Sustainable BC Committee

City of Battle Creek Sustainable BC Committee 150 N. Kendall St Multi-Purpose Room Battle Creek, MI Wednesday, December 3, 2014 4:00 p.m. Members Present: Kathy Antaya, Comm. Andy Helmboldt, Randall Champlin, Christine Kosmowski, Tiffany Welsh, and Ken Kohs Members Absent: Susan Anderson, Devon Gibson, Chris Simmons (resignation effective 12/3/14) and Michael Myszka Others: Vicki Houser, City Clerk; Rebecca Fleury, City Manager Call to Order: Kathy Antaya called the meeting to order at 4:06 PM, noting a quorum was present. Welcome the New City Manager: Ms. Antaya welcomed Rebecca Fleury, the new City Manager. Introductions: Committee members introduced themselves to Ms. Fleury. Discussion with Ms. Fleury: Ms. Fleury provided a background on her experience with environmental sustainability, noting she was a member of the Barry County Solid Waste Committee, tackling recycling countywide, tasked to look at other communities’ practices and struggles. Ms. Fleury also stated she helped with Green and LEAD certified building planning. Ms. Fleury stated she is still learning what Battle Creek is doing, noting she has reviewed the City’s Intergovernmental policy. Ms. Fleury also noted the work that has recently been completed at Full Blast and the Kellogg Arena, noting this was a nationally recognized project. Ms. Fleury also noted current studies of the Battle Creek Fire Stations, hoping to determine ways to make the older buildings more energy efficient. Ms. Fleury also discussed the work of many companies in the Fort Custer Industrial Park that were working to be more efficient, including water use and electrical. Ms. Fleury said she would encourage the City to do energy audits in all City facilities to make sure we are as efficient as possible. Ms. Fleury also discussed the potential benefits of the Pulver-Dryer project. Ms. Kosmowski stated all City departments should look to be more energy efficient, stating the City should have someone lead or implement a comprehensive plan for sustainability, noting the current Sustainability Covenant was often in limbo. Ms. Kosmowski agreed, stating the goal was to be more comprehensive instead of piecemeal. Ms. Fleury asked what programs or requirements the other cities in the Sustainability Covenant have. Ms. Antaya stated her research indicates other cities have a lot of non-binding resolutions, but little direction. Ms. Antaya recommended Western Michigan University as a good resource, stating they were a client of hers in Environmental Stewardship, noting they were one of the leaders of the covenant. Comm. Helmboldt noted a prior discussion of the committee included green purchasing, as a way to affect the triple bottom line. Comm. Helmboldt stated his research has indicated that each department does their own purchasing, and often cost is considered before sustainability. Ms. Antaya noted Battle Creek was awarded Gold in the MML Green Communities Challenge, noting this was their first submission. Mr. Kohs thanked Ms. Kosmowski for discussing her concerns, stating it is not best to dwell in the past, noting there has been increased interest and effort in environmental stewardship in the City, noting staff will follow the Administration’s and the Commission’s lead, expressing hope it becomes a greater priority. Comm. Helmboldt stated that he spoke with Susan Bedsole, Interim Assistant City Manager, regarding sustainability, noting she had considered hybrid vehicles for the Code Compliance and Inspections staff, but as the costs were significantly higher, the City did not feel it was prudent to purchase the higher cost environmentally responsible vehicles. Ms. Fleury noted some communities commit to having a percentage of environmentally friendly vehicles. Ms. Welsh noted other communities often look at the time to get a payback for the investment. Ms. Antaya stated there is a misperception that environmental purchases will cost more, stating there are other benefits that should be considered. 1 Ms. Fleury stated it was a good time to discuss sustainability as the Commission has just finished clarifying their mission and goals. Ms. Fleury suggested the City consider contractors that are more environmentally conscious when considering projects for the Capital Improvement Program, incorporating this into how we fund our projects. Mr. Champlin expressed his concern that the City needed to make good decisions with taxpayer funds, stating he would not like that money is spent just because a product or service is environmentally friendly. Mr. Champlin also cautioned the City and the Commission to consider “Feel good” initiatives, stating the Commission has a responsibility to research the benefits and the staff research/reporting needs. Ms. Antaya assured Ms. Fleury the Committee would be a resource to the Commission and the administration. Public Comment: There were no public comments. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Andy Helmboldt, supported by Tiffany Welsh, to approve the August 6, 2014 and October 1, 2014 meeting minutes. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. Additions or Deletions to the Agenda: Ms. Antaya recommended the Draft: 2014 Committee Report to the City Commission be postponed to the next meeting, requesting everyone review the information Mr. Gibson sent. Mr. Kohs stated he did not comment on the information as he wanted the report to be from the Committee, not from staff. Ms. Antaya also postponed the Lakeview SEA Club Invitation until the next meeting. Old Business: 1. Draft: 2014 Committee Report to the City Commission - Postponed 2. Lakeview SEA Club Invitation - Postponed New Business: 1. Sustainable BC Role in WKKF/Kellogg Co “BC Vision” Ms. Antaya discussed the BC Vision goals, notably creating more jobs, attracting talent and cultural vitality, recommending the Committee consider how they might incorporate sustainability into the discussion. Ms. Antaya urged the Committee members to attend the future sessions, noting they were scheduled for December 11th and December 16th. Mr. Champlin stated the sessions include quality of life discussions, noting environmental sustainability could contribute to this. Ms. Fleury noted BC Vision prompts everyone to relook at what constitutes community, economic development and place making. 2. Calhoun County Solid Waste Committee report Mr. Kohs stated the Calhoun County Solid Waste Committee may have opportunities for the Committee and the City to participate in, specifically battery and CFL recycling. Mr. Kohs stated they would also like the City to participate in household hazardous waste program, possibly at Bailey Park, and a second event at the Toeller Building. Mr. Kohs also mentioned a household hazardous waste contract with Kalamazoo County, which provided an additional resource of our residents. 3. Approval of the 2015 Sustainable BC Committee Meeting Schedule A motion was made by Andy Helmboldt, supported by Randal Champlin, to approve the 2015 Sustainable BC Committee schedule. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. Committee Comment Ms. Welsh informed everyone that the 2015 Calhoun County Community Calendar was available. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Sustainable BC Committee is scheduled for February 4, 2015 at 4:00 pm. at the Department of Public Works in Room 204. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:01 PM. 2