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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 08112025AGENDA Orange County Commission for the Environment August 11th, 2025 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 – June 9th, 2025 The CFE will consider approval of meeting summary from the last meeting. Action needed (Attachment 1) 7:05 IV. CFE Membership and Introductions of New Members The Chair will lead an introduction of new member, vote for current applicant, and introduce new applicant. 7:20 V. CFE Environmental Awards Update and Discussion The CFE members will be asked to give feedback on draft of OC Environmental Award description and the award application, as well as discuss a name for the award(s). 7:40 VI. 2025 Climate Action Grant M. Gilles and K. Nabors will provide a brief overview of the Climate Action Grant program for 2025 and an introduction to the new scoring tools the CFE will utilize once applications are closed in late August. 8:00 VII. State of the Environment Discussion The CFE will discuss progress and successful methodology as well as any setbacks. Determine who/how to write entries on emerging issues like heat, PFAs, flooding, etc. Set next steps for Sept. In committees, begin the organizing and editing each section (Air, Land, Water). 8:40 VIII. Updates and Information Items Staff and/or CFE members will provide updates on the following items: • Rain Barrel Workshop • CAP Annual Report • National Drive Electric Month • Solar Feasibility Study • Recycle Right Workshop • Trails Plan Survey Any other new information from CFE members and staff 9:00 IX. Adjournment * Next Meeting Date: September 8 th, 2025; (Bonnie B Davis Environment and Agriculture Center) Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary June 9th, 2025; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting Page 1 of 4 Present: Kristie Mather, Ian Morse (Teams), John Bucher, Regina Baratta, Aimee Vandemark, Patrick Fn’Piere, Mark Randall, William Branch, Matthew Ferguson, Mayur Lodaya (Teams) Absent: Veronica Penn Beattie, Lily Schacht Staff: Chris Hirni, Kalani Allen, Karina Nabors, Melony Gilles Guests: Jeff Ryan I. Call to Order Chair Regina Baratta called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. II. Additions or Changes to Agenda None. III. Approval of DRAFT Meeting Summary – May 12th, 2025 Motion to approve by Regina Baratta; seconded by Mark Randall; all in favor; none opposed; motion passed. IV. CFE Membership and Introductions of Candidates Chair Regina Baratta recognized the current CFE applicant in attendance, Jeff Ryan. CFE members and staff went around the room and did introductions to familiarize everyone. Chair Regina Baratta put recent applicant Margo Lester up for a vote to recommend appointment to the CFE by the BOCC; seconded by Patrick Fn’Piere; all in favor; none opposed; motion passed. V. CFE Environmental Awards Update and Discussion Chair Regina Baratta notified the CFE of the progress made thus far on the CFE Environmental Awards idea. The goal of the awards is to promote and advance climate action, sustainability, and environmental stewardship within the County by recognizing and celebrating the outstanding efforts of individuals, businesses, and community groups who are making meaningful impacts. The group discussed the parameters they would like to see for the awards. Chair Regina Baratta has created a Google Doc for CFE members to add comments and suggestions. VI. State of the Environment Discussion Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary June 9th, 2025; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting Page 2 of 4 Chair Regina Baratta gave a brief overview of the State of the Environment Report to get Jeff Ryan up to speed. CFE members discussed what was holding up progress and next steps to work through. Chair Regina Baratta asked members to work on their rough drafts during the upcoming break since they will not be meeting in July. VII. Sub-Committee Breakouts The CFE broke out into committee assignments and discussed goals / projects for the year. Sub-Committee Breakout Meeting Summaries Air & Energy Resources Sub-committee: Present: John Bucher, Ian Morse (Teams), Kristie Mather, Matthew Ferguson Absent: Veronica Penn Beattie Staff: None • Discussed recommendations for the board and citizens regarding CO2 generation. • Talked through Matthew’s information on CO2 generation and Nuclear Energy generation. • Talked about other emergent issues and PFAS’ place in the report. • Talked about Landfills being PFAS source. Water Resources Sub-committee: Present: Patrick Fn’Piere, Mark Randall, Mayur Lodaya (Teams) Absent: Lily Schacht Staff: Melony Gilles • The team has found considerable data related to water resources in Orange County. The challenge is collecting the most practical, relevant, and comparable statistics. In other words, how best to compare apples to apples. To narrow our approach, we agreed to collect and utilize the most consistent data/sources that responds to foundational questions e.g., how much water do we have, what is the overall quality of the water, and where is this resource trending at minimum. Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary June 9th, 2025; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting Page 3 of 4 • The team discussed the significance of "context”.e.g. Orange County may currently be in a good position but should be analyzed within the context of the surrounding counties, Piedmont Region, and State, etc. • The team discussed an interest in investigating what other data or analysis should be pursued in the future. Are we missing anything? • The team agreed to organize meetings with internal and external experts both in search of foundational data as well as expert advice on interpreting data. We will notify CFE of scheduled meetings and seek input from members on questions and participation. • Land Resources Sub-committee: Present: Regina Baratta, Aimee Vandemark, William Branch Absent: None Staff: Chris Hirni, Karina Nabors • Discussed Aimee’s research on bird counts and other indicator species for SOE to determine which species will best reflect OC’s environmental status. • William recounted difficulties determining the use and effects of biosolids in OC. • Regina generated a list of questions and data still needed for land use, agriculture stats, etc. that she will share with Chris. • Karina and Chris helped provide resources and input on sources and species selection. VIII. Updates and Information Items • Kalani Allen gave an update on the Trails Community Vision Workshop…there was approximately 70 people that attended the two events altogether and it was a successful outreach. • Melony Gilles gave an update on the Community Climate Action Grant…applications will open mid-June. • Melony Gilles gave an update on the May Clothing Swap Event…it was very successful and over 100 people came out. • Karina Nabors gave an update on the Sustainability Annual Report…it is finished but hasn’t been shared yet. • Chris Hirni notified the CFE that the Soil & Water office would be hosting a Conservation Easement and Farm Succession Planning Workshop on June 25th. Orange County Commission for the Environment Meeting Summary June 9th, 2025; 7:00 pm Hybrid Meeting Page 4 of 4 • Regina Baratta and Kalani Allen notified the CFE that the Perry Hill Mini Park Grand Opening would be on June 21st. • Kristi Mather notified the CFE that she has postcards from North Carolina Conservation Network to be collected and sent to legislators with regard to two bills currently moving through on utility rates. • Kalani Allen notified the CFE that Wesley Poole & Abby Mattingly is working on a Rain Barrel Workshop that will be held at Blackwood Park on July 17th. IX. Adjournment Regina Baratta motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 pm; seconded by John Bucher; all in favor; none opposed; motion passed.