HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE minutes 031113
FROM: Commission for the Environment
SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting Summary
DATE: March 11, 2013
LOCATION: Environment and Agricultural Center, Hillsborough
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MEMBERS PRESENT: David Neal (Chair), Jan Sassaman (Vice Chair), May Becker, Terri
Buckner, Peter Cada, Loren Hintz, Bill Kaiser, Tom O’Dwyer, Gary Saunders
MEMBERS ABSENT: Lucy Adams, David Welch, Sam Yellen
STAFF: Rich Shaw, Tom Davis GUESTS: Wayne Fenton, Kellem Agnew Emanuele
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I. Call to Order: Neal called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
II. Additions or Changes to Agenda – Added one item to the Updates and Information.
III. Approval of Minutes – The February 11 meeting summary was approved unanimously.
IV. Energy and Fuel Use at Orange County Facilities – Wayne Fenton (Assistant Director,
Orange Co. Asset Mgmt. Services) provided an overview of the energy, water, and fuel
use at Orange County buildings and facilities from 2010 to 2012. Fenton showed the
County’s short-term goals for reducing energy, water and fuel consumption, and
“scorecards” developed to gauge how well the County is meeting its goals. He noted the
goals were in line with State conservation objectives. Fenton mentioned some of the
current and planned initiatives, including the next phase of a community geothermal
system (Old Courthouse & Jail), digital control improvements, and solar film evaluations.
The CFE discussed potential ideas for involvement, including adding a public energy
conservation page to the Orange County website, holding an energy fair (similar to one
held in Hillsborough for county employees), and possibly recommending more
aggressive goals and objectives for public buildings/facilities.
V. Proposed Renewable Energy and Efficiency Work Group – Further consideration of this
proposal was tabled until the Air and Energy Resources Committee had discussed.
VI. Committee Meetings – The CFE broke out into its standing committees (Air & Energy
Resources and Water & Biological Resources) to discuss ongoing business.
VII. Updates and Information Items – Sassaman reported that the County is considering
eliminating its curbside recycling program for residents in certain unincorporated
sections of the county. He said a new proposal would privatize rural curbside collections
through a franchise contract, leaving towns to pick up urban recycling. Members agreed
to place this matter on the April agenda. Neal asked Sassaman to prepare a draft memo
for CFE consideration.
CFE members received updates and information on the following: a) CFE recruitment
efforts, b) NC fracking legislation update, c) OWASA newsletter, d) UNC Sustainability
newsletter, e) Pete Street Home Energy-Savings Program, f) Hillsborough stormwater
capture/reuse project, and a new photographic exhibit at the NC Botanical Garden.
VIII. Adjournment – Neal adjourned the meeting at 9:40 pm.
Minutes by Rich Shaw, DEAPR Staff