Sustainable BC Committee

City of Battle Creek Sustainable BC Committee 150 N. Kendall St Room 204 Battle Creek, MI Wednesday, October 5 , 2016 4:00 p.m. Members Present : Comm. Flores, Tiffany Welsh, Kurt Tribbett, Michael Myszka, Susan Anderson, Comm. Faris, Kathy Antaya, Sarah Kelly, Comm. Helmboldt Members Absent : Christine Kosmowski Others : Alicia Sackett, Deputy City Clerk Call to Order : Comm. Flores called the meeting to order at 4:02 PM, noting a quorum was present. Public Comment : Don Bradstreet introduced himself and went over his background as a retired architectural engineer and stating he is looking forward to learning from this Committee. Oliva Jayacar was introduced by Kathy Antaya as a potential new member, Ms. Jayacar has an extensive background with gardening and the Leila Arboretum. Approval of Minutes : A motion was made by Michael Myszka, supported by Comm. Faris to approve the minutes from August 10, 2016. All yes, none opposed. Minutes approved. Additions or Deletions to the Agenda : There were none. Member Updates/Reports: City Energy Efficiency : Kurt Tribbett stated the secondary treatment facility study at the Waste Water Treatment Plant is still on schedule for the end of February, with the replacement of a blower and other changes, this project will save 20-40% in energy cost. The Water Plant study is looking at the pumps that move water through the system to improve pump efficiency. Environmental Programs Update: Tiffany Welsh shared River Cleanup was October 1st with about 100 people volunteering and cleanup of 10 sites this year. Mrs. Welsh stated many grants support this program, noting this is the 16th year. Comm. Faris asked what methods are available in the County for disposal of tires. Mrs. Welsh stated the City is looking at possible grants to help dispose of the tires collected, also looking for potential partners to do this work. Sarah Kelly stated the City could potentially fill 2-3 trailers with scrap tires. Most stores that sell tires will take some back at a fee of $2.00-$3.00. Many factors are being looked at and we may be able to shred and landfill them. Tires can also be cut into chunks and disposed of in the trash. Due to the decline in the need for scrap tires, the DEQ now will allow the shredding of scrap tires to be disposed of in a landfill, and this is an option the County is looking at as well. Calhoun County Update: Ms. Kelly shared the new recycling center in Marshall is nearing completion and will be open soon. The next Recycle Rama has a potential date of April 1st of next year. City Commission updates : Comm. Flores stated the City Commission held the City Manager planning retreat to set the goals for the next year. Comm. Flores shared that developing a Sustainability Plan, continuing the Energy Audits for City buildings and exploring Low Impact Development opportunities are continuing goals of the City Manager. Comm. Flores also stated there have been some staffing changes, noting Ernesto Reyes is no longer with the City, however some of his roles have been assumed by other City staff. Old Business : Comm. Flores began a conversation on reviewing the draft Sustainability Plan. 1 Mrs. Welsh reviewed the plan with the committee, sharing a hand out, “City of Battle Creek Sustainability Plan” noting this is an updated version of the plan Mr. Reyes had started. The Committee discussed the plan, offering potential improvements and changes to the plan, as well as groups that could be partnered with to receive additional input. Mrs. Welsh noted that many of the projects outlined in the Plan are already in progress. The Committee decided to review the information and come back with additional suggestions at the next meeting. New Business: There were none. Member Comment/Announcements : Ms. Kelly stated the Household Hazardous Waste collection will be on Saturday and is free of charge, it is being held at the County building in the back parking lot. Michael Myszka shared that next Thursday the Fort Custer Guard Base will be hosting a luncheon and Alternative Energy Tour. Mrs. Welsh shared that Spooky Science will be on Saturday October 22nd. Kathy Antaya is selling NAACP Freedom fund raiser tickets for $50.00 per person and will be on October 21st. Next Meeting : The next meeting of the Sustainable BC Committee is scheduled November 2, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at the Department of Public Works in Room 204. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 5:27 PM by Comm. Flores. 2