Sustainable BC Committee

City of Battle Creek Sustainable BC Committee 150 N. Kendall St Room 204 Battle Creek, MI Wednesday, April 6 , 2016 4:00 p.m. Members Present : Susan Anderson, Tiffany Welsh, Comm. Flores, Sarah Kelly, Michael Myszka, Kathy Antaya Members Absent : Kurt Tribbett, Christine Kosmowski, Comm. Helmboldt Others : Alicia Sackett, Deputy City Clerk; Ernesto Reyes Assistant City Manager; Leila Saber Consumers Energy-Contractor; Ember Grames, Denso Mfg. Call to Order Susan Anderson called the meeting to order at 4:06 PM, noting a quorum was present. Public Comment : A presentation was made by Leila Saber, of Consumers Energy. Ms. Saber was made aware of this Committee by Kurt Tribbett. Ms. Saber made a presentation on possible energy efficient programs that could financially benefit the City of Battle Creek. Through the Energy Star Bench Marking pilot program Consumers Energy would look at existing audits done by others as well conduct additional evaluations looking for ways to improve energy efficiency. Assistant City Manager Ernesto Reyes stated that he is currently tasked with working on the energy audits for the City of Battle Creek. Ms. Saber shared that the City of Battle Creek is currently participating in the pilot program at the Verona Pumping Station. Michael Myszka is aware of projects within Denso through this program and there are financial benefits. The Committee discussed energy efficiency and ways to possibly utilize the Energy Star Bench Mark programs. Assistant City Manager Reyes noted that if this Committee is interested in additional energy audits, he would be willing to engage in this if directed. Approval of Minutes : A motion was made by Comm. Flores and supported by Mr. Myszka to approve the minutes from February 3, 2016. All yes none opposed. Minutes approved. Additions or Deletions to the Agenda : Mr. Myszka introduced an addition to have new business addressed first. Member Updates/Reports: New Business : A motion was made by Mr. Myszka to have the City consider energy audits and incentive programs with possible financial initiatives seconded by Comm. Flores. All yes none opposed. Motion approved. Comm. Flores stated this would provide support to Asst. Manager Reyes as guidance on what programs to look at for and possible financial incentives. Old Business Susan Anderson asked Asst. City Manager Reyes, how the Committee could move forward with sustainability functions. Asst. City Manager Reyes stated the focus of the sustainability plan needs to incorporate what the Committee wants in terms of goals and measures and what we are looking to achieve in each category. Stating this committee could discuss and grow this concept ultimately to be put into the Sustainability Plan. The Committee discussed how to get the process started. Kathy Antaya stated she would hope as conditions change the Sustainability Plan could change and adapt. 1 Asst. City Manager Reyes stated he attended the Michigan Municipal League conference this past week and shared and article titled Environmental Sustainability. Mr. Myszka shared the 7 great pillars; air, water, waste, energy, education, resiliency and quality of life. Stating we must have a vision and decide what to focus on. Ms. Welsh stated that this Committee has a history of being involved in multiple programs in multiple areas, doing many things well and a living document is a great idea. The Committee discussed how to set and manage this information so that it is measurable. Ms. Antaya stated we need to focus on our waterfronts as welcoming areas of the City, we want people to see Battle Creek and the good things. Comm. Flores stated that BC Vision’s culture of vitality has a focus on the waterfronts as well and Ted Dearing was looking at potential grants for a study. Asst. City Manager Reyes while working on a sustainability plan, will continue to get feedback and mold the plan sharing his research with the group. At a previous meeting green purchasing was a big discussion and he would like to hear more ideas. Comm. Flores stated that environmental stewardship as a goal of the City Manager Fleury. This could be a guide on how to pursue this idea. Mr. Myszka stated that the basic foundation is already there and we need to work on our identity and focus. The Committee discussed the availability of existing plans with other municipalities or organizations who may be willing to share their information. Mr. Myszka can bring in the sustainability plan for Denso which would give an industrial prospective. Comm. Flores stated that we really need data to know how we are doing and what we need to focus on. Asst. City Manager Reyes stated that once we find the identity and areas of focus and then will get a base line on what data to collect. Mr. Myszka stated that we need to come together with information at the next meeting and review other sustainability plans and also copy of the existing goals of the City to make sure we are in line with those expectations. Comm. Flores is unclear what we are working on. Ms. Antaya stated we are working on a mission statement, nailing down the categories we want to focus on. Asst. City Manager Reyes needs to know what the areas of focus are for the Committee for the sustainability plan. Ms. Anderson requested that everyone look around at other sustainability plans and come together. Asst. City Manager Reyes is looking for the direction that the Committee wants to take to help build upon a sustainability plan. City Energy Efficiency : Kurt Tribbett, absent no report was given. City Commission updates : Comm. Flores shared with the Committee the City is currently in the budgeting process, doing an inventory to see what we do and how is our budget should be focused. There has also been conversation around the deer population discussing that culling may be the only option with which the DNR could help. 2 Ember Grames shared that Hillsdale County has had deer population issues and the DNR has helped with coordinate a culling plan. Mr. Myszka said with a community of our size will always have some backlash. Ms. Anderson stated that education is of the community is very important. Ms. Antaya shared that Leila Arboretum would be a great place to do this. Mr. Myszka stated donating the meat to the Foodbank would be a great idea. Environmental Programs Update : Tiffany Welsh will email an update to all members. Sarah Kelly a recycling event will be at DPW April 30th for electronics and Styrofoam. A press release will go out information is also available on Facebook. No businesses will be allowed. The County is looking for other scrap tire collection programs as this continues to be a problem. Albion Recycling Center will be receiving a Governor’s award in May. Committee Comment /Announcements : Next Meeting : The next meeting of the Sustainable BC Committee is scheduled for June 1, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at the Department of Public Works in Room 204. The work group session will be May 4, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at the Cricket Club. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:41 PM. 3