HomeMy WebLinkAboutSCMinutes_2012_03_26Sustainability Council
March 26, 2012
A meeting of the Sustainability Council was held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 26, 2012 at Brookings
City Hall with the following members present: Arika Sanders, Jane Hegland, Norma Nusz Chandler,
Donna Hess, Brooke Sydow, Bob McGrath, Ryan Carda and Laura Hennen. Absent: Justin Fjeldos.
Laurie Carruthers was also present.
Sanders called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m.
A motion was made by Hess, seconded by McGrath, to approve the agenda. All present voted yes;
motion carried. A motion was made by Hennen, seconded by Sydow, to approve the February 27, 2012
minutes. All present voted yes; motion carried.
The April meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 23, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
New Business
Sustainability Guide update.
Sanders reviewed the guide assignments. Carruthers brought up batteries are not an option to recycle
in Brookings. Carda researched Battery Solutions (www.batteryrecycling.com) who recycles all types of
batteries. Discussion arose about alkaline batteries and their non-toxicity. It was concluded that
alkaline batteries are safe to dispose into the landfill. However, lithium ion & lithium primary batteries
are not safe to dispose into our landfill. Battery Solutions offers kits to dispose of many different types
of batteries in one container. The Council proposed drop off locations for battery recycling containers
could include City/County Government Center, Post Office, Lowes, Student Union. A motion was made
by Carda, seconded by McGrath, to purchase two containers for Earth Day.
Carruthers received quotes for printing the guide from several local and state companies. All the quotes
were more than expected. Hegland suggested that rather than printing the entire guide, simply print a
bookmark/flyer advising the Sustainability Guide is available online. All members agreed this is a
wonderful solution.
Website.
Sanders presented several pages of mock-ups of the website. The Sustainability Council was impressed.
Carruthers advised that while the mock-ups were beautiful, the Sustainability Council needs to maintain
the current website within www.cityofbrookings.org but images and features can be changed.
Discussion pursued about the ability to redirect the website. Sanders would like to discuss possible
revisions with Thornes and Reed.
Old Business/Updates/Reports
Acknowledgement of Subcommittee Chairs & Updates.
• Recycling & waste management committee – Hennen-Chair, Fjeldos, McGrath, Sydow
1. Hennen provided an update on the topics discussed at their meeting which included:
prescription drive (Police Department accepts all year round), education, Sustainability
Guide, website, campaign, BMU insert and recycling containers.
• Sustainable building practices committee – Fjeldos-Chair, Hegland, Carda
1. Fjeldos was not present at the meeting to provide an update.
• Energy & atmosphere – Nusz Chandler-Chair, Hess, Carda
1. Nusz Chandler provided an update on the topics discussed which included: tiered
electric rate, feasibility studies for public buildings, residential energy audits, educating
the public about energy efficiency, raising building standards and implementing
incentive programs.
Grant opportunities
Carruthers advised that she and Sanders have been attempting to communicate with the Funders'
Network for Smart Growth and Livable Communities regarding the definition of ‘local, place-based
foundation’ and have received no response. Carruthers inquired about forming a funding committee to
review grant opportunities. Members replied that this would require a huge commitment, and the City
should hire a Sustainability Coordinator to pursue these endeavors.
Earth Day “GreenFest”
Sydow provided an update of the Earth Day activities, which includes an updated list of exhibitors,
scavenger hunt, President Chicoine, Mayor Reed, speakers, movie and ice cream. She is working on
advertising efforts with Brookings Radio, The Register and The Shopper. Sanders agreed to cover the
Sustainability Council’s table for the event, which will feature the flyer and battery, cell phone & small
electronics recycling.
Motion was made by McGrath, seconded by Hennen to adjourn at 6:59 PM. All voted yes, motion
carried.
Submitted by Laurie Carruthers