Sustainable BC Committee
Regular MeetingBattle Creek, MI · April 22, 2019
Minutes
City of Battle Creek
Sustainable BC Committee
City Hall 10 N. Division St.
Room 302A
Monday, April 22, 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.
AGENDA
Call to Order – 1:02pm
Members Present - Kathy Antaya, Sarah Kelly, Susan Anderson, Andy Helmboldt, Kurt Tribbett,
Liz Paul, Kristin Blood, and Commissioner Susan Baldwin. Staff Members – Eric Feldt and Jacob
Schacht.
Members Absent - Mike Myszka and Kate Flores
Approval of Minutes – March 2019 – Susan Baldwin made a motion to approve the minutes,
seconded by Kristin Blood. All yes, none opposed. Motion approved.
Additions or Deletions to Agenda- None
Reports
- City energy efficiency activities – Kurt Tribbett reported on 20% energy cost savings at
WWTP, hoping to a have additional data by the end of summer. Mr. Tribbett also reported
about composting, bio-solids and other DPW projects.
- Environmental Programs update – Liz Paul informed the Committee of the Children’s Water
Festival, on May 10th at KCC, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Ms. Paul also provided updates on the
MS4 application, the Wellhead application, Michigan Green Communities report and changes
to Waste Management’s pick up of recyclables. Sarah Kelly provided information on the
Recycle Rama, noting they had fewer vehicles go through the event this year, but collected
more recyclables. Ms. Kelly noted several cars brought items that were not allowed at this
event. Ms. Kelly stated they would provide more information about alternate drop off
locations throughout the county, which may help to reduce lines at future events. Ms. Kelly
also informed the committee that they would be submitting a grant for a recycling container
to take to events.
- Planning updates – Eric Feldt reported his department will be holding workshops for the non-
motorized plan, with discussions on bike and walking paths, the Linear Path, and canoe
moorage. Mr. Feldt also encouraged members to participate in Bike Month events in May,
including the Ride of Silence on May 15th and Bike to Work Day on May 17th. Mr. Feldt also
noted many medical marihuana facility applications are including sustainable aspects into
their location plans.
- City Commission updates – Comm. Baldwin noted there was nothing new to report. Andy
Helmboldt stated the City Manager would provide updates periodically. Jacob Schacht is
researching other municipalities’ green purchasing policies. Mr. Helmboldt met with CCDC,
who manages the Kellogg Arena, Bailey Park and the mowing contract for city parks, to
discuss the Sustainability Plan.
Field Trips, Trainings, Etc. - None
Old Business
- Schedule and Location change for May meeting – Mr. Tribbett invited the committee to
participate in a memorial to former committee member, Tiffany Welsh, with a plaque and
tree planting at DPW, followed by a walk on the Linear Path, on Monday, May 20th,
beginning at noon. NEED A NEW MEETING NOTICE.
Kristin Blood made a motion, supported by Kathy Antaya, to reschedule the Sustainable BC
Committee meeting in May to Monday, May 20, 2019, following the memorial ceremony, at
the Department of Public Works Multi-Purpose Room. All yes, none opposed. Motion
approved.
New Business
- Emergency Planning Conversation with Mike McKenzie, Emergency Services Director
- Director McKenzie discussed the different types of emergency instances, including natural
and man-made disasters. Director McKenzie discussed the numerous planning initiatives,
such as the Energy Assurance plan, Incident Command Training and the BC Response
Consortium, noting many organizations participate and collaborate to ensure emergency
responses are coordinated and successful. Director McKenzie stated the city participates in
weather training, school safety task forces, active shooter training, fire drill training, FEMA
recognized training, along with federal, state and local initiatives. Director McKenzie
recommended committee members participate in emergency management training, noting
bcesmi.org had training information available.
- Mr. Helmboldt stated the Sustainability Plan should include emergency management
planning.
Public Comment
None
Member Comments/Announcements – Members discussed the recent budget shortfall and DEQ
training opportunities.
Next Meeting
- May 20, 2019, 1:00-2:30pm at the Department of Public Works, Multi-purpose Room
(following the memorial celebration and walk).
Adjournment – 2:25 pm
Agenda
City of Battle Creek
Sustainable BC Committee
City Hall 10 N. Division St.
Room 302A
Monday, April 22, 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.
AGENDA
Call to Order
Introductions
Approval of Minutes – March 2019
Additions or Deletions to Agenda
Reports
- City energy efficiency activities
- Environmental Programs update
- Planning updates
- City Commission updates
Sustainability Plan:
- City Manager update from senior staff
Field Trips, Trainings, Etc.
-
Old Business
- Schedule and location change for May meeting?
New Business
- Emergency planning conversation with Mike McKenzie
Public Comment
Member Comments/Announcements
Next Meeting
- May 22, 2019, 1:30-2:30pm at DPW?
Adjournment
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