Conservation Commission
09/27/06
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These Minutes were approved by Conservation Commission at the October 25, 2006 Conservation Commission Meeting. |
September 27, 2006– 7:00 pm
Community Development Building
51 Winburn Way
Ashland
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Amarotico called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Community Development Building.
ROLL CALL
Attendees: Risa Buck, Russ Chapman, Stuart Corns, Ross Finney, Jim Hartman and Melissa Schweisguth were present. Lindsay Gerken and Kathryn Houser were absent.
City Council Liaison: Alex Amarotico, Kate Jackson
Staff Liaison: Cathy Cartmill
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairperson Amarotico asked for an approval of the September 27, 2006 minutes.
Cathy Cartmill elaborated on the florescent bulb program, clarifying the name of the program is Savings with a Twist, and includes many retailers: Ashland Hardware, Albertsons, Bi-Mart, Rite Aid, Big Lots, Medford Bi-Mart, Fred Meyer, Grover Electric & Plumbing Supply, Medford Rite Aid and Wal-Mart, Winco and Talent Wal-Mart.
Commissioner Finney corrected spelling of Cadillac to catalytic on the bottom of page 2.
Commissioner Chapman made a motion to approve the minutes of September 27, 2006 with stated corrections, and Commissioner Finney seconded the motion.
Voice vote: all Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
The minutes of the Conservation Commission Meeting of September 27, 2006 were approved.
Commissioner Chapman made a motion to approve the Garbage Land Subcommittee minutes, submitted in writing to the Commission, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Buck.
Voice vote: all Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
PUBLIC FORUM
Huelz Gutcheon spoke to the Commission regarding different types of energy used to supply homes and the energy comparisons. He supports education on all levels to help change industry standards and offered different suggestions to begin the process.
ASHLAND SANITARY & RECYCLING UPDATE:
Commissioner Chapman acknowledged the article in the Farmer’s periodical about Standing Stone Brewery being one of the best places in the State of Oregon to have a hamburger.
He reported about the new plastics program at the Depot and hopes to expand in the future. Commissioner Buck remarked about recyclable shoes, brand name MION that came from recycled plastics and commended Russ Chapman and Ashland Sanitary for taking part in the new plastics program.
This year will be the final year for Chipper Day at the transfer station and will be held on October 14. Free Leaf Drop off will be November 7th and 21st and will include potting plastic/containers this year. He thanked Commissioner Schweisguth and former Commissioner Prewett for their help with the plastic portion of this project.
Commission Chapman reported the new Recycling Directory was now located on his web site: http://www.ashlandsanitary.com, and will have a huge distribution through the Town Crier, Rogue Disposal and Ashland Sanitary.
OLD BUSINESS
David Chapman Brain Storming
The Commission decided not to form a sub-committee at this time.
Renewable Pioneers Renewal
Cathy Cartmill reported to the Commission in order to offset the energy used by the Conservation
Department, they would need to purchase 21 green tags.
Commissioner Finney made a motion to purchase 25 green tags from Bonneville Environmental
Foundation to offset the Conservation Department’s energy use.
The Commission discussed the different types of green tags that could be purchased, Wind and
Solar (Cooler or Brighter).
Commissioner Hartman seconded the original motion.
Voice vote: all Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Commissioner Hartman made a motion, if we get a volume discount the Conservation Commission should purchase Bright green tags, and if there is not a discount, they should purchase Cool green tags.
Commissioner Schweisguth mentioned the Green Tag Brochure was outdated and didn’t include the two different types of green tags for purchase.
Commissioner Finney seconded the motion.
Voice vote: all Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
NEW BUSINESS
Membership in ICLEI
Cathy Cartmill explained the membership in ICLEI use to be free, but now there would be an annual charge. The members discussed the project and asked staff to report to them with more
information regarding the membership.
City Council Commission Survey
Set aside until after subcommittee reports.
1. Garbage Land Sub-Committee
Commissioner Chapman reported they would like to offer a public bus tour for solid waste info- structure in the valley around February or March of 07, which also directly responds to suggestions from the Garbage Land Event comment cards.
2. Education/Events
Salmon Festival October 7th
Solar Tour, October 14th
The members discussed Adopt a Street, and the stenciling program. Commissioner Hartman reported about his contact with Bi-Mart regarding donating or contributing to florescent bulbs recycling. The members discussed transition strategies and Commissioner Chapman reminded the Commission that Ashland Sanitary would pay for the recycling costs until the end of the year.
3. Green Business
Commissioner Finney reported the subcommittee met 09/12/06 and discussed the business
program guidelines including ongoing recognition, different levels of recognition, and education.
COMMISSION ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
No subcommittee meetings scheduled for next month. Commissioners decided to put the Council survey on the agenda for next month, but reviewed some questions.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next meeting date, October 25, 2006.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary McClary, Assistant to
Electric Department
