Minutes 06-03-2021 Virtual Business meeting

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17 own amendment, she wanted to make sure there was a reporting process to ensure fidelity to the mission of climate mitigation, but did not want the schools to have to go through the same vetting process because they are already at capacity with responsibilities, and she does not think they should have to compete with other entities. She reiterated that some agencies applying for the funding have their own taxing authority, so funds are being given away while the County and schools are not getting anything to make operations more climate friendly. Commissioner Dorosin clarified that under Commissioner Fowler's proposal, the schools get the money and then have to report back to the County about how it was used, as opposed to the current process where projects are vetted in advance before money is provided, so they can be evaluated for the significance of the impact. Commissioner Fowler said she envisions the sustainability coordinators from the County and schools working together to achieve greater projects, and would trust them to report usage and that the funds would be used for sustainability purposes. Commissioner Dorosin said by having the vetting process up front, everything is evaluated in advance, in an objective way, based on criteria designed to maximize the impact on climate change. He said both of the schools got projects funded, and he does not believe they were disadvantaged. He said climate change does not stop at jurisdictional lines, so he does not mind that Towns receive money if the projects meet the objective criteria that were determined to have a significant impact. Commissioner Fowler said she would be open to the project review happening up front, but does not like the County and schools having to compete with outside entities. The Presentation skipped to slide #23 to review Commissioner Greene's amendment. Commissioner Greene said her proposal is similar to Commissioner Fowler's but does require upfront vetting. She said she likes this current process because entities can team up for large proposals. She said the County has an interest in making sure all projects measure up against same scoring criteria so that it is fair, and she feels strongly about vetting projects at the beginning. She said her proposal does not give a percentage to school districts, but requires them to apply competitively for projects that best support climate change mitigation according to the County's criteria. Chair Price said she understands both Commissioner Fowler's and Commissioner Greene's points. Commissioner Bedford asked Commissioner Greene if any of the money would be allocated for County projects under her amendment. Commissioner Greene said she would be open to County projects being able to apply. She said the current process came about because the Commissioners wanted to get away from County staff driving everything. She said she wants it to be competitive so that the money goes to the best projects out there. Chair Price said there was excitement when the funding opportunity opened up to the community, but she also sees Commissioner Fowler's point about putting money to the County's sustainability. The presentation was returned to Slide #22.