Joyce Akins called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m. Several candidates were present for petition signing and they introduced themselves one at a time with short speeches. The candidates included G. Glass, S. Hersokowitz, B. Mosier, D. Crenshaw, C. Silverman, D. Roth, L. Cook, M.Laster, and P. Brown.
Joyce introduced our guest speaker, Caleb Crow. Mr. Crow spoke of using the word "sustainability" rather than the word "green". Crow has helped with bird programs in schools and worked in Bill White's energy conservation group. Houston is driving Texas as a first wind producing state though the Dakotas produce more wind. Houston is receiving new press about our environmental new buildings. Other cities are way ahead of us, but we are making progress. Crow spoke about REEP, a program that will go neighborhood to neighborhood to help make homes more energy friendly. (See website GreenHoustonTx.gov ).
Regarding recycling, Crow said sorting is very expensive but land is inexpensive here so it is not fair to compare Houston to a city like San Francisco. Houston has a single stream pilot program going on and we will recycle more because we will want to do what is right.
Houston water is treated but we prevent algae blooms by using agitators and it has been very successful. Houston is dominated by the oil industry. The Port of Houston is working on reducing their environmental footprints--one way by slowing down barges to reduce carbon output. Regarding vehicles, Houston may get some help from the "cash for clunkers" federal bill just signed. Greenwaste--debris from Ike is being composted in open areas, and eventually we will have Ike compost to buy. This compost will be better than mulch. Houston stop lights are being changed to LEDS to save energy; LED street lamps are coming. Currently, 272 city buildings are being energy audited and retrofitted.
Solar--Texas uses very little solar; there are no good residential options at this time. Although solar panels will last 50-60 years, it would cost $40,000-50,000 to power your home at 100%. But energy has always beat the stock market, so as energy costs go up, it is smart investment. Panels are hail tested and do not break from vandalism. Putting solar shading over parking lots is being done and some have a way to charge up electric vehicles. Third World countries have more solar than the USA. The USA subsidizes other types of power, but not solar or wind.
Electricity--Austin and San Antonio have low rates and incentives for users to use less.energy. In Houston, CenterPoint is the least innovative of the companies and not efficient in repairs after big storms. Clean coal is NOT happening. We don't need coal if we use solar, wind, and natural gas--the USA needs to be a leader.
Crow can be reached at
Several more judicial candidates came in for introductions and petition signatures: R. Ray. R. Hinohosa, W. Kronzer, and K. Grider.
The minutes were circulated. Mike Laster motioned they be approved, Rod Haper seconded the motion and the minutes were approved as written. The Treasurer's report was approved as read.
Joyce mentioned that dues need to be paid yearly and they are low - only $10/annually by calendar year.
A red, white and blue container was passed around to collect monies for the USO; we collected $138 to buy care packages for the troops. The board will handle dissemination of the monies.
Joyce announced that Rod needs a volunteer to help him with the website, as he will eventually turn over this responsibility to someone else. Joyce also mentioned voter registration training--things have changed, so people who previously received training as a Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar need to be retrained. Please contact Joyce for more info. Joyce also mentioned again about the Health Care Panel that is planned for after the first of the year; Mike Laster has agreed to moderate the panel.
Phone tree volunteers were Pat Powers, Margaret Buckhorn, and Kenneth Jenkins.
The July 25 meeting speaker will be Richard Shaw who will talk about the state of the labor unions. Mike Laster volunteered to bring July refreshments.
Thank you to the Walkers for bringing June refreshments and Sylvie Adams for making the coffee.
New business included a notice about the Coalition Against Human Trafficking having a concert at Jones Hall on August 29. The meeting adjourned at noon.
