Environmental Advisory Board

Agenda Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 7:00 p.m. City Hall, Room 122 203 S. Troy Street Royal Oak, Michigan 48067 Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the city clerk’s office at 248-246-3050 at least two (2) business days prior to the meeting. Pages 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes 3 4. Public Comment 5. New Business a. Parks Department Bee Keeping and Master Plan Update - Nicole 8 McEachern b. Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure and Fleet - Devan Dodge-Frye c. International Compost Awareness Week - Devan Dodge-Frye 9 d. Bee City EAB Liaison - Frank Komola & Devan Dodge-Frye 6. Receive and File a. City Commissioner Report b. Sustainability Manager / Staff Report 11 Devan Dodge-Frye c. Materials Management Report 13 7. Old Business a. Oakland County Earth Day - Frank Komala b. EAB Budget Discussion Cont. - Frank Komola c. Park Clean Up April 25th - Devan Dodge-Frye • Sign up here: City of Royal Oak, MI] Park Cleanup 2026 • Need Volunteers for Kickoff Event April 25th 9am at Senior  Center. d. Educational Events - Brock Bosack e. Paperless Billing Update - Frank Komola f. Community Benefits Update - Paul Vial 8. Subcommittee/Program Updates a. Social Media 9. General Announcements 10. Adjournment Page 2 of 16  Minutes Royal Oak Environmental Advisory Board March 25, 2026, 7:00 p.m. City Hall, Room 122 203 S. Troy Street Royal Oak, Michigan 48067 Present: Amanda Herzog Tessa Benziger Brock Bosack Siddharth Karunakaran Frank Komola Nicholas Marcelletti Paul Vial Absent: Zoe Chase Julie Lyons Bricker Jill Robinson Ed Slesak _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm. 2. Approval of Agenda  Add Bylaws and ordinance as 6.f. Moved by: Siddharth Karunakaran Seconded by: Nicholas Marcelletti Motion to approve the agenda with addition of 6.f. Motion Adopted 3. Approval of Minutes Moved by: Paul Vial Seconded by: Tessa Benziger Motion to approve the February minutes. Motion Adopted 1 Page 3 of 16 4. Public Comment  Nancy Poprafsky o Developers keeps clearing mature 100-year-old trees. The tree fund is only supporting young trees that cannot replace the value of mature trees. City needs better ordinance, enforcement, and inventory of mature trees. o City should encourage planting of deer resistance plants.  Woody Gontina o No comments. 5. Receive and File 5.a City Commissioner Report  SEMCOG awarded the City 3.3 million dollars for traffic moderation to help with flow, traffic patterns, less idling, etc. at 14 mile and Coolidge in 2027-2028. o Meets S-CAP goals. o Discussion about pedestrian button and being sure pedestrian safety is ensured. 5.b Sustainability Manager / Staff Report 5.c Materials Management Report 6. New Business 6.a Cont. Proposed goals for the current fiscal year - Frank Komola (20 min)  Increase communication o Use of social media to get the word out – Share, Like, comment. o Keep utilizing free channels – insight, senior center, water bills.  Collection events. o Electronic and hazardous waste collection event o Tire collection event o Paper shredder o Contact SOCRRA as partner for mobile days  Educational Outreach – set up events at the library (4) o Topics: use the S-CAP - waste, GHG, stormwater, etc. 2 Page 4 of 16  o How can we use these to hit other goals like RENO.  GHG emissions assessment / inventory (Paul offering support)  Review of the S-CAP (by end of the year) 6.b Budget discussion for the next fiscal year - Frank Koloma (20 min)  $1,500 earth day  Speaker fees or gifts  Paying for service to boost messaging  Clothing 6.b.1 Conferences and trainings  City management working on policy for conference and training fees to ensure appropriate use. Visit again in July when new budget period begins. 6.c Community Benefits List - Paul Vial (15 min)  Discussion to not limit the list to just unit development, but also to variances and how these relate to the zoning ordinance updates.  Reconnecting with the other groups: DDA, Chamber of commerce, human right, schools, aging in place, arts.  Board will make sure all 6 S-CAP areas are represented.  Plan to vote next month. 6.d Farmers Market Waste Fee - Devan Dodge-Frye (10 mins)  Discussion to make sure that this is for all waste not opt in and out of compost- raise the full waste fee as a flat rate.  Recommended Report to EAB or sustainability manger how many events at the end of the year.  Discussed incentive to reduce / prevent waste.  Tessa will put together materials that Farmers Market can give to potential renters. 6.e Bylaws and Ordinance  Discussion on December meeting  will table full discussion until next meeting. 7. Old Business 7.a St. Patrick's Day Parade - Frank Komola (3 min) 3 Page 5 of 16   Thank you to Brock, Zoey, and Siddharth for attending  Thank you to DPW for the recycling Bins and My Green Michigan for Compost bin! 7.b Update on paperless billing of water/sewer bills - Frank Koloma (5 min)  Only 15% of residents pay paperless and would like to increase this number. o Discussion on what do E notices look like and if important communication are done via this method as well. o Would like instructions inside water bill on how to go paperless. o Would this impact communications? 7.c Oakland County Earth Date Updates - Frank Koloma (5 min)  50 vendors registered.  Sponsorship dollars have exceeded need.  Parking is not free at municipal lot during event.  Email Brock to volunteer for tabling.  Board has offered their support in obtaining speakers. 8. Subcommittee/Program Updates 8.a Social Media 9. General Announcements  LEED® Home - Plaque Presentation Ceremony– April 20, 2026  MI Healthy Climate – April 21, 2026  Arbor Day – April 23, 2026  Park Clean Up – April 25, 2026  Call for agenda items and attachments due one week prior to meetings.  Open meetings act handbook updated by the State of Michigan and will send out. 10. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 pm. Moved by: Brock Bosack Seconded by: Paul Vial 4 Page 6 of 16 Motion to adjourn. Motion Adopted 5 Page 7 of 16  Royal Oak Parks and Recreation 203 S Troy Street Royal Oak, MI 48067 248.246.3180 MEMORANDUM DATE: January 30, 2026 TO: Environmental Advisory Board FROM: Nicole McEachern, Parks and Recreation Director SUBJECT: Beekeeping Contract with Royal Bee Honey Background In 2025, the City entered into a one-year agreement with Royal Bee Honey to manage bee hives at Normandy Oaks and the Churchill Community Garden (two hives at each location for a total of four). This contract, valued at $5,000, expired on December 31, 2025, and included the option for annual renewal. For the past several years, the City has supported beekeeping initiatives through partnerships with organizations such as Bees in the D (Normandy Oaks) and Royal Bee (SOCWA water tower and Churchill Community Garden). In December 2024, Bees in the D requested a pledge for the 2025 season. After informal discussion with the Environmental Advisory Board, staff opted not to renew the Bees in the D partnership and instead continued with local resident beekeeper Royal Bee at Normandy Oaks and Churchill Community Garden. Update Staff has executed the renewal agreement with Royal Bee Beekeeping for the 2026 season under the same terms as the 2025 contract ($5,000 annual fee, management of four hives at Normandy Oaks and Churchill Community Garden). The renewed agreement includes one additional commitment: Royal Bee will host three public engagement events during the 2026 season. These events will help promote the program and provide educational opportunities for residents, strengthening community engagement and awareness around pollination and sustainability. Page 8 of 16  Proclamation Designating May 3-9, 2026 International Compost Week Whereas, International Compost Awareness Week is celebrated annually during the first full week of May to raise awareness about the benefits of composting and the importance of recycling organic materials such as food scraps and yard waste; and Whereas, organic materials make up approximately 30 percent of the material going to landfills and composting supports a circular economy by transforming discarded materials into a resource that improves soil health, enhances water retention, and supports sustainable landscaping and food systems; and Whereas, composting supports the City of Royal Oak’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan to promote economic development, protect water and air quality, improve public health, and lessen reliance on landfills; and Whereas, participation in composting provides residents, businesses, and institutions with accessible opportunities to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable city; and Whereas, Royal Oak has partnered with My Green Michigan to offer food scrap composting drop- off sites for residents; and Now, therefore, be it resolved, I, Mayor Fournier, and members of the Royal Oak City Commission on behalf of the entire Royal Oak Community do hereby proclaim May 3-9, 2026, as International Compost Awareness Week. And Further, encourage all residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations to participate in composting practices, reduce food waste, and support local and regional efforts to build healthy soils and sustainable systems; and Be It Further Resolved, that the City of Royal Oak reaffirms its commitment to implementing its Sustainability & Climate Action Plan and to advancing policies and programs that reduce waste, support composting, and strengthen environmental sustainability across the community. Mayor Michael C. Fournier City of Royal Oak Page 9 of 16 Page 10 of 16  ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA ITEM TITLE April 2026 Staff Report SUBMITTING DEPARTMENT City Manager PRESENTER Devan Dodge-Frye MEETING DATE April 22, 2026 Community Clean Up:  April 25th, 9am kick-off at senior center.  Would like EAB to attend kickoff. Gather sign up at meeting.  Collaboration with Parks and Rec, Clinton River Watershed, and CN.  Registration is up at https://royaloakmi.seamlessdocs.com/f/dt585qaf823n Solar Updates:  Library installation schedule in Late May/Early June!  Congressional ask award documents being developed for potential Farmer’s Market solar. EV and fleets updates:  Scoping project to install EV chargers at city hall. Will be on next commission meeting agenda. Food Waste Collection Expansion:  Launch will be the week of April 27th or May 3th. Proclamation supports.  Going to move forward with just additional bins as we are still awaiting EGLE agreement to order Metrostor. Discussion on container location.  New program registration online at romi.gov/sustainability  Information in the Summer Insight. Slow Mow Spring Update:  Since 2022, the City Commission has supported the adoption of “No Mow May” following a presentation from local youth. National organizations such as Bee City USA and the Sierra Club are now encouraging communities to move beyond “No Mow May” toward a more holistic approach, “Slow Mow Spring,” which better supports pollinators, prevents invasive species, improves lawn health, and maintains neighborhood aesthetics. Emissions Inventory Updates:  Working with Paul Page 11 of 16 Downtown Waste Management Plan: Creating RFP that will look at full waste system of downtown businesses, assessing what is happening now, how introduction of shared systems like compactors look, and how to set up all services for waste, recycling, compost, etc. Revolving Energy Fund: Investigating ways to grow the fund so it can be used for substantial match or projects. Currently, only energy rebates flow into the program. Page 12 of 16  SOCRRA TONNAGE ANALYSIS March, 2026 MSW Compost Recyclables Total Municipality 2024 2025 2026 2024 2025 2026 2024 2025 2026 2024 2025 2026 City Of Berkley 507.6 469.0 577.0 - 4.2 11.2 111.7 98.8 97.8 619.3 571.9 686.0 City Of Birmingham 686.5 796.5 751.2 20.8 4.2 10.4 159.5 151.1 149.6 866.8 951.8 911.2 City Of Clawson 334.6 348.9 465.4 - - - 57.4 58.5 64.3 392.0 407.4 529.7 City Of Ferndale 743.0 761.9 798.2 - - 70.0 126.1 112.5 127.9 869.1 874.4 996.1 City Of Hazel Park 488.4 519.2 761.7 10.0 - - 61.1 93.2 71.7 559.5 612.4 833.5 City Of Huntington Woods 133.5 167.8 190.4 - - - 47.4 49.8 55.0 180.9 217.6 245.4 City Of Lathrup Village 103.7 135.5 123.2 - - - 20.6 27.6 30.0 124.3 163.1 153.2 City Of Oak Park 788.0 840.3 830.9 10.0 - 8.3 93.4 80.6 104.4 891.4 920.9 943.6 City Of Pleasant Ridge 55.3 89.8 87.0 - - - 22.7 24.8 25.7 77.9 114.6 112.6 City Of Royal Oak 1,655.4 2,085.2 2,013.5 53.3 21.3 - 358.0 340.8 355.5 2,066.7 2,447.2 2,368.9 City Of Troy 1,861.3 1,998.2 2,170.0 8.3 25.0 - 391.9 398.4 411.7 2,261.5 2,421.6 2,581.7 Village of Beverly Hills 248.2 318.2 373.8 15.0 12.5 - 73.7 87.8 90.0 336.8 418.5 463.8 SOCRRA 430.0 382.3 308.4 - - 81.2 30.2 40.3 48.1 460.3 422.6 437.6 SOCRRA TOTAL 8,035.5 8,912.7 9,450.5 117.5 67.1 181.2 1,553.5 1,564.1 1,631.7 9,706.5 10,543.9 11,263.4 Other Customers 3,071.9 2,876.6 3,942.6 - - 443.2 771.6 819.7 626.8 3,843.4 3,696.3 5,012.5 TOTAL RECEIVED 11,107.4 11,789.3 13,393.0 117.5 67.1 624.3 2,325.1 2,383.8 2,258.5 13,549.9 14,240.1 16,275.9 ** SOCRRA MSW is Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Reject material Page 13 of 16  SOCRRA TONNAGE PERCENTAGES March, 2026 Percentage of City's Total Waste Stream MSW Compost Recyclables Municipality 2024 2025 2026 2024 2025 2026 2024 2025 2026 City Of Berkley 82% 82% 84% 0% 1% 2% 18% 17% 14% City Of Birmingham 79% 84% 82% 2% 0% 1% 18% 16% 16% City Of Clawson 85% 86% 88% 0% 0% 0% 15% 14% 12% City Of Ferndale 85% 87% 80% 0% 0% 7% 15% 13% 13% City Of Hazel Park 87% 85% 91% 2% 0% 0% 11% 15% 9% City Of Huntington Woods 74% 77% 78% 0% 0% 0% 26% 23% 22% City Of Lathrup Village 83% 83% 80% 0% 0% 0% 17% 17% 20% City Of Oak Park 88% 91% 88% 1% 0% 1% 10% 9% 11% City Of Pleasant Ridge 71% 78% 77% 0% 0% 0% 29% 22% 23% City Of Royal Oak 80% 85% 85% 3% 1% 0% 17% 14% 15% City Of Troy 82% 83% 84% 0% 1% 0% 17% 16% 16% Village of Beverly Hills 74% 76% 81% 4% 3% 0% 22% 21% 19% SOCRRA TOTAL 83% 85% 84% 1% 1% 2% 16% 15% 14% SOCRRA TONNAGE PERCENTAGES RECYCLING / MSW Percentage Breakdown of MSW and Recycling MSW Recyclables Municipality 2024 2025 2026 2024 2025 2026 City Of Berkley 82% 83% 86% 18% 17% 14% City Of Birmingham 81% 84% 83% 19% 16% 17% City Of Clawson 85% 86% 88% 15% 14% 12% City Of Ferndale 85% 87% 86% 15% 13% 14% City Of Hazel Park 89% 85% 91% 11% 15% 9% City Of Huntington Woods 74% 77% 78% 26% 23% 22% City Of Lathrup Village 83% 83% 80% 17% 17% 20% City Of Oak Park 89% 91% 89% 11% 9% 11% City Of Pleasant Ridge 71% 78% 77% 29% 22% 23% City Of Royal Oak 82% 86% 85% 18% 14% 15% City Of Troy 83% 83% 84% 17% 17% 16% Village of Beverly Hills 77% 78% 81% 23% 22% 19% SOCRRA TOTAL 84% 85% 85% 16% 15% 15% Page 14 of 16  City of Royal Oak Trash Tonnage Recycling Tonnage Month FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Month FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 July 1,885.5 2,202.0 2,211.1 July 397.8 417.1 370.3 August 2,017.5 1,938.3 1,839.1 August 461.2 439.2 336.8 September 1,798.1 1,752.2 1,992.2 September 403.3 374.4 323.4 October 1,834.4 1,938.6 2,025.9 October 421.0 442.2 387.7 November 1,905.4 1,757.2 1,830.6 November 423.4 401.2 352.7 December 1,803.2 1,801.4 2,086.1 December 419.8 462.2 421.4 January 1,802.3 1,861.8 1,867.5 January 453.9 413.3 382.2 February 1,691.4 1,555.5 1,668.5 February 359.8 353.4 320.0 March 1,655.4 2,085.2 2,013.5 March 358.0 340.8 355.5 April 2,096.9 2,043.5 - April 404.1 380.6 - May 1,993.4 2,102.3 - May 459.4 379.9 - June 1,875.2 2,069.4 - June 428.2 370.4 - Trash Tonnage by Fiscal Year and Month 2,500.0 2,000.0 1,500.0 1,000.0 500.0 - FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Recycling Tonnage by Fiscal Year and Month 500.0 450.0 400.0 350.0 300.0 250.0 200.0 150.0 100.0 50.0 - FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 Page 15 of 16 Compost Data: Steady rate for March. Expansion planned in April/May 2026. Page 16 of 16