Sustainability Committee

Sustainability Committee Minutes Thursday, October 10, 2024 8:00 A.M. VIA ZOOM PURSUANT TO CHAPTERS 113 AND 115 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES (AS AMENDED IN ORDINANCE 22-28), AND RESOLUTION 22-29, ENACTED ON MARCH 22, 2022 Members Present: Kim Bixenstine, Council Member, Committee Chair Tenille Kaus, Council Member Nancy Moore, Council Member Julia Larouche, Citizen Member Heather Weingart, Shaker Heights City Schools Board Member, Ex Officio Others Present: David Weiss, Mayor Jeri E. Chaikin, Chief Administrative Officer Patti Choby, Cobalt Group Inc. Joshua Romig, Shaker Heights Public Library Community Engagement Librarian Michael Peters, Sustainability Coordinator The meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Kim Bixenstine at 8:01 A.M. * * * * Approval of the August 8, 2024 Meeting Minutes The draft meeting minutes were presented for approval with the motion moved by Nancy Moore and seconded by Tenille Kaus. The acceptance of the minutes was unanimously passed. * * * * Recommendation on Citywide Composting Program Kim Bixenstine presented a motion to recommend to City Council the allocation of $57,825 for a citywide composting program for 2025. This would expand the Lomond Community Composting Pilot that was very successful to all five of the elementary schools. The Schools would have their bins for their lunch room food waste collection (under a separate contract) and there would also be bins for this public program operated by Rust Belt Riders. Similarly to the current drop off program, residents would register with Rust Belt Riders and receive the code to deposit their food waste at any of these locations. Questions and comments:  Tenille Kaus asked about the locations being at the elementary schools and if this was serving, for example, the Moreland neighborhood; would a location at the Main Library or Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building be a possibility? Kim Bixenstine noted that a program at all nine current and former elementary schools was also considered. The Mayor also noted the economic impact of a larger program. A conversation ensued that touched on the flexibility of  the five locations, the benefits of being at the school location for parents dropping off children (Nancy Moore), and how bussing impacts this ability for some families. Heather Weingart noted that Ludlow will also open next year and the plan is to have a school food waste collection program so that may be a future opportunity. This was well received by several. The Mayor also noted that the locations with the most geographic coverage would be good keeping in mind the economics and he also noted that Beachwood has a single location for the entire city.  Josh Romig added that Library Director Amy Switzer reacted positively to the prospect of the Library being a potential site. Happy to discuss further.  Kim Bixenstine wrapped up the discussion and indicated that a refined proposal would be circulated. * * * * Subcommittee Updates Stormwater & Greenspace (Julia Larouche)  The Grow Not Mow event on September 28th was received with enormous enthusiasm by the community with 55 volunteers including members of the Tree Advisory Board, Sustainability Committee, Friends of Lower Lake, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, Laurel School, and the Scouts. It included both new plantings and the removal of invasive species.  On September 21st the electric lawn equipment rebate was held, with four blowers dropped off and the residents qualifying for a rebate. The subcommittee is discussing options for the remaining funding and there is enthusiasm for a 2025 mower rebate program.  The subcommittee also heard from Lisa Burgess of Public Works who indicated the City would conduct a pilot of mulching, rather than collecting, leaves from portions of Southerly Park this fall.  The Schools composting program is being finded by the District this year but collections are lower than the previous year as the program becomes institutionalized. Heather Weingart will follow up.  Residents who receive a permit for the pavilions at Horseshoe Lake also now receive information on reducing waste and then a post-event survey.  Resident Kathy Smachlo was also thanked for her testimony at the Board of Education meeting on arguments in favor of transitioning to reusable serving ware.  Nancy Moore presented a motion in support of adopting Grown Not Mow Site 3, effectively an extension of Site 1 along Shaker Boulevard where it meets South Park Boulevard along the Doan Brook. A plan to create several groupings of native trees will be added to the currently mown grass areas to reduce the mowed area while increasing the tree canopy. o The motion was brought by Julia Larouche, seconded by Kim Bixenstine and passed unanimously. Shaker Heights City School District Update (Patti Chobey)  Introduced by Board Member Heather Weingart, Patti Chobey of the Cobalt Group was hired by the District to advise on the long-term facilities planning efforts. She began this role on August 1, 2024.  Patti Chobey discussed public private partnerships, people and place-based investments, identifying components for a dashboard, metrics and indicators that would be shared such as playground space, invasive species, and the arborist report for Ludlow School. Sustainability Committee October 10, 2024 Page 2 of 3   She also indicated that construction would begin on Ludlow School soon for an opening in August of 2025.  Kim Bixenstine mentioned the Cuyahoga County RFP for solar and Patti Chobey noted that she would discuss it with Chief Operating Officer Jeff Grosse. Energy Subcommittee (Michael Peters)  An update on the electric lawn equipment rebate program was recounted as mentioned previously.  The subcommittee is working on a list of energy efficiency auditors to share with residents who are looking to identify professionals who can help with renovations and retrofits.  It was noted that St. Dominic’s is planning to add solar to one of its buildings. Shaker Youth LEEDs / High School Advisory Group (Shanna Keown)  No report this month. * * * * Chair’s Remarks/Old Business/New Business  Kim Bixenstine extended thanks to Tenille Kaus and Mimi Plevin-Foust for volunteering for the electric blower rebate event and discussions are ongoing regarding the program for next year.  Thanks were also extended to Nick Fletcher for his assistance and donations to the Shaker Library and Nature Center at Shaler Lakes swap meet at the Main Library where his native plant seedlings were given away.  Also thanked was Nancy Moore for her efforts and organizing for the September 29th planting day.  Julia Larouche also noted the need for support for the native gardens and outdoor classroom at Onaway Elementary and respect for different ways to maintain the green spaces in the City. Kim Bixenstine mentioned her hope that forthcoming new ordinances would help with this topic. * * * * There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:03 A.M. The next meeting is scheduled for November 14, 2024 at 8:00am. __________________________________________ Michael Peters Sustainability Coordinator Sustainability Committee October 10, 2024 Page 3 of 3