Agendas and Minutes

Conservation and Climate Outreach Committee (View All)

Regular Monthly Meeting

Agenda
Wednesday, October 27, 2004

These Minutes are preliminary pending approval by Conservation Commission at the December 1, 2004 Conservation Commission Meeting.

October 27, 2004– 7:00 p.m.
Community Development Building
51 Winburn Way
Ashland

CALL TO ORDER Chairperson, Alex Amarotico, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Community Development Building.

ROLL CALL Attendees: Charles Bennett, Carol Carlson, Russ Chapman, Ross Finney, Jim Hartman, Joanne Krippaehne, and Paige Prewett. Bruce Moats was absent.

City Council Liaison: Alex Amarotico
Staff Liaison: Larry Giardina
Student Liaison: Noone present

APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson, Alex Amarotico asked for an approval of the September 22, 2004 minutes.

Commissioner Chapman moved to approve the minutes as written and Commissioner Carlson seconded the motion.

Voice vote: all Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

The minutes of the Conservation Commission Meeting of September 22, 2004 were approved.

PUBLIC FORUM

Risa Buck/798 Oak St., Kate Brandy 332 Harrison St.-spoke in favor of water catchments and recycling. Ms. Brandy asked for clarification about the activities of the Conservation Commission and the members explained different projects/functions/duties the Commission achieves along with reading the mission statement, which in part promotes education and advocates practices of conservation in regards to resources.

Commission members explained a few of the projects that the Commission has been able to accomplish including underwriting a program, Living on Earth, promoting awareness of renewable energy through Bonneville Power, sponsor for Earth Day, worked with City Council on resolutions, worked with Conservation Staff on Solar Homes Tour, and Green Business Program outreach. Ms. Brandy wondered if the Commission would help support an education element of water catchment with an incentive program through the City of Ashland. The members discussed different ways/options to better support educating the public about water catchment and also discussed other methods used by different cities.

Mr. Giardina reminded the members and guests that the Earth Advantage Program includes an element where people could choose water catchment as an optional measure. Builders and designers are also invited to participate in the Earth Advantage workshops where options are discussed ahead of building.

Commissioner Prewett asked for this subject to remain on the agenda. Commissioner Carlson would like to do some research on swales in construction and report back to the Commission. Commissioner Krippaehne remarked about the Portland Offices of Sustainable Development being a tremendous resource because they encourage alternative construction and meter storm water.

The members discussed the importance of using the technology available to explore alternatives, and the possibility of inviting different employees from plumbing, conservation, and engineering to the next meeting.

Chairperson Amarotico asked for a placeholder on the next agenda for water catchment and all the members thanked Ms. Buck and Ms. Brandy for their concerns and ongoing participation in water catchment.

ASHLAND SANITARY & RECYCLING UPDATE:

Ashland Sanitary announced Lisa Black no longer works for Ashland Sanitary. Commissioner Chapman introduced a guest speaker, Todd Hubbard from the recycling center in Clackamas. Mr. Hubbard explained SP Recycling and Newsprint was owned by three publishers, and operates two mills, one in Dublin, Georgia and one in Newberg. The Georgia mill is 100% recyclable and consumes 65 to 70 thousand tons a month of newsprint. The Newberg mill is 48-53% recyclable.

The members discussed efficiency of recycling and the processes for recycling paper, steel, aluminum, cardboard and glass. Mr. Hubbard reported 1 ½% of 10-11 thousand tons of recycling collected is unmarketable. Ashland recycles approximately 300 tons out of the 10-11 thousand collected. SP distributes 68% to sustain their suppliers, the newspaper companies, and the rest is exported. They generate enough electricity to run their mill and furnish the City of Newberg.

The Commission members thanked Mr. Hubbard for making himself available to the Commission and taking the time to visit Ashland.

Commissioner Krippaehne moved to talk about the Conservation Commission Goals at the next scheduled meeting and Commissioner Bennett seconded the motion.

Voice vote: all Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

OLD BUSINESS
None presented.

NEW BUSINESS
None presented.

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

    1. Historic Conservation Commissioner Krippaehne reported the Historic Committee would not be available to meet until after the elections.

    2. Education/Events Commissioner Prewett requested the Commission talk about future tours and workshops at the next meeting.

    3. Green Business Mr. Giardina reported Shop and Cart is now a green business due to the conversion of their refrigeration system.

COMMISSION ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA

Risa Buck/798 Oak St. addressed the Commission about downtown recycle containers and expressed the desire to ask the Wilderness Charter School if they wanted to participate as a school project. The members discussed the problems associated with recycled containers consistently contaminated, but would like to revisit an event recycling project and will discuss it with the Commission goals.

Commission Prewett asked for support from the Conservation Commission for the annual Earth Day Event and presented information concerning the event.

Commissioner Krippaehne moved to sponsor Earthday 2005 in the amount of $750.00. Commissioner Hartman seconded the motion.

The member discussed the motion and anticipated events for Earthday.

Voice vote: all Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

Commissioner Prewett requested an update about the Climate Study at the request of Councilperson Jackson. Mr. Giardina reported a new group of students with the SOU capstone project are working on the Climate Study.

Commissioner Prewett announced the Bonneville Environmental Foundation is working on the brochures that were partially funded by the Commission.

The next meeting will be held December 1, 2005.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary McClary, Assistant to
Electric Department

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