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Agenda Packet - 2025-03-17AGENDA Sustainability Advisory Board 17 March 2025 6:30 – 8:30 pm Willow A Room, Lake Oswego Maintenance Center, 17601 Pilkington Rd Staff Contact: Amanda Watson, awatson@lakeoswego.city 503-635-0291 380 A AVENUE PO BOX 369 LAKE OSWEGO, OR 97034 WWW.LAKEOSWEGO.CITY Virtual Access This meeting will be held in person. To participate remotely, please email the staff contact at least 24 hours before the meeting. ADA Accommodation Requests lakeoswego.city/accommodation 503-635-0282; Relay 711 Please allow four business days to process your request. Translation Services Traducción o interpretación 翻译或传译 통역혹은번역 503-534-5738 Buzz Chandler, Co-Chair ∙ Whitney Street, Co-Chair ∙ Kara Orvieto Ashley ∙ Robin Palao Bastardes Jay Hamachek ∙ Lisa Helfer ∙ Mark Puhlman ∙ Luna Flores ∙ Mason Klein 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 27, 2025 and February 24, 2025 meeting minutes 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Public comments related to an item on the agenda will be held until after that agenda item. The purpose of Public Comment is to allow community members to present information or raise an issue regarding items not on the agenda or regarding agenda items that do not include a public hearing. A time limit of three minutes per individual shall apply. Public Comment will not exceed thirty minutes in total. If you are unable to attend the meeting and prefer to provide public comment in writing, please email the comment to the staff contact listed above at least 24 hours before the meeting. 5. GPLE COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY (45 min, Information, Discussion) Presentation and discussion on developing a communications strategy for the 2025 City Council initiative on gas-powered landscaping equipment. 6. SUSTAINABILITY RESOURCE FAIR (10 min, Discussion) Planning for tabling at April 6 event. 7. CITY COUNCIL UPDATE (10 min, Information) 8. YOUTH MEMBER UPDATES (10 min, Information) 9. 2025 MEETING FORECAST (5 min, Information) 10. BOARD & STAFF UPDATES (10 min, Information) 11. ADJOURNMENT - Next Meeting: Monday, April 21, 6:30 – 8:30 pm City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes January 27, 2025 Page 1 of 3 CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes January 27, 2025 Draft Call to Order / Roll Call Jay Hamachek called the January meeting of the Sustainability Advisory Board to order at 6:35 pm. Members Present: Buzz Chandler, Jay Hamachek, Lisa Helfer, Kara Orvieto, Mark Puhlman, Whitney Street, Luna Flores Members Excused/Absent: Robin Palao, Mason Klein Staff: Councilor Massene Mboup, Amanda Watson Public: None Approval of Minutes Jay made a motion to approve the December meeting minutes as written, Jay seconded, minutes approved unanimously. Public Comment None. Regular Business A. City Council Update Councilor Massene Mboup is the Sustainability Advisory Board’s Council liaison for 2025 and expressed his support for the work of the Board. Board members shared what they would like to hear about during City Council updates—updates on sustainability and related topics, such as building and development, transportation, parks, and DEI. B. Youth Member Updates Luna Flores gave an update on the meeting of her school’s Environmental Club with the school administration. The school’s administrator will look at setting sustainability goals for the school; the meeting went well and they will be meeting again in February 2025 to continue the discussion. Oregon Public Broadcasting did an interview with students from the environmental group on Catlin Gabel’s Tiny Forest on campus and the benefits of a Tiny Forest. Luna will share the link to the article. C. 2025 Work Planning Amanda gave an update on the City Council’s annual goal setting session. The City Council’s final goals will be adopted at the February 4 council meeting. The main goals are as follows, with initiatives under each goal: Ensure a safe, secure and prepared community; support business investment and job creation in Lake Oswego; attract and support a diverse population where all people have civic agency, the opportunity to thrive and have equitable access to City Services; combat climate change and strengthen the community’s resilience to climate impacts; strengthen public trust in the City through continuous improvement, outstanding customer service, infrastructure investments, and fiscal City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes January 27, 2025 Page 2 of 3 stewardship; invest in Lake Oswego’s high-quality parks, natural areas and recreational amenities; improve transportation connections, mobility and safety for all travelers and types of trips in Lake Oswego; and plan for change and growth, with the focus on enhancing the community’s quality of life and sense of place. Amanda reviewed the Council initiatives for the climate change goal, which included development of a sustainable buildings policy for the City, implementing the 2024 Urban and Community Forest Plan including tree code updates (to be led by the Planning Department), and developing policy options, and operational plan, and communications strategy to phase out use of gas- powered lawn equipment in Lake Oswego after Portland’s ban goes into effect. There was a roundtable discussion about the goals. The Board focused on the third initiative related to gas-powered landscaping equipment, considering possible ways to approach the goals for success, including outlining what stumbling blocks have come up or could come up, coordinating with other communities that may have similar goals, and considering what funding may be needed. The Board also discussed the need for communications with community members about the goal and the reasons why this issue matters, including noise pollution and how it effects the community, engaging with representatives from equipment manufacturers, and creating informational materials to share with the citizens of the community. At the next Sustainability Advisory Board meeting, Amanda will bring a draft timeline for the project, and discuss the SAB’s role in the project. Amanda asked the Board members to think about the major questions that needed to be answered for the project, what the Board would like more information on to inform the policy options and other deliverables, and bring ideas and questions to the next meeting. The Board followed up on the discussion from December about ideas for sustainability education and outreach programs they could take on in 2025. There was interest in business engagement on sustainability. The first step would be to align with Clackamas County’s program, then perhaps could connect with the Chamber of Commerce. Board members were also interested in engaging with sustainability in schools, for example SAB members volunteering as career advisors or mentors. The Board would like to get a presentation on what the school district is doing on sustainability. Other suggestions for engagement were to connect with partners who may have educational resources like Clackamas County and PGE, and using information gathered at previous events to help with sustainability engagement for community members of all ages. E. 2025 Officer Election The Board elected co-chairs for 2025. Appreciation was expressed to Jay for his leadership in serving two terms as co-chair. Jay noted the importance of co-chairs facilitating meetings in a way that ensures everyone’s voice is heard. Buzz said he would be interested in serving as co-chair. Whitney expressed interest in continuing to serve as co-chair for a second term unless someone else would like the opportunity. No other members expressed interest. Mark introduced a motion to elect Buzz and Whitney as SAB co-chairs for 2025, Kara seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. F. Board & Staff Updates Buzz, the SAB liaison for the South Shore Fire Station Task Force, gave a brief update on the progress of the task force since the meetings started in December. The task force is looking at all the options for placement of a new fire station or remodel and expansion of the current station. The complete details can be read online, and a link will be provided to Amanda to share with the board members. City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes January 27, 2025 Page 3 of 3 Kara is the SAB liaison for the Parks 2040 Advisory Council and gave a brief update on the progress of the council. This is a 15-year plan. Drafting of the Parks 2040 Plan is in process and there have been 141 projects identified. A main finding of community engagement was preference for upgrading and improving instead of replacing current park structures. Some improvements needed include the West Lake Park turf, trails connecting parks, and ADA accessibility upgrades. There was also a desire for outdoor pickleball. The draft plan has been reviewed by the City Manager and Mayor for input and will be presented to the council once completed. Meeting adjourned at 8:32 pm. Submitted, Amanda Watson Sustainability Program Manager City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes February 24, 2025 Page 1 of 3 CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes February 24, 2025 Draft Call to Order / Roll Call Whitney Street called the February meeting of the Sustainability Advisory Board to order at 6:33 pm. Members Present: Buzz Chandler, Lisa Helfer, Mark Puhlman, Whitney Street, Luna Flores, Mason Klein, Izzy Hollingshead (Alternate), Matt Coleman (Alternate) Members Excused/Absent: Jay Hamachek, Kara Orvieto, Robin Palao, Councilor Massene Mboup Staff: Amanda Watson Public: Dorothy Atwood, Kathleen Wiens, Diana Schmidt, Betsy Wosko, Erin Cushing Approval of Minutes None; January meeting minutes were not yet available so will be approved at the March meeting. Public Comment None. Regular Business A. City Council Update None, Councilor Mboup was unable to attend. Buzz shared reminders from the recent Boards & Commissions Chairs training he attended about rules for public officials and public meetings, including procedure for public comment during the meetings. Amanda provided additional clarity on public meeting laws and invited Board members to reach out with any questions; no concerns with SAB but wanted to provide an annual reminder. B. City Council Goal Work Planning Amanda shared a presentation outlining a draft work plan for the gas-powered landscaping equipment phase-out plan project, implementing the 2025 City Council initiative. She outlined the role of the Sustainability Advisory Board, staff, and the City Council, a proposed approach to stakeholder engagement and project timeline and asked for feedback from the Board. Buzz suggested the SAB work on an article for the Hello LO informing the public what the City has already done, including transitioning away from gas-powered equipment in its own operations in parks and Public Works, contracting for all-electric equipment, and the work SAB has been doing to understand the issues and possible approaches. Members of the public are not all aware, and this could assure them that their concerns have been heard. City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes February 24, 2025 Page 2 of 3 Matt noted the difference between Portland’s policy which only covers leaf blowers and the City Council initiatives which refers to gas-powered yard and lawn care equipment. It will be important to specify what types of equipment are and aren’t covered—for example, we are talking about lawn mowers but not backhoes. Mason emphasized it will be important to engage the school district, not just because they are a large landowner but because they could also play a leadership role like the City and help build consensus on the topic. Mark asked how the SAB would receive stakeholder feedback. Amanda explained she would present that information to the Board during their work sessions to keep them updated. They could also invite stakeholders to present to SAB on certain topics. Buzz suggested hearing from an electric yard equipment manufacturer like Stihl to learn about the equipment that is available, what trade in programs exist, etc; Mark offered to assist with reaching out to Stihl and Kress; Amanda will follow up. Lisa suggested having a resource area on the City’s website for this project, including things like information about electric equipment. Mark shared that Corvallis is having an event where manufacturers are bringing in electric equipment that small landscaping companies can learn about and try out for two weeks, then get a rebate if they want to purchase. This will be combined with a pilot project where Seeds for the Sol helps provide financing, through community donations, for equipment purchases. This is something the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network would like to do in LO this summer or fall. Whitney offered that SAB members could help research policies in other cities to learn from. Buzz suggested looking at what neighboring cities like West Linn, Tualatin, and Tigard might be doing; there might be opportunity to align on a homogenous regulatory approach. Amanda will be reaching out to other cities in the region. She is also tracking bills that have been introduced in the state legislative session that would create incentive programs for electric landscaping equipment; the City would be supportive of a statewide approach that supports the transition to electric equipment. C. Sustainability Resource Fair Amanda shared that the 4th annual Lake Oswego Sustainability Resource Fair will be on Sunday, April 6, 11 am – 2 pm at River Grove Elementary School. The earlier date enables Shifting Gears, Gifting Gear to participate. The event will involve tours of the school, which was a recent bond project built to high standards of sustainability. New to this year will be a theme for the event, to try to attract a wider audience: “help your community grow”, focused on sustainable landscaping, natural resources protection and regenerative gardening. Will be encompassing of the diversity of organizations that participated in the fair. Amanda encouraged SAB members to save the date to attend the fair, and asked for SAB’s feedback on participants – are there any organizations we should make sure to include this year? Buzz suggested someone from DEQ to talk about the new statewide recycling law. Whitney suggested the farmers from Luscher Farms. Izzy recommended inviting the school green teams, which will help bring parents/families along; she can help with reaching out if needed. Mason recommended advertising the event through LOSD’s The Current newsletter. The Board discussed what could be at SAB’s table – could include something about the City Council initiative on landscaping equipment. Luna recommended having an engagement activity at the table, like the Board did at the Farmer’s Market— having a question visitors can respond to. Izzy suggested doing an hour-long networking event like a meet-and-greet for ESG/sustainability professionals in Lake Oswego, which could also encourage more City of Lake Oswego Sustainability Advisory Board Minutes February 24, 2025 Page 3 of 3 participation. Amanda asked if there were networks or email lists for sustainability professionals for outreach–Lisa suggested the Chamber of Commerce and the Green Portland Professionals Group on LinkedIn. Amanda agreed that could be a good way to help advertise the fair to a new audience, or could be a separate event. D. Youth Member Updates Luna has been continuing to work with her school’s environmental club and meeting with the school administration. Catlin Gabel has an upcoming Diversity Summit and the environmental club is doing a workshop on an indigenous approach to create a community garden; they have been having trouble finding a speaker and she asked for any recommendations. Izzy suggested looking into Oregon-based foundations that provide grants to indigenous organizations, to help find groups doing that kind of work. Whitney thought the Oswego Lake Watershed Council might have suggestions. Amanda shared that Portland Community College is hosting a summit on sustainability in education and they have several speakers on traditional ecological knowledge; she will share information with Luna. In the audience, Dorothy Atwood from the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network (LOSN) suggested a contact of hers who manages the native garden at Palisades who would be a good resource; she will share contact information with Luna. Mason shared that it was a very busy time at school but he recently reached out to a school administrator to talk about sustainability and is looking forward to that conversation. E. Board & Staff Updates Amanda shared that the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network and Clackamas County are holding a Repair Fair on April 5 at the Adult Community Center, where community members can bring small appliances, clothing, jewelry for free repairs. Following up on a project SAB worked on last year, Amanda shared that there will be a public hearing at the March 4 City Council meeting on the ordinance to establish an Additional Recycling Collection Services license program. Buzz will also be at that meeting for the South Shore Fire Station Task Force’s final report to Council. Dorothy Atwood shared that LOSN and the school district are holding a sustainability event open to all community members next Thursday from 6-8 pm at River Grove Elementary School, with a tour of the school and presentations on what’s next for the bond program, and the school garden program. Amanda will share event details with the Board. Meeting adjourned at 7:49 pm. Submitted, Amanda Watson Sustainability Program Manager