HomeMy WebLinkAboutSCMinutes_2011_09_26Sustainability Council
September 26, 2011
A meeting of the Sustainability Council was held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2011 in the
Brookings City Hall with the following members present: Norma Nusz Chandler, Laura Hennen,
Brooke Sydow, Justin Fjeldos, Bob McGrath, Ryan Carda, Jane Hegland and Arika Sanders. Absent:
Donna Hess. Tim Reed, Shari Thornes and Laurie Carruthers were also present.
Carruthers called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.
Mayor Reed spoke to the committee about the vision and purpose for the Sustainability Committee. He
presented an example of Normal, Illinois, and the similarities between the Brookings and Normal
communities.
Introductions were made by members. Carruthers opened the floor to nominations for Chair and Vice
Chair. Sanders volunteered to be Chair, and Carda volunteered to be Vice Chair. A motion was made by
McGrath, seconded by Fjeldos, electing Arika Sanders as Chair and Ryan Carda as Vice Chair. All present
voted yes; motion carried.
A discussion about bylaws was presented by Carruthers. McGrath and Fjeldos offered to meet as a sub-
committee to review the options and report back to the Council at the next meeting.
Carruthers presented the budget for 2011- $4,000 and 2012 - $5,000.
A preliminary discussion to identify partners was conducted. Future partners identified include: SDSU
community, Brookings Municipal Utilities, City of Brookings Community Development Director, landfill,
industry, Sioux Falls Sustainability Coordinator, Chamber of Commerce, Farmer’s Market, Dakota Rural
Action, Brookings School District, local construction companies, plumbers, NW Energy, Bison Electric,
Home Builder’s Association and East Central Board of Realtors.
Carruthers reviewed the open meeting/notice requirements for all committees. The Council decided on a
monthly meeting schedule to fit the purpose and vision. 4th Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. was
identified as the date that worked for all.
Carruthers asked the members review the directory listing and advise any changes. The Council will provide
electronic packets for the meetings. A suggestion was made that a laptop and projector are available for
future meetings. Carruthers will set this up for future meetings.
Development opportunities for the City of Brookings website and Facebook were discussed. Sustainability
conferences will be offered in Dubuque, Iowa October 11 & 12 and Sioux Falls October 14. Members need to
notify Carruthers if they are interested.
A motion was made by Fjeldos, seconded by McGrath, to adjourn. All present voted yes; motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Submitted by Laurie Carruthers