HomeMy WebLinkAboutSCMinutes_2021_01_13Sustainability Council meeting January 13, 2021—by Zoom
Present: Stephanie Aure, Betty L Beer, Robin Butterbaugh, Darcy Green, Louis Hesler, Brianna
Kratz, Jennifer McLaughlin, Chair, Norma Nusz-Chandler, Paul Peterson, Jacob Meshke staff
liaison for City of Brookings, Lawrence Novotny, visitor, Russ Halgerson representing BMU
Absent: Anna Barr, Ben Vukovich
1. The meeting was called to order at 4:07 p.m.
2. The agenda was approved.
3. Louis Hesler moved and Robin Butterbaugh seconded for December minutes to be
approved and the motion unanimously passed.
4. There were no Open Forum items.
5. City Update: The City is working in partnership with SDSU on pollinator, stormwater
plantings. City Hall has been pleased with the use of the water bottle refill stations.
Several new positions in the City will look at or include aspect s of sustainability - Street
Manager and Public Works. On Jan. 19th the City will present on City growth and the
future. The City asks for support for city growth from a sustainability lens, such as
stormwater, smart growth, density, etc, and recommends th at our group be included in
the conversaition with the planning commission which is the first public opportunity for
input.
6. Solar Discussion—Russ Halgerson, BMU reported that they installed the second
residential solar unit in the Windemere area in Brookings. It is primarily inverter based
with a potential for battery in the future. It is working well, although not as much
electricity is being generated as its full potential, since it is winter. BMU wants our
committee to help with education. We discussed various changes to the BMU 2-page
communication and discussed ways to distribute the information, including social
media.
Bright Energy Program: BMU would charge a small extra fee to residential users who
choose 100% renewable (or 100% carbon free) electricity. January 1 was the initial pilot, and
soon it will be offered to all Brookings residents. BMU will advertise on FB and possibly in their
bills and Russ asked that our committee also help with adversiting.
Ride and Drive Event—possible event in August or September for EV owners and their
cars and dealers to drive and share info. Russ will forward contact info so we can keep car
dealers in the loop. Russ is also a contact. Some new electric cars are coming out this year and
in future years. For instance, Nissan will have a crossover soon, and trucks are planned. The
contact for Nissan is Ian Kumerow at ian.kumerow@billionauto.com, 605-215-8362.
7. Election of officers: Jennifer called for election on a slate of officers. Paul moved and
Stephanie seconded that we adopt the following slate and the motion was approved
unanimously: Jennifer McLaughlin Chair
Robin Butterbaugh Vice Chair
Paul Peterson Recorder
Betty L Beer Alternate Recorder
8. 2021 Strategic Plan Discussion and Approval. Social Justice was added as a concern,
with liaison as needed to all committees, highlighting CLEAR Partners and Human Rights
Commission as having more in common with our committee.
2A of the Strategic plan is amended to delete reference to Dakota Community Market
and to reference local foods instead.
6B We added support for sustainable growth initiatives by the City
Motion to approve the amended 2021 Strategic Plan by Louis Hesler, seconded by Betty.
Unanimously approved.
9. 2020 Annual Report: Jennifer will write this up and then send to all members for any
changes. She will do the same for the Strategic Plan. Jake will have input on both.
10. Subcommittees: New members will indicate to Jennifer which committees they want.
No other committee or liaison reports.
11. Future agenda items: 2020 Recap from Todd Langland
Liaison to Park Board
The meeting adjourned at 5:40 p,m, Paul moved /Stephanie seconded
Respectfully submitted, Betty L Beer