Charlotte City Council voted Dec. 23 to move forward with the creation of a sustainability advisory board. Specifics outlining the framework of the board will be established through a city ordinance that will still need to be approved by council.
Councilmember, Branden Dyer said he brought the idea of sustainability to council’s attention because he sees an opportunity to get citizens involved in creating a more attractive community.
“This is about saving people, not just saving the environment,” Dyer said. “Sustainability is about making this place better for generations to come.”
Dyer said his vision for the advisory board is a collaborative effort between the city and citizens. He said the board should serve to educate the community about programs and policies that will create a shared vision of sustainability within the city and surrounding communities.
“I’m excited about the possibilities,” said Mayor Carrie Burch. “It’s really progressive compared to other communities and I think it will be a positive addition to the community.”
The board will consist of 10 to 11 members, including four city residents, representatives from City Council, the Downtown Development Authority, Charlotte Area Recycling Authority, as well as a potential representative from Olivet College.
“My plan is to follow the Michigan Municipal League’s Green Communities Challenge Program,” Dyer said. “We can use the program to establish goals that are in line with a community like Charlotte.”
In the short term, Dyer said he would like to see the advisory board complete projects that would require little or no cost to the city, including an energy audit of the city’s buildings and facilities. He said an audit may provide the city with ways to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations and provide for savings in the future through improved energy efficiency.
Long term, Dyer said he would like to see a partnership with Olivet College that could develop a sustainability institute, similar to a relationship established between the City of Holland and Hope College.
“An institute could provide research and services to surrounding communities,” Dyer said. “I think Charlotte is forward thinking and I hope this can help us to be a leader throughout Eaton County when it comes to green initiatives.”
