Sustainable BC Committee

City of Battle Creek Sustainable BC Committee 10 N. Division St. Conference Room 302A Battle Creek, MI Wednesday, August 7, 2013 4:00 p.m. Members Present: Susan Anderson, Michael Myszka, Devon Gibson, Randall Champlin, Comm. Andy Helmboldt, Christine Kosmowski and Kathy Antaya Members Absent: Tiffany Eichorst, Chris Simmons, Ken Kohs 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 Comm. Andy Helmboldt, supported by Sue Anderson, to approve the minutes of the June 5, 2013 meeting. All yes. Motion approved. Additions or Deletions to the Agenda: None Old Business: 1. Commission Approval of the new committee name and purpose Ms. Antaya informed the committee members that Resolution 158 was approved on June 18, 2013 to change the name and purpose of the committee. 2. Public Recycle Stations Ms. Antaya stated the City purchased a solar powered recycle/waste compactor unit that was placed at Market Plaza. Ms. Antaya thought the recycle bins would be placed in the newly renovated downtown area, noting it was a challenge to find bins that would go with the recent renovation. Ms. Antaya noted that the compactor bins would probably not be placed downtown at this time. Comm. Helmboldt stated it would still be a challenge to convince everyone to place the bins in the downtown area, noting the Market Plaza may be the best place to start the project. Comm. Helmboldt noted that with Ms. Eichorst at the City, she may continue to work to promote the committee’s ideas and recommendations. Mr. Champlin inquired as to how the City will determine if the compactors use will be successful. 1  Ms. Antaya noted they would need to see how much the units are used. 3. MML Green Communities Challenge a. Official Letter by City Commission Ms. Antaya asked if a letter was needed. Comm. Helmboldt stated no letter was necessary; they just needed to register at the website. b. Registration Ms. Antaya noted that Ms. Eichorst will be registering the City on the MML website. c. Promotion of Committee purpose Ms. Antaya stated she would write a column in the Battle Creek Shopper News to discuss the City, the Committee and the committee’s purpose. Mr. Myszka stated he may have an opportunity at Denso to present the efforts of the Committee and the City. Mr. Myszka also recommended the committee post information at the Downtown Farmers’ Market bulletin board. Ms. Kosmowski noted that a calendar was being planned for next year and suggested the committee submit something for the calendar. 4. 15 x 15 Energy Analysis Mr. Myszka stated that he has not had a chance to evaluate all the data, but intends to continue his analysis. 5. Update PulverDryer Ms. Antaya read a memo from Mr. Kohs regarding the progress, and possible future plans, of the PulverDryer project that was approved at the City Commission meeting on July 16, 2013. Comm. Helmboldt noted this is the first time the PulverDryer process has been used in a municipality, noting future approval from the EPA would be needed for the additional phases. New Business 1. Workgroup report – July 3, 2013 Ms. Anderson stated most of the items discussed at the work session were placed on the agenda for further discussion. 2. Promotion of Committee a. Facebook – Mr. Gibson stated he would create a Facebook page for the committee. 2  b. Posting Notice – Mr. Helmboldt agreed to create an informational flyer for the Market Plaza. c. News Column – Ms. Antaya agreed to do a column for the Battle Creek Shopper News. d. Commission Meetings – Comm. Helmboldt stated he regularly updates the City Commission of the committee’s recommendations. e. Water Billing – Ms. Antaya agreed to contact Sue McBride, in the Print Shop, and Tiffany Eichorst to discuss an insert in the City-wide water billings. Member Comments/Announcements Ms. Kosmowski recommended the US Mayor’s Climate Protection initiative be reviewed for opportunities for the members to work on. Ms. Anderson asked how the Committee promotes the goals of the initiative. Ms. Antaya noted the resolution did not require the Committee to do anything, but recommended members review the initiative to see what could be recommended. (Resolution # 250 dated August 15, 2006) Mr. Myszka recommended the members consider contacting BCU to discuss LEAD certification, which may attract young people to our community. Mr. Myszka also stated he would work with his company to see what they do to promote not just the company, but the Battle Creek community also. Comm. Helmboldt recommended the MML Green Communities Challenge website as a source for ideas to promote our City to young professionals. Ms. Kosmowski recommended the committee assist with the linking of activities to their sustainability value. Ms. Kosmowski announced the Kanoe the Kazoo would be held this weekend. Ms. Kosmowski also noted the River Raft Regatta sponsored by the BC MAMS this same weekend. Ms. Kosmowski also provided an update on Enbridge activities. Mr. Gibson noted the Parks and Rec department would be reporting their needs for their Master Plan at Full Blast on August 15, 2013 at 5:30. Mr. Gibson also noted the county and the city have collaborated to provide dumped concrete to Bright Star Farms to build paths. Ms. Antaya mentioned the “Tire Totems” recently placed throughout the community. Ms. Antaya noted the Committee members were invited to meet for an informal work session on September 4, 2013 at the Cricket Club. Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for October 2, 2013 at 4:00 PM in Room 302A. Adjournment Ms. Antaya adjourned the meeting at 5:18 PM. 3