HomeMy WebLinkAboutSCMinutes_2019_11_13Minutes of Sustainability Council meeting November 13, 2019.
Present: Jennifer McLaughlin, Betty L Beer, Bob MCGrath, Norma Nusz, Nels
Granholm, Jane Hegland, Robin Buterbaugh, Shelly Brandenburger, Anna Barr, Paul
Peterson, Stephanie Aure (by telephone), City staff: Jacob Meshke, visitors: Dusty
Rodiek, Park District, Jonathan Sundet, Pres. Brookings H.S. student body, Andrew
Klein, and Zeno Wicks
Absent: Mike Lockrem
The agenda was amended to add Mowing Initiative and occupancy law
Mowing Initiative, presented by Jonathan Sundet. There are 250,000 acres in SD that
are mowed in parks, ditches, medians. This initiative is aiming for 1% to be not mowed.
There are economic and environmental effects of mowing, such as nitrous oxide
released from chemicals used in fertilizing or removing weeds from grass, most of which
would be removed by not mowing. Not mowing ties into improving the Monarch Path.
No Mow Zones: Dusty Rodiek presented a report on No Mow Zones. He identified a
number of places, such as Swiftel’s South parkling lot, north of Soccer complex, 10 ½
Acres at the north interchange, dog park, airport detention area inside curve. With even
this incomplete list, he anticipates a cost saving of ca $6,000, per year, not counting
cost of workers time. He noted that the savings could be reinvested in pollinators (some
savings goes to weed control). It’s difficult to measure the environmental impact. There
is a potential for a design project with SDSU classes. The Park Board approves and
recommended bringing the idea to our committee. Bob moved and Nels seconded that
the S.C. Council support a No Mowing initiative, and that we approach Dr.Toffe at
SDSU, that we provide public education through Green Drinks, signage, press release,
all showing economic benefit and time frame, and that we move toward a design phase.
Rental Occupancy Law: Andrew Klein requested that the council look at current rental
occupancy law (a rental house is limited to 3 unrelated occupants). He cited
underutilization of older homes which causes new construction to be built. We
suggested that he take the issue to the planning commission as a good place to start.
Growing Sustainable Communities Workshop: Jennifer, Jake, and Shelly reported
on their take-aways. Bob outlined the best practice in introducing legislation in the
state. He will debrief and have action plans for the future.
Plastic Bag Report to City Council: The report was well received by the City Council.
Robin will develop incentives for businesses to go bagless. Paul will work to increase
recycling spots, Jennifer will devise ways for business to reduce using single use
plastic, plastic bottles and straws , Shelly will lead effort to devise a survey.
Unanswered questions include how much current plastic bag use is there? Does
HyVee have metrics on discounts? How have other communities measured impact?
Brookings Business Survey: Bob reported that he has a draft survey with lots of
issues. It’s a 3-page questionnaire and he will add a plastic use reduction section. The
committee will review the final draft. We can use an email list from the chamber. We
will ask Ashley Biggar, the new Downtown Broo kings Director, to come in December.
Friends of Big Sioux River Discussion/Appointment: There was interest in staying
involved with FBSR; however, there was no one interested in joining the board at this
time. We will keep the partnership in mind.
Social Media Presence: We will contribute posts to the City page as opposed to
creating our own social media page. The Communications subcommittee will create
content.
Sustainability Council Structure - Full Members and Alternates: Held discussion
around committee structure. Committee was in agreement we should not add any
additional “full members”, but were supportive of creating “alternate members”.
Updates/Reports from Subcommittees – postponed to next meeting
Updates/Reports from Liaisons - postponed to next meeting