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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes - 2026-05-18 CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO �A� Sustainability Advisory Board p Action Minutes GREGG� May 18, 2026 Approved Call to Order/ Roll Call Co-chair Buzz Chandler called the March meeting of the Sustainability Advisory Board to order at 6:34pm, located at City Hall Council Chambers, 380 A Ave, Lake Oswego, OR 97034. Members Present: Buzz Chandler, Lisa Helfer, Isabela Hollingshead (virtual), Kara Orvieto, Mark Puhlman, Lisa Strader, Calixto Hearn, Rohan Sekar, Mike Perham (SAB Alternate) Members Excused/Absent: Whitney Street, Angelique Leonard (SAB Alternate) Staff: Mayor Joe Buck, Sara Stith (Sustainability Program Manager) Public: Lisa Adatto (Lake Oswego Sustainability Network) Approval of Minutes Lisa Strader made a motion to approve the March 2026 meeting minutes as written, Mike Perham seconded, minutes approved unanimously. Public Comment None. Regular Business A. Presentation on Thermal Energy Networks(TENs) Lisa Adatto from the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network (LOSN) presented information on Thermal Energy Networks (TENs), including how the systems function, examples of implementation in other communities, and potential opportunities for incorporation into the Foothills District planning process. Discussion topics included: • The distinction between ambient geothermal systems and traditional geothermal energy generation. • Potential benefits of TENs, including reduced carbon emissions, long-term energy savings, and opportunities for clean local energy infrastructure. • Feasibility considerations related to density, upfront infrastructure costs, financing models, and phased implementation. • Potential integration with the Foothills redevelopment area and the importance of incorporating TENs considerations early in the planning process. • Existing examples of TENs projects in Oregon and across the country, including developments in Texas and Salem. City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes Page 1 of 4 May 18, 2026 • Ownership and maintenance models, including utility-style management structures, homeowner associations, or private operators. • Potential environmental impacts, including tree removal, construction impacts, and lifecycle carbon considerations. • Questions regarding funding opportunities, feasibility studies, and long-term maintenance responsibilities. Lisa shared information about an upcoming June 8th educational panel event focused on TENs and encouraged Board members to attend. B. City Council Update Mayor Joe Buck provided updates on recent and upcoming City Council activities, including: • Ongoing Tree Code refinement discussions, including right-of-way tree responsibility, nuisance tree provisions,forest management permits,and appeal procedures related to housing projects. • Continued discussions regarding the North Anchor project and phased development considerations in Foothills. • Updates on pathway and greenway construction projects, including connections near Waluga Park, Meadows Rd, and River Grove. • The Council vacancy recruitment process, including interviews for finalists to fill the interim position through the end of the calendar year. • Recruitment efforts for the City Manager position. • Ongoing concerns regarding e-bikes and e-motos, including safety concerns, enforcement challenges, and potential future ordinance development related to operation and rider behavior. Board members discussed state versus local authority for licensing and enforcement, school-related concerns, and broader community safety. C. April Joint Boards Meeting Recap Board members discussed the recent joint boards meeting with Parks Board related to the Tree Code amendments project. Co-chair Buzz Chandler shared comments submitted regarding the possibility of using solar voltaic installations as a mitigation option in certain circumstances where tree removal occurs during redevelopment projects. Discussion also included invasive species mitigation and broader energy efficiency considerations within the Tree Code permitting framework. Members noted appreciation for the collaborative discussion format and discussed challenges associated with hybrid meeting participation and audio quality. D. Board &Staff Updates Sustainability Fair Board members reflected on the recent Sustainability Resource Fair and discussed opportunities to broaden community engagement at future events. It was noted that the bicycle giveaway component with Shifting Gears has historically drawn significant attendance, though members discussed balancing attendance incentives with broader sustainability-focused engagement opportunities. City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes Page 2 of 4 May 18, 2026 SAB Tabling at Farmers Markets Sara Stith shared that she has requested time slots from the farmers market coordinator for SAB to table and engage with community members on City sustainability goals and initiatives. Sustainable Buildings Policy(SBP) and Gas-Powered Lawn Equipment(GPLE) Working Groups Sara Stith shared updates on the interdepartmental Sustainable Buildings Policy (SBP) working group that kicked off on May 4th. Kickoff meeting topics included discussions on the purpose of a SBP and its connection to broader sustainability targets, previous work on this initiative, and diverse department roles, responsibilities, and perspectives. The group will convene monthly, and the next meeting is scheduled for Monday,June 8th The other working group for regional cities is focused on gas-powered lawn equipment (GPLE),with a kickoff meeting scheduled for May 26th.The purpose of this group is to leverage regional resources and outreach networks to align minimum standards and/or policy guidance on this subject. Board members discussed these ongoing efforts, including the following: • Coordination with neighboring jurisdictions to avoid inconsistent regulations across the region • Outreach to landscaping professionals currently transitioning to electric equipment. • Policy considerations related to additional landscaping tools beyond leaf blowers. • Potential phased implementation approaches and future review periods as technology continues to evolve. Foothills Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Co-chair Kara Orvieto shared an update on recent Foothills planning meetings and community engagement efforts. Consultants have continued outreach with neighborhood groups, business representatives, and community organizations to gather feedback on redevelopment priorities. Discussed focused on: • Improving connectivity between Foothills, downtown, and the Willamette River. • Mixed-use development concepts, community gathering spaces, and multimodal transportation. • Preliminary conceptual design options and future 3D modeling efforts. • Long-term infrastructure challenges related to site grading,transportation access, rail constraints, and the future wastewater treatment facility. • Potential ecological restoration opportunities associated with Tryon Creek and salmon habitat restoration efforts. E. Future Climate Collective (FCC) Proposal for Collaboration Board members discussed the proposal from the Future Climate Collective (FCC) regarding potential collaboration opportunities to support youth climate leadership and sustainability initiatives aligned with SAB goals. Discussion topics included: City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes Page 3 of 4 May 18, 2026 • FCC's mentorship-based structure and connections with climate professionals and regional business leaders. • Opportunities for student engagement, youth leadership development, and alignment with SAB's long-term sustainability goals. • Potential coordination with existing youth groups, including local high school Green Teams and the Youth Leadership Council (YLC). • Questions related to funding structure and the appropriate scope of SAB involvement. • Interest in clarifying expectations for SAB participation, reporting structures, and potential advisory roles. The Board agreed to continue reviewing the proposal and compile additional questions and feedback for FCC representatives prior to further discussion at a future meeting. Adjournment Co-Chair Buzz Chandler adjourned the meeting at 8:42 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Sara Stith Sustainability Program Manager City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes Page 4 of 4 May 18, 2026