Sustainability Commission

STERLING HEIGHTS SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING November 18, 2020 LOCATION: This meeting was held via video conference (Zoom) in accordance with Open Meetings Act as amended. SUBJECT: Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Sustainability Commission held November 18th, 2020 Meeting was called to order by Chairperson Inks at 6:00 p.m. Members present at Roll Call: Nathan Inks, Mark Graf, Ashley Frank, Raelanda Robinson, Jonathan Matthews Also in Attendance: Chris McLeod, City Planner Allison Bittner, Planning Coordinator Approval of Agenda: Motion to Approve Agenda: Robinson Second: Matthews Ayes: Inks, Graf, Frank, Robinson, Matthews Motion Carried Considerations: A. City Curbside Recycling Program Mr. McLeod provided an update from Michael Moore, DPW Director, that the Solid Waste Commission did meet, and voted to recommend approval for universal curbside recycling program. Mr. McLeod also noted that Mr. Moore would like a decision shortly, in order to help secure funding from the State for grant monies and noted that the matter still needed to go before City Council for approval. Mr. McLeod asked the members of the Sustainability Commission if they had any additional questions. Mr. Inks asked if the there was any answer in regards to how this would impact the City’s Millage Cap. Mr. McLeod stated that per the Finance Director, Jennifer Varney, that there would be more than enough room within the millage cap to accomplish curbside recycling without “maxing out” the millage cap. Mr. Matthews asked if figures had been given for a potential worst case scenario in regards to overall cost? Mr. McLeod stated that it is his understanding that negotiations will still be going on, and the numbers provided were for an average household within the City. Mr. Graf asked about Mr. Moore’s comments regarding for the potential for a vote at the end of the year. Mr. McLeod stated that Mr. Moore wanted to present this item before City Council in December and wanted to obtain input from Sustainability Commission and Solid Waste Commission. Mr. Graf asked what kind of motion they would be looking to make in regard to the program for City Council. Mr. McLeod 1 stated that the motion should be a recommendation whether the City should pursue city universal curbside recycling with GFL. Ms. Frank asked if they move forward with the motion, if it would then apply to all residents. Mr. McLeod responded yes, to his knowledge there would not be capability to “opt out.” However, it would be a personal choice if someone chose to participate or not. He further discussed the amount and nature of the grant money secured. Mr. Graf discussed the ability to obtain feedback/recommendations, and concerns about bidding process. Mr. McLeod indicated City Management ultimately would like to know if program is beneficial for City at the price offered. Ms. Robinson asked if the motion should include not only the recommendation for the universal curbside recycling program, but also a recommendation for education funding and contamination audits. Motion: That the Sustainability Commission request that City Council pursue universal Curbside Recycling Negotiations with GFL at listed figures by Mr. Moore at the October Meeting, and to strongly encourage education funding and contamination audits. Motion: Matthews Second: Inks Discussion is made on the motion. Ayes: Frank, Graf, Inks, Matthews, Robinson B. Sustainability Report: The Sustainability Commission discussed Chapter 3 of the draft of the sustainability report “Sustainable Mobility.” Mr. Inks discussed what the Commission envisioned this section should be and include. One of the main areas of discussion included where to address the City’s fleet of vehicles. The Chair also questioned the scope regarding mobility. The Commission agreed that they should change citizen mobility to sustainable mobility. The Commission also talked about definition of citizen mobility, automobile culture, and the organization of the section. Mr. Graf discussed the idea of equitable access, including sidewalks and access to public transit. Ms. Robinson asked about the potential for cameras at public trails, and concern for safety. Mr. Inks mentioned that this can be included in the section about safety/security. Mr. McLeod mentioned that there are some cameras at parks, but it is not widespread throughout the City. The Commission had further discussions on “campus zones” and cameras, as well as the benefit of such safety measures. Ms. Robinson mentioned accessibility of trails for handicapped/wheelchair access and the need for such. The Commission discussed the sections of the draft related to Efficiency. Ms. Robinson discussed adding potential funding programs. Mr. Matthews discussed the general sections, and potential subsections. Further discussion regarding differentiation between nature trails and pedestrian trails, including walkability, and pedestrian access throughout the City took place. Discussion also covered non-motorized trails and impact on property values. Mr. McLeod stated he can attempt to find out information regarding this. The Commission discussed section regarding Bike Lanes/Nonmotorized Transportation Lanes. Discussion ensued regarding bike lanes, potential for bike lanes, and a desire for a program that 2 would place additional bike planes throughout the City. Mr. McLeod noted a major part of the Van Dyke redevelopment project (part of the CIA District), is to incorporate more bike lanes. Ms. Robinson mentioned the need for “bike parking” and the potential for that, as it is present in other communities. Mr. McLeod mentioned the City Ordinance requires bike racks for new construction. Mr. Inks asks where the non-motorized plan is located in the City Website. It is noted that the plan does expire in 2021. Mr. McLeod notes that the plan is overseen by the Recreation Department, and the plan needs to be updated every five years based on State requirements. This plan update has already begun, and will most likely be adopted sometime in Fall 2021. Mr. Matthews talks about various programs, and the connectivity between paths and trails throughout the City. The Commission discussed gas and electric vehicles, the potential to make roads and road usage more efficient and economically friendly, and the potential for electric vehicle charging stations to be more prevalent throughout the City. Discussion also took place regarding new, alternative means of transportation such as electric scooters, which is also something mentioned by the City’s Youth Advisory Board as well. There was also discussion regarding mass transit, and impact of decreasing reliance on motorized vehicles. Mr. McLeod notes that land use concepts such the City’s Traditional Mixed Use Nodes, as well as the Lakeside District could more easily incorporate mass transit stops and modes of transportation. Mr. Graf discussed if this would include the potential for a type of airport tram that could be present at Lakeside. Mr. McLeod replies that there is not a plan for such a system, but rather the Lakeside District focuses more on mass transit options such as public bus systems. Mr. Inks asks when we will revisit the entire document. Mr. McLeod states we can revisit chapters as necessary, based on the Commission’s preference. Mr. Inks notes that next month’s meeting will be on December 16th, where the Sustainability Commission will review Section 4 and revisit the Natural Resources Section. Approval of Minutes of the October 21, 2020 Meeting Motion: Robinson Second: Matthews Ayes: Frank, Graf, Inks, Matthews, Robinson Nays: None Motion Carried Correspondence: There was no additional correspondence for this meeting. Old Business:  Mr. Inks asks Mr. McLeod about the status of the County Tree Grant. Mr. McLeod states that the grant has been applied for, but they have not heard back. New Business: None 3 Citizen Participation: No public was present for the meeting. Adjournment Motion to Adjourn Motion: Robinson Second: Graf Ayes: Frank, Inks, Graf, Robinson, Matthews Nays: None Motion Carried Meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ashley Frank, Secretary Sustainability Commission 4