HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 20
Environmental Initiatives Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
DATE: Thursday, November 20, 2014
TIME: 7:15 PM
LOCATION: Parks & Recreation Building,
26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hill
1. Roll Call.
The meeting was called to order with quorum present at 7:15 pm.
Attendees: Sheela Veerina, Peter Evans, Raj Reddy, Jehan Godrej, Serena Giori,
(chair).
Associate members and members of the public in attendance were Kit Gordon, Jay
Shideler and Steve Schmidt.
2. Approval of Minutes.
Motion by Peter Evans, seconded by Sheela Veerina to approve the minutes of
the October 23, 2014 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
3. Final recommendation on the Town Facilities Energy audit of 2014.
The final documents of the Energy Audit of 2014 by Steve Schmidt are attached. The
discussion focused on the increase in energy consumption from 2008. In particular we
reviewed the energy consumption of the Cellular tower and of the personal computers
and related equipment, the two highest energy users at Town Hall.
In the final recommendations of the Energy Audit, we include determining whether
the fees paid to the Town by the companies using the Cell tower properly compensate
the Town for their use.
A motion by Jay Reddy seconded by Sheela Veerina to approve to final
recommendations of the Energy Audit of 2014 passed unanimously.
4. Discussion of energy and water initiatives for LAH.
a. Sustainability additions to the General Plan.
We need to review and become familiar with the General Plan’s sustainability
goals to determine which new EIC initiative is needed for implementing these
goals. This review will be an entry in the agenda for 2015. We would like to have
the opportunity to discuss potential initiatives with Town staff and other
committees as well.
b. GreenPoint extensions for remodels.
After discussing how to implement the GreenPoint list for remodels, we decided
to recommend the use of the whole GreenPoint Rated Existing Home checklist,
i.e. the Build it Green checklist, for remodel projects which are required to go
through the planning approval, as discussed with Carl Cahil and Suzanne Avila in
the meeting of October 22nd. Remodels include additions.
We also recommend that the EIC review the completed checklists every quarter
starting in 2015, receive findings and comments from Town staff, and assist as
needed. The objective of this initiative is to meet or exceed the Existing Home
Energy Threshold of a remodel taking into consideration its age. There are four
Energy Thresholds: pre-1980, 1980-2000, 2001 energy code, and 2005 energy
code. Meeting this objective for remodels will help achieve the sustainability
goals of the Los Altos Hills General Plan.
The motion by Sheela Veerina seconded by Peter Evans passed unanimously.
d. Update on new seminar to be offered in cooperation with Cal Water and
Purissima Hills Water District.
Kit Gordon reported that she is working on the new seminar with Purissima Hills
and Cal Water. Los Altos is also participating. The seminar will be offered in
early March.
5. CCA Update.
No new action.
6. Report on School Outreach initiatives.
Jehan reported that the article was published and he will bring a copy for our records.
7. Public Comments. None
8. Motion by Serena Giori seconded by Peter Evans to cancel the December EIC
meeting, because it falls on Christmas day, and to change the EIC meeting date
to the second Thursday at 7 p.m., starting in 2015, passed unanimously.
9. Adjournment at 9:15 pm.
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.