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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGTF Minutes 2017-3-27 Green Task Force March 27, 2017 Downey City Hall – 2nd Floor Training Room 11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey CA 90241 I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Vice Chair Ronnie Fernandez. Members Present: Alex Gaytan (arrived at 5:05 p.m.), Haley Guerra, Manuel Salas, and Vice Chair Ronnie Fernandez. Members Absent: None Staff: Juddy Montenegro, Staff Liaison II. CONSENT CALENDAR: None. III. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Discuss City of Downey Energy Action Plan. Staff Liaison Montenegro distributed a copy of the City of Downey’s Energy Action Plan to Green Task Force (GTF) members for their review and consideration. The plan was adopted by the Downey City Council in 2015 and resident John Bramble had suggested it would be a good resource for members to review and get possible ideas for future projects the GTF could work on. Vice Chair Fernandez stated it was a good idea for all members to review and come back at the next meeting with any feedback and/or ideas. All members agreed. 2. Earth Day – April 22, 2017 Vice Chair Fernandez suggested the group should get involved with activities that are already planned for that day. Staff Liaison Montenegro stated there were some activities already planned such as a free Mulch giveaway at City Hall and a Keep Downey Beautiful Clean-up. Vice Chair Fernandez and Member Guerra stated they would like to set-up a meeting with Keep Downey Coordinator Carol Rowland before Earth Day to discuss how the GTF could get involved. Staff Liaison Montenegro stated she would contact Ms. Rowland to set-up a meeting. GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES, MARCH 27, 2017 IV. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Introduction of New Members Member Haley Guerra – new member appointed by Councilmember Rick Rodriguez. Member Guerra stated she is excited to be on the GTF and is eager to get to work and bring ideas to the group. Her father, former Downey Mayor Mario Guerra, was the founder of the Green Task Force, and she hopes to contribute her knowledge and ideas to work on projects that help promote the GTF. Member Manuel Salas – new member appointed by Councilmember Blanca Pacheco. Member Salas also expressed he is excited to be on the Green Task Force and is eager to learn and make positive contributions that will benefit the GTF’s mission. Member Alex Gaytan – member Gaytan has been on the GTF since 2013, originally appointed by Councilmember Alex Saab and most recently by Mayor Fernando Vasquez. He is very active in the community and has a true passion for working hard to meet the goals of the GTF. Gaytan is a founding member of the Downey Bicycle Coalition and has created a lot of positive collaborations between local groups, including the GTF. Vice Chair Ronnie Fernandez – Fernandez has been on the GTF since 2013, originally appointed by former Mayor Mario Guerra and most recently by Councilmember Sean Ashton. He has enjoyed his time on the GTF and hopes the group takes a more active approach in promoting the mission of the GTF through new programs and events. 2. Election of New Chair and Vice Chair It was moved by Member Gaytan, seconded by Member Guerra to elect Ronnie Fernandez as the new Chair of the GTF. The motion passed unanimously, 4-0. It was moved by Member Guerra, seconded by Member Salas to elect Alex Gaytan as the new Vice Chair of the GTF. The motion passed unanimously, 4-0. 3. Special Presentation: “Local Clean Vehicle Incentive Programs with the Center for Sustainable Energy,” presented by Vallerie Gonzalez, Community Outreach Coordinator, Center for Sustainable Energy Ms. Gonzalez provided a presentation on Clean Transportation Incentive Programs through the Center for Sustainable Energy. The two incentive programs highlighted by Ms. Gonzalez were the “Clean Vehicle Rebate Project” and “Replace Your Ride.” The GTF and members of the public present found the presentation very informative and thanked Ms. Gonzalez for attending the meeting. Vice Chair Gaytan asked what zip codes qualify for the “Replace Your Ride” incentive program and Ms. Gonzalez responded that mostly all zip codes in the area apply, especially those with the highest amount of pollution. GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES, MARCH 27, 2017 Member of the public, Marysol Flores, asked what is the application process and Ms. Gonzalez stated you can log-on to www.replaceyourride.com to apply and she provided handouts with more information. Vice Chair Gaytan asked if there was data that showed which cities take advantage of these programs the most and Ms. Gonzalez stated that yes, it was mostly south coast cities. Member Salas asked if these programs were also available for businesses and Ms. Gonzalez stated they were only consumer based at this time. Resident John Bramble asked what the primary source of funding was for these programs and Ms. Gonzalez stated through Green House Gas Reduction Funds/Cap & Trade Program. Chair Fernandez asked for flyers to distribute and for a copy of the presentation and Ms. Gonzalez provided some. Staff Liaison Montenegro will forward a copy of the presentation to the group. V. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Natalie Soto from GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles spoke about a solar job training program through her agency and said he would like to attend an upcoming GTF meeting to do a special presentation. VI. GREEN TASK FORCE COMMUNICATIONS: Chair Fernandez stated he would like the group to focus on specific projects areas and stick to them so they are able to accomplish things. He stated that the GTF has not accomplished much in the last few years and really wants to get things done. Fernandez proposes that the GTF collaborates with businesses such as CalMet and groups such as Keep Downey Beautiful. Staff Liaison Montenegro said she would talk to Carol Rowland. Vice Chair Gaytan stated he spoke with some of the City Council Members about their thoughts on the GTF. He mentioned Councilmember Ashton would like to see the group take a recommendation/project before the Council and to have more communication among the group. Mayor Vasquez would like the GTF to be more visible and get involved in the community. Councilmember Saab would like for the GTF to look into what other cities are doing as far as environmental policies. Vice Chair Gaytan would like for the GTF webpage to be re-done and include more useful information/resources for the public. Member Guerra stated the GTF needs more visibility and suggested the group use social media to create awareness and promote the goals and mission of the GTF. Guerra volunteered to create a GTF Facebook page. Staff Liaison Montenegro advised she would check with City Management on the use of social media by the GTF given that it is a City commission and report back to the group. GREEN TASK FORCE MINUTES, MARCH 27, 2017 Member Salas stated he liked all of the ideas mentioned by the other members and would be willing to assist with anything. He also thinks that having different presentations during the meetings is a great idea and we should continue to schedule them for future meetings. The group decided on three focus areas: 1) Policy, 2) Education, and 3) Outreach. Each member will contribute to these areas so they can expand on the mission of the GTF. Member of the public, Marysol Flores, suggested the GTF look into Hydroponics and promote to local residents. Vice Chair Gaytan stated he has looked into this in the past and has some contact information. Chair Fernandez suggested the group first focus on the areas they have selected and work from there. VII. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS: Staff Liaison Montenegro provided members with updates on Council happenings and upcoming city events, specifically the Ride & Stride Event scheduled for May 7. VIII. ADJOURNMENT: The GTF meeting was adjourned at 6:08 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 24, 2017.