Sustainability commission to send department questionnaire, invite water-plant staff for solar update

The La Porte City Sustainability Commission agreed to finalize a questionnaire for department heads to gather operational perspectives on sustainability and to invite department staff to present at a future commission meeting, including a planned update on solar work at the city’s water plants.

Commission members said they have an eight-question draft that likely needs to be shortened and clarified. ‘‘In the simplest of concepts to me is kind of not putting them on the spot, but what does sustainability mean to them and their department?’’ one member said. Commissioners asked that the draft be circulated for review before staff contact department heads so invited staff know the questions in advance.

The commission discussed inviting Jerry or Tim (identified in the meeting as department staff) to the next meeting; Tim was mentioned as having information about two water-plant solar projects. Members said they will give invited staff the questionnaire in advance so they can prepare remarks and materials.

Separately, commissioners discussed low-cost operational practices, including crack sealing for roads, as a sustainability measure to reduce the need for full resurfacing. One commissioner said he has spoken with the mayor and will work toward a standard operating procedure (SOP) to make crack sealing an annual practice where appropriate.

Next steps include the commission lead compiling and editing the questionnaire, distributing a final draft to commissioners for a last review, and then sending it to the chosen department head in advance of the next meeting.