HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE Meeting Summary 09112023 Orange County Commission for the Environment
Meeting Summary
September 111, 2023; 7:00 pm
Hybrid Meeting
Present: Veronica Penn Beattie (via Zoom), Kristie Mather (via Zoom), Mark Randall (via
Zoom), Regina Baratta (via Zoom), Jessie Birckhead(via Zoom), Kim Livingston
(via Zoom), Ian Morse (via Zoom), Jane Harris (via Zoom), Ready Oakley (via
Zoom), Andrea Zimmerman(via Zoom), Kim Piracci
Absent: Geneva Gray (resigned), David N. Mcnelis, Wilson Greene
Staff: Wesley Poole, Chris Hirni, Amy Eckberg, Kalani Allen
I. Call to Order
Veronica Penn Beattie called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
II. Additions or Changes to Agenda
None.
III. Approval of DRAFT Meeting Summary—August 14tt', 2023
Motion to approve by Kim Piracci; seconded by Mark Randall; all in favor; none
opposed; motion passed.
IV. Community Climate Action Grant Round 3 -Discussion
Jessie Birckhead began by making a note that the goal was to go through all of the
applications in a general manner first, then go back and decide on the allocation of the
ones they choose to recommend funding afterwards. There were 11 total community
project applications and 2 total school project applications. Both Chapel Hill Carrboro
City Schools and Orange County Schools submitted applications this year. The CFE
utilized a google spreadsheet to organize the review and ranking. The CFE decided to
recommend not funding the Eco-Institute at Sanctuary Farm due to limited public benefit
and uncertainty around community being served. They suggested that the organization
seek other philanthropic funding sources. The CFE decided to recommend not funding
EMPOWERment and suggested that they reapply in the future when the project is further
along (construction) and perhaps consider applying with a phased approach (smaller
funding request). The CFE decided to recommend not funding Triangle ECycling. They
supported the idea and would like to see this concept considered further. The applicant
may be able to see funding through other avenues and once proven come back and apply
in the future. The CFE did not make it any further in the discussion and agreed to pick
back up at the Special Meeting that has been scheduled for September 18tn
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Orange County Commission for the Environment
Meeting Summary
September 111, 2023; 7:00 pm
Hybrid Meeting
V. Updates and Information Items
• Amy Eckberg updated the CFE on the status of the Climate Action Plan. The
consultant presented the plan to the BOCC last Tuesday and the DRAFT is available
on their webpage. A survey for comments will be available until October 6tn
• Amy Eckberg updated the CFE on the status of Solarize the Triangle. They are
currently at Tier 6 pricing and well on their way to Tier 7. Signup for a free
assessment will be available until September 301h
• Chris Himi updated the CFE on the status of the Lawrence Road Recreation
Development. The original school/recreation site plan was denied, so the developer
re-submitted just the recreation portion. It is currently under review.
VI. Adjournment
Kristie Mather motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 pm; seconded by Ian Morse; all
in favor; none opposed; motion passed.
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