Sustainability Commission

Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes September 20th, 2023 Attendees: Sheryl Burns, Victoria Carlino, Nathanya Fonseka, Mark Graf, Nathan Inks, Naketa Jones, Riley Maher, Jonathan Matthews, Alexis Richards, Matthew Smith, Michael Tabbert Absent: None 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, and Sterling Heights Sustainability Commission may be abbreviated as CC, DPW, GFL, SH, and SHSC, respectively. Welcome New Members Each member of the SHSC gave a brief presentation introducing their professional and educational backgrounds. Ms. Richards and Mr. Fox gave a brief presentation, attached to these minutes, touching on the history of the Commission. The presentation also went over some commonly used terms, important to different initiatives being worked on by the Commission. Mr. Inks requested that the Master Plan be included in documents accessible to the new members. Mr. Graf requested that a summary of the ordinance drafting process works to also be included. Plant it Forward Ms. Richards became connected with Nathayna Foneska through Plant it Forward (PIF). PIF has been involved in 4 projects with tree plantings so far. 100 Bioengineered trees were planted at the Macomb Town Center Park and Annette Lucido River Park. They capture up to 53% more carbon than the average alternative. The Macomb Historic Town Hall is looking for native trees and the Macomb Township Parks & Rec supervisor is working with PIF to plan some additional trees. Goals for PIF is staff assistance with Tree Campus K-12 by having a staff member, the principal, proof Arbor Day is Recognized, and a student group oriented to the effect of furthering trees to get the school observed as a tree campus. R^3 Committee Mr. Matthews asked for an update on recycling and waste management. A new waste hauler was approved. May 1st, 2024 is when Priority Waste will be taking over. The waste collection will now be automated except for the driver, there will be cameras all over the truck, every resident will be given a 96-gallon refuse bin for free. A 65-gallon universal recycling bin will be provided to all residents. Paper yard waste bags will still be accepted and yard waste bins will be available for purchase. The recycling center will be closing. 18 trucks will be used. Curbside pickup will only be available for residential use. The cost will be $.57/week for current residents not subscribed to recycling. Green Energy Committee No major progress on an ordinance amendment to be explicitly permissive to solar panels. Stormwater and Wetlands Committee Some of the new members wanted to be a part of the committees. Old Business $500,000 has been approved for the SH tree initiative, focusing on residential areas. There is currently $2,250,000 in the tree grant fund. An application for a $4,000 grant through DTE has been made. These will be specifically planted along the nature trail off of Delia. There is a Community Reforestation Grant coming due on October 13th. The max amount is $50,000. Tree Keeper Ms. Richards gives an overview to the Commission. It’s possible to have TreeKeeper by the end of October. Rodent Extermination The contract for the deadlier poison has been renewed for three years. ICLIE Resolution The Sustainability Plan is scheduled to be reviewed next year, New Business Sterling Heights has adopted new stormwater standards and a presentation was given to the council. The Sustainability plan must be updated every three years. Citizen Participation – None Adjournment at 9:07pm Motion: Matthews Support: Inks Ayes: Burns, Carlino, Graf, Jones, Maher, Smith, Tabbert