CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Finney called the meeting to order at 6:05 pm.
Attendees:
Risa Buck, Russ Chapman, Stuart Corns, Ross Finney, Jim Hartman, Shelley Lotz, Jim McGinnis and David Runkel were present.
City Council Liaison: Kate Jackson
Staff Representative: Dick Wanderscheid
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairperson Finney asked for approval of the minutes for July 22, 2009.
Commissioner Buck corrected Standing Stone’s “Tap Into Ashland” is printed on their Bottled Water
Containers.
Commissioner Buck moved to approve the minutes for July 22, 2009 with stated corrections and Commissioner Hartman seconded the motion.
Voice Vote: All Ayes. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.
PUBLIC FORUM
No one present to speak.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Meeting- September 23, 2009
Commissioner Buck announced the City presented the Class of 2008, Green Businesses with certificates.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Electric Director, Dick Wanderscheid presented a PowerPoint presentation entitled “Energy Efficiency, Renewables and Sustainability.” There was a brief discussion afterwards answering any questions or concerns. Mr. Wanderscheid offered to send the Commission members his PowerPoint file and also to give the presentation with any group or organization that had requests.
ASHLAND SANITARY & RECYCLING UPDATE
Commissioner Buck updated the Commission for July & August.
Electronics Recycling—In June there was 5 tons processed, and in July there was 9 tons.
July 4th—Successful! Next to the Belleview Grange water, the Master Recyclers had a information table and supported efforts to collect plastic water bottles and aluminum cans (11) large bags worth around $100 to benefit Ashland Soccer Club. Wondered if the Conservation Department and/or Commission would be interested in hosting a table.
Compost Classes at Recycle Center
June 20-Jim Hartman (12)
July 18-Jim McGinnis (9)
August 15—Ross Finney (8)
September 19—Russ Chapman
ClearMax—The container was moved from the Plaza to Red Threads.
WasteNot—The video is on Southern Oregon TV and was shown at RCC in Medford.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour—Talked about available dates and times for the tour.
Josephine County Hazard Waste Collection—Will be October 2nd and businesses are only by appointment on October 3rd in Grants Pass at 1381 Redwood Ave. The cost is $5 per car, call 479-5353 for more information.
#2 Plastic RoundUp Jackson County--- Will be October 23 and 24th at the Ashland armory on E Main sponsored by JCRP and Master Recyclers. Cost: $5.
Car Free Day-Tuesday, September 22
OLD BUSINESS
Chairperson Finney quoted the August City Source leading a discussion on the focus, purpose and specific actions to take regarding sub-committees. He asked each Committee to
become clear with their goals and recommendations to the Commission that could lead to recommendations for the City Council. He asked that each subcommittee present clear and concise statements of intent for accomplishments to the end of the year.
Commissioner Buck mentioned there is still a seat open on this Commission and Dick Wanderscheid would let staff know so we could advertise.
NEW BUSINESS
Sub-Committees
1. Sustainability/Strategic
Commissioner McGinnis
Commissioner Lotz
Councilor Jackson
Commissioner McGinnis stated their focus and attention will be to give recommendations to the Council regarding Council goals, visions and values.
2. Green Building
Commissioner Lotz
Commissioner Runkel
Commissioner Corns
Councilor Jackson
The members believe they would be more effective moving into the Conservation side of Green Building including education to the public about energy audits and water audits that the City would evaluate for free. They remarked on the 16 green businesses of 2008 and the presentation with the Mayor.
3. Local Energy Production/Conservation
Commissioner Hartman
Commissioner McGinnis
Commissioner Finney
Councilor Jackson
The members would like to place emphasis on conservation, with recommendations to the City Council for more staff in the Conservation Department. Also they would like to focus on increasing the Conservation programs and citizen education. Accenting with articles in the paper about local stories of conservation, would help reduce cost of marketing. Planning to regroup as a sub-committee.
4. Water Quality and Storm Runoff
Commissioner Buck
Commissioner Runkel
The members would like to see regular educational bits of information in the City Source and Web site regarding water conservation. Support a program that begins to mark the rest of the unmarked storm drains in the city and help to educate citizens. This group is still forming a foundation of where exactly they can be most effective.
5.Climate Change Initiatives
Commissioner McGinnis
Commissioner Hartman
Commissioner Corns
The members will report next meeting.
Croman Advisory Committee
No report.
COMMISSION ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA
None stated.
ADJOURNMENT
8:00 pm.