1000 Rochester Hills Dr
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(248) 656-4600
Home Page: www.rochesterhills.org
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Chairperson Jayson Graves, Vice Chairperson Joe Bruce
Members: Stephanie Bennett, Louis Carrio, Jr., Jordon Gearhart, Chander Malhotra, Brian McCurdy, Heidi Morris, Susan Strunk
Council Member Jason Carlock
Youth Representatives: Sasha Joshi and Yuna Woo
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Chairperson Graves called the Green Space Advisory Board meeting to order
at 5:57 pm.
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Joe Bruce, Louis Carrio,, Jordon Gearhart, Jayson Graves, Heidi Morris, Susan Strunk, Chander Malhotra, Brian McCurdy and Stephanie Bennett
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Non-voting members present: Jason Carlock, Matt Einheuser, Lauren Oxlade and Seo-Yun Woo
Non-voting members absent: Ken Elwert and Sasha Joshi
Member Ken Elwert provided prior notice that he would be unable to attend and
asked to be excused.
Others present: None
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Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting - December 12, 2024
Attachments:
A motion was made by Morris, seconded by McCurdy, that this matter be
Approved as Presented. The motion carried by the following vote:
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Bruce, Carrio,, Gearhart, Graves, Morris, Strunk, Malhotra, McCurdy and Bennett
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Matt Einheuser welcomed Lauren Oxlade to GSAB. She is the city’s new naturalist.
Einheuser discussed that the cleanup of contaminated areas at the Auburn Green Space and Ruby extension has been completed. Member Carrio asked about the furniture and debris, Matt indicated it has been all or mostly cleared.
Einheuser mentioned that the pathway on Consumers/WRC easement has been completed.
Einheuser touched on the HOA’s interest in a pathway from pheasant ring to Innovation Hills Green Space and the bridge. Discussion ensued.
Einheuser informed members that the city has officially accepted the NFWF grant to provide the city $100,000 per year for the next 3 years to go towards invasive species management on our Green Spaces. This will expand annual stewardship efforts.
Einheuser updated members on the Bee property. It was officially acquired on December 31, 2024. Staff is working with the facilities team to demo the house and barn along with the home at the Ruby property. Cloverport is in a waiting stage for grant information and meetings later this year with DNR, EGLE and Stantec.
Einheuser mentioned that letters will be sent out later this spring to property owners of potential green space properties.
Einheuser indicated that staff is planning to increase stewardship in natural areas within some of our parks and hopes to increase this within our Natural Resources budget in years to come. This year, our plan is to do some work in Bloomer, Innovation Hills, and Tienken Road parks.
Einheuser informed members that the Aerial Deer Survey was completed recently with 182 deer observed.
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None
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None
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None
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2025 Election of GSAB Chairperson
Attachments:
Members Morris and Strunk nominated Jayson Graves. No other nominations.
Resolved that Jayson Graves be appointed as Chairperson of the Green Space Advisory Board for 2025.
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Bruce, Carrio,, Gearhart, Graves, Morris, Strunk, Malhotra, McCurdy and Bennett
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2025 Election of GSAB Vice Chairperson
Attachments:
Members Carrio and Graves nominated Joe Bruce. No other nominations.
Resolved that Joe Bruce be appointed as Vice Chairperson of the Green Space Advisory Board for 2025.
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Bruce, Carrio,, Gearhart, Graves, Morris, Strunk, Malhotra, McCurdy and Bennett
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2025 Preliminary Budget/Project Plan
Attachments:
Einheuser began the discussion of the preliminary budget with Stantec. Discussion ensued
Einheuser also mentioned that this year is the when the comprehensive monitoring is due to be done. The information from this report is especially helpful for obtaining grants.
Einheuser discussed invasive species in the green spaces. There are multiple sites of follow up treatment that will be happening. In the Auburn Green Space, we will try to plant in the wetland area and promote native plants. Discussion ensued.
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2025 Goals
Attachments:
Einheuser introduced potential 2025 goals:
1. Give update to City Council of 2025 events, goals and accomplishments. October
2. Continue engagements and education of Green Space
a. Attend HOA forum with GS outreach
b. OAK in the Hills - Scavenger Hunt
3. Continue volunteer stewardship/ Citizen Science
a. Coordinate w/ Youth Council - Opportunities
b. Assist Staff in promoting Opportunities for Garlic mustard pull in our green spaces.
c. Assist Staff in promoting Citizen Science Opportunities and OE programs
4. GSAB to visit Green Space locations as a group. Re-familiarize ourselves with properties.
5. GSAB members - Adopt-A-Green Space initiative, where members make a point to visit a designated space on a regular basis to look for concerns, etc.
6. GS outreach to landowners about Phragmites, staff to look into putting information in water bill. GS outreach to commercial sites as well.
7. Reach out to Potential properties for future acquisition.
Discussion ensued.
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None
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Tuesday, February 25, 2024 at 6:00 pm
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There being no further business to discuss, Chairperson Graves adjourned the
meeting 7:14 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Melissa Zaborski.
Minutes were approved as presented at the March 25, 2025
Regular Green Space Advisory Board Meeting.
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Jayson Graves, Chairperson