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IV. Discussion of Climate Council Role <br />After a brief presentation recapping previous Council discussions on this topic and <br />potential clarifications, Council members discussed the role of the Climate Council in <br />making recommendations on policies, plans, procedures, etc. <br /> <br />Staff confirmed that as members of the Council, their voices do not represent their <br />jurisdictions. That is up to the elected Boards and time needs to be built in to allow <br />for the elected boards to consider and support when needed. <br /> <br />DuBose made the point that the OWASA Board of Directors faced similar restrictions <br />as staff with what they could say and not say. They are appointed and non-political. <br /> <br />Marcoplos pointed out that the elected official members of the Council had more <br />leeway to lead on making recommendations. <br /> <br />Slade made the point that with the minimal time the world has to address the <br />climate issue, we need all the advocates we can get. He recommended finding ways <br />to continue the Council’s work and communication while respecting the <br />complexities that staff face. <br /> <br />Kaufman agreed with Slade and underscored that information sharing is not all that <br />the Council could do. Independent analysis and objective recommendations of <br />projects or other climate actions could also be helpful. <br /> <br />McCullough agreed and highlighted that a synthesis of information would be <br />valuable, especially when the Council is all engaged in coming to the conclusions. <br /> <br />Marcoplos agreed and added that linking together and encouraging existing <br />advocates and non-profits can be powerful. He then suggested that the <br />Communications committee flesh out this network. <br /> <br />Monast then brought up the issue of the OCCC’s relationship to the local <br />governments in Orange County. Mostly we’ve been operating in isolation. It would <br />be important for us to be seen as a resource, so elected boards should know they <br />can ask us questions. Responding to them clarifies and justifies our role. Several <br />Council members expressed agreement and appreciation for Monast’s point. <br /> <br />V. Update from Climate Action Reporting Committee <br />There were no significant updates to report this month. <br /> <br /> <br />VI. Update from Policy Committee <br />There were no significant updates to report this month. <br /> <br /> <br />VII. Update from Communications Committee <br />Marcoplos and Rubinoff summarized the outreach efforts of the Communications <br />Committee and members agreed that the outreach should continue.