Sustainable BC Committee

City of Battle Creek Sustainable BC Committee 150 N. Kendall St Room 204 Battle Creek, MI Wednesday, February 3, 2016 4:00 p.m. Members Present : Susan Anderson, Comm. Andy Helmboldt, Tiffany Welsh, Kurt Tribbett, Comm. Flores, Comm. Faris, Kathy Antaya, Christine Kosmowski, Sarah Kelly Members Absent : Michael Myszka, Randall Champlin Others : Alicia Sackett, Deputy City Clerk Call to Order Comm. Helmboldt called the meeting to order at 4:03 PM, noting a quorum was present. Public Comment : None Approval of Minutes : A motion was made by Comm. Andy Helmboldt, supported by Kathy Antaya, to approve the December 2, 2015 meeting minutes. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved. Additions or Deletions to the Agenda : None Member Updates/Reports: City Energy Efficiency : Kurt Tribbett stated that the propane transition is going well and they are looking to convert 20-25% of our fleet to propane by the year 2020. Mr. Tribbett stated the City is also looking at a pilot project with Consumers Energy to measure our pumps at the Water Plant to make them more efficient. This is a free study that would be conducted by Consumers Energy. There is also a possibility of putting in a solar panel field at the Water Plant in the future, which could bring additional cost savings. The Committee had some discussion about solar fields. Mr. Tribbett shared that we will be upgrading blowers and pumps next year at the WWTP. The City will also begin monitoring chemical usage to treat in a timelier manner, hoping to save on chemical usage. This project is expected to have a 6-7 year return on investment and will be an 8-9 million dollar project. City Commission updates: Comm. Helmboldt believes the City has decided to move the Vibe @ 5 back to Friendship Park. City Energy Efficiency Activities: The Committee discussed Fresh Coast Capital turning the old Wilson School site into a poplar tree farm. They would have a full harvest in 15 years, noting this could serve as a renewable resource and beautification tool. Part of the land is owned by the City and part by Battle Creek Public Schools. Ms. Welsh stated that there are a couple of similar projects going around the state and it should be noted that the Planning Department has put a lot of hard work into this project. Comm. Flores mentioned the Commission has also been approving contracts related to Sludge Cake and the decommissioning of the incinerator. Mr. Tribbett shared that the decommissioning of the incinerator is due to EPA regulations, noting this will happen on March 21st. A new process will be put into place to dry the sludge out and create “cakes” to be transported out to a landfill in the winter and in the summer the sludge will be land applied to farmers for their fields at no cost. Mr. Tribbett went on to explain that ongoing tests are performed to ensure the proper mixture. Christine Kosmowski explained that land applying has been done since the late 1970’s. Ms. Welsh shared that the Styrofoam collection with the County in January was a great success with over 460 pounds of Styrofoam collected. The next recycling event is on April 30th at the DPW location, stating this will be open to all City and County residents and also includes an electronics collection. Ms. Welsh updated the Committee on the recycling contract, stating that residents will be receiving 96 gallon carts with weekly pickup; down the road we may be able to go to every other week to reduce costs. Normal pickup continues to be weekly with spring and fall cleanups for bulky items. However, no more CFL lights or battery recycling boxes will be available after April as this is not part of the new contract. The Calhoun County recycling sites in Marshall and Albion will still be accepting the CFL lights and batteries. Also as of December 31, 2015 residents can no longer go to 1 the Kalamazoo Household Hazardous Waste Center, stating alternative possibilities are being looked at for a convenience to residents. Ms. Welsh shared that carts will be delivered the week of April 22nd which is Earth Week. They will be green with a yellow top. Ms. Welsh announced the following open houses to introduce residents to the convenience of the 96 galloon carts. The dates and times are: March 15th at 5pm March 17th at Noon March 22nd at 5pm March 24th at Noon Ms. Welsh also stated that orange bins will no longer be allowed, they will be picked up at the same time the new carts are delivered. All residents will get a bin regardless of whether they recycle currently. Ms. Welsh stated that she and Mr. Tribbett are points of contact if anyone has questions. Mr. Welsh reminded everyone that the Children’s Water Festival will be on May 13th Friday at KCC, stating 24 classes have registered already. Ms. Welsh stated the Clean Water Calendars are now gone, all 26,000. Ms. Welsh has been appointed to the Calhoun County Solid Waste Committee; the next meeting is Feb 17th at 5pm. Old Business Kathy Antaya shared information on environmental assessments. Ms. Antaya stated Jeff at the DEQ could not produce any green buying polices from other municipalities, but suggested, Grand Rapid, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Delhi Township in the City of Lansing. The DEQ is currently conducting environmental audits of municipalities around the State. This is the non-regulatory branch of the DEQ. The DEQ would require a general agreement which would allow the DEQ to come to the municipality and look at each facility for regulatory compliance and energy efficiency. This is the Michigan Integrated Assessment programs. If the City wanted to get involved it would be one of the first communities to participate. With this program the DEQ would also make suggestions on greener products and cost savings that benefit the City. Upon completion, an extensive written report would be given back to the City with suggested improvements. Comm. Helmboldt stated that the City now has an option on the Southwest Rehab building as a possibility for future City facilities. Comm. Helmboldt suggested Comm. Flores or Comm. Faris present the Michigan Integrated Assessment program information to City Manager Fleury at their next regular meeting. Comm. Flores shared Green Purchasing information from California Sustainability. Christine Kosmowski suggested coming up with a time line and meeting with Chris Huff, from Purchasing, to discuss Green purchasing. Comm. Helmboldt stated that when this was brought up a few years ago it was difficult to find any existing information. The Committee discussed Green Purchasing Comm. Helmboldt agreed to invite Chris Huff to the next meeting so that a direction could be set and information shared. Comm. Helmboldt shared information Ms. Welsh had gathered on CalRecycle. Ms. Antaya stated the Michigan Green Guide has been supplied prior to the group and could be a good resource. Committee Comment /Announcements : Sarah Kelly stated the County is kicking off the changes to the Marshall Recycling Center with a goal of mirroring the Albion branch having a staffed recycling center. New hours will begin the week of February 15th to Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Staff will help sort and make sure trash is not left. Staffing the facility will create jobs. Ms. Kelly is working to reduce the carbon footprint and keep everything as close to local as possible. Susan Anderson questioned if the need for facilities manager at the City has been determined. Comm. Helmboldt stated other hiring issues have taken precedence at this time. The Committee discussed multiple resources that may be helpful in their research. Comm. Helmboldt may have some information from the MML Conference that would be helpful. Comm. Helmboldt will be sending out the homework to all Committee members for the March 2nd meeting. 2 Next Meeting : The next meeting of the Sustainable BC Committee is scheduled for April 6, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at the Department of Public Works in Room 204. The work group gathering will be March 2, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at the Cricket Club. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 PM. 3