Sustainable BC Committee

Environmental Policy Study Committee Battle Creek City Hall Room 302B, Third Floor 10 N. Division St. Battle Creek, MI Friday, November 14, 2008 4:00 p.m. Members Present: Kathy Anaya, Susan Anderson, Randall Champlin, Tiffany Eichorst, , Ken Kohs, Christine Kosmowski, Mary Lindow, Taichi Ochi, Commissioner Sherry Sofia, Commissioner John Godfrey, Commissioner Ryan Hersha, Commissioner Christopher Simmons Absent: Mike Myszka Others: Barbara Hobson, Donna McGuire Call to Order: Comm. Simmons called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Public Comment: None Additions or Deletions to the Agenda: Ken Kohs announced that this was the first meeting of the full Environmental Policy Study Committee and that the purpose of the group was to establish an understanding of direction. Chris Simmons added that for the members outside of the City Commission and City staff, there was an application process and the purpose was to review policy and make recommendations for potential new policy for the City. Correspondence: Comm. Simmons reported that Mayor Behnke forwarded information about biodegradable plastic bags to share with the committee. It was also forwarded to Comm. Godfrey and Comm. Sofia. This email will be forwarded to all Environmental Policy Study Committee members. Committee Reports: None New Business: a. Waste Management contract: battery and CFL bulb recycling Comm. Simmons talked about the current contract and the obligation of recycling of certain products and noted that Waste Management has on their own expanded to all numbers of plastic. Comm. Simmons said that during the time of high petroleum prices, the price of used plastic increased and it created a market for recycling used plastic. Ken Kohs added that in the new Waste Management contract, the bid documents include all plastics one through seven. A contract recommendation will be coming before the City Commission soon. The residential solid waste contract is effective through March 31, 2009, and the new contract will begin April 1, 2009. Ken Kohs proposed to receive unit pricing from Waste Management to provide up to 2,000 compact fluorescent recycling kits and up to 5,000 battery recycling packages per year. With this program, citizens would receive the recycling packages on a first come/first serve basis and mail used bulbs and batteries to Waste Management. The price is fifty-one cents per month per customer. There was discussion about having battery drop off boxes throughout the city, possibly at City Hall, Department of Public Works, or the Fire Stations. 1 Ken Kohs stated Calhoun County has a very successful program and Battle Creek has the greatest amount of participation. He offered to research having some collection sites for batteries at possible locations in the City. Comm. Hersha advocated educating the public on recycling. Ken Kohs suggested after approval of the Waste Management contract, information could be provided to citizens through the city’s water bills and a press release. A motion was made by Kathy Antaya, supported by Susan Anderson, that the Environmental Policy Study Committee recommend to the City Commission to accept the Waste Management proposal and support the new recycling system of compact fluorescent bulbs and batteries. All yes. Motion carried. Old Business: a. Review of Climate Protection Act Policy and 15/15 Renewable Energy Policy Goal Comm. Simmons asked for discussion regarding the Climate Protection Act Policy and the 15/15 renewable energy policy goal. Comm. Godfrey reported that Michelle Reen is the person that has been monitoring for the city, and she established the baseline with Honeywell. After the first year, Honeywell will conduct an annual review. Comm. Godfrey suggested that Michelle Reen be invited to a meeting to provide insight. Comm. Godfrey said that the Climate Protection Policy was enacted by the National Mayors’ Association. He noted a few city commissioners attended a rally at Lakeview Square Mall a few years ago and the policy has moved forward in many communities. Comm. Hersha presented a copy of the policy and offered to email it to members. He noted that the policy has a list of specific recommendations and provides a framework for the committee. Perhaps the committee would like to be the overseer of the city’s progress in achieving its environmental objectives. The idea is not to overburden staff, but to gather information and possibly be a function of the committee. Comm. Godfrey added that the 15/15 Renewable Policy came from the Urban Core Mayors, a group of Mayors from the 13 oldest cities in Michigan, who looked at energy conservation by recommending a standard to Governor Granholm, which was adopted by the State of Michigan. Comm. Simmons stated that he would follow-up with Michelle Reen regarding the 15/15 Renewable Energy Policy to obtain some current data. Comm. Simmons announced that the City Commission recently approved new financial software which will provide e- billing and other customer service capabilities. He hoped to have more information at a future meeting to advise how the system is progressing. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Comm. Godfrey, supported by Comm. Hersha, to approve the meeting minutes of March 17, 2008. All yes. Motion carried. Member Comments: Comm. Godfrey said that he was glad that the Committee was meeting as it was very informative, and that Comm. Hersha has brought out some very good points and felt there was a great opportunity for the committee to make an impact. Next meeting: Comm. Simmons asked how often the committee would like to meet. It was thought that meeting quarterly would be sufficient. The next meeting will be brainstorming to help set some direction for the committee as far as areas to explore. Barbara Hobson thought an environmental audit should be considered. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m. 2