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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE Agenda 12122022 AGENDA Orange County Commission for the Environment December 12t", 2022 7:00 p.m., Bonnie B. Davis Environment and Agriculture Center Time Item Title 7:00 I. Call to Order 7:01 II. Additions or Changes to Agenda 7:03 III. Approval of DRAFT Meeting Summary — Nov. 14t", 2022 The CFE will consider approval of meeting summary from the last meeting.Action needed (Attachment 1) 7:05 IV. Orange County Aquifer and Rural Planning- Presentation Former Soil and Water Board Member, Heather Main,will present information regarding rural residential development and planning, and its effect on the groundwater in Orange County. 7:35 V. Climate Action Tax Grant (Time to Complete) Rescoring- Action Item Amy Eckberg will lead the CFE to briefly discuss and rescore the"Time to Complete"section of the Climate Action Tax Grant scoring sheet.Action needed (Attached under separate cover) 7:45 VI. CFE Annual Report and Work Plan C. Hirni will present the template for this year's BOCC Report and Work Plan.The CFE will discuss and provide recommendation for next years goals. (Attachments 2A and 2B) 8:15 VII. Committee Breakouts The CFE will break out into committee assignments and discuss goals/projects for the year. Committees will report on projects upon returning to the main meeting. 8:45 VIII. Updates and Information Items Staff and/or CFE members will provide updates on the following items: • Bill Ward Service Resolution • Climate Action Plan • Solarize the Triangle • CFE Recruitment Any other new information from CFE members and staff 9:00 IX. Adjournment *Next Meeting Date: January 9rh, 2022;Bonnie B Davis Environment and Agriculture Center Attachment 1 Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary November 14, 2022; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting Present: Veronica Penn Beattie, Jessie Birckhead, Kristie Mather(via Zoom), Ian Morse, Kim Piracci, Kim Livingston, Bill Ward, Jane Harris (via Zoom), Geneva Gray, Mark Randall, David N. Mcnelis, Regina Baratta Absent: Reade Oakley(excused), Jaya Nair(excused) Staff: Wesley Poole, Chris Hirni, Amy Eckberg, Kalani Allen I. Call to Order Kim Piracci called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. II. Additions or Changes to Agenda None. III. Approval of DRAFT Meeting Summary—October loth, 2022 Veronica Penn Beattie asked if the percentage allocations for the Community Climate Action Grant needed to be clarified in the October loth, 2022 DRAFT Meeting Summary and Amy Eckberg stated that it was not necessary because it was available in the BOCC recommendation. Motion to approve by Bill Ward; seconded by Mark Randall; all in favor; none opposed; motion passed. IV. Chair/Vice Chair Nominations and Elections—Action Item The CFE was asked to nominate and vote for the new Chair and Vice Chair that will take office at the December 2022 meeting. Bill Ward nominated Veronica Penn Beattie for Chair and she accepted the nomination; seconded by Geneva Gray; all in favor; none opposed; nomination passed. Veronica Penn Beattie nominated Jesse Birckhead for Vice Chair and she accepted the nomination; seconded by Ian Morse; all in favor; none opposed; nomination passed. V. Right of Way Task Force—Update and Action Item Chris Hirni provided information to the CFE regarding the previously approved CFE resolution from January 2020 to form an inter-County"Right of Way Task Force." COVID disrupted the original formation and the BOCC has asked the CFE to prioritize it. Kim Piracci gave some history regarding the topic and stated that power companies basically said it was cheaper to spray. The CFE was asked to nominate new member representatives for the Task Force. They would be expected to amend the "Orange Page 1 of 4 Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary November 14, 2022; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting County Rights of Way Task Force Membership, Tenure and Charge" document and reach out to Johnny Randall to re-engage. Jessie Birckhead and Regina Baratta volunteered and all CFE members agreed by unanimous vote. VI. CFE New Member Recommendations Process The CFE discussed the method of review and input for new CFE applicants in relation to member vacancies, timeliness, Policy and Procedure, and BOCC memorandums. CFE members discussed various ideas but did not come to an agreement on an exact process. The group decided to table this until the December meeting. VII. Climate Action "Education" Tax Grant Veronica Penn Beattie began the discussion in regards to the portion of the Climate Action Tax Grant funds that are dedicated to schools. Veronica Penn Beattie stated that in order to create equality for schools then a resolution may be needed. Bill Ward expressed concern and asked if the Climate Action Plan would address the County not being on target to meet its' goal to become fossil free. Veronica Penn Beattie wanted to follow up on the recommended percentage allocation to the schools and explain to the BOCC why the CFE didn't have 100% agreement. Recommendation is to be presented to the BOCC on December 5, 2022, so probably too late this year for a clarification. Veronica Penn Beattie, Geneva Gray, Bill Ward and Kristi Mather volunteered to start working on a DRAFT resolution through Google Doc that could be applied to next year's application process. VIII. Sub-Committee Breakouts The CFE discussed subcommittee topics and current composition. Each CFE member was allowed to choose which subcommittee they would like to be on moving forward. The CFE then broke out into committee assignments and discussed goals/projects for the year. Afterwards, subcommittees came back together and reported information discussed to the overall CFE (see below). Each subcommittee was asked to designate a chair that would be responsible for taking minutes and reporting back to the overall CFE. Geneva Gray will be the Chair of the Air&Energy Resources Subcommittee, Kim Piracci will be the Chair of the Water Resources Subcommittee and Kim Livingston will be the Chair of the Land Resources Subcommittee. Page 2 of 4 Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary November 14, 2022; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting Sub-Committee Breakout Meetin,-Summaries Air& Energy Resources Subcommittee: Present: Bill Ward, David Mcnelis, Geneva Gray, Ian Morse, Veronica Penn Beattie Absent: Kristie Mather (Zoom issue) and Reade Oakley (excused) Staff: Amy Eckberg • Selected Geneva Gray to serve as Chair of the Air&Energy Resources Subcommittee. • Asked Amy Eckberg to give a briefing on what current projects the subcommittee was working on: o A project working with Breeze Farms (an agritech incubator in Orange Co) on an Agrovoltaic pilot program. Veronica and David can use their contacts at UNC, Geneva can use hers at NCSU. o An Energy Efficiency kit for checkout at local libraries or schools filled with LED light bulbs, efficient power strips, etc. • David brought up his experience in green energy educational outreach and the subcommittee discussed the idea of an Energy Efficiency Ambassador to speak at schools or community events about clean and efficient energy practices. • Future work surrounding the Climate Action Plan (CAP) will likely consume a lot of the capacity of the subcommittee. The group may not pursue new initiatives while the CAP is in progress. Water Resources Subcommittee: Present: Kim Piracci, Mark Randall Absent: Jaya Nair (excused) Staff Wesley Poole • Selected Kim Piracci to serve to serve as Chair of the Water Resources Subcommittee. • Wesley Poole gave a short introduction to the group regarding what had been previously discussed within the subcommittee. • Mark Randall discussed his knowledge in the water resources field and Kim Piracci expressed her concerns regarding water quality in Orange County. Land Resources Subcommittee: Present: Jessie Birckhead, Kim Livingston, Regina Baratta Page 3 of 4 Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary November 14, 2022; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting Absent: Jane Harris (Zoom issue) Staff Chris Hirni • Selected Kim Livingston to serve as Chair of the Land Resources Subcommittee. • Hirni got everyone up to speed on the draft County-wide Tree Policy. Hirni will share the document with new members. • The Committee plans to bring a draft of the Tree Policy to the CFE at the February meeting. IX. Updates and Information Items • Amy Eckberg gave an update to the CFE on the status of the Climate Action Plan. They will be meeting with the consultant this week. She also mentioned Solid Waste's Zero Waste Plan and will distribute the link to the CFE. She also mentioned Reuter's recent article regarding university energy use. • Kalani Allen announced 2022 youth and adult winners of the Nature of Orange Photo Contest and mentioned that there was a new contest starting for 2023. Entries will be due by April 30, 2023. • Chris Hirni notified the CFE that it was time to begin working on the Annual Report and Work Plan. It will be due by January so the CFE will need to be working on it the next two meetings. X. Adjournment Bill Ward motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:02 pm; seconded by Kim Livingston; all in favor; none opposed; motion passed. Page 4 of 4 Attachment 2a NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION Report Period January 2022-December 2022 ORANGE COUNTY 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 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? 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 2023 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? Attachment 2b NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION- Commission for the Environment 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: Commission for the Environment Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Kim Piracci piraccik(c0mail.com Primary County Staff Contact: Christian Hirni, Wesley Poole, David Stancil- Director, DEAPR How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and sub-committee meetings? The board meets once per month (2"d 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 • Educate the public and local officials on environmental issues What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments? • As directed by the BOCC, provided comments and recommendations regarding a large development proposal in Efland (Efland Station 2021) • Provided ranking and comments to the BOCC for two cycles of the Climate Action Fund program (2020, 2021) • Signed Resolution of Support for the Eno New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan (2021) • 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 - 2021) • Advocated for '/2 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 2022 as they relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, and other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please list). - The CFE will review and rank grant applications for the third cycle of the County Climate Action Grant - In collaboration with staff, the CFE will finalize the County Tree Policy for County owned lands - The CFE will work with staff to develop a Greene Tract "Headwaters Preserve" planning and development program. We would like to form a joint subcommittee with the Parks and Recreation Council. - The CFE will support the County plan to tackle water quality issues in the Falls Lake Watershed, with the Upper Neuse River Basin Association (UNRBA), using the Interim Alternative Implementation Approach (IAIA). - The CFE would like to review and comment on County rezoning requests, as soon as the information is available to DEAPR staff. - The CFE will begin to discuss and make plans to develop the 2024 State of the Environment Report. 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? - The CFE would like to support the BOCC and county staff to prepare a Climate Action Plan in ways that are deemed possible, while being cognizant of legal restrictions the County is under. - The CFE has become aware that climate change has urgent impacts on public health, and would like to start a dialogue with the Board of Health to address this important issue. - The CFE would like Orange County to expand composting collection and education so our citizens and businesses will be able to further reduce food waste and subsequent environmental impacts. - The CFE would like to participate in the implementation of the Orange County COVID-19 Long Term Recovery and Transformation Plan. - The CFE plans to address Equity (DEIJ) across all aspects of our environmental recommendations. We look forward to seeing the Racial Equity Plan and using the implementation tools therein.