HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-29-2010
St. Lucie County Sustainability Advisory Committee
APRIL 29, 2010
MEETING MINUTES
Present: Councilwoman Linda Bartz, Commissioner Doug Coward, Alan Gilbert, Robert Tabor, Donna Rhoden, Derrick Dukes, Bob
Cenk, Leon Camarda, Eric Winterstein
Staff and Guests: Sandra Bogan, ERD; Scott Taylor (ESARC), Craig Linton (Evans Properties)
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The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 1:05 am
MOTION TO APPROVE minutes of March 25, 2010 meeting made by Eric Winterstein, seconded by Donna Rhoden, passed
unanimously.
Craig Linton with Evans Properties introduced himself to the committee. Mr. Linton was invited as requested by the Committee in the
previous meeting, to provide an agricultural perspective to the discussion.
The committee discussed voluntary versus mandated actions to conserve energy, such as alternative energy street lights. Bob Cenk
said he would inquire/discuss green standards that could become requirements for new development with the Treasure Coast Builders
Association Green Committee.
Alan Gilbert brought the Cradle to Cradle concept to the table as an approach to attracting businesses to the area. Green development
gives bonus points for local disposal and recycling. Commissioner Coward talked about a TC Regional Planning Council person, Peter
(Spikes?), who gave a presentation on turning waste from the urban area into a resource in the rural community, which is in line with
the Cradle to Cradle concept. Commissioner Coward asked what could be done with items that do not have a recycling market (e.g.
Styrofoam). Strategies like requiring manufacturer or retail ‘take-back’ and Pay as You Throw could be considered to reduce the use of
non-recyclables.
In reviewing the Committee’s priority list; the group agreed that ‘Cradle to Cradle’ should be added to the waste management priority.
The discussion turned to locally produced items as another approach to sustainability, and that green certification provides higher
marks for local products. The Committee discussed the idea that the County could consider making local or American-made products a
requirement of the energy and solar loan program.
The Committee discussed citizen education. Alan Gilbert would be a great person to interview to talk about real world actions that the
School District has taken and the savings it has realized. Websites should be utilized to provide educational information. Informational
billing should also be used to target beyond computer-users. Informational billing should give simple messages.
The Committee requested that FPL and FPUA give presentations at the next meeting regarding their energy conservation programs,
rebate programs, and emerging alternative energy production.
MEETING ADJOURNED at 2:32, motion by Eric Winterstein, seconded by Derrick Dukes, unanimously approved.