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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustComMinutes_2020_06_10 ModifiedBrookings Sustainability Council Minutes June 10, 2020 Present: Jennifer McLaughlin (Chair), Shelly Brandenburger (Vice-Chair), Robert McGrath, Stephanie Aure, Robin Buterbaugh, Betty Beer, Anna Barr. City Staff: Jacob Meshke Absent: Jane Hegland, Mike Lockrem, Paul Peterson, Norma Nusz Chandler Members of the Community Present: Lawrence Novotny 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of the Agenda • Motioned by Beer and seconded by McGrath. Passed unanimously. 3. Approval of the Minutes • McLaughlin made amendment to remove Shelly Brandenburger from present list and to adjust the comment made by Brandenburger to a generic comment. Brandenburger was not present at the meeting. Beer motioned and McGrath seconded. Passed unanimously. 4. Open Forum 5. City Update • The City has changed their memo format for efforts brought forth to the City Council. There is now a sustainability consideration component to showcase how this effort fits into the sustainability plan. • The electric car charging station is now active. The City is working on marketing the program. There will be a ribbon cutting. BSC will be involved. Details to come. Looking into putting an EV charging station sign on I-29. • Meshke will send feedback back to the Electrify America program advocating that South Dakota should be included in the next phase of the project. • The State of South Dakota may make grants available for electric car charging stations. • The Bob Sheldon field and parking lot renovations are moving forward. Sustainability items to note are porous pavements in the parking lot and storm water improvements. • The City Council passed a first reading of an ordinance that would change all COVID-19 requirements to guidelines. 6. Community Solar Meeting Recap/Discussion • McLaughlin provided in update from the meeting that McLaughlin, Brandenburger, Nusz Chandler, and Meshke had with BMU and Gen Pro. Gen Pro gave an overview of their program including details on the difference between stationary and moving panels. They discussed the options of batteries, the panel’s lifespan, and how much land would be needed for the Brookings solar array. 7. Business Signage • Barr updated that the Downtown Business Committee seemed supportive and suggested that the program be spread to the whole community vs. focused on downtown. They asked about placing logos on the signs and making the sign fit the “look” of other Downtown and City of Brookings signage. They would like to see an option where they can work with a print show with an editable version to get signs for their stores. • Barr is working with Ashley Biggar and Chelsie Bakken to finalize design. • Different ways to promote these signs to businesses were discussed including mailing and going to meetings. • The Downtown Business Committee did not bring up concerns around reusables and COVID-19. Meshke advised that when surveys were sent out previously, half of the businesses were happy with the City’s handling of the pandemic and the other half was not. Going off of this data, Meshke advised that there would be a lot of flexibility and options as there are many different opinions. 8. Updates/Reports from Subcommittees • Marketing and Communication o Common Read  Moving forward with planning.  Members suggested advertising the event with the Natural Resources Department, Paul Baggatt, and Mike Keller from SDSU.  Next meeting the committee will vote on covering the costs of the books for the Book Club. o As there will be no expenses for conferences this year, Meshke suggested using that spare money on a larger cost that may not otherwise be possible in a normal year. Since our banner has a spelling error, it was suggested we purchase a new one. Or creating a new handout. Aure will get quotes on a tablecloth and/or banner. • Waste o No update • Energy o No update • Local Foods o No update 9. Updates from Liaisons • Bicycle (Lockrem) o No update. 10. Misc. • McLaughlin reminded committee members to research sustainability conferences/trainings for City Departments. McLaughlin thanked Beer, Buterbaugh, and McGrath who have already signed up. • Items to discuss at July’s Meeting o With Nels Granholm resigning, will we fill his position or keep the committee at 11? o Discuss if BSC will continue to meet virtually, in-person, or a combination. o Conversation around social justice and sustainability. 11. Adjourn • Motion by Buterbaugh and seconded by Beer. Passed unanimously.