HomeMy WebLinkAboutSCMinutes_2018_02_14Sustainability Council
February 14, 2018
A meeting of the Sustainability Council was held on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at
Brookings City & County Government Center with the following members present: Norma Nusz
Chandler, Nels Granholm, Shelly Brandenburger, Bob McGrath, Jennifer McLaughlin, Betty Beer and Paul
Peterson. Ben Kleinjan, Stephanie Aure, Caleb Vukovich, Jane Hegland and Mike Lockrem were absent.
Others present: Solid Waste Director Todd Langland, Shari Thornes and Laurie Carruthers.
Chair Nusz Chandler called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. A motion was made by McGrath, seconded
by Beer, to approve the amended agenda. All present voted yes; motion carried.
A motion was made by McGrath, seconded by McLaughlin, to approve the December 13, 2017 minutes.
All present voted yes; motion carried.
Discussion regarding volume-based residential collection system (pay-as-you-throw)
Nusz Chandler advised the City Council asked the Sustainability Council to review volume-based
residential collection systems with the idea that if residents pay for a larger garbage container, it will
encourage recycling. Solid Waste Director Todd Langland advised that it is not that simple and the entire
picture needs to be reviewed. Rapid City and Mitchell currently have this program. Rapid City residents
currently have 3 choices for garbage containers – 35 gallon, 65 gallon and 95 gallon. They are planning
to discontinue the 35 gallon option as it is troublesome due to its light weight and size. Langland advised
that with larger populations, this program works more efficient as there is more residents from which to
draw. Brookings has the best recycling rate in the state (82%), so he does not know how much a volume-
based residential collection system will increase that number. If Brookings was starting from scratch, this
system would be more affordable. If a pay-as-you-throw system was in place, the Landfill would need to
reconfigure their current billing system with Brookings Municipal Utilities and likely hire a new employee
to track the system. Langland believes a volume-based residential collection system is not economical at
this time for Brookings.
A motion was made by Brandenburger, seconded by Peterson, to remain with the current program at
this time because it does not meet the economic pillar of sustainability, and for Langland and McGrath
to prepare a formal memorandum to the City Council for the February 27 City Council Study Session. All
present voted yes; motion carried.
Draft City Comprehensive Master Plan
Thornes advised the draft Comprehensive Master Plan was presented at an Open House on February 12,
and comments need to be submitted no later than Friday, February 16. The draft Plan will be presented
to the Planning Commission on March 12, and the City Council will consider the Plan after the Planning
Commission. McGrath noticed nothing was included about community gardens. Granholm asked if
water quality issues were covered. McGrath stated that it is common knowledge about the city’s
aquifers, but they were not specified in the Plan. McLaughlin did not have specific revisions, but advised
that elements of the Benchmarks Report need to be added into the Plan. It was noted that the Plan did
not have measurable goals, strategies or objectives – where are we now, where do we want to go? In
general, sustainability was omitted from the Plan. Sustainability is a core value for Brookings and needs
to be included in the report. The Plan is currently missing any reference to the three pillars of
sustainability – economic prosperity, social & cultural vibrancy and environmental & ecological integrity.
A motion was made by McGrath, seconded Granholm, to have a subcommittee draft a letter by Friday,
February 16 in response to the draft Comprehensive Master Plan. Subcommittee members include:
Brandenburger, Nusz Chandler, Beer, McLaughlin and McGrath. All present voted yes; motion carried.
McLaughlin left at 5:06 pm.
Recommendations on sustainability goals for inclusion in the City 2018-2023 Strategic Plan
Thornes advised the draft 2018-2023 Strategic Plan will be presented to the City Council at the March 13
for the May Strategic Planning Retreat. This is a longer vision than the usual one year plan. The
recommendation will be deferred to the executive subcommittee.
Beer left at 5:10 pm.
Discussion regarding sustainability award program
Tabled until March.
Committee reports:
Urban Ag/Local Foods; curbside composting update
Brandenburger reported that McGrath drafted suggested changes to the city ordinances and the
subcommittee met with the Community Development Director. They are in the process of revising the
draft
Composting
The DENR responded to our inquiry and suggested permits be given instead of overall regulations and to
start with a pilot projects.
Storm Water
Peterson drafted a Stormwater Discharge brochure for business and the City Engineer is reviewing it.
Thornes advised the potential for permeable pavement pilot projects and other options for the Bob
Sheldon Field project. The next design meeting on the project is in March. If members have ideas, please
forward them to Peterson.
Earth Day
The subcommittee has lined up booths as well as sites. A compost bins has been donated from Lowe’s.
Marketing needs to be finalized.
Liaison reports:
Brookings Bicycle Advisory Committee
Thornes advised that pocket guides are being distributed. They have met with the new Police Chief and
are reviewing the ordinances.
Big Sioux River Board
Granholm reported on the river mapping project. Flandreau and Sioux Falls have been completed. Pet
waste and agricultural buffer strips are being studied. A firm is collecting data about where people swim
including: Falls Park, I-90 and Skunk Creek. In Sioux Falls, the Friends are interviewing the Mayoral
candidates and asking their position on water quality. They are working on greenway restoration along
the Big Sioux in Sioux Falls and researching the effectiveness of buffer strips and tiling. The book “White
Wash” by Carey Gillen tells the story of weed killer, cancer and the corruption of science. They also are
looking at dicamba drifts and the effects on crops. Many states are banning or restricting the use of
dicamba.
Brandenburger left at 5:40 pm.
Affordable Housing Task Force
Thornes advised the City Council will receive an update at the March 13 Study Session.
Executive Committee reports
The executive committee is finalizing the 2018 goals and 2017 annual report.
Announcements/Correspondence/Communications/Calendar
A doodle poll will be distributed for the March meeting as on March 14 staff have a conflict.
Green Drinks with Chuck MacBride on February 26.
Peterson suggested day trips to Aberdeen’s yard waste program, Fargo’s permeable pavement,
Iowa and Pierre’s solar programs.
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 5:42 p.m.
Submitted by Laurie Carruthers