Sustainable BC Committee

City of Battle Creek Sustainable BC Committee City Hall 10 N. Division St. Room 302A Monday, March 25, 2019, 1:00pm The purpose of this Committee is to increase the City's efforts to incorporate environmentally responsible, cost effective policy in the planning, administration and economic development of its built infrastructure and natural resources. The Committee may make recommendations to the City Commission for their consideration and will be available as a resource on sustainability policy. MINUTES Call to Order – 1:08pm Members Present – Kathy Antaya, Sarah Kelly, Susan Anderson, Andy Helmboldt, Kurt Tribett, Liz Paul, Mike Myszka, Kristin Blood, and Commissioner Susan Baldwin via phone. Staff Members – Eric Feldt and Jacob Schacht. Approval of Minutes – February 2019 – Kathy Antaya made a motion to approve the minutes with a date correction, seconded by Susan Anderson. Additions or Deletions to Agenda- None Special Presentations: None Reports - City energy efficiency activities – Kurt Tribett reported on the energy cost savings at DPW. Mr. Tribett also reported about composting and other environmental items. - Environmental Programs update – Liz Paul mention rain barrels are for sale. Ms. Paul noted “Canoe the Kazoo” is coming up and will be capped at 75 participants. Sarah Kelly, Calhoun County, reported the County received the scrap tire grant and will have several events. - Planning updates – Eric Feldt reported his department is looking into non-motorized transportation issues and handing out questionnaires for people during different events such as biking and running. Mr. Feldt reported to the committee about a seminar he went to in Ann Arbor. - City Commission updates – Comm. Baldwin reported that the City Manager is looking at the Sustainability Plan while considering the upcoming year’s budget. Field Trips, Trainings, Etc. None Old Business - Membership/Schedule – Kristin Blood mentioned trying to get members from areas that do not recycle well. - Recycling – Liz Paul reported the bi-weekly recycling will start in May. Ms. Paul noted there will be information in the April water bills and maps on the city website. Sarah  Kelly and Susan Anderson had a tour of the Waste Management Recycling facility. Ms. Kelly reported one problem is people not knowing what can be recycled and how to prepare the materials. Ms. Kelly noted the County can take items that the City cannot. Susan Anderson mentioned that single use plastics and junk mail make up a bulk of the recycling materials. Education is the key to make recycling better. Ms. Paul mentioned there may be a need for a Recycling Committee in the future. - Sustainability Plan Next Steps – Andy Helmboldt reported the City Manager assigned items to staff during a meeting in February. Jacob Schacht reported certain items were given to specific groups of employees. Andy Helmboldt noted the City Manager will report to the City Commission quarterly as to the progress. New Business None Public Comment None Member Comments/Announcements – Members discussed ideas for educating the public about proper recycling. Sue Anderson mentioned a speaker coming to the Art Center to speak about Climate Change. Mr. Hemboldt asked the committee to be mindful of their language, for example, the word “crazy.” Next Meeting - April 22, 2019, 1:00-2:30pm at City Hall Adjournment – 2:42 pm