CFE minutes 111014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 said the US EPA includes something like that in its citizen outreach efforts. Wegman suggested combining something like that with the annual photography contest. Shaw reported on other current and planned outreach efforts for State of the Environment report, including another news release, direct contact with school teachers and other interested parties, and publishing two-sided flyers with the “What You Can Do” information and web links for handing out at exhibits and street fairs. V. Review of the CFE/BOCC dinner meeting – The CFE reviewed its discussion of issues with the BOCC that occurred October 14. Hintz said he was disappointed the discussion of solid waste management issues was limited to commercial food waste, however he hopes the CFE will follow the work of Solid Waste Advisory Group in hopes that the County find a better long-term alternative to trucking its waste to Durham. He also noted that Commissioner Dorosin’s interest in locating transportation hubs near low-income communities would be difficult for residents living in rural areas and that this issue may be more suited for the County’s transportation advisory board (Orange Unified Transportation Board, or OUTBoard). Shaw will contact the OUTBoard staff to inform them of this interest; Sassaman offered to contact the OUTBoard chair. Neal asked if the CFE has a liaison to the OUTBoard; Shaw reported that Saunders is in that role. Wegman noted Commissioner Jacobs would like to see renewed support for the County’s Lands Legacy program as a common goal, and for the CFE to have a role in educating the public about the need to protect natural areas and open space should that become part of a bond package for the citizens to consider. O’Connor noted Commissioner Gordon’s interest in the CFE working on updating the County’s inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and working with the towns to reduce those emissions. She also pointed out Commissioner Jacobs’ announcement that the County was hiring a sustainability coordinator who could help address this matter. O’Connor also reported that BOCC members seemed to like the CFE’s proposal to reduce building permit fees or provide partial rebates for construction that meets or exceeds energy efficient design and construction principles. Sassaman noted Commissioner Dorosin said the SOE report is outstanding, but recommended that the CFE also look at environmental matters from social justice perspective. Sassaman suggested the CFE find ways to incorporate this viewpoint in the SOE report and to update the on-line version of the report. Sassaman asked the staff to prepare a list of potential action items resulting from the dinner meeting discussion and to include on the December meeting agenda for CFE consideration, prioritization, and delegation to the committees. Finally, Sassaman explained his written response to Commissioner Rich’s question to the CFE of what solution would be better than trucking solid waste to Durham. He said it was difficult for him to express matters adequately during the meeting so he prepared a more thoughtful response after conferring with the Solid Waste Management staff. VI. Annual Report and Work Plan (2014-15) – Sassaman offered some new ideas for the CFE’s draft annual report and work plan, including a) holding a biannual environmental summit independent of there being a State of the Environment report, b) developing more public outreach including an electronic newsletter, and c) updating the County’s greenhouse gas inventory. O’Connor reminded members of Commissioner Dorosin’s