City of Lawrence

Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB)

March 13, 2013 minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT:	Boog Highberger, Matt Lehrman, Michael Morley, Dale Nimz, Kathleen Nuckolls, Daniel Poull, Adam Ritchie, Ian Spomer, Scott White, Steve Vukelich
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:	Tammy Bennett, Kathy Richardson
PUBLIC PRESENT:	Jenny O’Brien, Chris Tilden

Call Meeting to Order (Scott White, Chair person)

Take roll call to determine quorum of members.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Motion and second to approve the January 9, 2013, February 11, 2013, and February 13, 2013 (Lehrman/Morley).

Vote: Motion was passed unanimously.

Guest Speaker: New Cities Initiative

Dennis Domer, the Project Director for KU’s New Cities Initiative, an initiative that envisions the design and development of a self-governing, intergenerational Campus VillAGE in Lawrence that brings people of all ages into a community designed to foster learning, research, and enduring social relationships among the generations for the purpose of living better, healthier, and more meaningful lives.

Dennis Domer mentioned they are currently looking at several sites in Lawrence. The City Commission on a 5-0 vote approved to support this project. SAB asked what they could help with. SAB members could participate in the future Think Tank events.

Staff Reports

Eileen Horn’s Sustainability Coordinator report was emailed to SAB.

Kathy Richardson discussed program updates included in the Waste Reduction and Recycling Division report. Update on the curbside recycling RFP process: As directed by the City Commission, staff is negotiating a contract with Hamm for Material Recovery Facility (MRF) operations under a recycling proposal with the City collecting residential recyclable materials on a bi-weekly basis.

Debrief on Rock Chalk Park Status and Discussion of Possible Next Steps

Scott White asked SAB if anyone had information to share regarding the Rock Chalk Park. Boog Highberger mentioned he is on the Public Review Incentive Committee (asked the hard questions) but did not attend the City Commission meeting. Several SAB members shared possible concerns about this development, but felt they would like to learn more about this project in order to be able to comment on issues. SAB members interested should attend the Rock Chalk Park open house scheduled on March 26^th from 4 pm to 6 pm at City Hall.

SAB tabled this item to a future SAB meeting.

Invitation of Guest Speakers for Future SAB Meetings

Ideas for meeting agenda items to include in 2013:

- Ian Spomer will invite the Topeka SAB to the May meeting to discuss goals and learn what each board is working on.

- Boog Highberger will invite Dennis Murphey, KCMO Chief Environmental Officer, to be the speaker at the May meeting with the Topeka SAB. If not available that month, he will inquire about availability on other future SAB meeting dates.

- Daniel Poull highly recommended inviting the Mayor and Commissioners to SAB meetings to either speak for 20 minutes or just be present to answer questions. Scott White will contact the new Mayor Mike Dever to the April meeting. Other Commissioners can be invited at later dates.

Miscellaneous Announcements and/or Public Comments

Dale Nimz made an announcement of TED talk by Storm Cunningham and his book, The Restoration Economy.

Jenny O’Brien asked if SAB is aware of House Bill 2366. Scott White mentioned he knows about it and stated it hasn’t had a hearing yet. It is in committee with “no legs”.

Chris Tilden, director of Community Health at the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department, mentioned he is working on producing the community health plan and he will make sure to include SAB.

Kathy Richardson reminded SAB that the Transportation 2040 public comment is due by March 16^th. SAB discussed items (i.e. making intersections more pedestrian and bicycle friendly) for their official comment to be submitted by the SAB Chair.

Motion and second to authorize Scott White to draft and submit a letter on behalf of SAB with comments on the Transportation 2040 plan (Poull/Richie).

Vote: Motion was passed unanimously.

Scott White stated he would like SAB to follow up on KU’s New Cities Initiative in future meetings.