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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE Agenda 12112023 AGENDA Orange County Commission for the Environment December 11t", 2023 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. 13t", 2023 The CFE will consider approval of meeting summary from the last meeting.Action needed (Attachment 1) 7:05 IV. CFE New Member Applications The CFE will review and discuss current applications and select applicants to recommend to the BOCC. (Attached under separate cover)Action Needed 7:35 V. CFE Annual Report and Work Plan- Action C. Hirni will present the draft for this year's BOCC Report and Work Plan.The CFE will discuss and provide recommendations for next year's goals. (Attachment 2) Action Needed 7:55 VI. Lands Legacy Action Plan 2024-2027- Action Chris Hirni will present the draft memo with the CFE recommendation from the last meeting for the CFE to discuss and vote for application to the next iteration of the LLAP. (Attachment 3) Action Needed 8:05 VII. Nature of Orange Photo Contest Sponsorship- Action The CFE will decide to continue sponsorship of the annual Nature of Orange Photo Contest. Action Needed 8:10 VIII. Sub-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. 8:40 IX. Updates and Information Items Staff and/or CFE members will provide updates on the following items: • CFE Subcommittee Brief Report • Climate Action Plan Any other new information from CFE members and staff 9:00 X. Adjournment *Next Meeting Date: January ff,2024(Bonnie B Davis Environment and Agriculture Center) Attachment 1 Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary November 13th, 2023; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting Present: Kristie Mather, Mark Randall, Regina Baratta, Jessie Birckhead, Kim Livingston, Ian Morse, Jane Harris (via Zoom), Andrea Zimmerman(via Zoom) Absent: David N. Mcnelis, Wilson Greene, Veronica Penn Beattie, Reade Oakley, Kim Piracci Staff: Wesley Poole, Chris Hirni, Amy Eckberg, Kalani Allen, Abby Mattingly I. Call to Order Chair Veronica Penn Beattie is out sick so Vice Chair Jessie Birckhead called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. II. Additions or Changes to Agenda Amy Eckberg asked to begin by introducing her new part-time Sustainability staff member, Karina Nabors. III. Approval of DRAFT Meeting Summary—October 9th, 2023 Motion to approve by Regina Baratta; seconded by Kristie Mather; all in favor; none opposed; motion passed. IV. Chair and Vice Chair Nominations and CFE Recruitment Jessie Birckhead notified the CFE that they would need to nominate a new Chair and Vice Chair and that the roles would begin with the December 2023 meeting. Regina Baratta volunteered to be the Chair and Jane Harris the Vice Chair, with Veronica Penn Beattie agreeing to help with the transition. Motion to approve by Kristie Mather; seconded by Ian Morse; all in favor; none opposed; motion passed. Regina Baratta created a new flyer for CFE recruitment and has been actively posting it. A few new applications have already been received. V. CFE Annual Report and Work Plan—Discussion Chris Hirni presented the template for this year's BOCC Report and Work Plan. Most everything is boiler plate that Chris Hirni will enter except for the last two questions referring to 2024 BOCC goals and priorities and concerns/emerging issues for the upcoming year that will need CFE input. CFE members and staff worked together to enter the information into the Report. The Report is due to the Clerk's office by January 19th, 2024. Page 1 of 2 Attachment I Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary November 13', 2023; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting VI. Lands Legacy Action Plan 2024-2027—Discussion Chris Hirni led the CFE in a discussion and asked the group to make recommendations for focus points for inclusion in the next 3 years of the Lands Legacy Action Plan 2024- 2027. He showed the previous memo outlining previous recommendations and potential subject matter for consideration. CFE members and staff worked together to create new recommended focus points. Chris will finish drafting the memo and bring it back for consideration at the next meeting. VII. Updates and Information Items • Amy Eckberg updated the CFE on the status of the Climate Action Plan. The BOCC passed it on November 2"d, 2023. They are working on last minute edits and will be posting it on the website soon along with the dashboard. • Amy Eckberg updated the CFE on the status of Solarize the Triangle. Contracts are still being accepted through December 3Pt, 2023. There will be some last minute educational events to help with those people on the fence. • Veronica Penn Beattie was going to give an update on the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group that met October 25th, 2023 but she is not here so will push that to the next meeting. • Kalani Allen updated the CFE on the Nature of Orange Photo Contest. She went over the Adult/Youth winning photos. There was a total of 79 total entries, 57 adult and 22 youth...an increase of 38.5% from last year's contest. • Jessie Birckhead notified the CFE that members can bring a treat to share at the December meeting and reminded everyone that Jane Harris had sent an e-mail about potential car-pooling from Chapel Hill to CFE meetings. • Kalani Allen mentioned that there would be a historical hike at Blackwood Farm Park on November 181h, 2023. VIII. Adjournment Kristie Mather motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:51 pm; seconded by Regina Baratta; all in favor; none opposed; motion passed. Page 2 of 2 Attachment 2 NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION Report Period January 2023-December 2023 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: Commission for the Environment Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Regina Baratta 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 Attachment 2 What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments? • Provided ranking and comments to the BOCC for four cycles of the Climate Action Fund program (2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023) • Reviewed and submitted recommendations for the two cycles of Climate Action Tax Grant application for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools (2022 and 2023) • Reviewed and provided recommendations for the Orange County Climate Action Plan (2023) • Created a draft No Net Loss Canopy Policy for Orange County Government, currently under staff review (2023) • By request of the BOCC through a citizen concern, conducted research of local electric utilities allocation/distribution of "solar credits, and provided a letter to the BOCC describing differences between utilities, and the need to continue support of expanding solar in the County (2022) • Participated and provided several booths/educational activities for both the Carrboro Earth Day and Hillsborough Earth Evening celebrations (2022 and 2023) • Reviewed and submitted recommendation for Piedmont Wildlife Center Outside Agency Funding Request Application (2022 and 2023) • Re-assigned subcommittee for County Right of Way Task force, with two CFE volunteers to serve and promote the new committee (2022) • As directed by the BOCC, provided comments and recommendations regarding a large development proposal in Efland (Efland Station 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) • 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) Attachment 2 • Provided input on updates to the Lands Legacy Action Plan (2017) • Made recommendations to BOCC on LIDO 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, 2019) • 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 '/z 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. Attachment 2 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 Attachment 2 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-1 1: 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 WRA 1: 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 Attachment 2 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.ldentify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2024 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). - The CFE will review and rank grant applications for the fifth cycle of the County Climate Action Grant - Climate Action Plan involvement to plan the immediate needs and implementation - Re-engage with the Right of Way Taskforce effort - Involvement with the development of the update Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan - Progression of the No Net Loss Tree Canopy Policy to the BOCC - Introduction of an Invasive Species Management Policy - Advocate for the incorporation of the Eno-New Hope Landscape Connectivity (Triangle Connectivity Cooperative) Report in future County documents and plans - Continue to support the Upper Neuse River Basin Association (UNRBA) and their approach to solving water quality issues in the Falls Lake Watershed - 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. 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? - Provide recommendations to the distribution of school funds for Climate Action Grant Funds and revisit the scoring criteria for the whole of the program - The CFE would like to review and comment on County rezoning requests, as soon as the information is available to DEAPR staff - Continue to monitor the progression of Federal involvement in the PFAS/PFOS regulation and enforcement - The CFE plans to address Equity (DEIJ) across all aspects of our environmental recommendations and ensure the following of the Racial Equity Plan Attachment 3 The Orange County Commission for the Environment recommends that the Lands Legacy Action Plan (LLAP) take actions to recognize, protect, and interpret sites vital to the County for preservation of our natural environment, wildlife corridors, stream and creek health, climate resiliency, and prevention of erosion and stormwater run-off. In particular, we propose the following major considerations for determining the future land parcels protection by the County. Commission for the Environment Land legacy Action Plan Recommended Focus Points • Focus on natural area connectivity, connections between protected areas, parks, easements, etc. As a guideline, we recommend that County staff should work to protect wildlife corridors, specifically those outlined in Eno New Hope Landscape Connectivity Plan (Triangle Connectivity Collaborative). • Continue efforts to protect Natural Areas identified by the NC Natural Heritage Program, specifically those under private ownership. • Seek projects that align with the County Climate Action Plan, which will benefit climate resiliency, both in terms of carbon storage and watershed safety due to increased storm strength and drought protection due to likely overall reduction of precipitation overtime. • Explore opportunities to expand protection of both water quality and quantity for future projects. • Aim to preserve Orange County's rural character and cultural heritage through farmland, historically designated areas, and scenic viewsheds. • Continue efforts to connect the Mountains to Sea Trail through Orange County, specifically the connection between Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area and the County Seven Mile Creek Natural Area.