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Home My WebLink AboutCFE agenda 11082021AGENDA Orange County Commission for the Environment November 8, 2021 7:30 p.m. Virtual Meeting (Zoom Link…) Time Item Title 7:30 I. Call to Order 7:32 II. Additions or Changes to Agenda 7:35 III. Approval of Draft Minutes – October 11th, 2021 The CFE will consider approval of minutes from the last meeting. Action needed (Attachment 1) 7:37 IV. CFE Annual Report and Work Plan- Discussion The CFE will need to begin planning for the annual report, to be completed in December and January. (Attachment 2 & 3) 8:10 V. CFE Meeting Schedule and Location- Discussion 8:30 VII. The CFE will discuss next calendar years meeting schedule and location of meetings and/or continuation of virtual meetings. Committee Breakouts The CFE will break out into committee assignments and discuss goals/projects for the year. 8:50 VIII. Updates and Information Items Staff and/or CFE members will provide updates on the following items: Any other new information from CFE members and staff 9:00 IX. Adjournment • * Next Meeting Date: December 13th, 2021; if requested by CFE (Virtual) CFE Meeting Ground Rules (Adopted 9/12/11) 1. Keep to agenda topic under discussion 2. Share relevant information 3. One person speaks at a time after recognition by the Chair 4. Everyone is invited to participate in discussions - no one person should dominate discussions 5. Strive to reach consensus first before voting Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary October 11, 2021; 7:30 pm Virtual Zoom Meeting Page 1 of 1 Present: Kim Piracci, Kim Livingston, Frank Binkowski, Bill Ward, James Eichel, Jaya Nair, Veronica Penn Beattie, Ulrich Hartmond, Kristie Mather, Jeremy Marzuola Absent: Bradley Saul (excused), Eric Scheier (excused), Alan Parry (excused), Elizabeth McWhorter, Carrie Fletcher I. Call to Order Kim Piracci called the meeting to order at 7:31 pm. II.Additions or Changes to the Agenda. None III.Approval of DRAFT Minutes from September 13th, 2021 Motion by Frank Binkowski; seconded by V. Beattie; none opposed; motion passed. IV.Climate Action Tax Fund - Round 2 B. Bouma provided a brief summarization of the application and ranking criteria as was discussed and approved by the CFE, and subsequent follow up with J. Marzuola for draft finalization. Bouma also summarized ranking and comments as approved by the Human Relations Commission. Bouma informed the CFE of the BOCC progression for approval of the fund awards and informed the CFE that the schools may receive more time to form projects for this round of funding. In closing, Bouma announced his acceptance of a new position with the Town of Chapel Hill, and that his last day with Orange County will be October 22nd. V.Sub Committee Breakout Sessions The CFE divided in to two breakout session groups; Land Resources, and Air and Energy Committees for discussions VI.Updates and Information Items None VII.Adjournment J. Marzuola motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 pm; seconded by Kim Livingston, none opposed; motion passed. Attachment 1 NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION_____________________________________ Report Period January 2021-December 2021 ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN FOR THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their boards and commissions and welcomes input from various advisory boards and commissions throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, this form. Board/Commission Name: Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Primary County Staff Contact: How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and sub-committee meetings? Brief Statement of Board/Commission’s Assigned Charge and Responsibilities. What are your Board/Commission’s most important accomplishments? Attachment 2 List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. Describe this board/commission’s activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable. Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other advisory boards and commissions? Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2022 as they relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please list). What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners’ attention? NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION: Commission for the Environment Report Period: 2020 ORANGE COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN FOR THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their boards and commissions and welcomes input from various advisory boards and commissions throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, this form. Board/Commission Name: Commission for the Environment Person to address the BOCC at work session- if applicable- and contact information: Bradley Saul, Chair bradleysaul@gmail.com Primary County Staff Contact: David Stancil, DEAPR Director (Christian Hirni, Wesley Poole, Brennan Bouma) How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and sub-committee meetings? The board meets once per month (2nd Monday). No meeting is held during the month of July. Committees meet as needed during regular meetings. Brief Statement of Board/Commission’s Assigned Charge and Responsibilities. Purpose: to advise the BOCC on matters affecting the environment, with particular emphasis on environmental protection and enhancement. Other duties include: •Perform special studies/projects on environmental issues as requested by BOCC •Recommend environmental initiatives to the BOCC, especially of local importance •Study changes in environmental science and environmental regulations in the pursuit of the CFE’s duties Attachment 3 • Educate the public and local officials on environmental issues What are your Board/Commission’s most important accomplishments? • Submitted priority recommendations for Lands Legacy Actions Plan 2021- 2024 • Ranked and submitted preferences of first recipients for the first distribution of Climate Action Tax Funds FY2019-20. Ranking Funds for FY 2020-21 will proceed through December 2020/January 2021. • Planning the 2019 State of the Environment report and 12/4/19 Environmental Summit (2018, 2019) • Prepared resolutions for BOCC consideration concerning: Anti-Idling Campaign, Support for Carbon Fee and Dividend legislation, Request for NC to Divest from Fossil Fuel Corporations, Roadside Wildflower Conservation (2018) • Developed recommendations for the County’s Climate Change Program scoring system (2019) • Created subcommittee for Roadside Wildflower Conservation (2019) • Requested the BOCC consider joining the Global Covenant of Mayors and Chairs organization concerned with global climate change (2018) • Wrote a series of climate change articles (2017) • Developed and posted a Facebook page (2017) • Edited and recommended a renewable energy resolution to the BOCC (2017) • Recruited UNC capstone students to assist with the 2019 State of the Environment report (2017) • Provided input on updates to the Lands Legacy Action Plan (2017) • Made recommendations to BOCC on UDO amendment to flexible subdivisions (2016) • Initiated a series of newspaper articles on environmental issues featured previously in the Orange County State of the Environment report (2015- 16) • Made recommendations to BOCC on 2016 bond package, the use of pesticides at County facilities, and incentives for energy efficient construction (2015) • Commented to Planning Bd. on proposed changes to impervious surface rules (2015) • Provided ideas for Public Services Announcements for County radio spots (2015) • Collaborated with others on energy conservation and mgmt. projects (2015-16) • Published the 2014 Orange County State of the Environment report (reports were previously completed in 2000, 2002, 2004, and 2009) • Convened Orange County Environmental Summit (2005, 2009, 2014) •Made recommendations to BOCC on food waste and solid waste tax district (2014) •Worked with Orange County Schools to introduce local environmental indicators into middle and high school science curricula (2004, 2009, 2014) •Hosted a Solid Waste Forum with the Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee (2013) •Co-sponsored The Nature of Orange photography contest (2012 - 2018) •Advocated for ½ cent sales tax referendum for Triangle Region public transit (2012) •Compiled annotated bibliography of the effects of forestry on water quality (2012) •Developed sustainable landscaping and forest management policies for the administration of County-owned facilities (2010) List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. •Co-sponsor “Nature of Orange” Photography Contest •Liaison to Intergovernmental Parks Work Group •Review and comment on environmental issues (e.g., anti-idling efforts, fracking, biosolids application, water pollution, air quality, forest mgmt.) and other issues assigned by the BOCC •Identify priorities for the Lands Legacy Action Plan (natural areas and wildlife habitat) •Conduct special studies pertaining to Orange County environment (e.g., energy efficiency/sustainability, forestry effects on water quality, herbicides and native flora) •Conduct environmental education outreach events (e.g., Earth Evening) Describe this board/commission’s activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable. BOCC Goal Five: Create, preserve, and protect a natural environment that includes clean water, clean air, wildlife, important natural lands and sustainable energy for present and future generations. •Presented findings and recommendations to BOCC on selected environmental issues: 1) roadside wildflower preservation; 2) effects of forest mgmt. on water quality; 3) effects of herbicides on roadside native plant habitat; 4) potential effects of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) in Orange County; 5) need for 100% renewable energy in Orange County (BOCC Priorities #1 and #12) Stayed abreast of ongoing and developing env. issues of importance to the County, such as Falls & Jordan Lake nutrient mgmt. rules, reducing commercial food waste in solid waste stream, and permitting of biosolids on farmland (Priorities #12 and #16) Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other advisory boards and commissions? As needed. Members of this commission are also on the Planning Board and the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group. If your board/commission played the role of an Element Lead Advisory Board involved in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan preparation process, please indicate your board’s activities/accomplishments as they may relate to the Comprehensive Plan’s goals or objectives. (The Element Lead Advisory Boards include: Planning Board, EDC, OUTBoard, Commission for the Environment, Historic Preservation Commission, Agriculture Preservation Board, Affordable Housing Board, Recreation and Parks Advisory Council) The CFE provided extensive input into DEAPR staff development of the Natural and Cultural Systems Element of the Comprehensive Plan— specifically the chapters on Air and Energy Resources, Water Resources, and Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat. Objective AE-1: Assess and implement the current countywide greenhouse gas emissions inventory and action plan target reductions. •The CFE helped to initiate a countywide inventory of greenhouse gas emissions (2005), and continues to advise on ways to reduce the County’s “carbon footprint.” Objective AE-15: Foster participation in green energy programs such as installation incentives for solar hot water/solar generation/solar tempering in residential or commercial construction. The County should develop programs that will link citizens and businesses with options for alternative and sustainable energy sources. •The CFE’s Energy Resources Committee has developed proposals that address energy efficiency and renewable power issues, and will pursue further in collaboration with other advisory boards and stakeholders. Objective NA-3: Develop a more detailed and consistent methodology for monitoring changes in forest cover throughout the County, and specifically the extent of mature hardwood forest. •The CFE’s State of the Environment report documented significant reductions in mature hardwood forest that occurred from 2003-2008 and since 1988. Objective NA-11: Develop a comprehensive conservation plan for achieving a network of protected open space throughout Orange County, which addresses 1) threats to important natural areas; 2) connectivity between protected areas; 3) coordination with neighboring counties; and 4) sustainable management of critical natural resources. •The CFE’s Land Resources Committee is participating in a County effort to identify and preserve important landscape corridors that connect significant natural areas. Objective NA-16: Create a system of public and private open space and conservation areas, including parks, nature preserves, and scenic vistas representative of Orange County landscape. •The CFE advises County’s Lands Legacy program in its efforts to protect the most important natural and cultural resource lands through a variety of means. •The CFE’s Land Resources Committee is participating in a County effort to identify and preserve important landscape corridors that connect significant natural areas. Objective WR-5: Promote and participate in regional efforts to plan for use of water supplies in the region in an equitable manner, including contingency planning for water supplies during droughts. [Also Objectives WR-9, WR-10, and WR-15] •CFE advocates for full implementation of the Water Resources Initiative to ensure planning for an adequate water supply for current and anticipated future needs Objective WR-11: Provide incentives and educational information to landowners to increase protection of watersheds and ground water supplies and their inter- relationships. •The CFE distributes groundwater and surface water educational materials at Earth Evening and as part of its State of the Environment reports NOTE: The Orange County State of the Environment 2019 identifies specific recommendations on ways to help maintain and improve Orange County’s environmental quality, many of which address objectives stated in the Orange County Comprehensive Plan. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2021 as they relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please list). -Draft and finalize County Tree Policy for County owned lands -Make recommendations to County Planning Department to allow CFE review and comment on new County development proposals and rezoning requests -Assisting with community engagement regarding environmental equity within the Counties climate action planning process What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners’ attention? -Adopting a resolution recognizing the Eno New Hope Conservation Plan - Food availability and distribution during emergency situations, ensuring local food chains are available during food shortages