Environmental Commission approves handbook amendment, discusses vacancies and outreach events including Ecoheroes and Garden Fair

The Environmental Commission approved an amendment to its handbook clarifying attendance expectations and potential removal procedures based on municipal code. Commissioner (speaker 7) moved to approve the handbook as amended; the motion passed on a roll‑call vote.

Commissioners discussed residency language (whether county residents outside city limits should be eligible for EC appointment) and decided not to take a formal position at this time. The EC also discussed the need to fill a tree-commission liaison seat following Dave’s resignation from that role; commissioners asked members to consider attending the tree commission (third Monday at 9:30 a.m.) or to serve as a short-term representative.

Outreach and events featured heavily: Ecoheroes outreach is underway with flyers and educator resource lists; submissions open St. Patrick’s Day and run through April 7, with a ceremony planned later. The EC also discussed tabling at the Monroe County Master Gardener Garden Fair on Apr. 11, and commissioners tentatively volunteered for shifts (final decision deferred to the February meeting). Staff highlighted a Waste Reduction District community grant (deadline around Jan. 31) for solid-waste reduction and education projects and encouraged the commission to consider partnership applications or support.

Votes at a glance:
- Approve December minutes — mover: speaker 7; second: speaker 8; outcome: approved (motion recorded early in meeting). (See roll-call for attendees.)
- Approve handbook as amended — mover: speaker 7; outcome: approved by roll-call vote (yes votes recorded in meeting transcript).

Why it matters: The handbook amendment clarifies governance and ensures commissioners understand attendance rules tied to appointing authorities. Outreach planning (Ecoheroes, Garden Fair) is a primary public-facing activity for the commission in spring 2026 and will shape community engagement and education efforts.

What’s next: Staff will coordinate packet timing and confirm volunteers for tabling; commissioners will continue to refine outreach materials and consider whether to submit a memo on Title 20 items to planning staff ahead of Plan Commission or council deadlines.

Provenance: Motion and roll-call on handbook amendment (SEG 1175–SEG 1199); outreach and event planning (SEG 1350–SEG 1570, SEG 2336–SEG 2466).