HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE minutes 111113
FROM: Commission for the Environment
SUBJECT: Monthly Meeting Summary
DATE: November 11, 2013
LOCATION: Solid Waste Management Administration Building, Chapel Hill
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PRESENT: Jan Sassaman (Acting Chair), Lucy Adams, May Becker, Peter Cada, Loren Hintz,
Donna Lee Jones, Steve Niezgoda, Jeanette O’Connor, Tom O’Dwyer, David Welch
ABSENT: David Neal, Terri Buckner, Susie Enoch, Gary Saunders
STAFF: Rich Shaw, Tom Davis
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I. Call to Order: Sassaman called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
II. Additions or Changes to Agenda – The CFE added a draft resolution about food waste
collection to the agenda prior to the State of the Environment report discussion.
III. Approval of Minutes – The September 9 meeting summary was approved unanimously.
IV. Industrial Hemp Documentary – CFE members discussed the CFE’s potential
sponsoring of a screening of a new documentary film advocating for the production of
industrial hemp. Members supported having a constructive dialogue, but noted the CFE
should focus on potential environmental benefits rather than economic considerations.
Other advisory boards would be recruited to examine the other issues. CFE members
identified questions about hemp production and the environment. The CFE will pursue
answers to those questions before deciding whether to sponsor the film screening.
V. CFE Resolution on Food Waste Diversion [Added to agenda] – The CFE discussed a
draft resolution prepared as a follow up to a presentation by Orange County Solid Waste
Management in April, and the Solid Waste Forum that the CFE co-sponsored in May.
CFE members discussed the merits of focusing on commercial waste recovery rather
than including residential collection. The CFE approved the resolution with changes.
The CFE asked staff to send the signed resolution to the BOCC and the towns with
CFE’s April 2013 memo on the County’s Integrated Recycling Program.
VI. State of the Environment 2014 – Staff provided an overview of the status of developing
the State of the Environment report. CFE members provided further comments and
ideas on the report format and content. Sassaman asked for volunteers from both
committees to work closely with Staff on editing the report and identifying specific
findings and recommendations to highlight in the report from the CFE. Staff reviewed
the schedule. A fourth draft will be sent to CFE in advance of the next meeting.
VII. Updates and Information Items – CFE members received updates on the following: a)
CFE meeting calendar, b) OWASA forest management, c) wood pellets as fuel, d)
Carrboro’s energy & climate action plan, e) climate change, f) new guidance for
permitting solar projects, g) Orange County’s recycling of oyster shells, h) a legislative
scorecard from NC League of Conservation Voters, i) Fracking wastewater study, j) US
Forest Service newsletter, and k) the winners of “The Nature of Orange” photo contest.
Sassaman introduced a topic about a proposed urban garden for the December agenda.
VII. Adjournment – Sassaman adjourned the regular meeting at 9:07 pm so members could
meet with their respective committee to discuss State of the Environment report. CFE
members from the Water and Biological Committee met with staff until 9:45 pm.
Minutes by Rich Shaw, DEAPR Staff