Committee hears solar, transportation and water-rebate updates; opens officer nominations

Staff provided a broad update on ongoing sustainability initiatives and outreach efforts. On the landfill solar project, staff said the request for proposals has been revised and is under internal review; the RFP will be reissued once procurement requirements are confirmed to attract vendor proposals.

Staff told members the preliminary budget submitted to the city manager and finance includes funding for a roadway safety action plan grant tied to the active transportation plan; staff said the grant typically requires an 80/20 match and would be a step toward securing future implementation funding. Staff also reported that public input for the active transportation plan drew just over 30 attendees and that consultant Kinley Horn is compiling maps and ranked priorities for staff review.

On water-efficiency programs, staff said 85 toilet-rebate applications and five irrigation-checkup applications have been received; outreach is ongoing and staff expects more applications as temperatures rise. Staff also referenced recently adopted water-conservation items discussed at the April meeting and a proclamation around a 'Lights Out' event in mid-April.

The committee opened nominations for committee chair, vice chair and secretary. Members may nominate themselves tonight or submit nominations to staff by May 22; ballots will be distributed and voting will take place at the June 12 meeting. The committee also heard subcommittee reports on website education, event staffing (pet-friendly event tables on June 1 and July 13) and a proposal to explore a Bluebonnet Park in underused city parks; staff agreed to follow up with Parks & Recreation and to bring any actionable items back to future meetings.

The meeting concluded after a motion to adjourn passed and the chair declared the meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.