Environment Commission

 Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2005

Attendees: Faith Klareich (FK), Doug Bear via phone (DB), Kris Dighe (KD), Carl Henn (CH), Jerry Leighton (JL), Tolulope Odunlami (TO), Geoff Sanders (GS), Jaskaran Singh (JS) and Nate Wall (NW)

Absent: Alicia Hosmer (AH)

Also Present: Scott Ullery, City Manager (SU) and Craig Simoneau, Director of Public Works (CS)

1. Welcome, News and Agenda Review
The meeting was called to order at 7:32 pm in the City Manager’s Conference Room at Rockville City Hall.

2. Meeting with City Manager an Director of Public Works
Scott Ullery, City Manger and Craig Simoneau, the new Director of Public Works, were in attendance.  SU explained his background, why he wanted to come to Rockville, and some of the goals he sees for the City, such as moving towards a high-performance organization   (HPO) structure.  FK mentioned that this HPO strategy is very similar to some of the goals of the EC, in trying to integrate sustainability into the decision-making processes of other Boards and Commissions.

SU mentioned that a materials recycling facility needed in Montgomery County to process commingled recycling.  Also discussed the issue of incentives vs. regulations in the zoning ordinance revision.  SU commented on the Environment Commission’s list of sustainability indicators, mentioned that he was a proponent for environmental metrics, especially when such performance measures could be connected to the budget.  The EC will refine list of sustainability indicators that could be useful for Rockville’s annual reporting, and transmit to SU via NW.

CS mentioned that he likes the idea of distributing information on Rockville’s performance with respect to sustainability indicators, as it will give recognition to many of the programs Rockville has already implemented, and will help to “spread small victories”.  SU also supported institutionalizing the Environmental Excellence Awards.  CS feels that the EC is situated well for effective community outreach and education.

SU mentioned that it would be interesting to look at the economics of recycling in Montgomery County; CS indicated that for Rockville, recycleables are currently “zero value” in that we do not pay nor get paid for recycleables at the Montgomery County transfer station.  FK asked about the other side of recycling economics – what are the City’s purchasing practices like in regards to preferentially selecting recycled goods?

The Environment Commission thanked Scott and Craig for attending; SU and CS leave.  DB also disconnects from the conference call.

3. Debrief Discussion / Next Steps
FK was interested in the idea of an “environment HPO” – EC will continue to develop its liaison strategies.  The EC should get more involved in zoning ordinance revision – NW to send out additional information and timeline for zoning ordinance decisions.  Should review and update list of sustainability indicators, and transmit to SU.  Lastly, would like to get M&C advanced agenda, as well for Planning Commission.

4. Review and Approval of September 13, 2005 Meeting Minutes
Previous meeting minutes adopted as written - motion passes with unanimous vote.

5. Review of EC Recommendations for a Comprehensive Transportation Noise Policy
NW presented his write-up of Commissioner comments to City staff’s draft comprehensive transportation noise policy (CTNP).  There were no immediate comments.  Commissioners are to send any comments to NW by the Oct. 14th, after which time it will be moved to the Traffic & Transportation Commission for their comments, and ultimately to City Staff as joint recommendations.

6. Working Groups Kick-Off
It was decided that a portion of the November meeting would be dedicated to the Working Group Kick-off (as opposed to calling a separate meeting).  Current Commissioner assignments to the working groups are as follows:

- High-Performance Buildings & Energy Efficiency: TO & GS
- Watersheds and Stormwater Management: DB & KD
- Community Outreach: AH & CH

Working group leaders are to have a short list of preliminary activities as well as goals for 2006 ready for a brief presentation to interested volunteers at the November meeting.

8. Memo to Mayor & Council to Assist in Council Liaison Selection
JL to help FK in crafting a memo to be presented to Mayor & Council after the elections to assist in their selection of a new Council Liaison to the Environment Commission.

9. Wrap-Up and Adjourn