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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 26 Environmental Initiatives Committee Regular Meeting Mintes DATE: Thursday, June 26, 2014 TIME: 7:00 PM LOCATION: Parks & Recreation Building, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills 1. Roll Call The meeting was called to order with a quorum present at 7:05 pm. Attendees: Raj Reddy, Aileen Lee, Serena Giori (vice chair), April Anair, Sheela Veerina, Peter Evans (chair), John Harpootlian (Council Liason), Town staff: Debbie Pedro, Suzanna Avila Community Members: Steve Schmidt, Jay Shideler 2. Approval of Minutes 3. EIC initiatives - WCC open business The committee reviewed the open business of the Water Conservation Committee from the WCC’s June 16agenda. The committee took no formal action but expressed enthusiasm toward taking on those items. Serena Giori noted that she conducted an informal survey of attendees at the town picnic to see what environmental issues residents are interested in. Of 15 topics raised, six pertain to water and water use. 4. Outreach – EIC sponsorship of rainwater harvesting seminar The committee considered a request from Kit Gordon to serve as a sponsor for a rainwater harvesting seminar planned for September 10 at 7-9 pm at Los Altos Library. This involves no financial outlay. Motion by Sheela Veerina, seconded by Serena Giori for the EIC to serve as a sponsor for a rainwater harvesting seminar passed 6-0. NOTICE TO PUBLIC Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Environmental Initiatives Committee regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s office located at Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California during normal business hours. 5. PV Development Area Bonus Ordinance Debbie Pedro provided an overview of the ordinance and how it is used by applicants in practice. She explained that solar pool heating does not count for the development area bonus, and the bonus does not allow more floor area (building space). She also stated that almost all new residences install PV to obtain the development area bonus, though not all use the additional development area. Serena said from her informal survey at the picnic that many people are aware of the ordinance and considering PV. The committee expressed a desire to maintain the policy to incent PV through additional development area, but that the EIC should review the requirements under the ordinance to qualify for the development area bonus from time to time to make sure the bar is high enough. Motion by Serena Giori, seconded by Raj Reddy to extend the ordinance as is for one year failed 3-3 with Sheela Veerina, Aileen Lee, and Peter Evans opposed. Motion by Aileen Lee, seconded by Sheela Veerina to extend the ordinance as is for two years passed 5-1 with Raj Reddy opposed. 6. CCA Update The committee discussed the ongoing CCA initiative but took no action. There is not a consensus among committee members on whether this would be good for Los Altos Hills. April Anair agreed to continue to follow the initiative. 7. GHG Reduction Initiatives Steve Schmidt reported that he met with town staff on June 6 to discuss possible GHG reduction initiatives including town employee transportation, expanding HEA audits, town hall energy use, and energy use at Foothill College. Concerning town hall energy use, Steve now has access to the town’s SmartMeter data from PG&E. Concerning employee transportation, some ideas include town fleet fuel use and emissions, free EV charging for employees, and financial incentives to employees to purchase low or zero emission vehicles for commuting. Steve agreed to survey town staff for potential uptake of various ideas. 8. Public Comment Jay Shideler reported that Greenwaste is achieving 97% diversion from landfill for LAH collections. The hauler is increasing their materials handling and storage capability to increase diversion. The fermentation anaerobic digestion facility is still in startup. The committee discussed whether Greenwaste operations, specifically biofuel, truck choice, and routes, might be possible GHG reduction targets. Raj Reddy reported that BACC is conducting a workshop on the CEC EPIC grant process on July 9. This could be a source of funding for EIC initiatives. 9. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.