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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2020 Climate Action CommissionIowa City Climate Action Commission Agenda Tuesday, September 8, 2020, 3:30 — 5:00 p.m. Electronic Meeting, Zoom Platform 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=UOdIRmJIclhET2NTN25GMOR 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 Meeting Agenda: 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 8/4Is 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 brendo-notions(Oiowo-citv.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 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. 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 Climate Action Commission August 3, 2020 Page 2 of 10 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 Work, 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 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, 3 Climate Action Commission August 3, 2020 Page 4 of 10 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 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 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 5 Climate Action Commission August 3, 2020 Page 6 of 10 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 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 Work 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 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 give 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 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 711' 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 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. CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2019 - 2020 NAME TERM EXP. \ \ \ N N N N N N N 0 0 0 0 N 0 0 N 0 N 0 N 0 N 0 N 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 UIRep 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 MidAmerican Jesse Leckband 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 10 Progress update on "Accelerating Iowa City's Climate Actions" as of 7-6-20 New/ plan Next Alignment Initia Equity Focus Step Buildings Solar Partnership with New 1.5 April Brought forward to City Council in April and Closed MidAmentan was not approved. No next steps plred at this point. Will assess opportunities as locations or chances present themselves. Encourage the Local Realtor New 1.1 & 1.6 May Buildings Working Group indicated initial Benefits for informed buying/selling, may need In Communityto Include Energy conversations were in motion with local incentive assistance later on, if concentration of Development Performance in the Multiple realtors about value of this action. Staff activity falls within only a few neighborhoods or Listing Services (MLS) Property checked with the group members about stakeholder interest lacking. Education for all residents Inventory where this stands. CAO/CMO can offer and renters about housing with energy efficiency and support as needed. Example programs indoor air quality speaks to equity concerns. elsewhere need to be presented. More Commission and Working Group recommendations research and education needed on realtor and and feedback needed. homebuying/selling, paired with engagement with ICAAR. Concerns include an inability to sell inefficient properties. Launch aTIF-fu nd ed climate New 1.2&5.4 May Economic Development finalizing action incentive program requirements. In August Council finalized aimed at reducing industrial approved establishing and approving Urban energy consumption 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. Advocate for State Ad option New 1.1-1.4 May Asked State contacts about progress for rule Could support these efforts with help from education of Advanced Energy Codes making process. Response was that due to and advocacy from underserved groups that directly COVID, the spring 2O2O meeting was delayed benefit from housing improvements. 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. Advocate for Aggressive New 1.1-1.4 May Eligible staff voted for adoption of new IECC Could support these efforts with help from education Energy Code Development codes earlier in 2O2O. This action also requires and advocacy from underserved groups that directly and Adoption '(New) letters to and engagement with elected benefit from housing improvements. officials. Advocacy efforts expanded into 2021. Promote Energy Efficiency and Next 1.1-1.2, 1.6 June Initiate planning and needs assessment; Imperative. Review of equity report and assistance In Performance Tips to the Public feedback from Commission working group. from EHR staff essential. Commission and Working Development Identify resources, contacts, and content. Group recommendations and feedback needed. 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. Partner with Stakeholders to New 1.1-1.4 June Initiate introductions to organizations, CAO Use equity report to ensure stakeholders from In Promote Green Building and staff understanding of goals and example impacted groups are represented, and feedback is Development Rehabilitation programs necessary. Meetings with City shared with development community, landlords, and development staff. Develop group of builders. Commission and Working Group stakeholders to discuss barriers and interest in recommendations and feedback needed. 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) En h an ce Energy Stan dard s for Next 1.1 June Received updated report from NDS on current Assisted households currently meet federal income City Rehabilitation Projects activity and efforts. Staff currently exploring requirements. Establish a mapped GIS inventory of alternatives for rehab projects and ability for energy efficiency assessments and investments. City to support incentives or supplemented Ensure access to energy efficiency and other energy efficient equipment if homeowners sustainable design elements in each project through cannot/won't pay the difference to upgrade. education and engagement. Have met with two local HVAC providers to identify key issues and ideal projects. Proposal still in development; will bring to Commission forfeedback and further guidance. Education components also necessary -communications strategy outcomes. Equity mapping not started. Create a More Robust Energy New 1.1-1.2 June Staffis enrolled in energy inspections training. Commission/Working Groups should assist with how Code Inspection Program Additional inspector budgeted in FY21. CAO to theywould like to measure equity and what should be meet with NDS staffin fall to understand what reported to show progress. staff will be looking at and addressing through compliance checks. Develop or Partner with Local New 1.1-1.4 July ICED applied for a small grant for Approach to populations served critical. Commission Stakeholders on a neighborhood pilot program. Must define GIA and Working Group recommendations and feedback ent Comprehensive Climate involvement, capacity and scheduling. GIA needed forfurther development. Action Rehabilitation Program crew begins in late September; opportunities fortraining supplement to pursue enhanced energy assessments and community education. Explore RFQ for external partner/s to implement a program. Incorporate Stricter Energy New 1.3-1.4 Aug Begin review of options, develop revisions to Greater equity can be achieved through a geographic Not Started Stan d and s into Tax In crement policy, introduce for Council adoption. distribution of benefits. Education and advocacy could Financing Policies Stakeholder process required. Buildings benefit populations impacted and served by policy Working Group and Commission involvement implementation. in policy review. Currently working on expansion of additional areas for energy efficiency improvements funded by remaining TIF. Offer Free Home Energy Next 1.1 Sept Mid Summer- Meetings with AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps is focused on certain groups - seniors, low In Assessments through Green bringing in new team. Work must be finalized income,veterans. Not sure how they track or report Develapment Iowa AmeriCorps and coordinated with JCED's conceptual these demographics. May need to get creative in how expansion of AmeriCorps responsibilities. May audits are performed in light of Covid-19. Education need to explore non-AmeriCorps team to delivery and equipment installation/provision perform additional assessments and alternatives probably needed in short term. Establish weatheruation services. GIA crew begins in mapped GIS inventory of energy efficiency late September; opportunities for training assessments and investments. supplement to pursue enhanced energy assessments and community education. Coordinate Neighborhood New 1.1 Fall Coordinate efforts with Neighborhood Assess equity report to determine any areas of focus. In Energy Blitz Events Planner, Recreation, and community NDS can assist with housing/permit data that can help Development organizations; Support actions with strategy focus on neighborhoods with less efficient housing from communications plan (Action 5.1-EDU); stock. Outreach to underserved groups may spur will likely align this action with introduction of interest in blitz programs or projects. Working Group Climate Ambassador program. Earlier rollout recommendations and feedback needed. 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. New/ = r Plan Month to Next Workpla Equity Focus Alignment Initiate Step Complete the Transit Study New 2.1 Ongoing Due to be completed in early fall, was Dependent upon study recommendations and and Implement somewhat delayed from Covid-19. selected actions for implementation. Goal is to serve Recommendations to Bolster Presentation of proposed measures coming to residents most needing transit service. Commission Service and Increase Ridership City Council in early fall. Primary and Working Group recommendations needed. implementation of recommendations to begin in 2021. Establish an Electric and Fuel- New 2.2 May Actions already in place but written policy Efficient Vehicle Purchasing needed. Staff finalizing written policy to be Policy completed by next report update. Track Adherence to City Idling Next 2.7 May AVL equipment provides idling data.37 Policy 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 oftechnology. Significant Transportation New 2.3 August Transportation metrics are defined.Some of Review equityreportto identifygroups and locations Education and Outreach the metrics are not yet available from the to focus attention. Somewhat reliant upon Campaigns 2019 Census. Climate Ambassador program recommendations of transit study. Explore language development is underway. Must continue to translations. Commission and Working Group identify how we will engage all residents. recommendations and feedback needed. New/ Next P an Month to W orkpla uity Focus Alignment Initiate 3.7-3.8 May Report presented to staff at end of May. Plan Consideration will be given after final Initiate a Methane Feasibility Next Study alternatives needed further development and recommendations, to impacts on fiscal health of these are being completed and determined by Enterprise funds and needs to supplement with rate early September. Staffwill determine next changes over time. steps. Project is near completion. Engage the Public to Comport Next 3.2 June Outreach efforts by staff have included Focus is reliant upon meetings with staff, current Organic Waste distributing information in news releases, efforts, working Equity Working Group, equity report, Underway utility bill inserts, social media and website. translations services available, and outcomes from Continued efforts will be made on how to Communications strategy. 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. Require All Park/Public Space New 3.5 June Staff reconnected for this project and project Must assess whether new requirementsimpact Rentals to Recycle and Use details are being finalized. Community populations differently. Working Group "Green" Event Best Practices. education, possible stakeholder review recommendations needed. needed. Likely spring 2021 rollout with new rental contracts for sports. Education Campaigns for Next 3.3 July Meet with Resource Management to assess Focus reliant upon meetings with staff, current efforts, Hot stared Neighborhoods to Reduce current materials that have been developed. working Equity Working Group, equity report, umption at the Coordinate with Neighborhood Planner. translations services available, and outcomes from N Communications strategy. Al]Develop Climate Ambassador New 4.2 May Program is in final stages of development. Development of program includes application process Team Modules developed over the summer will be not reliant upon technology to participate. if tech is launched in the fall after the Climate Festival. necessary, will purchase tablets or other device to Will coordinate with Outreach and Equity loan to ambassador participants for training activities. Working Groups and Communications staff. Special attention paid to connection with local groups that can recommend ambassador applicants. Continue Implementation of New 4.5-4.6 May Work agreement executed with AES in May. Geographic distribution, education variables the Natural Areas Significant follow up with neighborhoods dependent on groups impacted. Engage natural area Management Plan required during process. Planned advocacygroups that can assist with public education. 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. Equity Review of Next 4.1-4.2 May Equity Working Group will review Equity Emphasis on highly impacted groups, targeted Neighborhood and Population Report and determine further action. outreach and collaboration for development and Outreach; Develop Outreach Commission review of project equity review implementation of each climate action. Plan for Populations Highly tool for City and other community climate Impacted by Climate Change projects. Staff initiated coordination of ma ppi ng tools/resources requested by Equity Working Group. All Flood Mitigation and Next 4.5 June Met with Stormwater Team. Collect and Involving various community groups dependent on Stormwater Management review current volunteer lists. Assess Ewe makeup ofexisting volunteer listing and schedules. Programs/Projects; Buyouts need to promote existing program. Assess Review equity report to verify benefits and creek clean up volunteer process. participation equitable. AE-1 Partnerwith Project Green on New 4.6 July Actively proposing a private tree planting Commission provided recommendations and feedback a Tree Planting Partnership; program to begin by October. Residentswill on program proposal. As noted in Workplan, income I ncentives for Private Tree be able to use a voucher for a discount on tree eligible properties will be permitted a greater Planting purchase from Iowa City nurseries. Delivery discount. The options for receiving the income eligible costs paid until budget met. Low income discount will be applied for being a participant in the residents are permitted greater discount for City's Low Income Utility Discount Program or being tree purchase and planting. Parks and located in an income -eligible U.S. Census block. City is Recreation Department is managing program tracking planting addresses to monitor geographic and will conduct significant and targeted distribution.Additionally, staff engagement will be interpersonal and neighborhood outreach. focused in areas that have less tree canopy than other Will connect with Project Green for additional parts of town. Engagement will also provide an opportunities for education and outreach opportunity to inform about the utility discount programs. program. AR-1001 Street Tree Ordinance Next 4.6 August NOS will draft ordinance. Outreach and New Ordinance will apply to new developments. Not Started communication needed to educate the public, make aware. APP-3 Expand Public Tree Planting Next 4.6 September Report our proposed planting for upcoming Review inventory maps, locate areas in need, target In year for municipal tree management. Identify workplan outreach accordingly. Emphasis on benefits Development stumbling blocks ahead of new plantings. oftree canopy in low -mod neighborhoods. Possible small group discussion with impacted groups - residents, landlords, City staff, businesses or development groups. Address negative perceptions through modifications or education. Educate and Coordinate with Ne# 4.3 October Outreach meetings with Johnson Co. Public Equity reach will become more clear with agency Not Started Local Agencies on Health Health, University of Iowa, etc. coordination and partnering. Can use equity Impacts scale/report to identify starting agency discussions. Launch a Green Business Next 5.5 June Pilot program initiated but rebooted with a Initial program relies heavily on voluntary Program:"Climate Action at modified structure (award s/recognition participation. Potential for granted funding tied to Work' program). Awards program was introduced participation. Will need to make a greater effort to and sought applications in summer 2020. identify and work with businesses with less access to Additional opportunities for business -related resources. Geographic access and type of business programs will be to build a network of should also be taken into account. Will map businesses with climate interests that can geographic participation. Need assistance from support additional demand and resources for Economic Development staff, Equity & Outreach infrastructure and policy upgrades. Working Groups, and other econ dev and small Networking model in development with business assistance groups. For Climate Action at Work partnering business advocacygroups. Awards, contacted over BO community groups with an emphasis on diversity, inviting their participation. Develop a Climate Action Next 5.5 June Released RFP for consultant to develop Application ofequity principles will be part of process. Strategic Communications marketing plan; drafted in June, reviewed by Feedback from Commission welcome; Commission Plan Commission and receiving proposals through member plans to participate in consultant selection. 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. Host Sustainability Forum and Next 5.5 September Climate Festival is upcoming beginning Intentional outreach with underserved groups to Events September 19th. Activities include digital and ensure access to awareness, education, and written storytelling, coordinated participation. Staff, planning committee, and CAC individual/community activities, and expanded Working Group to connect with local organizations local partnerships. Outreach began in willing to partner on activities, promotion, or hosting June/July, finalized steps and promotions in remote event. Efforts underwayto include translated August, gearing up for Festival in Sept. festival materials in digital and print formats. Community Garden Next 5.5 September Working with Parks Department to see if there Eq uity mapping for plot rentals exists. Need to review Not Started Expansion/Additions a re El an s for ad d ition a l commu nity gard en 2020 rentals, identify gaps in geo coverage and gaps in areas. 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. Expand Community Climate Next 5.4 November Consider adding non-profit and business Follow Equity Report recommendations to identify Not Started Grants categories an d d efine wh at the n ew program and connect with preferred applicant agencies from will look like next year. Identify h ow grant first tier needs. Community organizations geared program ties into other City funding initiatives. towards underserved and disadvantaged groups could Could move project earlier in the year to also fall into this expansion or, the next year's funding address direct and coordinated support for could be introduced specifically to certain groups from Covid-19 recovery. equity report and an info session can be held by invitation for these groups, like HRC and HCDC have done. 1,600,000 1,400,000 1,200,000 m � 1,000,000 E 800,000 a 600,000 O U 400,000 200,000 0 2019 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Update Iowa City Community CO2e Totals by Sector O e-I N M a V1 l0 n W Ol O r-I N M I V1 lD n W O1 O r-I eY rl eY rl rY eY rl eY rl N N N N N N N N N N M O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N � Industrial UI Power Plant 2010 Baseline — Reduction Trend Line � Commercial Transportation 2030 Target � Residential � Waste 2050 Target 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 Plani 247,332 140,406 -106,926 -43% Transportation 142,094 158,822 16,728 1 12% Waste 19,037 22,203 3,166 1 17% Totals: 1,374,712 916,741-457,971 -33% Year Cozeemissions per capita in Iowa City in metric tonnes 2000 20.9 2005 19.6 2009 18.8 2009 15.0 2010 20.3 2011 19.6 2012 18.1 2M 191 2014 18.1 2015 13.3 2016 12.9 2017 12.9 2D18 13.4 2DI9 122 Climate Action and Adaptation Plan Progress Report % renewablegrid energy(MidAmerican) 1 51% 1 61% 1 19.3% Yes U of I power plant ghg emissions (in metric tonnes COze) 142,691 140,406 -1.6% Yes Residential energy ghg emissions (in metric tonnes COze) 224,557 199,565 -11.1% Yes Commercial energy ghg emissions (in metric tonnes COze) 200,816 173,574 -13.6% Yes Industrial energy ghg emissions (in metric tonnes COze) 272,582 222,172 -18.5% Yes Municipal ghg emissions from facilities (in metric tonnes COze) Transportation Total vehcile miles traveled per capita 20,364 2018 Baseline 47728 17,628 2019 4,803 -13.4% % change 1.6% Yes Improved over baseline 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 Total landfill tonnage 9 122,772 11 131,251 22.2% 7% Yes Improved baseline No Curbside recycling tonnage 1,798 2,295 28% Yes Curbiside organics tonnage 2,227 1 3,331 50% Yes Adaptation Percent t reecan opy' Improved 2018 Baseline 2019 %change over baseline 41.40% 7 Total number Storwater BMP Grant Awards»»» (by FV) 181 206 13.8% Yes Number of new trees planted by City Sustainable Livestyle Number of Climate Action at Work awards 162 400 146.9% Yes Improved 2018 Baseline 2019 % change over baseline 0 0 0 Initiated Number of Climate Ambassadors trained 0 0 0 in 2020 WORLD RIFE CHICAGO CUB I ORLo $EHIE$ k', m 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