MINUTES
6 p.m. – June 23, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
Vice-Chairperson Chapman called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Attendees:
Risa Buck, Sheri Cellini, Russ Chapman, Stuart Corns, Ross Finney, Jim Hartman, Shelley Lotz, and David Runkel were present.
Jim McGinnis was not present.
City Council Liaison: Carol Voison,
Staff Representative: Larry Giardina, Mary McClary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Vice-Chairperson Chapman asked for approval of the minutes for May 26, 2010.
Minutes of May 26 stated Chairperson Finney asked for approval of minutes and it should
read Chairperson McGinnis.
Commissioner Finney pointed out that the verbiage for the first sentence of this motion was not complete.
“Commissioner Buck or members of the Commission that want to attend the June 4th Natural Step training in Klamath Falls would be reimbursed the $20.00 fee for their participation.” Commissioner Runkel seconded the motion.
Should read:
Commissioner Buck made a motion for any members of the commission that want to attend the June 4th Natural Step training in Klamath Falls be reimbursed the $20.00 fee for their participation.
It was determined that the Commission voted unanimously for this motion, and the prior minutes were corrected.
Commissioner Finney made a motion to approved minutes as corrected and Commissioner Hartman seconded the motion.
Voice Vote: All Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
PUBLIC FORUM
No one present.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Meeting- July 28, 2010.
Vice-Chair asked if any Commissioners were going to be absent, to let Mary know so it can be determined if there are enough members for a quorum.
Commissioner Buck announced the first compost class, Commissioner Chapman was present. Commissioner Chapman explained he introduced Denny, and brought copies of the Jackson County Recycling Directories, and made announcements about the plastic round-up in October.
Commissioner Cellini suggested informing the Master Recyclers Association so they can have the information for their events.
Commissioner Lotz will be at the next compost class on July 17th.
Commissioner Buck suggested we encourage the participants to walk around and introduce different bins that are on sight.
Commissioner Hartman made a rat proof composter that stops the raccoons and hosts animals.
Commissioner Buck suggested there be example at the recycling center.
Commissioner Buck attended the 32nd annual Associated of Oregon Recyclers Conference in Salem. She went on a tour at Garden Industries who employ disabled adults and commented on their ability to sort items that most don’t have access to. She also visited Agroplast, who we send the items collected from plastic round-up. IDEO, is a company from the Bay area, who designs curbside collection and who are proactive in challenging behaviors.
City of Ashland is still a member, therefore we can consider attending in the future.
Counselor Voison announced there is a ban on fireworks in the City of Ashland this year. She announced the citizens group that looks at the master plan for water management and noted she would give a summary of their next meeting for the Commission.
On behalf of the City Council and the Mayor, Counselor Voison thanked the members who attended the RVTV show on conservation.
Larry announced that Robbin, himself and Adam Hanks attended the Natural Step seminar at OIT, which basically promotes every consideration of a policy and its impact on the ecology, economy, and the people. He believed Commissioner McGinnis and Larry Blake attend the afternoon session.
OLD BUSINESS
Sub-Committees Reports
Sustainability Strategic/Climate Change
No report, they are waiting for a response from the Mayor on the ad-hoc
committee.
Green Building
Larry Giardina announced they have renewed the contract with the State of
Oregon to do Energy Star Homes. Dan Cunningham was just certified to be
a verifier so we can be prepared when building becomes more demanding.
The Building Official, or Electric Director has not been hired yet, but the
management of the Conservation Division has been transferred to the
Community Development Department.
Commissioner Buck wants to support the Conservation Department, and
wondered if the Commission could be proactive in their support, so the
Department could be provided the ability to positively impact efforts of the
Planning Department and Public Works Department. There was a lot of
discussion about how the Commission could support the Conservation
Department with ideas about interns, and additional staff to keep in place the
programs and implement new programs.
Energy Focus
No report
Water Quality and Storm Runoff
Commissioner Buck remarked Curb to Creek wanted to mark all the storm
drains along the parade route and by the band shell for educational purposes
by the 4th of July, but won’t be able to do it because we don’t have enough
medallions. There has been a lot of ongoing community support for this
project. (Curb to Creek, Protecting our Waterways Project)
Budget
The Commission discussed projects to fund, including a project to exchange
LED lights at the City Hall Building, and a project for a Windmill project at the
Ashland High School.
Commissioner Buck made a motion to use the remainder of the
Conservation Commission budget to purchase LED lights for the City Hall
Building as per Mr. Giardina’s contract with Greentime Landscaping.
Commissioner Cellini seconded the motion.
Voice Vote: All Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Commissioner Buck motions that the first budgetary expense in the 10-11
budget, fund the Gear Wind Turbine windmill for Ashland High School. The
motion seconded by Commissioner Lotz.
Voice Vote: All Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Quarterly Liaison Reports (SOU,
SOU—Stuart corns
Set aside for next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Waste to Energy Finance & Investment Summit
Commissioner Cellini provided some information about the summit in San Diego.
B. Goal Setting Review
Vice-Chair Chapman thanked Commissioner Lotz for putting together a review for goal setting.
The review was post pone for July agenda.
COMMISSION ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA
Commissioner Hartman mentioned the ecoli problem and the research that people are doing on the Ashland Creek.
Vice-Chair Chapman remarked Jim Olsen looked at the asphalt at the Recycle Depoe and we brought to his attention about the storm drain. They now have a screening material that will capture sediment and an oil absorbing pad for oil/gas.
Commissioner Buck announced the Master Recyclers will be participating in this year’s 4th of July event, with a booth donated by Recology Ashland Sanitary. They will be handing out maps locating the clear stream and clear max containers and the location of the Water Buffalo, where they can refill their water bottles.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Chairperson Chapman adjourned the meeting.
7:25 pm.