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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes - 2022-07-18 CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes July 18, 2022 Call to Order / Roll Call Buzz Chandler called the July 18, 2022 meeting of the Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) to order at 6:35 PM. Members Present: Buzz Chandler, Susan Mead, Mark Puhlman, Matt Schaeffer, Kara Orvieto Ashley, Robin Palao Bastardes, Jules Unitan, Roya Wahab, Matthew Peterson (Alt.), Whitney Street (Alt.) Members Excused/Absent: Jay Hamachek Staff: Amanda Watson Public: None Approval of Minutes June meeting minutes were approved, with the correction of one typographical error. Public Comment None Regular Business A. Introductions This was the first meeting for new Board members Robin Palao Bastardes, Jules Unitan, Roya Wahab, and Kara Orvieto Ashley (Kara served as an alternate in 2022-2023) and alternates Matthew Peterson and Whitney Street. Board members introduced themselves. B. SAB Mission & Review of 2022 Goals Amanda reviewed SAB’s mission and duties. Buzz reviewed the Board’s 2022 goals and shared some ideas he and Jay discussed for the year going forward, including: • SAB should aim to have fewer goals per year that are more specific, and achievable within the year. For example, installing signs for EV chargers across the city could be an achievable goal that is part of a larger goal to encourage EV adoption. • SAB members can be assigned into working committees of at least two people per goal/project. They would move the work forward between monthly meetings and report back on progress to the lager group (e.g. share a paragraph ahead of the meeting, and answer any questions from other Board members during the meeting). Members could also be assigned to listen in to other advisory board meetings. • Each meeting could be a deep dive into one of the goals. Each meeting could also include an educational briefing from City staff on a topic relevant to SAB’s work (e.g. how City fees and taxes work) • Matt suggested SAB provide a brief memo to City Council on a regular basis to serve as an update and educational resource on the topics SAB is working on. City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes July 18, 2022 Page 2 of 3 Amanda gave a brief overview of progress on SAB’s 2022 goals to date. The Board has completed three of their goals so far this year and three—related to gas-powered landscaping equipment, trees and natural resources, and EV adoption—are still in progress. For the September meeting, SAB members should come prepared with ideas on how to prioritize SAB’s remaining goals for the year, what goal(s) they would most like to work on as part of a smaller team/committee, and what might be missing that SAB would want to add to their goals for 2023. C. Council Update Councilor Nguyen was absent. D. Update on Republic Services Franchise Renewal Amanda shared an update on the Republic Services solid waste collection franchise agreement renewal. City Council had a study session on June 21 during which they renewed proposed changes to the franchise agreement, including moving to an annual rate adjustment process, removing subsidized rates for LOSD from the franchise agreement (may be considered as part of the rate adjustment process), support from Republic Services for two community disposal events per year, improved customer service standards and communication protocols for hazardous weather events, and enhanced recycling services. Matt asked about Ridwell and options for recycling additional materials that are not currently collected curbside. Republic Services proposed to offer an “enhanced recycling services” program in LO, which would collect materials including plastic film, plastic clamshells, and textiles. City Council will have a study session later this fall on the topic of expanded recycling services. The City is tracking what is happening in other jurisdictions, including a lawsuit against the new “Recycle Plus” program offered by franchised haulers in Washington County, and the policy discussion at Clackamas County. Buzz noted that a big rulemaking process is happening at the state level for the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, which includes new Extended Producer Responsibility regulations for packaging. Susan asked whether the City had considered equity issues in relation to a 10-year franchise agreement. 10 years is a long time for a contract, and there might be opportunities to contract with smaller, minority- and women-owned haulers, others besides the largest companies. Amanda explained that a 10 year agreement is typical for solid waste franchise agreements (others in our region range from 7 – 12 years) due to equipment investments. Republic Services had a positive mid-term review in 2018. Next time the City could consider an RFP process for the franchise but that would have to be initiated earlier. Matt asked if the City was considering the downstream environmental and social impacts of disposal of solid waste in the context of the franchise agreement. Amanda explained that it is Metro and DEQ rather than the City that regulates transfer stations. The City has jurisdiction over waste collection, and can ask for information about how waste is disposed of or recycled but doesn’t have the authority to ensure waste is going to responsible end markets. SAB members would be interested in visiting WRI if possible. The ordinance for the new franchise agreement is scheduled to come to City Council on September 20. Rate adjustments would come to Council in early October. City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes July 18, 2022 Page 3 of 3 E. Announcements from Board and Staff The Lake Oswego Sustainability Network asked if SAB would like to be a co-sponsor again this year for their EV Fair on October 1. SAB’s sponsorship would be for outreach purposes, e.g. adding SAB’s logo to event materials, and using SAB/City channels to promote the event. Mark introduced a motion for SAB to sponsor the event; Susan seconded and the motion passed. Amanda will check with the City’s communication team about an SAB-specific logo (update: City Advisory Boards and Commissions do not have individual logos, SAB should use the standard City seal logo for this event). Amanda reminded the Board there would be no regular meeting in August, but she will send around a poll to find a time for a social get-together. The joint meeting with HRAB on the demolition tax renewal will take place at HRAB’s regular monthly meeting time on August 10 at 6 pm, with an option to join remotely. SAB has a booth at the LO Farmer’s Market again on Saturday, September 17. SAB discussed what they could publicize at their event, including the EV Fair, sustainable back-to-school tips, and recycling information. Wrap Up & Adjournment Buzz Chandler adjourned the meeting at 8:20 pm. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Watson Sustainability Program Manager