Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council

Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council Meeting Minutes September 28, 2022 This meeting of the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council was held in person at the River Crest Community Center. Chairwoman Becky Greenwald called the meeting to order at 12:06 p.m. WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Greenwald welcomed members, staff, and guests. • Members Present: Kendra Liddy, Christel Dyer, Becky Greenwald (Chair), James Haluska, Jared Hoernig, Mike Hoffman, , Mike Perry, Adrienne Sawyer (Secretary), Lacy Shirey, Lacie Wever, Amy Weber (Vice-Chair), Jennifer Williams Members Absent: Lauren Ragsac, Sandy Madison Associate Members: (Non-voting) Sydney Covey Staff Present: Ana Elezovic, Nakiesha Bridgers, Monica Christiansen Guests: Mike Doyle, Linda Bradley, Greg Hughes, , Christopher Patterson, Joe Melton, Christina Parrish-Johnson Guests: None MINUTES: Approval of Meeting Minutes: August minutes were sent electronically; hearing no corrections, they were approved as written. Environmental Tip: • Jim Haluska – Citizens can donate aluminum cans at 2400 S. Military Highway. Funds from the cans are used for medical needs for shelter animals. • Amy Weber– Empty rain barrels by filling water storage containers allowing space in the rain barrel to collect water. Environmental Group Spotlight: • None REPORTS: • Executive Committee – Chairperson Rebecca Greenwald reported on the following: • The September meeting with the mayor was postponed. A new date will be set. • The October 1, 2022, Arbor Day celebration is cancelled due to the weather forecast. It will be rescheduled. • AutumFest is cancelled. • Amy Weber and Becky Greenwald attended the Marine Debris Conference at the VA Aquarium. Plastic is a huge problem in the waterways and oceans. • Conservation Conference Cancelled due to low numbers.  • An environmental awards ceremony will be in March 2023. • Landscape Committee – Lauren Ragsac reported on the following: • The committee did not meet in September. • Outreach Committee – Lacie Wever reported on the following: • Amy Weber will be the social media spotlight. • Becky Greenwald is meeting with Liz Vaughn to try to coordinate CEIC’s message topics with the city. A quarterly plan is being explored. • The Heron Chronicle will be coming out soon. • Farmer’s Market (tabling) – spots are open to volunteer • K12 Outreach: Lacie Weaver and Amy Weber will create outreach for schools based on the quarterly plan. • Tree Board – Jim Haluska reported on the following: • School planting at Deep Creek Middle School – The application is on review. They are planning on a spring planting. • The city is updating a city tree list. • UVA’s Tree Canopy Survey: They will concentrate on parts of Chesapeake including South Norfolk, Indian River, and parts of Greenbrier. There is a schedule on Oct. 22 – 23 to see what they want to do. • Community tree planting – 21 trees scheduled to be planted • Waste and Recycling Committee – Lacey Shirey reported on the following: • Community Cleanups: ▪ Fall Longwood University’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC): • Jared Hoernig did a solo cleanup on September 10th at the Elizabeth River Park. • Lacey Shirey led a cleanup on September 10th at Newton Neck. Five volunteers assisted with cleanup of 262 pounds of trash. • Mike Hoffman led a cleanup on September 17th at Western Branch Park and Community Center. Four volunteers cleaned up 30 pounds of trash. • Rogard Ross led a waterway cleanup on September 18th on the Indian River. Four volunteers picked up 150 pounds of trash. • Next cleanups – December and January • Collapsible bins are great; but they need bag clips and/or larger bags to work with the size of the bins. • Cigarette prevention – The bins are currently being touched up and repaired. They will go to the VA Aquarium to be on display during the Marine Debris Conference. • Litter grant – Items purchased since the August meeting include bamboo coasters and dog water stations (at the city parks). Mike Hoffman recommended lids over park trash cans to prevent wildlife from pulling out trash and/or blowing out of trash cans. Megan Hale said she would revisit this request. 2  • Adopt a Park/Spot/Highway – A few groups are interested. Megan Hale encouraged them to do a cleanup now and wait to be considered during the renewal period in January. • Plastic Bag Fee Ordinance – Virginia Beach decided to further delay the ordnance; timeline is uncertain. • PRT Special Programs/askHRgreen – Ana reported on the following: • No updates NEW BUSINESS: • Email volunteer hours to Ana Elezovic (aelezovic@cityofchesapeake.net) and cc:/ Megan Hale by October 05, 2022. SEEKING VOLUNTEERS – Volunteers are needed for the following upcoming events: • Farmers Market, Volunteers needed through November. • Chesapeake Recycles Day, Oct 15 and Nov 12. The Oct. 15 location is Sentara College on Crossways Blvd. HEARING OF CITIZENS: None ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Greenwald adjourned the meeting at 12:58 p.m. NEXT MEETING: The next regular meeting will be on October 26, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. at River Crest Community Center Upcoming meeting schedule: October 26 January 25 February 22 March 22 April 26 May 24 June 28 Minutes submitted by Adrienne Sawyer, Secretary 3