Sustainability and Resiliency Commission Meeting - October 18, 2026

Note: The agenda and minutes list the meeting date as October 14, 2026, but the provided date for this summary is October 18, 2026. The meeting was called to order at 4:32 p.m. and adjourned at 5:56 p.m., lasting approximately 1 hour 24 minutes. The commission heard a comprehensive sustainability data update and discussed the process for updating community-led tactics in the Sustainability and Resiliency Community Work Plan (SRCWP).

Consent Calendar

• September Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously by 8 ayes, with Stewart Rassier absent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public wished to speak during the open comment period.

Discussion Items

• 2026 Sustainability Data Update (Item 5.A): Staff presented an overview of existing sustainability dashboards and data sources. Key highlights included:
  • SRCWP: 83% of tactics completed, 18 not yet started, none on hold. The public-facing website is expected by end of 2026.
  • B3 Benchmarking (City Buildings): Energy use decreased 5.7% from baseline (2018) in 2025, with 11.9 million KBTU less used than 2024. Energy-related greenhouse gas emissions fell 20.2% from baseline (reduction of 4,659 metric tons). Staff noted square footage of city facilities has increased and are investigating the disparity between energy and emissions reductions.
  • Green Star Cities: The city significantly reduced natural gas consumption, expanded EV fleet (from ~8 to ~15 EVs), tripled trees planted in 2025 vs. 2024, and increased renewable energy generation capacity by about 7% community-wide.
  • Regional Indicators: Community-wide emissions show a downward trend since 2007 (baseline). 2025 data update expected by end of November, with a presentation to the commission early 2027.
  • Energy Integration Committee (EIC): Updated action plan for 2026 focusing on decarbonization, renewable energy, resilience, thermal energy networks, and transportation. The plan is a guiding framework, not adopted by governing boards.
  • City Council Action Plan: Responsible environmental stewardship priorities include fleet electrification, building efficiency, tree canopy, waste/recycling, and exploring a natural gas franchise fee. Staff report quarterly on municipal and community emissions.
  • Commission members discussed baseline year alignment, fleet tracking improvements (devices to be installed in 25% of vehicles by end of 2026), and the need to promote successes like solar projects (100% funded by state and federal grants) to council and public.
• SRCWP Community-Led Tactics Reporting Process (Item 5.B): The commission reviewed a proposed process to update the 48 community-led tactics (reduced from 103) in the SRCWP. The chair demonstrated how to use a shared spreadsheet, including adding stories and qualitative data from local organizations. Four volunteer leads were identified for each of four groups of 12 tactics. Members also discussed using AI for initial research and the importance of highlighting community efforts. The due date for updates is Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in advance of the November 12 meeting.

Key Outcomes

• September minutes approved (unanimous).
• No action taken on the 2026 Sustainability Data Update (informational).
• Community-led tactics volunteers: Seth Behrends, Casey McQuade, Ruby Truong, and others volunteered to lead updates. Amy Caucutt will assist with contacting organizations. The chair will also contribute to multiple tactics.
• Staff updates included: next meeting (November 12) will focus on native pollinators with Parks and Forestry; solar projects at 16 city facilities are underway with 100% funding; Garden Grants available through December 31; Arbor Day (April 30, 2027) and Earthfest (May 1, 2027) dates set; and a smart salting webinar on November 9.
• Commission comment: Brian Morgan proposed inviting Leadership Greater Rochester groups to present their community impact projects at the November or December meeting. The chair agreed to follow up and consider agenda time.
• Meeting adjourned at 5:56 p.m.