Environmental Citizen's Committee Meeting

Environmental Citizen's Committee Meeting Madison Heights, Michigan January 09, 2025 An Environmental Citizen's Committee Meeting was held on Thursday, January 09, 2025, at 10:00 AM at City Hall - Madison Room, 300 W. 13 Mile Rd. Present: Chairman Salley and Members: Ms. Bartleman, Ms. Bowen, Ms. Ellison, Ms. Fox, and Ms. Studtmann Absent: Ms. Porter and Councilor Rohrbach Also Present: Director of Public Services Ballantine and Deputy City Clerk Boucher ECC 01-25. Excuse member(s) Motion to excuse Ms. Porter and Councilor Rohrbach from today’s meeting. Motion made by Fox, Seconded by Bartleman. Voting Yea: Bartleman, Bowen, Fox, Salley, Studtmann, Ellison Absent: Porter and Rohrbach Motion carried. ECC 02-25. Minutes Motion to adopt the minutes from the Regular Meeting of October 10, 2024, as presented. Motion made by Bowen, Seconded by Studtmann. Voting Yea: Bartleman, Bowen, Fox, Salley, Studtmann, Ellison Absent: Porter and Rohrbach Motion carried. ECC 03-25. Meeting Open to the Public No public were present who wished to speak. ECC 04-25. Financial Update - Escrow Account Director of Public Services Ballantine confirmed there's $13,369.01 in the escrow account. 1 ECC 05-25. Seed Library Ms. Fox confirmed that Home Depot and the Library Network donated seeds to the Seed Library. Ms. Studtmann shared information about Oakland Township seed harvest program and will reach out to them for more information about their program. ECC 06-25. Upcoming Board Events Director of Public Services Ballantine advised the committee that items are due for the Recreation Spring and Summer brochure no later than the first week of February. Ms. Fox announced that the next Plant Sale is scheduled for Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 2-5 p.m. Ms. Studtmann shared information about Oakland County CISMA and will reach out to them to participate in a future event with the ECC. Ms. Bartleman talked about the Red Oaks Nature Center exhibit and will reach out to them to participate in a future event with the ECC. Motion to approve $500 to Angela Nelson at East Michigan Native Plants, LLC for a workshop. Motion made by Bartleman, Seconded by Bowen. Voting Yea: Bartleman, Bowen, Fox, Salley, Studtmann, Ellison Absent: Porter and Rohrbach Motion carried. ECC 07-25. Food Composting Director of Public Services Ballantine updated that the pilot program at the Department of Public Services (DPS) now has three food compost carts. As of the end of December, there has been 1 ton, or 2,000 pounds of composted food. Madison Heights Fire Stations now recycle and do food compost. Phase II of food composting will include the restaurants in the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) district and school districts. 2  Starbucks and Chipotle in Madison Heights continue to participate in the My Green Michigan. Ms. Studtmann inquired about food compost for Planet Rock for their coffee grinds. Ms. Ellison inquired about food compost for the Lamphere and Madison School Districts. Ms. Bartleman inquired about food compost for Four Corners Montessori Academy and Bishop Foley Catholic High School. ECC 08-25. ECC Mini-Grant Program Ms. Fox added a follow up from grant recipient is required and they must allow use of any photos. Motion to approve $4,000 towards the Environmental Citizen's Committee (ECC) Mini-Grant Program. Motion made by Bowen, Seconded by Bartleman. Voting Yea: Bartleman, Bowen, Fox, Salley, Studtmann, Ellison Absent: Porter and Rohrbach Motion carried. ECC 09-25. Arbor Day Director of Public Services Ballantine updated that the Parks and Recreation "Run for the Health of It" 5K Run/Walk is on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 8 a.m. at the Red Oaks Nature Center. There will be a table provided for the Environmental Citizen’s Committee (ECC). Ms. Bartleman suggests including literature from the Seed Library and SOCWA. Ms. Studtmann suggests including literature from Oakland County CISMA. ECC 10-25. New Business 3  Ms. Ellison inquired about offering dog poop compost in the city. She suggests inviting Make Food Not Waste in Detroit, Metro Foods, and Walking Lightly in Ferndale for future ECC events. ECC 11-25. Adjournment There being no further business, Chair Salley adjourned the meeting at 11:15 a.m. The next meeting is Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. Phommady A. Boucher Deputy City Clerk 4