Sustainability Commission

Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes December 20th, 2023 Attendees: Sheryl Burns, Nathanya Fonseka, Mark Graf, Nathan Inks, Riley Maher, Matthew Smith, Michael Tabbert, Alexis Richards, Ryan Fox Excused: Victoria Carlino, Naketa Jones, Jonathan Matthews Substitute Secretary: Mark Graf for Jonathan Matthews 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. Capabilities of the Substitute Secretary should be scrutinized and is fully warranted. Corrections welcomed for further clarity, context or errors. Call to Order – 6:00pm Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call – Sheryl Burns, Mark Graf, Nathan Inks, Riley Maher, Matthew Smith, Mike Tabbert Excused Absent: Naketa Jones, Jonathan Matthews, and Victoria Carlino Also in Attendance – Alexis Richards, Planner II Ryan Fox, Planner I Nethanya Fonseka Approval of Agenda Motion: Graf Support: Tabbert Ayes: Burns, Graf, Inks, Maher, Smith, Tabbert Considerations Bee Keeping Ordinance Review The Office of Planning introduced a draft ordinance in regard to hobby beekeeping in the City to the SHSC for feedback. The history of the effort was discussed, including the want to discuss the issue at the previous strategic planning meeting in 2023. This ordinance would address residential, commercial, and industrial properties in terms of beekeeping. Mr. Smith shared concerns regarding the number of hives allowed, required signage, and restrictive permitting requirements. Allowing for a minimum of two hives per property allows for better bee keeping practices, as beekeepers would be more easily able to split hives that are becoming too large. Splitting hives can help prevent swarming behaviors. Mr. Smith and others also stated that they believe the requirement that an applicant undergo classes could make the permit cost prohibitive, and that demonstrated experience should be a valid substitute for the class. The SHSC discussed the impacts bees have on native pollinators, and how honeybees pollinate “weeds” and unwanted non-native species. Ms. Burns in particular highlighted the importance of educating the public about native pollinators over bees. This led to an overarching discussion about the merits of allowing beekeeping in the City. Motion to postpone discussion on the Beekeeping Ordinance to the January Meeting of the Sustainability Commission Motion: Tabbert Support: Smith Ayes: Burns, Graf, Inks, Maher, Smith, Tabbert Motion to Approve Meeting Minutes for November 15th, 2023 Motion: Smith Support: Burns Ayes: Burns, Graf, Inks, Maher, Smith, Tabbert CORRESPONDENCE – None shared with the Office of Planning COMMITTEE REPORTS R^3 Committee Mr. Fox announced that the City has secured a fellowship position through the Catalyst Leadership Circle to assist with a food waste reduction initiative. The fellow shall work to create the foundation of a public engagement campaign the City can then build on to educate and assist local businesses in food waste reduction. Ms. Burns asked how this related to composting in the City, and discussion was had regarding future composting opportunities. Green Energy Committee Mr. Inks explained that the solar panel ordinance was under review by the City Attorney’s Office. Mr. Graf discussed some issues residents have encountered in other municipalities with solar panel implementation. Mr. Inks assumed the Chairship of the Committee. Stormwater and Wetlands Committee Mr. Smith explained an idea he had for protecting and expanding vernal pools within the City, specifically in Dodge Park. The Office of Planning shows great interest in the project. Mr. Smith assumed the Chairship of the Committee, and Mr. Graf joined the Committee, as he is already involved with the Michigan Vernal Pool Patrol. Native Plantings Committee Ms. Burns requested that the Office of Planning provide information on how the City conducts mosquito prevention. Native species can be negatively impacted by certain sprays and chemicals utilized to prevent mosquitos in City parks. The Office of Planning agrees to provide more information in January regarding mosquito removal. Trees Committee The SHSC reviewed the Arbor Day Foundation’s Growth Award Criteria. The City should qualify for the award this year. MI Healthy Climate Committee Mr. Graf circulated information on a recent legislative package passed by the State in conjunction with the MI Healthy Climate initiative. The SHSC also discussed decarbonization data released by Google. Motion to postpone items 9A. and 10B. to the January Meeting of the Sustainability Commission Motion: Tabbert Support: Inks Ayes: Burns, Graf, Inks, Maher, Smith, Tabbert OLD BUSINESS GHG Inventory Update Ms. Richards updated that information requests have been sent out to relevant parties throughout the Community and City Offices. TreeKeeper Ms. Richards updated the SHSC on the City’s efforts to purchase TreeKeeper. This may also include a TreeCanopy account to assist the City in tracking canopy coverage in the City. Total cost estimate currently sits around $11,610. The Committee also discussed other metrics available on Google. NEW BUSINESS Food Waste Reduction Conversation was had under R^3 Committee report. MI Green Communities The Committee shall review the Green Communities Challenge results in February. Strategic Planning Presentation Ms. Richards updated the SHSC that she will be presenting to the City Council to discuss tree planting efforts during the January 30th Strategic Planning Meeting. The EV Fleet, a Community Garden, and a plan to add a park in southwest Sterling Heights shall also be discussed. 2024 Meeting Schedule Motion to adopt the 2024 Meeting Schedule of meeting on the third Wednesday of each month, with the amendment that the June Meeting take place on June 20th instead of June 19th. Motion: Graf Support: Burns Ayes: Burns, Graf, Inks, Maher, Smith, Tabbert CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: None Motion to Adjourn at 8:38pm. Motion: Maher Support: Burns Ayes: Burns, Graf, Inks, Maher, Smith, Tabbert