Minutes 04-22-2021 Virtual Work Session

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9 Melissa McCullough said goals for this year include a work plan for effective joint actions based on previous evaluations. She said there is not only low hanging fruit, but over ripe fruit that can be accomplished. She said the council will also develop by-laws and member laws for increased collaboration. Commissioner Fowler asked if an example of an over ripe fruit item could be identified. Melissa McCullough said community solar, building codes to promote green building, school curriculum, resilient land use, low carbon, biogas to energy co-digestion, etc. She said the desire is to multiply effects, and there may be some federal money coming to address climate and infrastructure. Melissa McCullough said all the information is available for the BOCC to review. Chair Price asked if that information could please be provided. Commissioner Greene asked if there is a plan in place to coordinate with other local climate plans, in order to avoid duplication and promote synchronization. Melissa McCullough said it is challenging because all entities are in different stages, but the Climate Council is made up of representatives from all of various governments who are all working very closely together. John Roberts said Commissioner McKee asked him two questions prior to the meeting. He said the questions were related to how the Climate Council is a public body. He said the council is a public body under state statutes, and serves the function of policy and providing information. He said the Climate Council cannot fill vacancies or create additional positions, unless the BOCC expressly gives permission to do so. Commissioner McKee said his questions stemmed from the last full paragraph on the first page of the abstract. He said he wanted clarification on the council as an advisory board. Commissioner McKee asked if the number of people originally on the Council could be identified. Brennan Bouma clarified that there were 12 active member organizations on the Climate Council, with a roster of 30 spots. Commissioner McKee asked how many of those positions are filled. Brennan Bouma said he would check. Commissioner McKee asked if staff is working with the Clerk's office to fill the vacancies. Brennan Bouma said yes, staff is working to fill those vacancies. Commissioner McKee asked for clarification on the number of vacancies. Brennan Bouma said that three vacancies were recently filled, and there are still about 7-10 vacancies. He said some positions have never been filled, and the by-laws and membership rosters would help clarify the roles. He said it would be approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Melissa McCullough said the council is also concerned about vacancies. Commissioner McKee said he is concerned about keeping vacancies filled, and sometimes boards and commissions are just too large. Commissioner Bedford said she was glad the council received a grant for membership and training. She said the group has capacity to do a lot of work and collaboration across many areas. She said she was glad the council could provide an update this evening, and their list of things to tackle is very large, and she looks forward to seeing how they proceed. Commissioner Bedford said the new Deputy Clerk to the Board could assist as a liaison. Commissioner Bedford asked if there has been any success in recruiting minority members. Chair Price clarified that there are specific seats for different organizations for the council, and the Deputy Clerk may not have the ability to help. Chair Price said there have been efforts to diversify.