HomeMy WebLinkAboutMTG MINUTES 2017-11-15
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MINUTES OF THE 4 REGULAR MEETING OF
GREENLEAF COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABILITY
On Wednesday, November 15, 2017, the above meeting for the Greenleaf Commission
on Sustainability of the City of Livonia was held in the West Conference Room of the Livonia
Department of Public Works,12973 Farmington Road, Building 12, Livonia. Chairperson James
Baringhaus opened the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
Members present: James Baringhaus
Elizabeth Calhoun
Paul Sgriccia
Michael Shesterkin
Members absent: Heather Douglas
John Elkins
John Grzebik
Also present: Jacob Rushlow, Superintendent of DPW
Brian Wilson, Assistant Director of DPW
Lori Miller, Secretary II at DPW
Nancy Grandillo, Madonna University
Scott Heinzman, Resident of Livonia
1. Nextdoor for Public Agencies Update.
Chairman Baringhaus indicated the Nextdoor application was presented by the Greenleaf
Commission to the City of Livonia’s Marketing Committee for review and approval in July 2017.
Chairman Baringhaus was happy to report based on the Commission’s recommendation, the
City of Livonia has joined Nextdoor. The City initiated a “soft” launch of the application
intentionally on October 23, 2017. Chairman Baringhaus reported the application is at no cost
to the City and has 77 Livonia neighborhoods participating and is an avenue for the Commission
to reach close to 7,000 Livonia residents. Chairman Baringhaus reported the City of Livonia
team that launched Nextdoor included Barb Gamber, Economic Development Director; Kristen
Houchins, Communications/Marketing Manager; Dan Putman, Information Systems Director;
Chris Stuckey, Information Systems Department; and Dave Varga, Administrative Services
Director. Chairman Baringhaus congratulated the Commission on this accomplishment and
indicated residents’ responses and comments to the application have been very positive.
2. 2018 Commission Meeting Dates.
Chairman Baringhaus indicated the Commission is scheduled to meet during the odd
months of the year and during the 2017 calendar year met on the third Wednesday of the odd
months. Chairman Baringhaus offered a proposed schedule for the 2018 Commission meeting
dates.
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On a motion by Sgriccia, seconded by Shesterkin, it was:
#07-17 RESOLVED, that Greenleaf Commission on Sustainability does hereby
adopt the following schedule for 2018 Commission Meeting dates:
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.;
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.;
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.;
Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.;
Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.; and
Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Location of Meetings: DPW Administration Building located at 12973 Farmington
Road, Livonia, West Conference Room.
A roll call vote was taken on the foregoing resolution with the following result:
AYES: Baringhaus, Calhoun, Sgriccia, and Shesterkin.
NAYS: None.
The resolution was adopted unanimously.
3. 2018 Greenleaf Commission Goals.
Chairperson Baringhaus indicated the Commission should consider setting goals for the
next calendar. Chairperson Baringhaus proposed goals for the Commission could include things
such as:
Star Community Participation (exploratory at this point);
2019 Greenleaf Award Redesign (focus on businesses per Livonia Chamber of
Commerce’s request, perhaps add a community/nonprofit category);
Recycling Communication and Education;
Zero Waste Event Guidelines (document and pamphlet to reduce waste);
Livonia Environmental Gathering;
City’s Comprehensive Master Plan – Sustainability; and
2018 Earth Day Event-Tree Planting.
The Commission had brief discussion on some of the proposed goals for 2018.
Commissioner Sgriccia suggested the Commission engage in discussions with the
Chamber of Commerce to see what Livonia companies are doing in relation to sustainability.
Commissioner Shesterkin indicated there was a cost component to partner with companies to
achieve the goal of a Zero Waste Event. Commissioner Sgriccia agreed about costs up front
and the work involved to achieve a Zero Waste “guidelines” but expressed his interest in being
part of a Committee to get guidelines focused to help limit those costs associated with an event.
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Commissioner Shesterkin indicated if there was enough time, the Commission could help solicit
sponsorship of a Zero Waste Event by Livonia companies.
Chairperson Baringhaus gave an outline of the proposed event entitled “Livonia
Environmental Gathering” to Nancy Grandillo, representative of Madonna University.
Chairperson Baringhaus inquired if Madonna would be interested in hosting the event. Ms.
Grandillo confirmed the LED certified building at Madonna University would be available to host
the Greenleaf Commission’s “Livonia Environmental Gathering”. Chairperson Baringhaus
indicated the Commission will shoot for the first quarter of next year to set up the event and
indicated the Commission would need to get presenters for the event to help bring the Gathering
to fruition.
Chairperson Baringhaus indicated the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan with relation to
sustainability has already kicked off and the Greenleaf Commission may be consulted by the
appropriate parties at the City for its input. Chairperson Baringhaus indicated the initial kick-off
meeting relative to the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan would be held in mid-December.
Chairperson Baringhaus indicated the Earth Day Tree Planting event hosted this year by
DFCU Financial and Michigan Releaf will continue with the help of the Department of Public
Works.
Secretary Calhoun suggested the Commission put together an informative video to post
on the Greenleaf Commission’s Facebook page and other social media and possibly put on the
City’s webpage. In addition, Secretary Calhoun felt it would be important to help push residents
to start utilizing the 64-pound recycling carts to help further the recycling efforts of the City and
the Commission. Secretary Calhoun inquired if Simple Recycling could be implemented by the
City and stated the program is free and is currently being used in Canton Township. Secretary
Calhoun indicated it was simple to set up and would be a good thing to offer to residents to
reduce the waste going to landfills. Commissioner Shesterkin indicated the City must have a
plan to have an impact and research to see where the Commission currently stands and find
ways to improve the City’s recycling efforts.
4. 2018 City of Livonia Greenleaf Award Update.
Chairperson Baringhaus reiterated that the Chamber of Commerce would like this award
to be focused on companies only. Secretary Calhoun indicated the Commission could use all
social media outlets to get the word out and to start taking nominations for companies.
5. New Business
Recycling Efforts
Commissioner Sgriccia indicated the Michigan DEQ has a grant program for funding of
recycling carts and it is of no cost for the City to fill out the grant. Commissioner Sgriccia
indicated the deadline for matching funding is March 9, 2018. Chairperson Baringhaus
suggested the Commission begin to catalog how many grants are available, where to get the
funding, and the appropriate deadlines.
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Commissioner Sgriccia inquired what the contract for recycling with GFL included versus
what is accepted by the RRRASOC facility in Southfield. Commissioner Sgriccia indicated the
batteries placed in residents’ recycling bins are not being recycled and he knows the RRRASOC
facility sets the batteries to the side. Brian Wilson, Assistant Director, indicated GFL is not willing
to re-open the contract with the City to discuss acceptable recycling materials. Commissioner
Sgriccia expressed concern that material is being collected from recycle bins, but it is not actually
being recycled when it reaches the facility. Commissioner Shesterkin expressed his concern as
well stating it was disingenuous to mislead the public into thinking they are doing the right thing
consciously, but the materials are not in fact being recycled. Chairperson Baringhaus indicated
this is a perfect example of why education of the public is key and felt this may help the
Commission’s recycling endeavors overall.
2017 Accomplishments
Chairperson Baringhaus indicated he would like to take a moment to express gratitude to
all Commission members on their accomplishments throughout the year of 2017, specifically the
following most notable: third year presenting the Greenleaf Award; the Committee is now
officially recognized as a City Commission thanks to the help of the Mayor and City Council; the
Commission successfully participated in the “Passport to Safety” event hosted by the Police and
Fire Departments on the City Hall campus; the Commission participated in the City’s Earth Day
Event held in the Summer; the Commission has successfully helped educate Livonia residents
about its goals through various social media outlets; and the Commission was instrumental in
providing information to the City about the Nextdoor Application and getting the City to launch
the application in October 2017. Chairperson Baringhaus thanked all Commissioners for their
hard work, dedication and time and indicated the Commission had much success in 2017.
Chairperson Baringhaus concluded by wishing everyone present a Happy Holiday season.
Audience Communication
Scott Heinzman, 37601 Grantland, offered his insight that Commissioner Douglas’
suggestion to post an informative video on the City’s website and other social media applications
would help get the word out to residents on how to recycle properly and how to avoid cross-
contamination. Mr. Heinzman indicated he was present at the meeting to get the “lay of the land”
and thought the meeting was very informative and found the recycling efforts of the City to be
moving in the right direction.
Nancy Grandillo, Madonna University, indicated Madonna has recently established a
Sustainability Committee. She reported a few members from their Committee visited Aquinas
College to get information on how their recycling efforts have enjoyed much success. Ms.
Grandillo indicated Madonna University will be hiring a Sustainability Coordinator which may be
a part-time position. She indicated Madonna has already implemented points on campus to
drop off certain recyclable materials and has put new recycle bins on every floor in all residence
halls. Ms. Grandillo indicated an issue their Sustainability Committee will attempt to address is
food waste in their cafeteria. Madonna will be looking at measures to see what food can be
composted and all other means to reduce food waste and waste in general at the University.
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6. Approval of Minutes.
On a motion by Calhoun, seconded by Shesterkin, the Minutes of the September 20,
2017, meeting was approved unanimously.
On a motion by Sgriccia, seconded by Shesterkin, and unanimously adopted, the meeting of
November 15, 2017, was adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Next Meeting – January 17, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
West Conference Room, DPW Administration Office
JAMES BARINGHAUS, CHAIRPERSON
GREENLEAF COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABILITY