HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-2023 Climate Action CommissionIowa City Climate Action Commission Agenda
Monday, August 7, 2023, 3:30 p.m.
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Iowa City City Hall
410 E. Washington St.
Meeting Agenda:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of July 10, 2023 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 (Staff)
b. Commission meetings and members update (Staff)
L Welcome Wim Murray, thank you Lizzy Fitzsimmons and Jesse Leckband
c. Working group updates
i. Energy benchmarking (Krieger, Fraser, Shetty)
ii. Marketing audience mapping (Sillmon, Sturdevant Fitzsimmons)
6. Unfinished/Ongoing Business
a. Resource Management update (Jane Wilch)
b. Climate Fest overview and request for event host volunteers (Staff)
i. Monday, Sept. 18 (Walk and Roll Jam — tabling)
ii. Tuesday, Sept. 19 (Speaking of ... Live/Green House - host)
iii. Wednesday, Sept. 20 (Big Grove Celebration —tabling)
iv. Thursday, Sept. 21 (Pollinator Drive -In — host)
v. Friday, Sept. 22 (Defeat the Heat/Senior Center — host)
vi. Saturday, Sept. 23 (EVs at the Market —tabling)
7. New Business
a. Fleet Transition Plan —overview and request for volunteer(Staff)
b. Visioning indicators of success —discussion
8. Recap
a. Confirmation of next meeting time and location
i. Monday, September 11, 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-aardner@iowo-citv.ora. Early
requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
IOWA CITY CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION
JULY 10, 2023 —3:30 PM — FORMAL MEETING
EMMA J. HARVART HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michal Eynon -Lynch, Elizabeth Fitzsimmons, John Fraser, Jamie
Gade (via zoom), Jesse Leckband (via zoom), Michelle Sillman,
Gabriel Sturdevant (via zoom), Matt Walter, Matt Krieger, Brinda
Shetty
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ben Grimm
STAFF PRESENT: Daniel Bissell, Sarah Gardner, Megan Hill, Diane Platte
OTHERS PRESENT: Riley Eynon -Lynch
CALL TO ORDER:
Eynon -Lynch called the meeting to order.
APPROVAL OF MAY 1, 2023 MINUTES:
Fraser moved to approve the minutes from May 1, 2023.
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 submitted to Council the recommendations for ARPA climate action spending. A
copy of the cover memo was included in the June agenda packet.
Working groups met.
Upcoming events (Staff):
• Diversity Market Eco Station (July 8-August 19): Hill described how the table is shared
and different community -based organizations, such as Public Space One, Green Iowa
AmeriCorps, and Iowa City Transit, are invited to act as hosts.
• Spot the Hot data collection (July 21, 22, or 23): Gardner explained how data collection
days require high heat and clear skies. Volunteer opportunities are still available.
• Farm to Street (August 17): Gardner noted the climate action office is once again a
major sponsor for this event to promote local foods. This year's event supports Global
Foods Project.
• Climate Fest (Sept. 18-23): Gardner described the community -wide mailer that will
precede this year's Climate Fest.
Working Group Updates (Staff):
• Energy Benchmarking (Krieger, Fraser, Shetty): Bissell summarized the discussion of an
option whereby facility managers and building owners can on a voluntary basis supply
their data and work with Climate Action staff to enter it into the Energy Star portfolio
manager platform. Fraser mentioned the motivating impact of monetizing participation.
• Audience Mapping (Sillman, Sturdevant, Fitzsimmons): Hill described the discussion
around audience mapping for Fare Free Iowa City. Group is meeting again very soon.
UNFINISHED/ONGOING BUSINESS:
Root for Trees FY23 recap:
• Bissell noted the third year of the program again saw increased participation, with 376
trees planted. Shetty asked about programs to help with tree removal; Bissell noted that
Neighborhood Services offers some funding for income -qualified households. Eynon -
Lynch asked if a Root for Trees -like program could be considered for native plants or
turfgrass alternatives. Bissell briefly described AmeriCorps member's summer project to
plant native plants in yards. The Root for Trees memo and map in the agenda packet
highlights areas of Iowa City as Justice40 disadvantaged tracts. Gardner noted that
"Justice40" refers the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal
investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and
overburdened by pollution. We have two census tracts in Iowa City that align with federal
requirements for Justice40. The Climate Action division anticipates using the Justice40
overlay in place of the previously developed equity overlay going forward to align with
upcoming federal grant opportunities and for the division's own equity analysis.
Resilience Hub Pilot Proposal:
• Gardner thanked the working group and noted the memo in the agenda packet.
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County also offered feedback as a potential partner
organization for the resilience hub pilot. Gardner noted that NCJC appreciated the
flexible approach for the project and the provision for both planning and implementation.
Krieger asked how funds would be distributed across two phases. Gardner explained the
allocations would be distributed annually over the course of three years, which would
allow for more sustained funding than a single allocation and also allow the partner
organization to adjust plans as the project progressed. Fraser praised possibilities for
expanding resilience hubs program. Sillman asked for details about home resilience
starter kits. Gardner summarized the kits developed by the Climate Resilience Corps
and noted that the hub could customize the kit based on the needs identified through
neighborhood engagement. Sturdevant asked if Justice40 funding could be applied to
resilience hub projects. Gardner clarified that there is no specific funding tied to
Justice40 itself; instead, Justice40 is an equity component required as part of certain
federal programs. Eynon -Lynch asked if we know when ARPA funding will be decided by
City Council; Gardner noted that other programs are ahead in line for ARPA funding, but
the resilience hub program has been designed so that it can move forward with or
without ARPA funding.
• Sillman moved to approve the resilience hub pilot. Leckband seconded. The motion
passed 10-0.
Climate Action Plan Updates:
0 Gardner noted that the update in the agenda packet covers the last six months of CAO
activities. Commissioners asked questions about specific items.
• Sillman asked for details about the goal to enhance energy standards for city
rehabilitation projects. Gardner explained that the City has been adding climate dollars in
addition to the federal dollars allocated for the rehabilitation projects in the South District
neighborhood. This has allowed homes to receive additional climate -friendly measures
like heat pumps, solar panels, native plantings, etc. The first round of renovations could
not provide "before and after" data, but future rehabilitation projects will.
• Krieger asked for details about the Green Iowa AmeriCorps team. Gardner explained
that Johnson County has recently agreed to a collaboration for next year's team
including some funding support, which will allow GIA members to perform audits
throughout Johnson County, not just within Iowa City limits as in previous terms.
• Krieger asked about the permit fee rebate for enhanced energy standards. Gardner
explained that conversations with realtors prompted the decision to swap the "permit fee
rebate' for an award based on a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) score. Sturdevant
noted that realtors shared positive feedback with him; the HERS process was more
informative than expected.
• Sillman asked for details about the mattress recycling program. Gardner noted that Jane
Wilch, who will be coming next month, will be able to provide additional information. A
facility in Cedar Rapids is in development to separate recyclable components of
mattresses.
• Eynon -Lynch asked for an update about Local Procurement. Hill described the research
done so far.
• Krieger congratulated the City on the Transit grant.
NEW BUSINESS:
Climate Pollution Reduction Grant
Gardner summarized how Iowa City became eligible for this funding, which is under of
the Inflation Reduction Act. Staff collaborated with staff in Cedar Rapids, Johnson, and
Linn Counties to propose a regional climate action plan that would share funding. Both
Cedar Rapids and Iowa City metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) were ultimately
allocated $1 million for the planning procees. Iowa City's MSA includes all of Johnson
County and Washington County. A work plan and budget have already been sent to the
EPA. Once the work plan is approved, the first step is to develop a Priority Climate
Action Plan (PCAP) which will involve reviewing area CAAP plans and listing items that
could qualify for federal funding. Projects that previously were not financially feasible for
Iowa City -- such as methane capture at the landfill -- might become eligible for
competitive federal grants as a result of being included in the PCAP.CAC will be asked
to review these choices over the next year. The Priority Climate Action Plan is due to the
EPA by April 2024. The Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) will be due in April
2025. The CCAP will include elements not currently in Iowa City's CARP, such as an
inventory of carbon sinks in addition to emissions sources and goals related to green
jobs workforce development.
Krieger asked what data requirements might be needed. Gardner offered to share a
table at the next meeting showing the required elements for the PCAP and CCAP.
Eynon -Lynch asked if the solar study might reemerge like the methane study, in light of
increased funding. Gardner noted that the solar study was limited less by finances and
rather by regulatory barriers (such as net -metering) from the state.
Gardner noted our Accelerated Action Plan runs through 2025 and this CCAP can
function as the update to that plan.
Krieger asked if sustainability conversations have occurred with Washington County.
Sturdevant asked about what the $1 million can used for. Gardner clarified that it is
strictly for planning. However, by virtue of being included in the PCAP, projects are
rendered eligible to apply for competitive CPRG implementation grants in the future. The
$1 million CPRG planning grant thus serves to open the door to other CPRG funds the
City would not have the opportunity to access otherwise.
Fraser expressed appreciation to city staff for being aware the CPRG funding
opportunity and pursuing it for Iowa City when the state declined to participate.
RECAP:
• Confirmation of next meeting time and location:
o Monday August 7, 3:30-5 p.m., Emma J. Harvat Hall
• Actionable items for commission, working groups, and staff:
o Gardner will include the table of PCAP and CCAP requirements in the next
agenda packet.
ADJOURNMENT:
Kriger moved to adjourn, Sillman seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion
passed 10-0.
0
CLIMATE ACTION
COMM ISSIONATTENDANCE
RECORD
2023
0
A
NAME
TERM EXP.
N
cn
to
N
CO
N
0
N
r'
Z
CA
o
N
N
O
N
N
N
N
N
W
co
W
N
N
N
N
W
W
W
Michal Eynon -Lynch
12/31/2024
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
Elizabeth Fitzsimmons
12/31/2025
X
X
X
X
X
NM
O/E
John Fraser
12/31/2024
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
NM
X
Jamie Gade
12/31/2025
X
X
X
X
O/E
NM
X
Ben Grimm
10/31/2023
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
Clarity Guerra
12/31/2022
X
X
X
X
X
Kasey Hutchinson
12/31/22
X
X
X
X
X
Matt Krieger
12/31/2023
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
Jesse Leckband
MidAmedcanRep
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
Michelle Sillman
12/31/20025
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
NM
X
Brinda Shetty
UI Rep
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
NM
X
Gabe Sturdevant
12/31/2024
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
NM
X
Matt Walter
12/31/2023
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
NM
X
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM= No
Meeting
* No longer on Commission
FOOD WASTEC7"
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LIA:FA9
No cost drop-off for food waste only. Each community member may drop off up to 10
gallons of food waste per Wednesday. Food waste can either be brought in paper bags, or
reusable containers that owners take with them after emptying food waste out.
ACCEPTED ITEMS (PICTURED ABOVEI:
coffee grounds, eggshells, bread and grain products, meat and bones, seafood and
shells, non -liquid dairy products, fruits and vegetables, pizza boxes, paper napkins and
towels, paper clamshell containers
NOT ACCEPTED ITEMS:
yard waste, animal waste, any items
that are not food parts or accepted
paper products
WHERE:
East Side Recycling Center, 2401 Scott Blvd
SE, Iowa City (drop-off bins will be near the
red shed (red X on map) on the southeast
side of the parking lot during event hours)
V
Not& c.
Image Source:
WHO:
This service is available to Johnson County residents that do not have on -site composting
where they live.
WHEN:
7 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays (program runs from July 5 to September 27)
m IOWA CITY
A UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
WORK SONG, PART II: A VISION
Wendell Berry
If we will have the wisdom to survive,
to stand like slow growing trees
on a ruined place, renewing, enriching it,
If we will make our seasons welcome here,
asking not too much of earth or heaven,
then a long time after we are dead
the lives our lives prepare will live
here, their houses strongly placed
upon the valley sides, fields and gardens
rich in the windows. The river will run
clear, as we will never know it,
and over it, birdsong like a canopy.
On the levels of the hills will be
green meadows, stock bells in noon shade.
On the steeps where greed and ignorance cut down
the old forest, an old forest will stand,
its rich leaf -fall drifting on its roots.
The veins of forgotten springs will have opened.
Families will be singing in the fields.
In their voices they will hear a music
risen out of the ground. They will take
nothing from the ground they will not return,
whatever the grief at parting. Memory,
native to this valley, will spread over it
like a grove, and memory will grow
into legend, legend into song, song
into sacrament. The abundance of this place,
the songs of its people and its birds,
will be health and wisdom and indwelling
light. This is no paradisal dream.
Its hardship is its possibility.
BEFORE AND AFTER
This illustration demonstrates the possibilities that the Gap Analysis and Equity Report could
have on Iowa City.
BEFORE
........
........
AFTER
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.
January 9, 2023
February 6, 2023
March 6, 2023
April 3, 2023
May 1, 2023
June 5, 2023
July 3, 2023
August 7, 2023
September 11, 2023
October 2, 2023
November 13, 2023
December 4, 2023
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.
The following documents were handed
out during the meeting.
15.3. Deliverable Requirements
This appendix further details the required and/or recommended elements of each of the three main
deliverables:
• Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) —due March 1, 2024
• Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) —due 2 years from award (summer -fall 2025)
• Status Report —due 4 years from award (summer -fall 2027)
Applicants should factor these elements into their workplans and budgets, giving particular
consideration to their proposed schedule and approach for each deliverable.
Required (priority
measures only)
Encouraged
Required
EL
Required
(comprehensive)
Required
Update Encouraged
Update Encouraged
Status and Updates
Required
Update Required