Sustainable BC Committee

City of Battle Creek Environmental Policy Study Committee 10 N. Division St. Conference Room 302A Battle Creek, MI Wednesday, June 5, 2013 4:00 p.m. Members Present: Susan Anderson, Tiffany Eichorst, Randall Champlin, Comm. Andy Helmboldt, Ken Kohs and Kathy Antaya Members Absent: Chris Simmons, Michael Myszka, Christine Kosmowski, Devon Gibson and Becky Spicer Others: Vicki Houser, City Clerk Call to Order: Kathy Antaya called the meeting to order at 4:02 PM. Ms. Antaya noted that a quorum was present. Public Comment: There were no public comments. Approval of Minutes: Kathy Antaya asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. Hearing none, a motion was made by Ken Kohs, supported by Andy Helmboldt, to approve the minutes of the April 3, 2013 meeting. All yes. Motion approved. Additions or Deletions to the Agenda: The May 1, 2013 Workgroup report was deleted from the agenda. Old Business: Comm. Andy Helmboldt and Tiffany Eichorst stated they had not talked with City administration as they were waiting to research other municipalities’ policies. Comm. Helmboldt stated Battle Creek had tried to place recycling receptacles in the downtown area several years ago, but it was not successful due to little use and contamination of the collections, along with labor costs. Comm. Helmboldt stated they would look at other cities’ successes, researching the issues before approaching management again. Sue Anderson stated she had talked with the Battle Creek Community Foundation for possible grant funding for recycle bins in the downtown area. Mr. Kohs stated the past experience 10 years ago had been disappointing, noting little use and a lot of contamination. Mr. Kohs stated Single Stream Recycling was now available with Waste Management, which could provide a solution to the contamination. Mr. Kohs also stated the City had tried the recycling bins with the Longest Breakfast Table 5 years ago, noting there were still contamination issues. Ms. Eichorst suggested the City conduct a trial run, recommending one or two bins to be picked up daily. 1 Mr. Kohs and Ms. Eichorst agreed to contact Waste Management to see if they had communities that were successful. Ms. Anderson agreed to contact Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids to see if they have had success. Ms. Antaya stated other committee members could contact additional communities. Mr. Kohs stated the City has $10K budgeted every year to promote recycling, Comm. Helmboldt stated he would talk with Alyssa Jones to see if there is a companion bin for recyclables. MML Green Communities Challenge: Comm. Helmboldt stated a resolution was not needed to participate in the MML Green Communities Challenge, stating an official letter may be sufficient. Comm. Helmboldt stated Jim Ritsema confirmed approval so that the committee could move forward with the application process. Committee Name/Purpose Discussion: Ms. Antaya read the proposed new wording for the purpose and the new name. The committee discussed the proposed change, stating they effectively addressed additional value that can be added for the community, not just the costs, but future benefits. Ms. Anderson expressed concern the second sentence may limit committee’s efforts. Comm. Helmboldt state he felt the changes would expand opportunities for the committee. Motion: A motion was made by Sue Anderson, supported by Randall Champlain, to change the Committee’s name to Sustainable BC Committee and adopting the proposed purpose statement. All yes, none oppose. Motion approved. Member Comments/Announcements Ms. Eichorst announced the Children’s Waterfest had over 900 participants in May. Mr. Kohs provided an update on the City’s environmental activities, including the 15 x 15 analysis and the PulverDryer project, noting this may impact how the City achieves 15% renewable energy by 2015. Mr. Kohs also discussed two EPA grants, one a brownfield hazardous assessment grant for 200K, and a 650K revolving loan grant fund for clean-up of contaminated sites that result in job opportunities, noting the first project would be the redevelopment of the Heritage Tower for asbestos removal. Ms. Antaya informed the committee of progress at Sprout Urban Farms, including a new hoop house and cold frame. Ms. Antaya also stated Sprout Urban Farms will be selling Community Supported Agriculture shares, which included a box of vegetables every week, for 20 weeks, distributed out of Springfield Market. Adjournment Ms. Anderson adjourned the meeting at 5:17 PM. 2