City of Lawrence                                        

Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB)

November 12, 2008 (5:30 PM) Meeting Minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chris Cobb, Paul Dietz, Dickie Heckler, Sarah Hill-Nelson , Matt Lehrman, Daniel Poull, Laura Routh (via phone), Brian Sifton, Cindy Strecker

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Simran Sethi

STAFF PRESENT:

Lisa Patterson, Kathy Richardson

 

GUESTS PRESENT:

 

 

PUBLIC PRESENT:

 

 

 

 

Call Meeting to Order (Daniel Poull, Chairperson)

Take Roll Call to Determine Quorum of Members

 

Approval of meeting Minutes

 

Motion and second to approve the October 8, 2008 minutes (Heckler/Lehrman).

Vote: Motion was passed unanimously.

 

Discussion on Advisory Board Communication with Lisa Patterson

 

SAB asked what the protocol is for putting a position message together to send out to the local newspaper or to put out as a public notice. Is it okay for SAB to send out a position statement to the media? Lisa Patterson, the City’s Communication Manager, explained that as an advisory board to the City Commission SAB’s information should flow up to the City Commission. Lisa Patterson clarified that SAB members can submit position statements to the media only as individuals.

 

SAB asked if they could put together a News Release prior to a City Commission meeting regarding an agenda item they will present (e.g. SAB’s recycling presentation). Lisa Patterson explained that information gets released to the City Commission via the meeting agenda and this agenda is also sent out to the media and others interested. In addition, there is a Lawrence Journal World reporter at every City Commission meeting.

 

There was discussion on how SAB can persuade the reporter to write a story like “50% by 15”. It was highlighted that what’s important is to describe what the concrete impacts are to the citizens. How is this going to impact the guy living at 825 Maine Street?

 

Laura Routh asked if there are other Advisory Boards or Commissions within the City of Lawrence that release information directly to the media. There are none. Lisa Patterson pointed out that information from Advisory Boards and Commissions gets released in one of two ways: 1. via Commission Agenda or 2. via News Release through the City’s Communication office. The Planning Commission’s information gets released through their agenda. The Lawrence Arts Commission and the Sister’s Cities Advisory Board develop News Releases in coordination with Lisa Patterson for their upcoming events.

 

Lisa Patterson complimented SAB for having a Goals Setting Session back in September. She wondered “what is SAB’s definition of success?” and “What are SAB’s goals?” Daniel Poull said he would like SAB to make more of a public splash on what SAB is thinking, what SAB is doing, and what SAB is proposing to the City Commission. Other SAB members agreed that they want to educate the public about the activities of SAB. Lisa Patterson commented that it is hard for the media to report on process of an Advisory Board.

 

Lisa Patterson informed SAB about an outreach tool, the subscription service (reduce, reuse, recycle) emails. The email subscription is for interested citizens who sign up via the City’s website. The Board could use this tool as a way to inform citizens about SAB activities. Questions arose: “What would be the content of SAB’s email message?” and “Would SAB commit to generate content for the email messages?”

 

There was a discussion regarding the two annual events: Lawrence Earth Day Celebration and Energy Conservation Fair. Does SAB have a presence at these events (e.g. SAB info table)? Lisa Patterson told the board to exploit the success the board already has with these two events and center any media coverage around these two events.

 

There was also a discussion on what happens to SAB’s advice that is presented at a City Commission meeting. SAB feels that although they had success with their recommendation of forming a Mayor’s Climate Protection Task Force, there are other important issues like “50 by 15” that the Commission did not embrace. SAB asked how they should approach a follow up to items like “50 by 15”. It was agreed that SAB should continue to communicate with staff.

 

Lisa Patterson reminded the board that she puts together the City newsletter every month and encourages SAB to send her an email as they work on specific messages that works for consumers (e.g. 10 tips for home energy conservation).

 

Update on Peak Oil Task Force

 

The City Commission approved the formation of the Peak Oil Task Force. The Task Force has not met yet. Paul Dietz was asked to serve on the Peak Oil Task Force to represent SAB.

 

50 by 15

 

Daniel Poull stated that he would like an update from staff regarding progress towards increasing recycling 50% by 2015. Staff asked that this agenda item to be moved to the December agenda. Tammy Bennett, Public Works Assistant Director, will give an update on this topic at the December meeting.

 

Update on Climate Protection Task Force

 

Daniel Poull reminded the board that Simran Sethi had sent out an email to SAB with a Brainstorming List which the Climate Protection Task Force (CPTF) will discuss at the next meeting. CPTF will be asked to narrow down city priorities from the list. Daniel reminded SAB that the CPTF meetings are open to the public and he encourages SAB members to attend the next meeting on Monday, November 17th at 4:00 pm. CPTF meeting agendas and notes are posted on the following City’s website http://www.lawrenceks.org/climate_protection/.

 

Follow up Briefings: Lawrence Energy Conservation Fair

 

Sarah Hill-Nelson asked how staff felt about the Energy Fair events. Kathy Richardson reported that overall the Sustainable Business Tour, the Keynote Address at the Lawrence Arts Center, the Sustainable Homes Tour and the Energy Conservation Fair were all successful (staff report on events attached) but it was noted that the Energy Fair had fewer exhibitors signed up this year, attendance was lower than previous years and the food vendors dropped out at the last minute. Chris Cobb and Dickie Heckler suggested not having food vendors in the future since it’s a lot of work to coordinate. Staff has been discussing whether a change in location and/or day of the week may help boost attendance. 

 

Kathy Richardson thanked the SAB members who participated on the Lawrence Energy Conservation Fair Planning Team and thanked those who volunteered at the Energy Fair setting up, breaking down, etc. Thank you!

 

Sarah Hill-Nelson stated that she worked at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce table all day at the Energy Fair and mentioned that some exhibitors she talked with may not be coming back next year due to decline in event attendance. She raised the concern of needing to find a way to revitalize this event so that it can be well attended and successful again.

 

There was discussion on getting a big name speaker for the event next year. Cindy Strecker suggested working with the University of Kansas since bringing in a big name speaker may require a lot of money. Chris Cobb added that an environmentally conscientious entertainer may also produce the type of draw needed for this event (e.g. Neil Young).

 

There was also discussion on incorporating the Energy Fair into a larger city-wide one week event. Sarah Hill-Nelson mentioned that there was previous discussion on coordinating efforts between the City, KU, and businesses (e.g. Get Downtown) to develop a sustainability week event in Lawrence.

 

Chris Cobb asked if staff was able to reserve the facilities at the Douglas County Fairgrounds for next years’ Energy Fair. Kathy Richardson reported that the Fairgrounds Building 21 is booked on all weekends from September through November. Dickie Heckler said he is looking into two alternate locations for the Energy Fair and will report back to the board when he finds out more information.

 

Paul Dietz mentioned that Kansas has received a splash in the National Geographic magazine in the past. There have been two articles regarding the soil in Kansas. He informed SAB that one of the biggest forms of energy conservation is to grow local.  When it comes to soil conservation there are a lot of big names in Kansas like Bill Kurtis who could be great speakers and supporters of the Energy Fair.

 

It was also suggested that the City explore working in collaboration with The Climate and Energy Project and seeing what ideas they may have to make this a bigger City event.

 

Action: Daniel Poull will place this item on next month’s agenda for further discussion and SAB members are asked to bring one suggestion for the Lawrence Energy Conservation Fair to the next board meeting.

 

Follow up Briefings: Meeting with Rod Bremby

 

Daniel Poull attended the public meeting held on October 9th by Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Secretary Roderick Bremby and KDHE Executive Team. He asked KDHE regarding having a Comprehensive Solid Waste Plan, Bottle Bill and E-waste Bill. The response from the State was that those items are not on the radar.

 

Follow up Briefings: Lawrence Sustainable Business Tour

 

Daniel Poull reported that the Sustainable Business Tour had low attendance but was well worth it. He complimented the manager at the Bowersock Mills and Power Company for being an excellent host. In addition, the tour of the Castle Tea Room was excellent.

 

There was a discussion on the possible expansion of Bowersock’s hydroelectric plant. Sarah Hill-Nelson reported that Bowersock is considering expanding their generation by adding on to the North side of the Kansas River. They are in the early stages and recently completed a feasibility study. Bowersock has had initial meetings with the City Commission, Friends of the Kaw, Sierra Club, KRC and other key stakeholders.

 

Waste Reduction & Recycling Report

 

Kathy Richardson emailed SAB a copy of the WRR Report (attached) and a copy of the WRR Event Reports (attached).

 

SAB asked if the City is going to have another Electronic Recycling Collection Event. Kathy Richardson reported that the City will have another collection event in the spring 2009 but the date is yet to be determined. Staff will begin planning this event soon.

 

Guest Comments and Miscellaneous

 

Daniel Poull reported that Laura Routh suggested that SAB write a memo to the City Commission in support of the City purchasing and cleaning up the Farmland property. Daniel volunteered to write the memo.

 

Action: Daniel Poull will create and email SAB the memo in support of the City purchasing and cleaning up the Farmland property.

 

Motion and second to allow SAB to edit and approve the Farmland support memo by email (Heckler/Cobb).

Vote: Motion was passed unanimously.

 

Meeting adjourned 7:40 p.m.

 

Next meeting: December 10, 2008 at 5:30 pm

 

Attachments:

  1. Waste Reduction and Recycling Division Report
  2. WRR Event Report: Sustainable Business Tour, October 11, 2008
  3. WRR Event Report: Energy Presentation, October 15, 2008
  4. WRR Event Report: Energy Conservation Fair, October 19, 2008
  5. WRR Event Report: Sustainable Homes Tour, October 19, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waste Reduction and Recycling Division Report for the Sustainability Advisory Board (11/12/08)

 

 

 

Fibers Report

 

Old Corrugated Containers (OCC)

Cardboard                                 Tons                 Revenue

Current YTD                               1058.28           $127,844.24

Prior YTD                                   912.38             $108,588.67

Avg. Price/ton thru Oct 2008: $120.80                Avg. Price/ton thru Oct 2007:   $119.02

 

Old Newspapers (ONP)

Newspaper                                Tons                 Revenue

Current YTD                               539.21             $73,028.36     

Prior YTD                                   755.05              $74,010.28

Avg. Price/ton thru Oct 2008: $135.44                Avg. Price/ton thru Oct 2007:   $98.02

 

Office  Waste Paper (SOP)

Sorted Office Paper                    Tons                 Revenue

Current YTD                               39.32               $8,135.30

Prior YTD                                   33.21               $5,532.94

Avg. Price/ton thru Oct 2008: $206.90                Avg. Price/ton thru Oct 2007:   $166.60

 

Mixed Waste Paper (MIX)

                                                Tons                 Revenue

Current YTD                               171.54             $14,869.62     

Prior YTD                                   31.29                $2,683.14

Avg. Price/ton thru Oct 2008: $86.64      Avg. Price/ton thru Oct 2007:   $85.75

 

 

TOTAL         ytd                  tons                        Revenue

1808.67           $223,898.54

Prior YTD                       1732.55             $190,855.65

 

 

 

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program Report

 

 

Compost Program

 

Yard Trimmings collection: Year to date

 

2007

TOTAL

Jan 2008

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

 

August

Sept

Oct

2008

TOTAL

Total Tons collected curbside

9,902.61

NA

NA

1,035.71

1,575.54

1,375.76

1,491.3

695.7

576.49

 

756.54

912.5

8,419.54

Commercial

YW received

449.2

0.8

0.7

 

124.1

 

122.1

 

151.7

132.8

 

64.3

 

72.3

 

139.3

 

146.0

954.1

Other YW received (Christmas Trees)

29.38

 

20.46

 

(1716 trees)

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

20.46

Total tons this month

10,381.19

21.26

0.7

1,159.81

1,697.64

1,527.46

1,624.1

760.0

648.79

895.84

1,058.5

9,394.1

Average Preferred Container Compliance

99%

NA

NA

97.6%

99%

99.4%

99.4%

99.6%

99.2%

99.5%

99.5%

99.2%