HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE minutes 011413
FROM: Commission for the Environment
SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting Summary
DATE: January 13, 2013
LOCATION: Environment and Agricultural Center, Hillsborough
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MEMBERS PRESENT: David Neal (Chair), Jan Sassaman (Vice Chair), Lucy Adams, May
Becker, Peter Cada, Loren Hintz, Bill Kaiser, Tom O’Dwyer, Gary Saunders
MEMBERS ABSENT: Lucy Adams, Terri Buckner, David Welch, Sam Yellen
STAFF PRESENT: Rich Shaw, Tom Davis GUEST: Michael Harvey
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I. Call to Order – Neal called the meeting to order at 7:45 pm following refreshments.
II. Additions or Changes to Agenda – Added a discussion of committee reorganization.
III. Approval of Minutes – The December 10 meeting summary was approved unanimously.
IV. Proposed New Stormwater Management Plan Requirements – Michael Harvey provided
an overview of proposed new requirements for the submittal of stormwater management
plans for new development projects. He explained the proposed amendments to the
UDO would require that the stormwater management plan be submitted along with the
formal site plan, thereby improving the coordinated review of the project by departments
and avoiding some of the time and expense of having to modify the site plan at a later
date. CFE members asked questions of Harvey and thanked him for the briefing.
V. Proposed Renewable Energy and Efficiency Work Group – CFE members continued
their discussion of forming a new committee to discuss and formulate recommendations
concerning alternative energy issues. Neal asked CFE members for feedback on a draft
memo proposing a Renewable Energy and Efficiency Work Group (REnEW). Members
discussed the proposed work group’s name, focus, timeframe, membership, and need
for staff assistance. They stated a preference for the CFE to invite experts to serve on
and meet with the work group on an issue-by-issue basis rather than members having to
be appointed to the work group by the BOCC. The CFE approved sending the CFE
memo, as amended, to the BOCC and requesting feedback and guidance from the
BOCC for CFE consideration and implementation.
VI. Updates and Information Items – CFE members received updates and information on
the following: a) a draft CFE recruitment flyer, b) ICLEI membership, c) new NCDENR
Secretary, d) Sustainable Energy Conference, e) a recent fracking panel meeting, f) the
UNC Bingham facility, and g) a forestry best management practices newsletter.
The CFE approved a memo to the board of county commissioners recommending
Orange County renew its ICLEI membership for one year during which the CFE and its
staff would utilize ICLEI resources and assess whether it would be worthwhile to
continue the membership in the future.
VII. Committee Reorganization – The CFE decided to reorganize its four standing
committees into two: the Air and Energy Resources Committee and the Water and
Biological Resources Committee, both of which would include public education.
VIII. Adjournment – Neal adjourned the meeting at 9:20 pm.
Minutes by Rich Shaw, DEAPR Staff