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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGTF Minutes 08-4-09 GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES AUGUST 4, 2009 Roll Call Task Force Members present: Others present: Chair Mario Guerra Jonathan Leonard Vice Chair Luis Marquez Bob Phillips Desi Alvarez Dan Pruitt Bob Ciatti Sally Flowers Tom Davidson Bill Kalpakoff Robert Rubio Sylvia Southerland Nancy Swenson Absent: Lars Clutterham Janet Molinaro Calvin Davis If not members, these people do not need to be noted as absent. Julia Emerson Jesse Kalashyan The meeting was called to order at 12:15 pm by Chair Guerra. Chair Guerra referenced an article in the Sunday, August 2, Los Angeles Times newspaper regarding law suits filed by film crews who worked at the Downey Studios site claiming they became ill from contamination at the site. He referred to the extensive cleanup efforts at the site and the prestigious Phoenix Award the city received in regard to its cleanup efforts and noted there have been thousands of workers at the site and Kaiser Permanente did its own extensive testing before purchasing the land to build its new hospital on. He advised the suit by the film unions was dismissed and that Downey Studios’ owner, IRG, filed a countersuit and was awarded $750,000 from the film union along with a letter of apology. Desi Alvarez, Deputy City Manager/Special Projects, advised there was a small section in the article that mentioned the countersuit, the award to IRG and the apology letter. Robert Rubio suggested asking Kaiser to issue a positive statement regarding their cleanup study of the site prior to purchasing it, which he felt would be an excellent testimonial. Minutes It was moved by Bob Phillips, seconded by Nancy Swenson and unanimously carried to approve the Minutes from the June 2, 2009 Green Task Force meeting. It was moved by Bob Phillips, seconded by Sally Flowers and unanimously carried to approve the Minutes from the July 7, 2009 Green Task Force meeting. - 1 - Report from the Education Working Group Nancy Swenson pointed out this subcommittee’s previous focus was in three areas but they have decided to make water the primary emphasis for now. She said each member has homework to research information, ideas and suggestions to bring back to their next meeting. Tom Davidson said they tried to narrow the focus to more realistically prioritize towards the most achievable and cost wise ideas. Mr. Alvarez passed out detailed notes from the Education Working Group’s July 28 meeting submitted by member Lars Clutterham, who could not be present today. Sally Flowers referred to a marketing outreach by Central Basin Municipal Water District which included commercials with water saving tips that will be sent to her to distribute to local cities. She suggested the Green Task Force (GTF) could offer these for display to local cable stations. Mayor Guerra passed out a quick study sheet from BarCharts, Inc. titled Give Back to the Planet, which his son, Matt, received at college. He felt it was interesting and well done and noted it asks the question, “What is Sustainability?” Mayor Guerra also passed out a brochure submitted by member Lars Clutterham from National Geographic titled Water for Tomorrow, California’s Water, Our Responsibility. It was noted these items affirm the responsibility to begin the education process in our schools. Report from the Sustainability Working Group Bob Ciatti advised that the Sustainability Working Group’s last meeting was held on July 21 at the Gas Company Energy Resource Center through coordination with member Julia Emerson, as the meeting coincided with the unveiling of the Gas Company’s new solar technology. Attendees were Bob Ciatti, Mike Finn, Bob Phillips, Sally Flowers and Bob Kalpakoff. It was decided, due to time sensitivity, that the low flush toilet program would be held over. Mr. Ciatti also noted the California Friendly Gardening Workshop, originally scheduled by the Central Basin Municipal Water District (CBMWD) for August 13 and then cancelled due to budget restrictions, was discussed. He said the Sustainability subcommittee members and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company were willing to sponsor the workshop and decided to bring it to the full Green Task Force. He pointed out there were initially 35 people signed up for the workshop and the sponsorship idea was mentioned to the CBMWD who said they would still do their part in having people teach the class and will provide give-a-way items. It was noted it will not cost the City anything other than the facility use and that a ceiling of $250 could be stipulated. Mr. Alvarez advised that the mention of the Green Task Force as a sponsor must be approved by the City Council, explaining that the Subcommittee should bring it to the Green Task Force and then the GTF would bring it to the City Council for action. Chair Guerra noted it could be placed on next Tuesday’s Council Agenda. - 2 - It was moved by Robert Rubio, seconded by Nancy Swenson and unanimously carried to go forth with the recommendation to the Council that the Sustainability Working Group partnership with the Green Task Force to sponsor Central Basin Municipal Water District’s California Friendly Gardening Workshop and to review other educational opportunities or programs that are financially feasible. Bob Ciatti noted the Sustainability Group meeting included a tour of the Gas Company’s new solar technology and Chair Guerra advised that Julia Emerson wants to sponsor another tour for the remaining GTF members. Chair Guerra also noted the City’s Columbia Learning Center will be opening soon and would like the GTF to have a tour prior to its opening. Bob Ciatti noted the Gas Company’s new solar technology was on the front page of most newspapers and pointed out that the Whittier News mentioned that members of Downey’s Green Task Force were in attendance. Status of Actions Recommended to the Council 1.Review solar heating panel fees Chair Guerra noted the Council will have a public hearing regarding solar fees on August 11. He referred to last Sunday’s business section in the Los Angeles Times, where it noted solar fees and State rebates, stating the City wants to encourage solar energy use and by lowering its fees is on the right track. Sylvia Southerland asked if there was a resident in the City with solar panels that the GTF could visit and it was noted GTF member Lars Clutterham would be a good choice. Sylvia suggested the GTF visit Lars’ home. She suggested the visit coincide with the change in the City’s permit fees and stated Lars’ first electric bill and the electric buy back meter could also be discussed. The consensus was that this was a great idea, publicizes the GTF and should happen in the next couple of weeks. Robert Rubio mentioned a donor wanted to provide the Rio Hondo Boys and Girls Club with solar panels and said he was contacted as he was a member of the GTF. He referred to Michelle Hodgekins (not sure of spelling), who previously managed the sustainability program for the ESPN and developed environmental programs for the X-Games but now works mainly as an environmental consultant, is his main contact for the delivery and installation of the solar panels. The system will consist of 4 panels, each measuring 4 x 6 feet, will generate 8 amps of power and has a life span of 20 years Mr. Rubio advised he went to Bell Gardens’ City Hall and was informed the permit fee was $450 and that it takes 3-4 weeks. A Sierra Club article listing fees in various cities was mentioned. Some fees noted were: Artesia - $1020 Downey - $1164 Whittier - $1328 Lakewood - $800 Los Angeles - $303 - 3 - Culver City – 0 Glendale - 0 2.ater Ordinance W Chair Guerra mentioned the City Council will introduce a water ordinance at its August 25 Council Meeting, noting the City is trying to conserve and do the right things. Vice Chair Marquez pointed out the City is reviewing all fees related to energy conservation. Discussion of Future Agenda Items and Closing Comments Chair Guerra stated he is looking forward to the two subcommittees coming back with their final recommendations for the City. Chair Guerra noted there are no recycling bins in City Hall because we have a good company recycling for us. He did feel it would be good to have a bin for visual reasons and for the education and promotion of recycling. Chair Guerra felt it would be a good idea for the GTF to take a field trip to the DART facility owned by the Sanitation District and also suggested a visit to the Columbia Learning Center in early October. He also noted Kaiser Permanente will be holding its grand opening ceremony on September 15 and hoped GTF members would attend, noting Kaiser has done some progressive green things at the new hospital. Vice Chair Marquez advised he visited Southern California Edison’s Big Creek hydro facility last week at Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake and Edison Lake to tour how they turn water into energy. He said it was a good chance to see how energy is transported and mentioned a deep tunnel that goes below the lake where a turbine was placed inside the mountain at Balsam Meadows and they refer to it as the “hardest working water in the world.” He explained the process and noted the buildings were built in 1917 and the turbines in 1913. Sylvia Southerland suggested taking the GTF. Chair Guerra mentioned he attended the Latino Business Association awards last Friday where former Chamber President Rick Rodriguez was honored as business of the year. He noted Paul Rodriguez, the comedian, was there and his skit revolved around water issues. He is part of the water coalition and his remarks did not go over well with some of the attendees. Vice Chair Marquez mentioned that northern California cities went off on the Sacramento Delta and us, stating they are very protective. He explained he is the representative for Downey and is a member of the League of California Cities’ Leadership Institute and it allows you to understand the legislation and policy involved. He pointed out he learned that our utility and energy companies make their money on infrastructure. He said we have the wind but how do we get it from the site as no one wants a huge transmission line in their city. The meeting adjourned at 1:27 pm to Tuesday, September 1, 2009, in the Downey City Library, Cormack Room. _____________________________ ______________________________ Shirley Conte Chair, Dn. Mario A. Guerra - 4 -