June 21, 2001

Judy Bergeron, Gyp-Pack

Louis Bergeron, Gyp-Pack

Chad Carpointe, Gyp-Pack

Sheri Carter, Wendel Duchscherer

Edward Deutschman, Citizen Regional Transit Corp.

Siobhan Doherty, Intern for Bill Nowak

Mark Donohue, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise

Joe Gardella, UB Environment & Society Insitute

Gladys Gifford, Citizen Regional Transit Corporation

Kevin Greiner, Technae Ventures

Georgia Hado, Howden Buffalo

David Hahn-Baker, Inside-Out Political Consultants

Bruce Kohrn, SBK Environmental

David Lanfear, Progressive Rug Design

Michael Leising, Legislator Pauly’s Office

Randi Mail, Green Gold Project Coordinator

Jo Nasoff, Erie County Industrial Development Agency

Bill Nowak, Council Legislative Staff Manager

Laurie Payne, Office of Strategic Planning - ICLEI

Bob Pfeil, Howden Buffalo

James Pitts, Common Council President

Michael Raab, Erie County Environment & Planning

Gary Robinson, URS Corporation

Mark Schneckenberger, Environmental Compliance

David Sengbusch, Office of Strategic Planning

Steve Sherman, URS Corporation

During her summer internship, Ms. Payne will engage in the first step of CCP’s 5-step process:

Benefits of greenhouse emissions reductions include saving money by reduced energy costs; boosting the local economy through service and technology innovation; protecting against climate change consequences; improving air quality & public health thereby attracting people to the area; and improving community livability.

Edward Deutschmann and Gladys Gifford of the Citizens Regional Transportation Corporation presented a well-received proposal to expand the Metro Rail system in the Buffalo area. Pointing to air quality improvements, CRTC maintained that by decreasing dependence on cars, ground-level ozone (NO_x & VOCs) decreases. Ground level ozone – caused primarily by auto exhaust – triggers such health problems as asthma and respiratory illness. The American Lung Association of New York cited auto exhaust as the most serious air quality problem in the Northeast in a 2001 report. By comparison, single passenger cars are 4 times less efficient than carpooling, 45 times less than the bus and 55 times less than the rail.

Nearly 50% of our driving needs are for commuting to work and going shopping. CRTC expansion proposals would make our lives a lot easier, both for our pocketbooks and our environment.

CRTC proposed to build a Southtowns corridor to Hamburg and Orchard Park – to be developed by a corporation other than the NFTA, and to extend Metro Rail to the airport and the Galleria Mall. The latter extension would run along Church Street behind City Hall through the Central Terminal. The NFTA has expressed support for a connection to Depew’s Intermodal Transportation Center. GBNRTC (Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportation Council) is currently reviewing this proposal.

CRCT emphasized the tremendous economic development opportunities along these corridors. For every $1 invested, an estimated $4 would be returned. Both Dallas and Portland, OR have had very successful experiences in terms of economic growth and development with expanding their public transportation.

So what is stopping Metro Rail’s expansion? Both state and federal funding for operation and maintenance have been cut back, thereby putting the responsibility in the City’s lap. GBNRTC members including the NYS Dept of Transportation, NYS Thruway Authority, the City of Buffalo, the City of Niagara Falls, Niagara County and Erie County must petition the NFTA for the project’s approval and movement. Approximately 25,000 people use Metro Rail daily, reflecting one of the country’s highest ridership rates per mile.

Dick Grainger reported on the Solar Splash Competition that was held on Hoyt Lake at Delaware Park this past weekend, June 20-24th and showed pictures. The boats were full size boats that were able to carry a skipper that weighed at least 150 lbs. The boats came in all different shapes. The University of Marquette entry featured 3 hydrofoil surfaces causing the boat to ride above the water. There were also entries from a high school team in Baltimore and a first time collaborative entry by ECC and UB. Joan Bozer mentioned that she is trying to get a solar ferry from Australia to tour the Great Lakes with a stop in Buffalo.

Kevin Greiner of Technae Ventures gave a brief presentation on his newly formed company, which specializes in acquiring, cleaning and developing brownfields. In addition, Technae Ventures offers services for start-up businesses looking to expand. The company is seeking businesses in the following areas: recycling, environmental remediation, alternative energy, energy conserving materials and products, telecommunications, medical instruments and professional services. Mr. Greiner’s company provides seed and venture capital, legal, accounting and engineering services to its business clients. Additionally, it almost always indemnifies present owners form all future liability as a part of its purchase transactions.

Mr. Pitts reported that a tour of the Buffalo Forge site would take place shortly with a group of developers. Opportunities for collaboration will be explored with Technae Ventures. The remediation plan developed by Ecology & Environment will begin this summer, funded by a $100,000 allocation from the City of Buffalo.

The Council President also suggested organizing a weekend retreat (2 consecutive Saturday mornings) for board members to discuss management, the conference and how to become more resourceful. He asked for members availability in July.