HomeMy WebLinkAboutSCMinutes_2019_09_11Minutes of Sustainability Council meeting Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Chair Jennifer McLaughlin called the meeting to order at 4:00p.
Present: Paul Peterson, Norma Nusz-Chandler, Jennifer McLaughlin, Stephanie Aure (by
phone), Robin Buterbaugh, Nels Granholm, Betty L Beer, Jane Hegland, Shelly Brandenburger.
City Staff: Jacob Meshke, assistant to the City Manager.. Absent: Robert McGrath
● The Agenda was approved, and the Minutes of the prior meeting were approved.
● BROOKINGS BONANZA: In order to memorialize a prior action, the “Vote of Approval of
Brookings Bonanza Item Purchase” was read into the minutes as follows: As the August
Sustainability Council meeting is being cancelled and the Sustainability Council desires to purchase giveaways
for Brookings Bonanza on August 24, Motion by Chair McLaughlin to spend not to exceed $1,000 on LED light
bulbs, reusable grocery bags, and flier printing costs, seconded by Vice Chair Brandenburger.
Vote:
Ayes: Jennifer McLaughlin, Shelly Brandenburger, Robert McGrath, Betty Beer, Stephanie Aure, Norma
Nusz-Chandler, & Robin Buterbaugh
Abstain: Mike Lockrem
Jennifer and Shelly reported on the successful Brookings Bonanza give-away of bags, balls and
LED bulbs.
● ENERGY TASK FORCE: Norma volunteered to be our committee’s representative to the
Energy Task Force.
● WASTE TO ENERGY: Paul reported on his visit to Minnesota to a Waste to Energy
Facility. The facility is owned by 5 counties, each of which is larger than Brookings,
where garbage is separated then burned. The steam heat generated goes next to to
two manufacturing facilities. Minnesota has nine such facilities. North and South
Dakota each have none. Population size is a factor for success. The air quality emissions
are highly regulated. This is a renewable resource. Here is a link to a video:
https://ottertailcountymn.us/content-page/prairie-lakes-municipal-solid-waste-authority/
● PLASTIC BAG REDUCTION/ELIMINATION RESEARCH: We are to present at November City
Council meeting our research regarding the above issue. These are the people who volunteered
to write a preliminary report so that a final report on all topics can be developed:
Robin and Jen: Education suggestions and voluntary incentives for Plastic Bag Reduction
Jake: Voluntary Business Incentives
Paul: Find possible used bag drop off locations within the City
● GRANT OPPORTUNITIES: Keep your eyes open for grants, both Federal and State
● HOBO DAY PARTICIPATION: very little interest, not enough time
● UPDATES/REPORTS FROM SUB-COMMITTIES:
Marketing and communication: none
Waste: See above, Paul’s report
Energy: See above, Paul’s report
Local Foods: update on Food Co-op by Shelly: food coop has a development board now and will
become incorporated. They have located a potential space and a potential food bank partner.
They need substantial fund raising. There will be a fundraiser Sept. 21 at Farmer’s Market. They
will attend a grant writing workshop. It will take 3-5 years to open.
● UPDATES/REPORTS FROM LIAISONS
Big Sioux River (Granholm): none
Bicycle (Lockrem): none
● NEW BUSINESS: A Letter was read from Jeremiah D. Bergstrom requesting our support for the
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project. The principals in the project will come to our next
meeting.
● ADJOURNMENT AT 5:26 pm
● NEXT MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2019.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty L Beer, secreatary