HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE Meeting Summary 10132025 Orange County Commission for the Environment
Meeting Summary
October 13th 2025; 7:00 pm
Hybrid Meeting
Present: Kristie Mather, Ian Morse, John Bucher, Regina Baratta, Aimee Vandemark,
Patrick Fn'Piere, Mark Randall, William Branch, Matthew Ferguson, Mayur
Lodaya, Jeff Ryan, Margot Lester
Absent: Leto Copeley, Veronica Penn Beattie, Lily Schacht
Staff: Chris Hirni, Kalani Allen, Wesley Poole, Melony Gilles
Guests: None
I. Call to Order
Chair Regina Baratta called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
II. Additions or Changes to Agenda
None.
III. Approval of DRAFT Meeting Summary—September 8t", 2025
Motion to approve by Mark Randall; seconded by Matthew Ferguson; all in favor; none
opposed; motion passed.
IV. CFE Membership and Introductions of New Members
The CFE did a round-table introduction of members as well as staff. New members Jeff
Ryan and Margot Lester were present, but Leto Copeley was not able to attend due to a
previously scheduled vacation. Wesley Poole discussed re-appointments of four members
(Mayur Lodaya, Matthew Ferguson, William L. Branch, and Mark Randall) whose terms
are expiring 12/31/25. All four would like to stay on, so Wesley Poole will proceed with
paperwork.
V. CFE Environmental Awards Update and Discussion
Chair Regina Baratta asked CFE members to give feedback on the Environmental
Awards design by Pringle Teeter and the logo. The award is a glass water drop shape
with earth tone colors. Everyone liked the award but asked could it be shaped to stand up
on its own. Members also agreed on the logo they liked best. They plan to give a framed
certificate along with the glass award.
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Orange County Commission for the Environment
Meeting Summary
October 13th 2025; 7:00 pm
Hybrid Meeting
VI. 2025 Climate Action Grant
Melony Gilles led a discussion on this year's Climate Action Grant and began by sharing
a project status sheet for previously awarded projects. There are 16 total applications this
year, $619,095 requested, but only $267,750 available. CFE members began discussing
applications and ranking them. There are lots of good applications, but the focus is to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so a few were dropped from consideration. Time was
running out, so Chair Regina Baratta said they would finish up next meeting.
VII. Sub-Committee Breakouts
The CFE decided to skip Sub-Committee Breakouts due to a time shortage.
VIII. Updates and Information Items
• Mellony Giles notified the CFE of the Leave the Leaves campaign that is currently in
progress...free yard signs are available in the lobby.
• Kalani Allen notified the CFE of the 10/15 and 10/22 Listening Session and
Community Survey that the Office of Civil Rights & Civic Life is hosting.
• Kalani Allen notified the CFE of the 10/18 Great Trails State Day that is coming up.
Chris Hirni will be leading a hike at Seven Mile Creek Natural Area to promote.
• Kalani Allen notified the CFE that Orange County Solid Waste would be having a
Composting Workshop on 10/28 at their office on Eubanks Rd.
• Aimee Vandemark reminded the CFE that she was having a Forest Bathing event at
Blackwood Farm on 11/8.
• Chris Hirni notified the CFE that we would be discussing the Annual Work Plan at
the next meeting.
IX. Adjournment
Chair Regina Baratta motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:53 pm; seconded by Kristie
Mather; all in favor; none opposed; motion passed.
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