Faith Klareich (FK), Beri Kravitz (BK), Geoff Sanders (GS) and Sura Yakowitz (SY).

Doug Beard (DB), Kris Dighe (KD) and Tolulope Odunlami (TO).

Staff Liaison Nate Wall (NW); Mark Charles (MC) - Chief of the Environmental Management Division; David Davis (DD) - Rockville resident and member of the Community Outreach working group.

1.

The meeting was called to order at 7:33pm in the Blue Crab Room at Rockville City Hall.

GS makes a motion to approve the April 10, 2007 meeting minutes; BK seconds. Motion passes by unanimous vote.

MC congratulated the Environment Commission on their selection by the EPA for the President’s Volunteer Service Award.  The Environmental Management Division submitted a description of the Environment Commission along with a list of recent accomplishments, and they were selected as the first group to receive this award (which is often given to individuals).  MC is coordinating with the EPA to set a date for an Awards Ceremony here in Rockville.

Since everyone at the meeting all participated in Science Day, FK did not feel a lengthy recap was in order; instead she thanked everyone for their assistance, and thought of ways to improve for next year.  Also, perhaps the Commission could link in to some organization like Christmas in April and look into getting CFLs donated for that sort of activity – perfect, because it would not only provide lighting to a home, but decrease their energy bills.

SY and TO to bring NW receipts for CFLs if they still have them for reimbursement from the City.

The Water Group came up with a list of criteria for what type of a location that the EC may like to adopt:

1. Near to Schools – can get them involved.
2. Far off the beaten path – could adopt a region that might not otherwise be adopted.
3. Easily accessible, with parking – could use for teaching volunteer monitoring.

FK wondered about businesses adopting a stream – perhaps we should come up with a brochure that we could give to businesses about adopting a stream, and they would be interested in it.

High Performance Buildings Group
GS said that the last meeting was on the Tuesday right before Science Day.  Mainly spent the time finalizing plans for the Science Day exhibit - thanks to SY and TO for purchasing CFLs for the event.  Also, looked over plans for the Twinbrook Station – would be interested in having Planning or JBG in for further discussion.  Also discussed the use of LED lighting for traffic lights, etc. and if this could be implemented in the City.  Finalized a meeting date: 4th Tuesday of every month.

Watersheds Working Group
SY said that the Watersheds Group met last month, and will be meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of each month.  Discussed at the last meeting was the Cabin John Creek Watershed Study – DB will be consolidating the groups comments, and then they would like to have someone in from the City to discuss the comments and plans for the next watershed study.  NW will check to see which DPW engineer will be involved in that effort and invite them in.  The group also discussed volunteer stream monitoring methods (between IWLA and ANS), getting out the watershed brochure, and coming up with the Adopt-a-Stream recommendations.

The Community Outreach Group
FK said that in light of the “Save the Planet” series at the library, the group was revising their Energy Fair parameters to make it more of an “Eco-Fair”.  Instead of holding an Energy Fair this fall as was originally discussed, this Eco-Fair could be held next Spring (possibly coinciding with Earth Day) as the library does not intend to continue offering the environmental programs.  The group will be getting vendors/resources from Save the Planet; also will want to incorporate the Environmental Awards – this will need to be launched early enough to get enough candidates for a true selection.  So we’ll need to solidify categories and criteria soon.  This group plans to meet regularly on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

Lastly, FK mentioned that the Commission will need to replace Jerry Leighton on the Stormwater Utility Fee task force.  May also want to consider someone for the College Gardens SWM Task Force.  Would also like to resurrect the Liaison to other Boards and Commissions concept – this effort will be lead by BK.  The liaisons don’t have to attend every meeting from the groups they take on, but should at least read the meeting agendas and keep up with the issues facing the group.  Start thinking about which groups should be included, and which groups each Commission member may want to take on.

NW presented the simple summary sheet from the City’s parcel layer that shows all 15,855 buildings in Rockville, and their square footage.  Any green building ordinance should consider the current stock of buildings before determining a program so that it is best applicable to Rockville (rather than just adopting the Montgomery County ordinance, for example).  NW and FK will meet about this and determine how best to get some of this data to GS so that the Commission can manipulate it.

NW mentioned that the two major items coming up were the Water Quality Protection Ordinance (WQPO) and the Forest & Tree Preservation Ordinance (FTPO) both at Mayor & Council on Monday May 14th.  The Public Comment period is open for both of these ordinances, and the Commission may want to submit in-person or written testimony on any recommendations they may have.  FK mentioned that she should be able to attend that M&C meeting.

GS moves, BK seconds that the Commission enter into Closed Session to discuss vacancies.  Unanimous vote to enter into closed session.

GS moves, BK seconds to recommend that David Davis be appointed as the new Student Commissioner.  Unanimous vote in favor of recommendation.

SY moves, BK seconds to recommend that the Mayor & Council re-appoint GS and TO to the Environment Commission for another term.  Unanimous approval.

GS moves, BK seconds that the Commission recommend that the Mayor & Council appoint FK as Commission Chair for another one-year term.  Unanimous approval.

Decisions on the other vacancy are being deferred until next month, or later this summer.

Meeting adjourned at 9:31 pm.

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