Sustainability Commission

Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes March 20th, 2024 Attendees: Sheryl Burns, Victoria Carlino, Mark Graf, Nathan Inks, Riley Maher, Jonathan Matthews, Matthew Smith, Michael Tabbert, Alexis Richards, Ryan Fox. Absent: Naketa Jones 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. Call to Order – 6:00pm Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call – Sheryl Burns, Victoria Carlino, Mark Graf, Nathan Inks, Riley Maher, Jonathan Matthews, Matthew Smith, Michael Tabbert Absent: Naketa Jones Also in Attendance – Alexis Richards, Planner II Ryan Fox, Planner I Ava Miller, Planning Intern Approval of Agenda Motion: Burns Support: Smith Ayes: Burns, Carlino, Graf, Inks, Maher, Matthews, Smith, Tabbert Considerations Approval of Minutes from 02/21/23 Motion: Burns Support: Smith Ayes: Burns, Carlino, Graf, Inks, Maher, Matthews, Smith Abstained: Tabbert CORRESPONDENCE – None shared with the Office of Planning COMMITTEE REPORTS R^3 Committee Mr. Matthews presented information from the report. Ms. Richards will look into what the website says about refuse. Discussed the upcoming receptacle bins, if they’re allowed on the sides of residences, and that there should be better communication for the extra pickup fees. Green Energy Committee Mr. Inks presented information from the report and stated that the ordinance is still being reviewed by legal and is now being reviewed by Clark. Stormwater and Wetlands Committee Mr. Smith presented information from the report. Native Plantings Committee Ms. Burns presented information from the report and decided that the new committee name will be “Biodiversity Conservation”. Mulch volcanoes are discussed as well as a request for Ms. Richards and/or Mr. Fox to seek oversight on best- practices regarding tree planting. Trees Committee Mr. Inks presented information from the report. MI Healthy Climate Mr. Graf presented information from the report and stated that he attended a climate change talk with Chris Edwards that was hosted by the library. Ms. Richards said that the talk could potentially fit into the Climate Action Plan presentation. OLD BUSINESS Sustainability Self-Assessment Review: Section 3 Mr. Fox displayed the spreadsheet reviewed by Dr. Parcell and the SHSC went through it point-by-point, with many items not able to apply to SH as they pertained to dunes, lakes, bluffs, etc. Top 15 Action Items Review (SOAR) Movement was made to postpone this item to the April meeting. Motion: Matthews Support: Inks Ayes: Burns, Carlino, Graf, Inks, Maher, Matthews, Smith, Tabbert MI Green Communities 2024 Application Mr. Fox opened the MGC sustainability matrix for SHSC to review and update. We currently have 104/100 points needed for gold. Mosquito Control Ms. Burns discussed what she learned at the summit she attended. She highlighted that the overtreatment for mosquitos using chemicals can cause negative impacts on wildlife, especially aquatic. She suggested that people could take individual preventative measures to reduce bites and also mentions that people could test water quality individually since she believes that healthy water will prevent the overpopulation of mosquitos. Ms. Richards declared that whatever solutions are proposed must be as effective as the chemical treatments or more so. An idea is discussed to have a low-intervention zone at the nature center and the new community garden at Nelson Park. Arbor Day Event Ms. Richards stated that it is to be determined if the Detroit Zoo will be supplying saplings. NEW BUSINESS – None CITIZEN PARTICIPATION – None Motion to adjourn at 9:10pm: Motion: Mathews Support: Inks Ayes: Burns, Carlino, Graf, Inks, Maher, Matthews, Smith, Tabbert