie Gade, Brinda Shetty, Michelle Sillman, Angie Smith, Gabriel Sturdevant MEMBERS ABSENT: John Fraser, Ben Grimm, Wim Murray STAFF PRESENT: Daniel Bissell, Sarah Gardner, Megan Hill, Diane Platte OTHERS PRESENT: Bruce Titus, Dave Yankey, Brent Hartwig, Tyler Simmons, Thomas Agran, Becky Soglin CALL TO ORDER: Sturdevant called the meeting to order at 3:30. APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER 18, 2024 MINUTES: Anderson moved to approve the minutes, Shetty seconded, and the motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: None. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Action Items from last meeting (Staff): • Staff is working with Clerk on next steps to revise by-laws • Staff sent recording of City Council Nov. 19 work session to commissioners • Staff shared commissioners' BRT/PUM questions with MPO, Greater IC, and City Manager Events: • None upcoming Angie Smith joined the meeting at 3:35. Michelle Sillman joined the meeting at 3:37. NEW BUSINESS: Midyear presentations from Climate Action Grant awardees. Summarized in slides in agenda packet. • Plated Table used grant funds for native plantings and an appliance. • Oaknoll used grant funds for compost collection. • Our Redeemer Lutheran Church used grant funds for LED lights. OLD BUSINESS: CRANDIC Bus Rapid Transit Study/Pop Up Metro discussion update Climate Action Commission December 2024 Page 2 of 4 • Gardner observed there is a bit of an information imbalance between BRT study and Pop -Up Metro proposal, noting staff efforts to compare them on equal footing. • Gardner shared that staff often reach out to other cities for information sharing when exploring new projects and said she had reached out to transportation planners in Oklahoma City to set up a meeting as their system was widely referenced in the BRT study, but as Pop Up Metro is not yet in use in another U.S. city, could not do the same for it. • Noting questions raised in a previous meeting as to the history of the company, maintenance considerations, and how tested the trains were, Gardner shared that the Pop Up Metro trains were currently owned by the Railroad Development Corporation (RDC) which acquired the two trains from Vivarail in Great Britain after a bankruptcy following mechanical failures with some of the trains. Another British company, Great Western Railroad (GWR), purchased the Vivarail Intellectual Property (IP) and remaining rolling stock. It is unclear how this would impact the ability to repair the trains or build more. • The company that made Iowa City's electric buses, Proterra, also filed for bankruptcy, which has resulted in some maintenance challenges related to obtaining parts and software updates. • Gardner shared this information with Cady Gerlach of Greater IC as she wanted to give her a chance to obtain more information before appearing before the Commission. Gerlach requested time to do so. • Sillman asked if the train cars are in use now. Gardner affirmed they are in use in Pennsylvania for demonstration purposes, but her understanding was that they were not in regular hourly use similar to full deployment in a transit system • Sturdevant asked about next steps. Gardner said she would stay in touch with Greater IC and schedule a presentation when they were ready. • Gardner explained the standard practice for charging EVs is to leave the batteries in place and plug the vehicle in, noting all of the different vehicles included in the Fleet Transition Study were charged this way. Because the Pop Up Metro trains use a novel approach, removing the batteries each time to charge, staff do not have the expertise to evaluate such a system and would recommend an independent engineering review. She noted an added benefit of studies is sometimes to keep a project going in the face of different challenges. Climate Action and Adaptation Plan updates and discussion • Gardner described proposed providing updates section by section (Buildings, Transportation, etc.) starting in March to better review the history of each item in preparation for reprioritizing the Climate Action Plan next year. • Eynon -Lynch asked about use of metrics previously discussed by the Commission in the visioning process. Gardner said the EMS (Environmental Management System) approach discussed in a prior meeting could serve as a good framework for those metrics and offered to ask Jane Wilch to provide some guidance on using an EMS approach when she next presents to the Commission. • Smith asked about an update on Bicycle -Friendly Community application. Gardner shared the City is still waiting to hear from the American League of Bicyclists as to the application and offered to share it when available. • Haralson asked about legislative priorities from City Council and how other organizations could support those priorities. Gardner spoke of the City's lobbyist in Des Moines and offered to find out how organizations could support their efforts. • Sturdevant asked about bus shelter distribution along transit routes. Gardner offered to arrange Climate Action Commission December 2024 Page 3 of 4 a presentation from Transit later next year. • Haralson asked about plans for electric vehicles in the Police Department. One vehicle has been ordered but delayed twice. A second e-bike is coming. • Eynon -Lynch encouraged CAC to consider the intended outcome of new projects using metrics from visioning process and consider which actions are most effective as the reprioritization of CAAP is undertaken. • Sillman asked about re-engaging landlords around grants for EV chargers at multi -family housing. Gardner confirmed that process has started, describing an approach based more on one-on-one follow-up with landlords rather than presentations to the Landlords Association. Sillman suggested senior living facilities might be good candidates for adding chargers. • Sturdevant asked for comments on resilience hubs. Gardner explained NCJC has completed their Resilience Hub plan. Their first round of funding will provide a generator for each of their three facilities so that childcare can continue uninterrupted in the event of a disaster. The Bike Library will also be in a stage of implementation this next year. • Shetty asked if there are updates about Fare Free Transit. Gardner reported it seems to be on track to meet the target. RECAP: Confirmation of next meeting time and location: • Monday, January 6, 3:30-5 p.m. Emma J. Harvat Hall Actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff: • Staff will follow up on a question on how other organizations can support the City's legislative priorities. • Staff will follow up with Transit about presenting to CAC late next year. Recognition of outgoing members ADJOURNMENT: Sillman moved to adjourn, Anderson seconded, and the motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 4:45. 3 Climate Action Commission December 2024 Page 4 of 4 CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2023-2024 F- N W A (f1 Ql CO l0 0 N F-` ri TERM EXP. W NNN can A N O\i w NNNNAME U, W N 00 N W A A A Michael 12/31/2025 NM O/E X O/E O/E X O/E X X X X Anderson Michal Eynon- 12/31/2024 X NM X X X X X O/E X X X X Lynch John Fraser 12/31/2024 X NM X X X O/E X X X X O/E O/E Jamie Gade 12/31/2025 X NM X X X X X X O/E X O/E X Ben Grimm 10/31/2026 X NM X O/E X X O/E O/E X X X X Zach Haralson 12/31/2025 NM X X X X O/E X O/E X X X Matt Krieger 12/31/2023 O/ E Wim Murray MiclAmerican X NM X X X X X X X X X O/E Rep Michelle Sillman 12/31/20025 X NM O/E X X O/E X X X O/E X X Brinda Shetty UI Rep O/ NM X X X X X O/E X X X X E Angie Smith 12/31/2025 X NM X X X X X X X O/E X X Gabe Sturdevant 12/31/2024 X NM X X X X O/E X X X O/E X Matt Walter 12/31/2023 X KEY: X = Present 0 = Absent 0/E = Absent/Excused NM= No Meeting * No longer on Commission 4 IC Climate Action Commission Annual By -Laws Reminders 1. Purpose: The Commission exists to "enhance and enable further community efforts to achieve the City's ambitious climate goals." (Article 2) 2. Duties: a. advise the City Council on climate issues; b. research, analyze, and promote climate actions, with particular attention to equity; c. educate and engage with the public on climate action and the City's climate and sustainability goals; d. assist City staff, City Council, and members of the community with implementing approved initiatives that support the City's climate and sustainability goals, including the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and any related or updated plan hereafter; e. recommend to the City Council updates to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan [and by extension to the 100-day action plan]. (Article 3) 3. Chair/Vice Chair: The Chair and vice -chair are elected annually in January from within the membership. The Chair presides over all meetings and the vice -chair assumes these duties in the event of the Chair's absence. (Article 4, Section E) 4. Absences: In the event that a member misses three meetings in a row without prior approval of the excused absence, the Commission must recommend the City Council discharge the member and appoint a new member. So that we don't get to that point, please contact staff about any upcoming planned absences. (Article 4, Section H) 5. Quorum: For our CAC monthly meeting, six or more members must be physically present at each meeting to constitute a quorum. If six members are present and one person leaves, the meeting must cease for lack of quorum. Working groups or subcommittees are not a full meeting of the Commission unless six Commission members are present. Even if a quorum is not present among a group of Commissioners, please be mindful of the importance of deliberating and discussing issues as a full body. (Article 5, Section D & H) 6. Voting: A simple majority of those present at a meeting is needed to approve a motion. For example if 9 commissioners are present, it would be 5 votes. Recommendations to Council: Council receives all copies of minutes from Commission meetings for review and uses this mechanism to follow discussions held in Commission meetings. Specific recommendations for the Council are set off from the main body of the minutes and included in Council agenda packets. In most cases this is sufficient. In some instances (if a more detailed rationale for a particular recommendation is desirable, for example, of if the Commission would like to provide additional background information for consideration) a memo can be drafted to Council. This is generally done over the course of several meetings to allow for the Climate Action Commission to review, discuss, consult with staff, and approve the final wording before a memo goes to Council. INCLUSIVE TRANSPORTATION: A MANIFESTO FOR REPAIRING DIVIDED COMMUNITIES Dive into this must -read book with two events: THURS. JAN. 30: A community conversation at Iowa City Public Library, noon-1 p.m. TUES. FEB. 4: A virtual discussion with author Veronica O. Davis, 6-7 p.m. DWAIRCUMATE / ACTION MATTERS - P_ or A jW1W Y�M�► Air -Sealing a Home with Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity Goal: to build an energy -efficient home that will be sold to a low income (earning less than 80% of the area median income) household; also to educate the community about green building practices. "We caulk all of the seams on the exterior walls. We also do the bottom plate and spray foam all doors and windows." Contact: Scott Hawes, IVHFH Executive Director Problem -solving: You need your home to breathe, so we have an ERV system that exchanges air in an efficient way. It adds a little extra cost to the home, but it's a requirement of a home that's this tight. It helps the C W^_ ' air quality on the inside and is also a good way to cut utility bills." Highlight: "Because affordable housing is not truly affordable if the cost of heating and cooling cause a burden, IVHFH has long been committed to reducing utility bills and energy consumption. Raised Garden Beds at NCJC Broadway Garden Goal: to foster sustainable living and enrich children's learning by introducing gardens, one for each classroom, at the Broadway Center "Expanding community gardens and improving access to healthy, local foods, the Broadway Garden Project not only addresses food insecurity but also encourages community involvement and leadership in sustainable practices." Contact: Sarah Furnish, Broadway Ts Lead Teacher Problem -solving: "To make room for this new project, we will be revitalizing our outdoor space. This includes the careful removal of old, unused playground equipment to create space for the garden beds, retrofitting a nearby rain gutter on our building to collect rainwater for irrigation, and clearing out unwanted volunteer trees that have grown along our fence where they cast too much shade." F �, tti��0�'F� •� 5 i or • ftir, ,err 12 Replacing windows at Trinity Episcopal Church Goal: to replace or repair low -value windows with energy -efficient y windows to cut carbon footprint and heating bills Our goal, dream, is to put solar panels on the south facing parish hall roof. But we see these windows as a crucial first step. It ,n yrf ^ r +f r •� -,,. -�I-Y �w. i �. '•''' ass.: w Contact: Barbara Eckstein, Building & Grounds Committee member a � "We participate in the Episcopal Church's Stewardship of Creation vision p pp _A �ret 5- - and goals not only addressing climate disruption but also environmental g Y g p -- - -� " - justice and biodiversity loss." Highlight: forthcoming! CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: Nov. 14, 2024 To: Members of the Climate Action Commission From: Sarah Gardner, Climate Action Coordinator Re: Meeting times of Iowa City Boards, Commissions, and Committees The following list of meeting times and days of the month, current as of Nov. 1, 2024, for Iowa City Boards, Commissions, or Committees has been assembled to help inform discussions of a potential meeting time for the Iowa City Climate Action Commission. Per the Commission by-laws, meetings are to take place on a monthly basis at a day and time established by the Commission. Meetings may be cancelled if no urgent business requires a meeting. Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission 1" & 3rd Thursday 7 p.m. Board of Adjustment 2nd Wednesday 5: 15 p.m. Airport Commission 2nd Thursday 6 p.m. Assessor's Examining Board As needed Board of Appeals 1" Monday 4:30 p.m. Board of Review As needed Charter Review Commission 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday 5 p.m. Civil Service Commission As needed Climate Action Commission Is' Monday 3:30 p.m. Community Police Review Board 2nd Tuesday 5:30 p.m. Economic Development Committee As needed Historic Preservation Commission 2nd Tuesday 5:30 p.m. Housing and Community Development Commission 3rd Monday 6:30 p.m. Human Rights Commission 41h Tuesday 5:30 p.m. Library Board of Trustees 41h Thursday 5 p.m. Parks and Recreation Commission 2nd Wednesday 5 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission Is' and 3rd Wednesday 7 p.m. Public Art Advisory Committee Is' Thursday 3:30 p.m. Senior Center Commission 3rd Thursday 4 p.m. All meetings in City Council Chambers (Emma J Harvat Hall) in City Hall, 410 E Washington St., Iowa City, Iowa, from 3:30-5 p.m. Meetings held first Monday of the month unless otherwise noted. January 6, 2025 February 3, 2025 March 3, 2025 April 7, 2025 May 5, 2025 June 2, 2025 July 7 — No Meeting August 4, 2025 September 8, 2025 (*Note: Second Monday of the month) October 6, 2025 November 10, 2025 (*Note: Second Monday of the month) December 1, 2025 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. LATE HANDOUTS - THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WERE DISTRIBUTED AT THE MEETING To ensure our homes are truly affordable, we take the following measures when we build: High -efficiency home heating/cooling: We make an effort to equip homes with heat pump heating/cooling systems in addition to electric water heaters. Heat pump technology runs on electricity to efficiently transfer heat frorn outside air to inside. In hot weather, the system efficiently cools the home by working in reverse to transfer hot air inside the horne to the exterior. And because the system does not operate by burning fossil fuels, the home reduces the carbon footprint of the entire family. Soy -based Earth Foam insulation: Earth Foam is a spray -in -place polyurethane insulation that is 70% bio-based polyurethane. This specially developed product has excellent thermal and acoustical insulation qualities. Earth Foam expands in the wall or the roof cavity to fill all spaces and therefore is a highly efficient seal against air infiltration, the number one source of energy loss. We partner with Midwest Poly -Solutions to provide quality insulation for our homes. Energy Recovery Ventilators: Energy recovery ventilators provide a controlled way of ventilating a home of airborne impurities while minimizing energy loss. ERVs also reduce the cost of heating and cooling. Advanced framing and building science techniques: Iowa Valley Habitat utilizes a variety of framing techniques designed to reduce the amount of lumber used and waste generated in the building process. These efforts include a rectangular design of the home to reduce concrete costs, insulating headers, raised energy heel trusses, and California corners. Exterior framing is 24 inches on center, allowing for one-third less lumber used and more room for insulation. Putting roof trusses directly above wall studs increases the overall strength of the home structure. Electrification: We make an effort to equip homes with solar panels to reduce the household's carbon footprint and ensure utility costs remain affordable. LED lighting: An Energy Star -qualified LED light bulb saves approximately $30 over its lifetime and pays for itself in about six months. It uses 75% less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb. A majority of our lighting is LED. Automatic set -back programmable thermostat: The average household spends more than $2,000 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings. High performance windows: New Energy Star -qualified windows provide 14% more insulation than regular windows and reduce energy bills by up to 15%. In addition, these windows deliver more comfort, create less condensation, and protect furnishings from sun damage better than conventional clear -glass double -paned alternatives. Energy Star Appliances: Energy Star qualified appliances use 10-50% less energy and water than standard models.