CFE minutes 020816 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

2 Hintz motioned that the CFE write a letter to newspapers in support of the State Bond. Eisenhart seconded the motion; it carried unanimously. Hintz motioned that the CFE letter identify Eno River State Park, Mountains-to-Sea Trail, Jordan Lake, and public water and sewer infrastructure as potential areas of interest to Orange County residents that could receive direct benefits from the bond. Thomas- Ambat seconded the motion; it carried unanimously. Wegman and Cada offered to prepare a draft letter and then to Shaw for circulation to all CFE members for approval by email. Wegman thanked Shaw for this information. VI. Lands Legacy Program Update – Shaw provided an update on plans to open two new Orange County nature preserves: Hollow Rock Nature Park and the Seven Mile Creek Preserve. He displayed a master plan map of the 75-acre Hollow Rock park site, which will include new parking area, nature trails, and bridges. Phase 2 will add a restroom facility, interpretive signage, environmental education area, and platform overlooks. The park is expected to open in May 2016. Shaw showed a map of the Seven Mile Creek Preserve. This site will also feature nature trails and a group camping area on land adjacent to the Moorefields historic site. Construction of a small parking area will occur this summer, and the site is expected to open sometime in late summer or early fall 2016. Wegman thanked Shaw for the information. No action required. VII. Committee Meetings – CFE members broke into three standing committees (Air and Energy Resources, Water Resources, and Land Resources) to review a list of priority issues/projects identified by each committee in 2014-15. The committees met for about 30 minutes and then reported back to the full CFE. Air and Energy Committee Bouma reported that the Air and Energy Committee discussed five issues 1. GHG Emissions Inventory – The committee agreed to continue discussing whether it would be worthwhile to update the County 2005 greenhouse gas emissions inventory. They suggest looking into updating projections from last report based on what we know has changed, and if estimates show large increase this may suggest compiling a more complete update. Look for easy sources of energy usage that are authoritative and updated regularly. 2. Green Building – The CFE submitted its resolution to BOCC in support of developing a rebate on permit fees for green construction. The committee will await any response from BOCC and continue to monitor the Chapel Hill pilot program. 3. Climate Change – The committee will write news article(s) about climate change, alternative energy sources and efficiency, and ways to reduce our carbon footprint. 4. Energy Efficiency – The committee will research the possibility of working with Piedmont Electric Membership Corp. or Duke Energy and a USDA program for low- interest loans for energy efficient upgrades for its members/owners. 5. Food waste reduction issue – The committee recommends coordinating with the SWAG and others to lend more focus on increased composting in the county.