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Minutes - Environmental 4-3-01MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP ADVISORY COMMISSION APRIL 3, 2001 4:00 P,M. CITY HALL ANNEX, 1300 MAIN, CONFERENCE ROOM # 1 Michael Buelow called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Buelow, John Bennett, Bdana Tully, Dave Czarnecki, William Niemann, Leslee Spraggins MEMBERS ABSENT: Art Sunleaf STAFF PRESENT: Mary Rose Corrigan, Don Vogt, Paul Horsfall Michael Buelow completed the Certification of Compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Dave Czamecki moved to approve the Minutes of the Mamh 13, 2001 ESAC meeting. John Bennett seconded the motion. There were no changes or additions and the Minutes were approved as distributed. TEST AGENDA: John Bennett asked that the agenda be amended to include "deer~' and Bill Niemann asked that "radon" be added. With those changes, John Bennett moved to accept the agenda. Bill Niemann seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: OLD BUSINESS: 1. Energy. John Bennett distributed copies of two handouts and led the discussion on energy. John stated that he felt that major environmental factors revolve around energy. John believes that it should be combined with good environmental policy. He went over the major points in the two handouts. He feels that the Commission should continue to study and move forward on this item. A discussion on some of the points of the handouts took place. Mike Buelow referred to the new geo-thermal system installed at Wartburg Seminary. John stated that some of the sample programs referred to in the handouts, are very simple programs, i.e., signage or providing information to citizens. He feels that it's important that citizens know about options available to them, where to go for assistance, rebates, loans, etc. He feels that the Commission could promote incentives. John feels that the National Energy Policy should contain incentives in order for it to work and encourage people to make the dght decision. Bill Niemann questioned what City department would be the logical department to provide information. The = general consensus was the Building Services Department. Paul Schultz recommended a smell budget for promotion of this item. Mary Rose Cordgan stated that one possibility would be the Building Code update in the fall, and also, the Home Builders Association (she could explore to see if the association is interested in partnering on this.) It was felt that the Home Builders Association would be a valuable source on the pros and cons on this item. Deer. John Bennett asked that this item be added to the agenda because last month, he had to leave the meeting before the discussion. He made reference to the Commission's recommendation last year of a density goal of less than 20 deer per square mile. He stated that he felt the Commission "dropped the ball" last year by not exploring more avenues of reducing the deer population: He stated that he's not sure that just raising the number of licenses will solve the problem. Bill Niemann stated that south of Highway 20 is the biggest problem area. Paul Schultz referred to a spreadsheet he developed on the problem. He stated that at the present deer density level, in five to seven years the ecosystem will be affected. He feels that the Commission needs to set a target date for the goal of 20 deer per square mile. He does not feel that bow hunting can achieve the goal. John Bennett stated that the management program did not meet the goal set last year, and that the Commission needs to set a goal for next year, and if the goal is not met, make other recommendations. He stated that the aerial survey is a good tool, but not without a margin of error. John stated that some private areas are closed to hunters and they harbor large numbers of deer. Bill Niemann asked if the City could assist hunters in obtaining permission to hunt some of these areas. Mary Rose stated that she has done some of that and that she could try to do more, but it's a touchy thing. John Bennett feels that more deer need to be harvested and, if necessary, sharpshooting and/or other methods should be used. Mary Rose stated that we are increasing the number of any sex tags given to hunters, but that they also would like monetary assistance. She referred to the days lost this season to bad weather (only 21 deer were harvested after December 1, 2000. Mike Buelow stated that if the Commission were going to recommend sharpshooting, public headngs would need to be held. Paul Schultz stated that he felt the Commission has the responsibility to make recommendations. He spoke aboutthe City's liabilityandthatthe Commission needs to recommend more effective policy. Leslee Spraggins asked what ecosystem is in danger. Paul Schultz stated that the Catfish Creek valley is in danger. It was stated that fencing areas could demonstrate the damage to the ecosystem in real terms. Bill Niemann stated that we are talking more about "developed" areas and that the problem is mere that deer are a nuisance and causing damege to citizens' properties. Mary Rose stated that if the Commission wants to make other recommendations to the City Council, that now is the time to start planning. John Bennett recommended the following timeline: 1) 2001/02 hunting season is completed; 2) aerial survey; and 3) sharpshooting to reduce the deer herd to the recommended density. Man/Rose stated that the Commission would need to make their recommendations before September 2001 because the budget for the following fiscal year is due at the end of September. John Bennett also stated that a possible ordinance prohibiting the feeding of deer should be investigated. He stated that citizens need to realize that feeding the dear is actually bad. Mary Rose stated that people don't realize that feeding the deer actually lends itself to increasing multiple births. Brianna stated the she doesn't think that people realize the feeding the deer is a problem. Mike Buelow stated that this would be placed on the May agenda again. He also stated that we would need "experts" for any public hearing (June.) Mike volunteered to obtain the information on the Iowa City sharpshooters. 3. Radon. Bill Nie~nn Stated that Jim D°°little is organizing training for home inspectors to be held in Cedar Rapids. Bill asked if a formal presentation to the Building Code of Appeals would help to educate that Board. Jim Doolittie has agreed to come to the meeting in October. Mike Buelow stated that maybe he could speak to the Home Builders Association before the Building Code of Appeals meet in the fall. There was a short discussion about how to proceed. Mike Buelow asked if a PowerPoint presentation on the Home Builders website would help. Mary Rose stated that Jim Doolittle might already have a presentation developed. NEW' BUSINESS: ITEMS FROM STAFF: OLD BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: Mary Rose invited the Commissioners to attend the City Expo on April 17, 2001 from 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC: There was no one present to address the Commission topics other than above. CLARIFICATION OF TASKS: Commissioners are to gather information on energy. Mike Buelow will obtain information about sharpshooting in Iowa City. Mary Rose will explore if the Home Builders Association would be interested in exploring the energy issue, and whether or not, a presentation about radon could be posted on their website. NEXT MEETING DATE: May 1, 2001~ FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: Energy, deer, radon. ADJOURNMENT: John Bennett moved to adjourn the meeting. Bill Niemann seconded the motion. Meeting was adjourned at 5:10 P.M.