Travis Sikora

The meeting included introductions for two new members. Key discussions focused on the research of Priority Area 3, specifically regarding the Land and Water Resource Plan (LWRP)/Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Priorities, noting concerns about designating wetland areas near Deerwood, Walck, and Robinson as open space. Updates were provided on several campaigns, including acoustic training for Digihost noise readings, the status of the Natural Resource Inventory being handled by UBRI, and promotion efforts for the Home for Gnome Green Lawn Campaign, including the availability of signs and potential tabling at City Market. Community connection updates covered social media promotion and representation at the UBRI CSC Panel discussion on May 21.

The meeting included discussions centered on Climate Smart Community (CSC) status updates and brainstorming ideas for Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) and Comprehensive Plan engagement. Key areas explored for potential CSC points included municipal building renovations targeting Net Zero energy usage, waste reduction initiatives like a citywide organic waste program and improved public recycling, source water protection planning, and zoning changes for affordable housing, green parking, and natural area protection. The Task Force also reviewed opportunities related to biking/walking infrastructure, recent upgrades at the NT community center (lighting, HVAC, water fixtures, heat pumps), documentation for completed energy code training and cooling centers, and existing eligibility through the Community Solar campaign. Updates were provided on the DigiPower X moratorium and noise ordinance code updates pending City Council vote. Research areas involved investigating citywide composting/rain barrel services, promoting free wood chip giveaways, distributing a sanitation mailer, exploring hazardous waste drop-off events, promoting online resources, planning a presence at the spring farmers market, and initiating seed/sprout swap events and native tree labeling to promote local species.

Key discussions during the meeting involved voting to approve two new members, Justine Stevens and Elliot Lear, while deferring the vote for Jim Guido. Priority Area Research included a discussion on the LWRP/Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Priorities, and the Complete Street initiative for points accumulation. Updates were provided on the Digihost project, focusing on defining noise violations and preparing metrics for DEC review. For the Natural Resource Inventory, maps were circulated for review. Plans were established for the Home for Gnome Green Lawn Campaign, scheduling participation in the City Market and Niagara County Fair. Community Connections involved continuing promotion of energy-saving resources on social media and reviewing the successful UBRI CSC Panel discussion. Other business included discussion on the DPW fleet tracker, interior lighting, and easy points for CSC point level upgrades.

The meeting addressed the status update for Climate Smart Communities, including a survey of completed work and a postponed discussion regarding whether to formally designate the group as a 'Committee' or 'Commission'. Key discussion points focused on the LWRP/Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Priorities, where an update on the final version was shared, alongside a discussion regarding the redesign of the twin cities highway and urging the reinforcement of natural resource protection for Klydel Wetlands in the zoning plan. Updates were provided on Digihost (now DigiPower X), including a report on noise ordinance violations and the decision to extend the moratorium until proposed zoning changes are in place. Additionally, the formation of a subcommittee to work on the Natural Resource Inventory report was recommended. The group also discussed promoting the Home for Gnome Green Lawn Campaign and Niagara County's free rain barrel and compost bin program.

The meeting focused on several updates and discussions regarding the Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program status. Key discussion points included the review of comments provided to C&S for the comprehensive plan and the plan's availability online. Updates were given on the implementation of tracking measures for DPW fleet vehicles. Campaign and research areas involved discussions on the DigiPower X situation, including a denied motion to dismiss and new noise citations, as well as updates on the draft noise ordinance. Further topics included the Natural Resource Inventory status, research into a rain barrel/compost bin program potentially collaborating with Erie County, and brainstorming ideas for spring community initiatives.