City of Batavia Environmental Commission met July 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
1. Call to Order
2. Member and Guest Introductions
Members present: Carolyn Burnham, Andrew Deitchman, Tim Grimm, Gary King, Emma Cole, Michael Willuweit
Members absent: Andrew Greenhagen, Alex Zelles
Guests: Dustin Pieper
3. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes – approved
4. Environmental Uses for Bag Fee Proceeds- Carolyn met with some of the members of the Climate Action Committee to discuss. It is difficult to know how to allot the money until we know what kind of money is coming in. Parkway trees is one option, but it is fairly expensive. Educational programs would also be an option. Possibly improved recycling bins for downtown that are harder to contaminate. Decarbonizing buildings was also discussed. More will be discussed at the upcoming COW meeting this coming Tuesday, 7/18. If anyone is available, attendance would be appreciated!
5 & 6. Educational Programs/Fermilab Walk- Carolyn is hoping to reinitiate some of our educational programs. Emma will look into another Wildflower Walk, although getting into Fermilab has been difficult.
7. WellBatavia Recap- not well attended this year. In the future, we could look into having a tent at the Farmer’s Market a couple times a year. Hopefully we can secure a tent by then!
8. Green Business Recognition- still only one applicant. We are going to table this initiative for now, due to lack of interest.
9. Electric Vehicle Charging Act (SB40)- Conduit in buildings will now be required to allow for electric vehicle charging stations. This is at a state level but will eventually trickle down to the city level.
10. Big Trees- Gary is now the point person for this on the BEC. Discussion about signage was had. Some places do metal signs nailed to the tree. Vinyl wrappings are also a possibility. A passionate citizen may be helping us with confirming measurements. Tim will get this citizen’s contact info to Gary.
11. Highlights of the 6/15/23 Community Council Spring Meeting – EV Charging Act was discussed. New RTA buses will now need to meet Zero Emission Standards. Degradable Plastics Act seeks to reduce single-use plastic purchased by the state.
12. Water Willow Planting at Clark Island- July 22- Alex is out sick but the plantings should be in soon!
13. Open Discussion- give a bag, take a bag could possibly work at the Farmer’s Market. No plan to remove trees at Fabyan and Kirk, behind Paws in Time although this was a concern of many.
Some plans going through the city to have truck parking in places.
Special COW meeting will include the bag fee discussion and the dam.
14. Adjournment
https://www.bataviail.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07122023-2124
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