Sustainability Commission

Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes July 19th, 2023 Attendees: Mark Graf, Ryan Fox, Nathan Inks, Alexis Richards, Michael Tabbert, Cassidy Beaupre Absent: Jonathan Matthews - Excused Speakers may be referred to by initials. Speech attributed to speakers is paraphrased unless quoted. City Council, Department of Public Works, Green For Life, Sterling Heights, Sterling Heights Sustainability Commission, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy may be abbreviated as CC, DPW, GFL, SH, SHSC, and EGLE respectively. Call to Order – 6:00pm. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call – Mark Graf, Nathan Inks, Mike Tabbert. Jonathan Matthews was absent. Also in Attendance – Alexis Richards, Planner II Ryan Fox, Planner I Cassidy Beaupre, Sustainability Intern Mr. Inks appointed Mr. Tabbert to serve as the Secretary for the Meeting, due to the excused absence of Mr. Matthews. Approval of Agenda Motion: Tabbert Support: Graf Ayes: Graf, Inks, Tabbert Considerations – The SHSC had to considerations. Approval of Minutes from June 21st, 2023 Motion: Tabbert Support: Graf Ayes: Graf, Inks, Tabbert Correspondence The Office of Planning received the resignation of Dr. Kelley Skillin in the afternoon on July 19th, 2023. The Commission would like to thank Dr. Skillin for her service on the Commission over the last year. Mr. Graf reached out to the P.O.C. of Michigan Healthy Climate Plan and is presently awaiting a response. Committee Reports R^3 Committee – No Report Green Energy Committee – Mr. Inks reported that the Commission was presently researching Solsmart, which is an organization that provides data and information regarding best practices for municipalities in regards to solar energy adoption. The organization has identified five Michigan Communities that have ordinances regarding solar energy. Mr. Inks also reported that he has been researching the policies of neighboring communities, such as Rochester Hills. The SHSC intends to propose an ordinance change regarding solar panels at the August 16th Regular Meeting of the SHSC. Stormwater and Wetlands Committee – Mr. Inks reviewed videos posted by the Huron Watershed Council regarding wetlands regulations. Mr. Inks has set up a meeting for the Office of Planning to sit down with EGLE in August to discuss wetlands policy. The Office of Planning reported that City Council will begin review of the Impervious Surface Ordinance in August. Old Business – Rain Barrel Distribution Mr. Fox gave an updated regarding rain barrel distribution efforts in SH. To date, the City has distributed 739 rain barrels to residents. There are 1,851 residents on the distribution waitlist. The next distribution event will take place on August 12th, which will distribute the remaining rain barrels. Rain barrels stocks sit between 300 and 400 rain barrels. The funding to date has secured 1,094 rain barrels in total for residents. ICLEI Ms. Richards met with a representative from ICLEI along with Mr. Inks and several other City Officials. The City was informed that ICEI provided a number of services, including a greenhouse gas inventory, and the City was given pricing for the following services: Membership cost a total of $2,250 annually. A 20% discount is granted if the City purchases a four year membership. A Government Green House Gas Inventory cost $5,000 for members, $5,750 for non-members. A Community Wide Green House Gas Inventory cost $5,000 for members, $5,750 for non-members. A detailed report for each costs members $1,750. Ms. Richards explained that ICLEI can also create Climate Action Plan’s for communities. Mr. Inks also noted that ICLEI provides scenario planning as well, which may be useful to address concerns raised by Councilman Yanez. Ms. Richards indicated that ICLEI gave a wide time frame for estimated time of completion, due to a number of extraneous factors. The Office of Planning is also waiting on ICLEI to provide an estimate on how many hours City staff will need to allocate to support the inventory and report drafting process. SHSC concluded that membership is preferable to non-membership, as membership allows the City to take advantage of scenario and forecasting services offered by ICLEI. SHSC expressed interest in recommending ICLEI membership to CC, in order to perform a Green House Gas Inventory and report. EV Charging Update The Office of Planning requested that SHSC members compile questions for State Electric & Flo and to provide them to the Office in order to answer them. Public/Private Partnership agreements are being finalized by City Administration. Mr. Inks asked for an update to fate of the existing City charger located at the Community Center. Mr. Inks also suggested that signage be installed at charging stations to indicate that only Electric Vehicles are allowed to park there. Mr. Graf asked for an update on the City’s electric vehicle fleet. Ms. Beaupre indicated that $200,000 had been allocated and that the City was looking to purchase new vehicles using that funding. Rodent Extermination Update Ms. Beaupre indicated that rodenticide used by City contractors was identified as difethialone. This type of poison is a second generation anticoagulant, used as a blood thinner that kills rodents within 4-5 days after consumption. This type of poison has one of the highest secondary risk factors for birds of prey that may consume the rodents. Residues of a single dose anticoagulant may remain in liver tissues for weeks, so a predator animal that eats many poisoned rodents may build up a toxic dose over time. Mr. Graf requested to know the financial impacts of alternative rodent killing methods. Ms. Beaupre indicated that she has researched less impactful options, such as soundwave based repellents. The Office of Planning feels this type of method would not be feasible for rodent control in the City. SHSC also expressed concern that repellents could simply relocate the problem to other areas. Mr. Inks requested information regarding alternative poisons to utilize, which have been found to have a lesser secondary risk to wildlife. Ms. Beaupre agreed to conduct the research. Mr. Graf stated that he will conduct research into what other communities are doing for rodent removal. The Office of Planning will work with code enforcement on the issue, once alternative methods are identified. SHSC Expansion Update The updated Sustainability Commission ordinance was introduced to Council on July 18th, 2023. Council had a few questions for Ms. Richards, however there was no opposition to the measure. Street Tree Update Ms. Richards informed the commission that DPW does notify residents prior to planting trees as well as provides some care information. Ms. Richards has also requested they include additional resources and information. Ms. Richards informed the SHSC that water bags were not discussed with DPW, and that she will follow up regarding their implementation. Ms. Richards & Ms. Beaupre notified the commission about a new initiative “Inspiring Green”, a donation based street tree planting initiative where donor can “adopt” a road to have trees planted. The first location to be planted is located on Dodge Park Road between 15 Mile Road and Metropolitan Parkway. More information will be released by the Community Relations Department as the project progresses. Mr. Inks asked if the City can explore a moratorium on Maple Trees from the genus Acer, as they currently make up far too much of the City’s canopy. The Office of Planning indicated that they will work with DPW to ensure that the usage of maple trees are limited City wide. Mr. Graf requested that the City’s prohibited, unauthorized, and acceptable trees lists be reviewed by an arborist. The Office of Planning indicated that the City will consult an arborist in tree related matters going forward. Recycling RFP Feedback/Input Ms. Richards informed SHSC that their input was forwarded to DPW. DPW is still reviewing bids, and no final decision has been made. Mr. Graf requested that Ms. Richards asks how DPW will plan to incorporate input from the SHSC. New Business – Wind Turbine Presentation Ms. Beaupre presented her research regarding wind turbine ordinances for municipalities with similar demographics to SH. Mr. Inks noted that while Troy allows for wind turbines Ms. Beaupre’s research showed that there were none in Troy. Mr. Inks asked Ms. Beaupre if she knew if that was due to lack of interest or if the city was rejecting permits. Ms. Beaupre stated that she believes it is lack of interest from residents and business owners. Tree Grants Ms. Richards detailed the available tree grants. Mr. Graf asked for an award timeline, and Ms. Richards indicated that she will look into that. Mr. Inks identified two grants that the SHSC could assist with applying for. One grant was from DTE Energy, and another provided from the Department of Natural Resources. The D.T.E. grant is available for up to $4,000 and has an application deadline of August 11th. The Community Forestry Grant is available for up to $25,000 and has an application deadline of September 23rd. Mr. Inks has offered to lead the writing of the grant applications, all attendees offered to support. Mr. Inks asked Ms. Richards to help identify projects to use for applications. Ms. Richards asked commission for the match requirements for each. Mr. Inks stated that D.T.E. is a 1 to 1 match and the Community Forestry Grant was a 1 to 1 last year but this year’s details are not available on the website. He anticipates that to remain the same. Officer Elections Motion to retain Nathan Inks as Chair, Mark Graf as Vice Chair, and Jonathan Matthews as Secretary of the Sustainability Commission for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year. Motion: Tabbert Support: Graf Ayes: Graf, Inks, Tabbert City Planner The Office of Planning announced that Dr. Jake Parcell has officially been promoted to be the City Planner for the City of Sterling Heights. He will be maintaining his role as City Development Manager as well. EGLE Michigan Sustainability Conference Mr. Inks informed the commission that the conference is 10/24-10/25 in Gaylord this year. Our membership allows for 2 free registrations and the Commission does have a budget for other members to attend. Mr. Fox, Ms. Richards, & Mr. Inks plan to attend. Ms. Beaupre Ms. Beaupre informed the commission that her internship ends 8/15. The commission would like to thank Ms. Beaupre for her outstanding research and work this summer and wishes her luck in the upcoming school year. Citizen Participation – None. Adjournment at 8:31pm Motion: Tabbert Support: Inks Ayes: Graf, Inks, Tabbert Sincerely, Alexis Richards, Planner II