Conservation Commission Meeting

November 28, 2008

Community Development Building

City of Ashland

CALL TO ORDER

Chairperson Chapman called the meeting to order at 7:05pm in the Siskiyou room at the Community Development Building.

Attendees: Russ Chapman, Stuart Corns, Ross Toward, Jim Hartman, Jim updating, Tracy Harding and Melissa updating.  Risa Buck was not present.

City Council member and Chair-Dave Chapman

Staff representative-Cathy Coordinator

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairperson asked for an approval of the October 24, 2007 minutes. 

Cathy addition noted she had attended the meeting and was not included in the attendees.

No further discussion

Chairperson declared approval of minutes by anonymous consent

No objections

Minutes passed.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Jared Fuhriman/SOU-Facilities Mgmt & Planning Utilities/HVAC Supervisor gave presentation: Steps about Energy Conservation at the Southern Oregon University Campus.  He passed out his presentation: Steps Towards Sustainability.   

Highlights of his presentation included a 5-year history of utility usage and equipment, statistics, program implementation, goals and projections.  He plans to attend quarterly meeting to update the Commission. 

The members thanked Mr. Fuhriman for udating the Commission and congratulated him and SOU on their achievements. 

Linda Chesney/North Mountain Park/Nature Center Stewardship Cordinator spoke to the Commission about their upcoming compost class in the Spring.  The Commission already sponsors 3-4 compost classes and provides free compost bins to the participants.  North Mountain park is sponsoring a class this spring and she asked the Commission to provide the free compost bins.

The members discussed utilizing another form of bins with chicken wire and posts after the current supply runs out.

Risa Buck will check the number in storage and report back to the Commission at the January meeting.

PUBLIC FORUM

 No speakers

The Commission decided to move up Sponsorship for the Solar Video under New Business.

Don McCoy and Ken Lewis presented sections of a video they produced in regards to Green Homes in Southern Oregon.  They are actively seeking funds for the project. The initial cost was approximately $10,000.00.

The Commission members were in favor of supporting this project and its expansion into different markets, but have limited resources (funds) to contribute. 

Commissioner McGinnis made a motion that the Commission contribute $500.00 toward the video production costs and ask Cathy Cartimill to consult Martha Bennett (City Administrator to support/donate funds in addtion of $1,500.00.  Commissioner Finney seconded the motion.

Voice Vote: All Ayes

Motion passed.

Commissioner Chapman asked the Commission at this time to allocate funds for their premier  2008 Earth Day Event.

Commissioner Finney made a motion to allocate $800.00 of their budget in support for the 2008 Earth Day Event.  Commissioner Hartman seconded the motion.

Voice Vote: All Ayes

Motion passed.

Chairperson Chapman presented Commissioner Schweisguth with a certificate and letter from the City recognizing her work with the Commission.  Commissioner Schweisguth plans to move in a few days to Hershey, PA to pursue a promotion with her job. 

The Commission wished her the best of luck, and thanked her for her support and hard work.

All other items were moved to the next meeting which will be held on January 23, 2008.

ASHLAND SANITARY & RECEYCLING UPDATE

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

COMMISSION ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next meeting January 23, 2008 7pm.

ADJOURMENT

The meeting was adjourded at 9:05pm.