Environmental Citizen's Committee Meeting

Regular Meeting Environmental Citizens Committee July 13, 2023 A Regular Meeting of the Environmental Citizens Committee was held on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 10:09 a.m. in the Municipal Building at 300 West Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan. Present: Chairman Salley and Members: Ms. Bartleman, Mr. Klepacki, and Councilor Rohrbach Absent: Mr. Theodoroff, Ms. Fox, and Ms. Porter Also Present: City Manager Marsh, Director of Public Services Ballantine. 23-33. Excuse Absences Motion by Councilor Rohrbach, seconded by Mr. Klepacki to excuse the absences of those who gave notice. Yeas: Bartleman, Klepacki, Rohrbach, and Salley Nays: None Absent: Fox, Porter, Theodoroff Motion Carried. 23-34. Additions/Deletions to the Agenda Motion by Councilor Rohrbach, seconded by Mr. Klepacki to add Item 9 to New Business: Discussion of Gardens in the Parks. Yeas: Bartleman, Klepacki, Rohrbach, and Salley Nays: None Absent: Fox, Porter, Theodoroff Motion Carried. 23-35. Minutes Motion by Councilor Rohrbach, seconded by Mr. Klepacki, to adopt the minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 20, 2023, with the correction to the last paragraph (Tree packets, not seed packets). Yeas: Bartleman, Klepacki, Rohrbach, and Salley Nays: None Absent: Fox, Porter, Theodoroff Motion Carried. 1 07-13-23 ECC Regular Meeting Environmental Citizens Committee July 13, 2023 23-36. Meeting Open to the Public Resident Cathy Ellison spoke regarding fireworks in the neighborhoods, community gardens, and the program offered by Midtown Composting. Discussion ensued regarding the state-level law as it pertains to fireworks. Resident Merri Busch introduced the Madison Heights Gardeners facebook group, and expressed her interest in coordinating volunteer planting and maintenance efforts at several welcome signs, and rain gardens in the parks. Marsh explained the current status of the Progress and John R sign, as well as prior issues with volunteer groups suddenly disbanding. Bartleman discussed the importance of considering native plants for such projects. A suggestion was made to add this topic of discussion to the upcoming Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting, to create a collaboration between it and the ECC. 23-37. Seed Library The seed library received another very large donation, and has been giving away many seeds. 23-38. Plant Sale The plant sale went well, the next one will be next year. Discussion ensued about why the plant sales don’t do better; the intent is to get the plants out there, not necessarily make a high profit, although the sales are doing well financially. Bartleman would like to work with WildTypes to get more trees and especially shrubs available. 23-39. New Business: Resident Comment City Manager Marsh requested that this matter be moved ahead on this agenda as she had a conflicting meeting. City administration has been reaching out to other companies to provide other options, with little success. Director Ballantine stated that while the suggestion had come up to create a central drop-off point at DPS, there was conflicting information on what the threshold was for DPS to be categorized as a HHW producer. 23-40. Financial Update – Escrow Account Director of Public Services Ballantine confirmed there’s $10,682.34 in the escrow account. 23-41. Unfinished Business – Arbor Day Event Report 2 07-13-23 ECC Regular Meeting Environmental Citizens Committee July 13, 2023 Event was successful with a good level of turnout. For next year, suggest separate tables for seeds and trees, education for how to plant the tree, and more volunteers. There was too much going on at one table. Definitely worthwhile, and look forward to discussing in January to get a head start on it. 23-42. Bloom Project Mini-Grant Program No progress reports have been submitted yet. Discussion ensued about the concern of depleting the escrow account if this program is repeated next year. 23-32. Adjournment. There being no further business, Chair Salley adjourned the meeting at 11:22 a.m. The next meeting is Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 10 a.m. Sean P. Ballantine Director of Public Services 3 07-13-23 ECC