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Environmental Advisory Council presents annual program of work, highlights energy and solid-waste priorities
Summary
The Overland Park Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) presented its annual program of work to the Community Development Committee, outlining top priorities including energy policy (particularly solar access in HOAs), mobility and micromobility safety, a citywide solid-waste study, and conservation/greenway linkages.
The Environmental Advisory Council on Tuesday presented its annual program of work to the Overland Park Community Development Committee, identifying energy, mobility and solid waste as the council’s top priorities for the coming year.
Cassandra Ford, chair of the Environmental Advisory Council, told the committee the EAC prepares the program each winter to guide presentations and research it will pursue and to flag items for possible council action. “The top five priorities really fell toward energy… mobility, specifically promotion of bike and scooter and e-bike safety… solid waste… and conservation,” Ford said.
The council recommended city support for state-level measures that expand residents’ access to rooftop solar, including legislation that would limit homeowner association restrictions if such bills move forward. Ford also said the EAC is participating in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) advisory panels to try to encourage walkability and more green space in future zoning language.
Committee members welcomed the report and asked the EAC to coordinate with city staff on two near-term items: the city’s legislative program and the UDO process. Councilman Rocha said he appreciated EAC involvement on items actively before the council, and asked whether the EAC would send a formal letter if it wanted the city to include solar access in its annual legislative priorities. Ford said the EAC could do so if that is the group’s preferred route.
Committee members also asked staff to bring the current legislative language related to conservation back to the EAC for review, and discussed ensuring neighborhood and HOA representatives are consulted given the sensitivity of HOA rule changes. The EAC said it will continue to follow the city’s solid-waste study — now in procurement — and to advise on conservation of wildlife linkages, particularly in areas developing along the I-69 corridor.
The committee did not take formal action on the EAC program at the meeting. Ford said the EAC expects the program to remain fluid and to be updated throughout the year as new issues arise.
The committee meeting record shows the EAC presentation occurred during the agenda’s item for the EAC annual report and included questions from council members about next steps on letters to the legislature and UDO technical advisory composition.
