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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAir Quality Advisory Board - Minutes - 09/01/1994t C� MINUTES CITY OF FORT COLLINS AIR QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD INITIAL MEETING 281 CONFERENCE ROOM - 281 N. COLLEGE AVE. sBPTEMBER 1, 1994 For Reference: AQAB Chair - To Be Elected Alan Apt, Council Liaison - 224-9798 Brian Woodruff, Staff Liaison - 221-6604 Board Members Present Bill Eckert, John Fooks, Pete Perkins, Lynne Baker, Rob Cagen Staff Present Brian Woodruff, Tom Shoemaker, Sally Maggart, Linda Devocelle, Susie Gordon The meeting was called to order at 7:05 A.M. Since this was the first meeting of the Air Quality Advisory Board, introductions were made. Brian Woodruff explained the purpose of this first meeting was to orient the board members as to the purpose and function of the board. While the Natural Resource Division staff is here to help, the board directs the flow of information and creates the work plan. He explained that the Air Quality Task Force had been an ad hoc committee; their charge and tenure was limited. The Air Quality Advisory Board is a permanent board with similar functions, but operates within the framework of the Boards and Commissions Manual. Board members were given a copy of the Boards and Commissions Manual; those not present will get them at the next meeting. Brian noted that the board needs to elect officers, namely a Chair and possibly an associate, at the first regular meeting. He noted that the Council liaison to the board is Alan Apt. It was recommended that the board members develop their own relationship with council members. A suggestion was made to invite council members to a future meeting. In response to a budget question, Tom Shoemaker explained that the board has no budget; there are funds through the Natural Resources Division to support the meetings. While boards are asked to identify budget issues, it is not done on a formal level. Also, he stated that every two years Council establishes a policy agenda; the board should think about what they would like to see on the agenda for the next two years. He encouraged the board to maintain close contact with the Natural Resources staff on work planning. Air Quality Advisory Board September 1, 1994 Page 2 Brian noted the following relevant information from the Boards and Commissions Manual: 1) All meetings are open; a public notice must be posted 24 hours before a meeting unless a regular meeting time is established. 2) Minutes have to be taken. 3) Robert's Rules of Order are followed. 4) A work plan is due to Council on or before November 30; the annual report, on or before January 31. 5) Board members need to be aware of their responsibility to announce a conflict of interest when one exists. Since Rob Cagen had to leave early, the board members discussed meeting logistics. After taking into consideration the input from the absent board members, it was decided to set the regular meeting time from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at the 281 Conference Room. Absent members will be notified. The next meeting will be Monday, October 17. Discussion followed as to board member's expectations, ideas, problems and questions. Rob mentioned that he had been a member of the Air Quality Task Force and is presently active with the Congestion Management Plan. He has many ideas and will be able to bring the new members up to date on the CMP activities. Bill Eckert expressed concern over the fact that although citizens have been told that burning wood is bad, a plan has been approved for a restaurant on south College (Kenny Roger's) to be built that would burn more wood in cooking than 20 homes in fireplaces. He feels this sends a mixed message. Susie Gordon remarked that she saw nothing in the plans that mentioned cooking with wood. Brian noted that Building Inspection is trying to discourage this within the law, but cannot stop it. It may take City Council intervention. This problem also arose with Coopersmith's wood - fired pizza oven, but after working with them, they now use 95 percent gas heat and a minimal amount of logs for flavor. There is a need for educating new businesses on the pollution impact. Pete Perkins requested a report on the progress of the Air Quality Task Force. A copy of the Air Quality Action Plan and Timeline was distributed and explained. Brian noted that a 20-30 minute presentation would be made at the next meeting, including an overview of the plan and the things already happening to implement it. Pete mentioned that Larry Johnson is putting something similar together for the county. Lynne Baker suggested inviting the county's air quality committee to join ours in a meeting. It was noted that Larry Johnson is retiring October 14; the invitation will be to the Chair, Mark DeGregorio. Lynne asked Sally to emphasize to the board members not present the importance of attending the next meeting. John Fooks stated that he is very interested in the Chair position Air Quality Advisory Board September 1, 1994 Page 3 on this board. Although he was not a member of the Task Force, he is aware of its work and has extensive experience with regulations. Lynne suggested that an interim Chair be named in order to get a head start on the work plan; after thorough discussion, it was agreed this was not needed. Anyone interested in the Chair position should voice their interest and why at the next meeting. Susie Gordon mentioned two projects that the staff is presently working on and needs feedback from the board: 1) Inspections and maintenance, and 2) Locating matching money for the radon project. The City has approved $4,000 but matching funds are needed. Brian noted that a radon map will be useful to designate areas of the Urban Growth Area that require more construction protection. John asked what the board's involvement is in community leadership on air quality; there is a need for a paradigm shift, but what are the mechanisms? Bill remarked that education is part of the board's function, with the goal being clean air. Brian noted that staff members Linda Devocelle and Edith Felchle can provide support to the board's educational efforts. Lynne expressed the following expectations for the board: 1) Be prompt to meetings; 2) Have a tight agenda; and, 3) Leave on time. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 a.m.