City of Annapolis Environmental Commission met March 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:
The Annapolis Environmental Commission (AEC) held its regular meeting on March 7, 2018 at 145 Gorman Street, Conference Room 3. Chair Butler called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
Members Present: Chair Butler, Vice Chair Bohanan, Kissel, Powell, Turgeon, Murphy, Weber, O’Leary, Buchheister
Staff Present: Broadbent, Hodo
Guest: Jack Turner, Michael Giblin, Anne Stephenson, Alderwoman Tierney, John Butler,
Tom Zolper, Tracy McGranagan
II. Introduction Of Guest
Introductions of the Guest, Staff and Commissioners were made.
A. David Barker – Back Creek Conservancy – No Discharge Zone
In Mr. Barker’s absence, Ms. Broadbent asked members if they were provided a copy of the No Discharge Zone application for review noting that she and Harbormaster Bellis have both reviewed it. She believes the biggest challenge to be faced is that there is no enforcement in the County waters. She has placed funding in her budget request for the education part of the no discharge zone.
B. Tom Zolper – Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Mr. Zolper currently works at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Communications. He briefly discussed some of the environmental bills that are currently in the Legislature that may be of interest to the AEC specifically the Forest Conservation Act that better defines priority forest using five criteria as well as provide an improved requirement for the justification for cutting down priority forest and the replanting mitigation. He noted that the AEC might be interested in the Clean Energy-HB1453 and the Increase Offshore Wind Distance Requirement Bills.
III. Approval Of Minutes
A. February 7, 2018 Meeting Minutes
Mr. Kissel moved to approve the February 7, 2018 meeting minutes as written. Mr. Powell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously in a vote of 7-0.
IV. Regular Business Before The Commission
A. Subcommittee Reports
1. Development
a. AYC
Chair Butler asked about the sediment erosion issues at the AYC construction site and Ms. Broadbent suggested that she contact Matt Waters who could better answer any questions but noted that there is an on call person that responses to after hour issues that arise.
b. Milkshake Lane/Primrose Hill
Ms. McGranagan discussed the status of the Primrose Hill project and the continued issues with sediment erosion as a result of the construction. She said the community is waiting because there has been a lot of damage to surrounding properties. She noted that houses are being built and then the infrastructure is installed after the houses are built. Chair Butler asked how the building is allowed without putting the stormwater management plan in place first. Ms. McGranagan noted that the developer has agreed to put stormwater runoff into a drain off Milkshake to the end of the private road and the City will pick the bill to continue it down to Hilltop Lane.
c. Sediment and Erosion Control Violations at Constructions Sites
Chair Butler noted that there were articles regarding the sediment and erosion control draining from the construction so she was trying to understand the City regulations on sediment and erosion control. She asked Mr. Turner to explain how the process works. Mr. Turner currently works as a water utility construction inspector and is responsible ensuring that developers are maintaining their sediment and erosion control plans. Chair Butler asked what happens if a contractor doesn’t follow the code and Ms. Hodo noted that there is a fine assessed generally $500-$1000 per day. Mr. Murphy asked how many infractions are issued per year and Ms. Broadbent suggested that he contact Public Works for those statistics.
2. Waste Reduction
There was no report.
3. Outreach
Mr. Murphy discussed an opportunity for Costco membership model for healthy living that will benefit Green Drinks and the website is www.livegreen.life. Mr. Turner added that Annapolis Green will be marching behind an environmental banner in the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, March 12, 2018 and participants will meet at Amos Garrett Park at 11:00am. Members were encouraged to attend the parade and to also send Mr. Powell/Mr. O’Leary an article for the newsletter before March 16, 2018. Alderwoman Tierney suggested including Annapolis Compost in the newsletter. It was noted that GreenScape is April 21, 2018 this year and members should get involved in a project.
4. Water Quality/Stormwater
a. City Dock Stormwater Pumps
Ms. Buchheister provided background on the City Dock stormwater pumps that are located on the playground near Compromise Street and near the site of the proposed hotel. She noted that it was her understanding that the pump station proposed for the playground will be increased which will impact the playground and the other issue is that there is no filtering for stormwater. She explained that the total cost for the two pumps would be $10M and briefly discussed the funding sources. She has concerns regarding the location and that there is no filtration. The AEC agreed to draft a letter to the Chair of the Environmental Matters Committee and David Jarrell with copy to the Mayor requesting the cost benefit analysis of green infrastructure versus filtration on the pumps; and would like the City to negotiate with the hotel to incorporate the pump house into their hotel design; and would like a copy of the analysis and environmental implications of the underground garage design and what is the 40% up charge based on as well as how much is the cost of the first flush filtration. Ms. Buchheister agreed to prepare the first draft to be circulated to the AEC for review.
5. Renewable Energy
Mr. Murphy offered kudos to Mr. O’Leary who is working to get solar on the roof of his church in Arnold. Mr. O’Leary added that the solar would cost $80,000 for the building and noted that the same funding available to homeowners is not available for commercial users. Mr. Murphy noted that PACE financing is available to nonprofit commercial users.
B. Office Of Environmental Policy (OEP) Report
1. FCA Development Updates
The written reports were provided for review. Ms. Hodo noted that the plans for 2010 West Street and Parole Place Planned Development plans were provide to Chair Butler for review. Members were encouraged to review the application and submit comments so that it can be provided to Mr. Barker.
2. Providence Point Application
There is nothing new on Providence Point and the Forest Conservation Act for the project is still under review.
3. Status of Tree Master Plan and Inventory
There was no report.
V. New Business
A. Chesapeake Conservancy Corps. Paid internship deadline April 13, 2018
Chair Butler noted that there are 30-35 paid internships that need to be filled and they are looking for diversity so members were encouraged to spread the word. She noted that the Chesapeake Conservancy Corps paid internships are for 18-25 year olds and she will be reaching out to Reverend Calhoun and Alderwoman Pindell Charles.
B. Overview of Creeks and Conservancy – Ready and Leap Programs
There was no report.
VI. Old Business
A.Conservation Easements/ mini parks and the 2004 Annapolis Master Open Space Plan and coordination with ACB, Parks & Recreation and County subgroup for City’s first Greenway Master Plan
There was no report.
V. Adjournment
With there being no further business, Mr. Kissel moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:59pm. Mr. Weber seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously in a vote of 7-0.
https://www.annapolis.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03072018-1338
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