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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Citizens Sustainability Committee 08/29/2016 •••"1.1,i•••"••. CITY OF PALM DESERT �,� �� CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMITTEEE 7-3 '�/ MINUTES :9pt `'� w�a;:: MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 2016 — 3:00 P.M. ••• 4r`�"�� ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM 73-510 FRED WARING DRIVE, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Susan Rosenberg called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Member Tommy Edwards Member Gregory Gritters Member Dennis Guinaw Member Courtney Lingle Member Ralph Raya Vice Chair Dean Gatons Chair Susan Rosenberg Also Present: Sabby Jonathan, Council Member Justin McCarthy, Interim City Manager Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development Mark Greenwood, Director of Public Works Randy Chavez, Landscape Supervisor Deborah Glickman, Management Analyst Lisa Ream, Recycling Technician Monica O'Reilly, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 1 None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Citizens' Sustainability Committee meeting of November 16, 2015. Rec: Approve as presented. MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AUGUST 29, 2016 Mr. McCormick said that they have not seen much of an impact yet. He stated that utility companies are moving towards a lesser charge for the power itself, but charging more for the infrastructure that could impact PACE down the road. Vice Chair Gatons mentioned he receives unsolicited sales calls daily regarding PACE programs. He said people do not understand the PACE programs, and they cannot follow the people that are calling them about the programs. Mr. Druyon asked Vice Chair Gatons if he is receiving sales calls. Vice Chair Gatons replied that they are salespersons/telemarketers. Mr. Druyon stated that CVAG is working on putting a stop to the telemarketers. He explained that they are third party vendors. The vendors are canvassing areas and providing wrong information. Vice Chair Gatons voiced his concern with the miscommunication that continues with the telemarketers. Mr. McCormick mentioned that PACE program agencies are doing some self- policing to address issues with the telemarketers. Chair Rosenberg agreed with Vice Chair Gatons concern. She had another concern of any liability that the City of Palm Desert could incur if the telemarketers recommend the PACE program and bad things happen because contractors are not explaining the program properly. Member Tommy Edwards commented that some homeowners' associations (HOA) are non-profits, and asked if they are considered commercial properties. Do they qualify for financing? Mr. McCormick replied that he has not come across an HOA using PACE for improvements. He did not have an answer at that moment, but would follow up with an answer. Ms. Glickman said that Mr. McCormick could send her the answer, and she would forward to the Sustainability Committee. Member Dennis Guinaw shared that he secured a PACE loan for a new air conditione , and noted that his Southern California Edison bill has gone down approximately $100 a month. Chair Rosenberg asked if there are issues with people selling their properties that have a PACE loan. Mr. Druyon responded that the Obama Administration addressed that PACE liens are good. The administration is working with the Federal Housing Administration, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac so a PACE lien does not become an issue upon the sale or refinance of a property. 3 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee\2016\Minutes\8-29-16 min.00cx MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AUGUST 29, 2016 Ms. Barrows responded that she did not know and would look into Ms. Ream's question. Member Edwards asked if there is a cost to take the course. Ms. Barrows replied that the course is free. Chair Rosenberg asked how they reach out to the HOAs. Ms. Barrows replied that they are going to rely on the water districts to provide the HOAs with the information, possibly through inserts with their water bill. Member Gritters mentioned that most HOA management companies are fairly sophisticated, as far as their landscape contracts. Most contract specifications require that the landscape bidders need the smart scalping certification. He noted that course certificates should be renewed. Councilmember Jonathan inquired if there are computers available for landscapers to use, and is the course available in Spanish. Ms. Barrows said that COD has computers available at the Westfield Shopping Center or they could also contact COD. All materials are available in English and Spanish. Councilmember Jonathan commented that the amendment to include a course on water efficiency is CVWD's responsibility; therefore, they should be quick at moving this program forward. He felt that CVWD should have also been present along with Ms. Barrows. Ms. Barrows responded that CVWD has mentioned they are taking full responsibility of this program. Chair Rosenberg noted there is a short quiz. She asked if there is a test they need to pass or does everyone pass. Ms. Barrows responded that there are some questions that need to be answered. However, she did not know exactly how they are scored. She said she would find out and forward the information to Ms. Glickman. Member Edwards commented that an ed cational outreach about the program is important. For the big landscape companies that might have 20 employees, they • should have at least two people that have taken the course. Chair Rosenberg pointed out that the proposed amendment states that at least one employee must complete a four-hour course within 12 months immediately preceding the application. Member Gritters moved to recommend to the City Council to approve an amendment to the Model Landscaper Certification Ordinance. Motion was seconded by Member Raya and 5 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Commtttee\2016\Minutes\8-29-16 min.docx MINUTES CITIZENS' SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AUGUST 29, 2016 X. ADJOURNMENT With Committee concurrence, Chair Rosenberg adjourned the meeting at 3:53 p.m. (-V\• QT-S2s,c,\S_,L Monica O'Reilly, Recording S etary 7 G:\Planning\Monica OReilly\Sustainability Committee\2016\Minutes\8.29.16 min.docx