The Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) oversees many critical areas of our community, from the health and welfare of our citizens to implementing recycling programs. EAB members study and advise courses of action which the Environmental Committee of City Council may take to formulate and promote general and broad codes of land, air and water management for the city.
Subcommittees within the EAB may include:
- Energy Efficiency
- Health Study
- Public Information/Public Education (P.I.P.E.)
- Waste & Recycling
- Wildlife
Questions? Please email At-Large Councilwoman Kayla Goodwin at KCGoodwin@avonlake.org.
Quick Links
Members | Meetings | Resources | Environmentally Speaking Programs
Members
The EAB consists of 14 members comprised of the following:
- Up to six (6) members are employees or representatives of industrial concerns located within the City who possess knowledge, technical capability, or interest in matters relating to air and/or water management, and can competently represent their industry. Industry representatives are appointed by City Council and are not required to be City residents.
- The other members are City residents, appointed by City Council, who for the previous two years have been registered, qualified electors and are not employees of industrial concerns located in the city.
- Three (3) ex officio, non-voting members: the City's Public Works Director (or designee), the Chairperson of the Environmental Committee, and a member of the Tree Commission.
Resident Representatives:
- Robert Baker (term ending 12/31/2027)
- Sylvia Hermo-Fedro (term ending 12/31/2028)
- Rick Keller (term ending 12/31/2028)
- Eric Krieg (term ending 12/31/2028)
- Janice Lapina (term ending 12/31/2026)
- Steve Nowak (term ending 12/31/2026)
- Jon Potrzeba (term ending 12/31/2027)
- Terry Robison (term ending 12/31/2026)
- Vincent Schiavone (term ending 12/31/2027)
Industry Representatives:
- Tom Sulzer, Avient™
- Steven Myers, Ford Motor Company
- Ron Spears, Lubrizol Corporation
- David Messinger, Vestolit
- VACANCY
Ex-Officio Representatives:
- Kayla Goodwin, Chair of the Environmental Committee
- Andy Matteucci, Public Works Director Designee
- Kim Currie, Tree Commission Member
Meetings
Meetings are typically held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Boulevard.
Resources
- Our Drinking Water — The City of Avon Lake and Avon Lake Regional Water (ALRW) work diligently to provide safe, clean drinking water to our community. Understanding the science behind water treatment and testing can sometimes be complex. The ALRW Water Quality Report provides helpful information and answers to common questions.
- Our Lake — According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, fallen leaves provide valuable wildlife habitat but can also contribute phosphorus to urban stormwater. When large piles of raked leaves are placed near streets and storm drains, excess nutrients can enter Lake Erie and contribute to harmful algae blooms. Help protect Lake Erie by keeping leaf piles away from storm drains. Consider mulching leaves to enrich your lawn, using them to start a compost pile for spring gardening, or leaving some in place to support habitat. Explore additional resources and references to learn more.
- Rust Belt Riders Composting Service — The City of Avon Lake partners with Rust Belt Riders' neighborhood food scrap drop-off program, which diverts food waste from landfills and returns nutrients to the ecosystem in a sustainable way. Learn more about how to participate.
- Educate Youth About Wasted Food — Involving children in meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and managing leftovers helps build sustainable habits at an early age. Small changes over time can make a meaningful impact, extending from the classroom to the home and throughout the community. For more information, visit the EPA Sustainable Management of Food website.
Environmentally Speaking Programs
These programs were presented in partnership with the Avon Lake Public Library and Avon Lake’s Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) and were designed to address environmental topics relevant to Avon Lake residents. Each session features subject-matter experts who share practical tools, resources, and strategies for making a positive impact in the community. Links to past presentations are available below:
- Invasive Species: Spotted Lanternfly & Poison Hemlock
- Thrifting 101
- Stormwater
- Helping Monarch Butterflies to Thrive Nurturing Trees for a Sustainable Future
- The Impact of Environmental Challenges on the Avon Lake Power Plant Redevelopment Project
- Forest Bathing
- Rain Gardens
- Transportation Safety in Lorain County
- Recycle Right
- Make, Thrift, Mend: Thrifting and Repurposing Your Wardrobe
- Composting Basics
- Organic Lawn Care
- Importance of Native Plants
- Our Drinking Water
- Importance of Urban Trees
- Coexisting with Nature
- Birding in Lorain County
- Small Changes, Big Impact
- Spotted Lanternfly & Poison Hemlock
