The City of Monroe Commission on Environment and Water Quality MINUTES February 8, 2018 7:00 pm

published: May 11th, 2018

Call to Order: Chairman Egen called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm

 

Members Present: A roll call of members was taken and a quorum was present.

Richard Micka

Brian Egen

Andrew Felder

Ed Kane

Barry LaRoy

Excused:          Isaac Owens

Bonnie Finzel-Doster

Dan Stefanski

Milward Beaudry

Coffee provided for the COTE.

Approval of minutes from January 11, 2018 meeting – Motion by Micka, Seconded by Felder, motion passed.

PAC Grant 2017:

Reviewed two of the revised grant tasks.  Discussed revisions to the River Raisin AOC GIS StoryMap.  City staff are working with a few consultants (RitterGIS and Winter Apple Photography) for the GIS interface and pictures for each item listed.  Egen presented a revised PSA script (V2), COTE reviewed and discussed the content & length for using with a radio version.  A longer version with assets / video will be developed thereafter.  Jerry Gystin of MPACT will voiceover the PSA when done.  Briefly touched on Media Outreach package to be delayed until June 2018 and Drone Video to be completed before media package so as to promote all tasks and proposed 2018 river cleanup.

2018 River Cleanup Grant application: Discussed grant RFP & application to be submitted no later than Feb 20, 2018.

Adjournment

7:46 pm due to Micka having to leave the meeting a quorum was not available such that a motion made by Micka, Seconded by Egen to officially end the meeting.

The City of Monroe Commission on Environment and Water Quality MINUTES January 11, 2018 7:00 pm

published: May 11th, 2018

Call to Order: Chairman Egen called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm

Members Present: A roll call of members was taken and a quorum was present.

Isaac Owens

Bonnie Finzel-Doster

Richard Micka

Brian Egen

Barry LaRoy

Excused:          Dan Stefanski

Milward Beaudry

Ed Kane

Guests:            Bill Doster

Donuts for the COTE were provided and coffee.

Approval of minutes from December 14, 2017 meeting – Motion by Finzel-Doster, Seconded by Micka

PAC Grant 2017:

Reviewed all revised grant tasks.  Discussed log of features on River Raisin AOC GIS StoryMap.  Pictures and potentially other things (video, etc) can be shown when you select each item.  A motion was made by Egen, seconded by Owens to use some of the extra Drone footage funding (up to $1,400) to use a consultant to aid in organizing and taking any needed pictures / video of each feature that exists in the StoryMap – LaRoy to follow-up.  Egen presented a DRAFT PSA script, COTE reviewed and discussed the content & length for using with several versions of a PSA-Dr. John Hartig document used as basis of PSA script.  Additional comments are requested no later than Jan 25, 2018.  Media Outreach package discussed along with Drove Video proposal.

MDEQ Items:

Dick Micka emails to be followed up with Art Ostaszewski, MDEQ (Waste Management & Radiological Protection Division).  Existing water well monitoring at Ford site, nothing has left the Ford facility.  Micka & LaRoy to contact Art.  Monitoring Final Report to be discussed at a future regular COTE meeting to discuss results with Mike Alexander, MDEQ.  Snowy Owls spotting occurring, State of Great Lakes report recently sent out by MDEQ.  Sampling efforts with Eagles, Herring Gulls, Forge Fish onging.  Dec 28, 2017 OGL now with DNR, all funding & staff remains unchanged.  Social Media now on DNR.

Members Time:

Owens-won’t be at next mtg, having surgery, provided handout Big Bass Fishing, discussed S.E. Fishing Report in paper, will provide pictures of pipes flowing from homes directly in river for follow-up.

Finzel-Doster-She will not be able to attend February COTE mtg-out of state, likes PSA script.

Micka-Discussed Sandy Creek (Johnny Darter) picture and fishing for walleye is ongoing off the seawall in Detroit Beach

LaRoy-Clean Michigan Water’s grant application-river cleanup tasks, motion by Finzel-Doster, seconded by Owens to review & apply, Council liaison forthcoming – likely Councilman Felder, Per Commissioner Egen a call-in number & pass code will be put on all future COTE mtgs for members with new City phone system.

Adjournment

8:53 pm motion made by Finzel-Doster, Seconded by Owens.

The City of Monroe Commission on Environment and Water Quality MINUTES December 14, 2017 7:00 pm

published: May 11th, 2018

Call to Order: Chairman Egen called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm

Members Present: A roll call of members was taken and a quorum was present.

Isaac Owens

Bonnie Finzel-Doster

Richard Micka

Dan Stefanski

Milward Beaudry

Brian Egen

Councilwomen Gloria Rafko

Ed Kane

Barry LaRoy

Guests:          Bill Doster

Scarlett Egen

Ike Owens brought donuts for the COTE.

Approval of minutes from November 9, 2017 meeting – Motion by Micka, Seconded by Stefanski

PAC Grant 2017:

Reviewed all revised grant tasks.  COTE reviewed, discussed and made suggestions to River Raisin AOC GIS storymap.  COTE discussed the PSA, scripting, and content.

MDEQ Items:

Future COTE day meeting may occur in an effort to discuss PCB sediment results – will discuss options at January 2018 meeting.

Members Time:

Finzel-Doster-She will not be able to attend January or February COTE mtgs-out of state.

Micka-Suggested Monroe News cover all rivers in their publishing’s on what is caught in waterways (i.e. Include the River Raisin).

Stefanski-Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all, Thanks Councilwomen Rafko for her time on the COTE.

Owens-Went over Representative Joe Bellino’s letter to his request to restock River Raisin with walleye and other species.

Kane-Amend Eat-Safe-Fish signage to add a small sign to say “Catch and Release is Encouraged”.  Also, suggests putting signage up for fisherman to remind them to pick up their debris / trash.

Beaudry-None

Rafko-This will likely be her last COTE mtg; COTE has been her favorite.

Egen-Same as Stefanski

LaRoy-Went over Dr Hartig’s comprehensive writeup on River Raisin AOC & actions to delist AOC-will forward to all members.

Adjournment

8:19 pm motion made by MIcka, Seconded by Beaudry.

The City of Monroe Commission on Environment and Water Quality MINUTES November 9, 2017 7:00 pm

published: May 11th, 2018

Call to Order: Chairman Egen called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm

Members Present: A roll call of members was taken and a quorum was present.

Isaac Owens

Richard Micka

Dan Stefanski

Milward Beaudry

Brian Egen

Councilwomen Gloria Rafko

Ed Kane

Barry LaRoy

Excused:          Bonnie Finzel-Doster

Guests:            Melanie Foose, MDEQ AOC Coordinator

Approval of minutes from October 12, 2017 meeting as amended – Motion by Stefanski, Seconded by Owens

PAC Grant 2017:

Subcommittee met on 10-27-17 and discussed GIS storymap, PSA, Media Promotion, &  Drone video content, schedule, details.  The GIS Storymap example was presented to the COTE.  East-Safe-Fish tote bags were shown to the COTE from Michelle Bruneau with Michigan DHHS, they will be handed out during public events.

Flowering Rush:

River Raisin was sprayed by Aquaweed (City contractor) on 10-9-2017.  The treatment map was shared with the COTE.  The permit for 2018 will be amended to extend to Cranbrook Blvd.  MiWaters report to be submitted before 11-30-17.  A GIS shapefile will be provided to the CWMA.  A meeting will be held in December to go over the 2017 treatment areas and discuss the 2 year grant & 2018 work – City commitment for GIS in-kind services will be required.

National Water Trail System:

A discussion was held on designating the River Raisin as a National Water Trail System.  This is pursuant to the City Planning Director providing information and advising his department can aid in coordinating the designation.  A motion was made by Stefanski to proceed with investigating with the designation of the River Raisin as a National Water Trail System, Seconded by Beaudry.  Melanie Foose will reach out to Mary Bohling (MSU) to consult with her on her experience in applying & designating these trails.

MDEQ Items:

Annual EPA meeting with DEQ & EPA will occur, topics to focus on the Raisin will include 4 BUIs remaining.  Dredging data shows that the dredging BUI may not be ready for removal yet.  Dr Grasman (Herring Gull) mentioned there is an increase in productivity, too early to provide more information.  Benthos BUI removal not likely either.  Dr Bowerman (Eagles) data will be coming soon.  Concerns with PFOS has been revealed in waterways.  Productivity is linked to health.  PCBs still a problem.  Mink study to occur in AOC.  12-28-17, MDEQ will move to the MDNR.

Members Time:

Micka-Discussed Dr Grasman study details, DTE discharge PCB contamination, Claimed Ford underground tanks buried by building on Ford property-RRD is reviewing, shock of DTE lowered tax request.

Stefanski-County/City parks to partner.  A liaison for the County/City is suggested to embrace kayaking, put out signs in river, to give notice to users.  Stefanski is leaving the County Parks board.  Loretta LaPointe, City Parks & Recreation Director will likely be the County/City liaison.

Owens-None

Kane-None

Beaudry-None

Rafko-Echoes Stefanski comments-save funds

Egen-Suggests a dashboard option for a comprehensive location of all AOC items done on river, develop a traveling display option-can use the interpretative signs as a basis,

LaRoy-On 12-7-17, he will presenting on Wastewater Facilities, how they remove nutrients using the Monroe WWTP as an example and an update on the potable water treatment struggles with the Lake Erie 2017 algal bloom at the Semi-Annual 2017 Farmer-Led Watershed Conservation, location is the Old Mill, Village of Dundee.  Also discussed upcoming lead & copper legislation changes in which the COTE may be used as a community board to meet public education & notification requirements.

Adjournment

8:15 pm motion made by Stefanski, Seconded by Kane.

The City of Monroe Commission on Environment and Water Quality MINUTES October 12, 2017 7:00 pm

published: December 12th, 2017

Call to Order: Commissioner LaRoy called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm

 

Members Present: A roll call of members was taken and a quorum was present.

Isaac Owens

Bonnie Finzel-Doster

Richard Micka

Dan Stefanski

Milward Beaudry

Barry LaRoy

 

Excused:

Councilwomen Gloria Rafko

Brian Egen

Ed Kane

 

Guests:            Melanie Foose, MDEQ AOC Coordinator

Bill Doster, Citizen

Brian Wilhem, Citizen

Diane Wilhelm, Citizen

 

The COTE meeting for September was cancelled due to lack of agenda.

 

Approval of minutes from August 10, 2017 meeting – Motion by Beaudry, Seconded by Stefanski

 

UPDATES

SPAC Fall Meeting & Legislative Briefing:

Commissioner Micka & Melanie Foose mentioned: Rep Bellino & Sen Zorn attended, Mayor Clark attended & was the keynote speaker, COTE Chairman Egen & Commissioner Micka attended, Jon Doyle (MDEQ) discussed PAC Grant & report updates coming for financial reports using SIGMA – webinar in Jan 2018, Dr Paul Seelbach (U of M) is working with OGL for PAC AOC related classes-Dr Seelbach will be communicating with SE MI AOCs, Vice Char SPAC looking to fill, Christina Patona (MDEQ) developing an Environmental Economic estimating tool to connect habitat & economic growth – Mott Foundation doing something similar to Christine Patona.  Other items discussed by COTE members include the clean harbor in the Port of Monroe, Multiple political related topics, BUIs, delisting, indicator species, consumption advisories, timeframe for recovery to delist, overview of all BUIs for Raisin & ones removed/remaining.

PAC Grant 2017:

Grant accepted by City Council 8-21-17 & all signatures received on 8-23-17.  Due to delay in award changes to schedule/tasks are suggested: GIS storymap fall 2017, PSA winter 2018, media promotion winter 2018, Drone video spring 2018.  A request to the grant changes will need to occur & establishment of a subcommittee for working through logistics of all tasks to bring to the COTE for approval.

Monroe County Environmental Fund Grants (2016 & 2017):

River Raisin was sprayed by Aquaweed (City contractor) on 10-9-2017.  The spray occurred from Fish Passage 1 (water plant) to Central Park Blvd.  Permit for 2018 will be amended to extend to Cranbrook Blvd.  Report & remaining funds were requested for the 2016 & 2017 grant.  The City received notice from the IWR that the EPA & NFWF-SOGL will be funding the 2018 & 2019 sprays – City commitment for GIS in-kind services will be required.

MDEQ Items:

Annual EPA meeting with DEQ & EPA will occur, topics to focus on the Raisin will include 4 BUIs remaining.  Dredging data from ACE will be coming on were we are at with our criteria.  2017 bird data coming soon.  Dr Grasman (Herring Gull) & Dr Bowerman (Eagles).  Benthos monitoring data-waiting on.  Fish from the Raisin (2016) that were collected – currently frozen, will be analyzed soon.  New fact sheets handed out from DEQ on AOCs & LaMP.

 

Members Time:

Stefanski-DHHA tote bags-1 box to be requested for City & 1 for County Parks.

Micka– Rocks in navigational channel found during dredging – likely from NS causeway pushed downstream.

Owens-Caught an 18” small mouth bass upstream of Waterloo Dam – walleye desired for MDEQ to aid in use of fish passage structures.  Steelhead on east side of Macomb St bridge running in river – use a silver spoon to catch.  Oxygen is on the bottom of the river this time of year.

Finzel-Doster-none, but glad to see visitors.

Beaudry-Traverse City, MI has stickers selling for fundraiser.  Potentially using concept for Raisin AOC sticker.  Mentioned Agricultural Action at MCCC on 11-15-17 12:30 pm to 4pm – maybe record by MPACT.

 

Adjournment

8:45 pm motion made by Owens, Seconded by Finzel-Doster.