May 26, 2004– 7:00 p.m.
North Mountain Park Pavilion
620 North Mountain Avenue
Ashland
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson, Alex Amarotico, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the North Mountain Park Pavilion.
ROLL CALL
Attendees:, Carol Carlson, Russ Chapman, Ross Finney, Jim Hartman, Joanne Krippaehne, Bruce Moats, and Paige Prewett. Lisa Black was also present. Charles Bennett was absent.
City Council Liaison: Alex Amarotico
Staff Liaison: Dick Wanderscheid
Student Liaison: Heidi Hubert not present
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The chairperson, Alex Amarotico asked for an approval of the April 28, 2004 minutes.
Chairperson Amarotico noted the misspelling of his name on the first page.
Russ Chapman moved to approve the minutes of April 28 and Joanne Krippaehne seconded the motion. Voice vote: all Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
The minutes of the Conservation Commission Meeting of April 28, 2004 were approved.
PUBLIC FORUM
Tom Starrs/BEF/Portland,OR –Vice President of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation for Sales and Marketing, introduced himself and his colleague Pat Nye, sales manager, to the Commission. He explained BEF was partners with the City of Ashland Utility in support for green power and renewable energy. They held a reception today, for their customers and other partners in celebration of these joint efforts.
Mr. Starrs gave a brief history about the BEF and it’s duel mission of renewable energy development and watershed restoration emphasizing its relationship with the City of Ashland. Mr. Starrs and Mr. Nye were available to answer questions from the Commission members. They presented ideas for future advertising to inform the public about renewable energy.
Bob Holtel/695 Reiten/ spoke to the Commission about improving the recycling cans in the downtown area. He presented pictures of recycling containers from a Southern California City where he resides 6 month out of the year that had the containers he promoted.
Commissioner Hartman explained he does recycling at Ashland High School and there is always contaminated that has to be monitored by someone. He stated until there are funds to compensate people to facilitate this type of project, it would be unsuccessful.
Mr. Holtel wondered about volunteers who would donate time and Commissioner Hartman agreed the program could work for a while, but eventually it would not succeed without funds. Commissioner Prewett suggested talking to Parks to find out about contaminated containers.
Chairperson Amarotico suggested a sub-committee to obtain information concerning these ideas. Lisa Black offered to get information and report back to the Commission.
Mr. Holtel also suggested a 911 emergency response system placed in the downtown area and pedestrian right of way signs painted in the street crosswalks. The Commission members referred him to Traffic Safety.
Commissioner Carlson thanked Mr. Holtel on behalf of the Commission for all his efforts.
ASHLAND SANITARY & RECYCLING UPDATE:
Lisa Black reported approx. 600-700 cars participated in the Hazardous Waste event in May and she and Commissioner Chapman would attend a multi-family recycling conference in early June. Businesses signing up for Commingling remain strong with 2-3 more per day signing up. Ashland Sanitary is working on a web site.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Cities for Climate Change Partnership-SOU Report
Mr. Wanderscheid and the Commission members thanked the students for their hard work, reports and laying the foundation for this project.
B. Budget-$1,212.00
New Business
Commissioner Krippaehne proposed as part of next year’s educational cycle, that this Commission co-sponsor with the Historic Commission to educate about historical windows and energy performance with the new codes. Commission members responded favorably.
1. Green Business
2. Education/Events
Commission Items not on the Agenda
Commissioner Prewett reported the storm drain truck (street sweeper) with the stencil paid for by the Commission, was being sent back due to mechanical problems.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:59 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Commissioner Finney proposed a meeting with the Green Business subcommittee to discuss software that would help monitor energy use for businesses.
July 17th there is a class for hot weather gardening and planning for Winter at the Ashland Community Garden, from 9-12noon.
Mary McClary, Assistant
to Electric Department.