04-20-2005 CSMMINUTES
CREEKSIDE COMPOST FACILITY ADVISORY BOARD
April 20, 2005 — 4:15 p.m.
Hutchinson City Center
Call to Order: 4:15 p.m.
Members Present: Casey Stotts, Brandon Fraser, Duane Hoversten, Doug Johnson,
Marion Filk, Bill Arndt, Gary Plotz, Randy DeVries and Steve Madson
Others Present: Ken Merrill and Steve Cook
General discussion was held about an article that was written in the Tuesday edition of
the Hutchinson Leader. The article cited complaints that neighbors had of the compost
facility's noise, odor, view and plastic debris. Mayor Cook noted that a meeting had been
held with the effected neighbors and staff and they are all working towards solutions to
take care of these issues. The main issues that need to be resolved are noise and odor
reduction.
Some of these solutions include the purchasing of an odor measurement device for
$1500. Other changes include extending the berm on the south side of the facility, with
possibly constructing a fence on top of it, to aid in screening. Also, a biofiltration device
has been put in place to aid in odor - reduction. The plastic issue should be resolved by the
end of May. All of these issues will be taken care of with alterations in processing as
well.
A follow -up meeting is being held with the property owners within the next week.
Mayor Cook is considering writing a letter to the editor to address some of the issues
written in the article. He is also thinking about bringing this issue up at the end of the
Council meeting next week for discussion. Brandon Fraser suggested that staff meet with
Terry Davis, Hutchinson Leader reporter, and have a "counter" article written from the
City's perspective and show the citizens all of the changes the facility is doing to address
these issues. He also suggested that a regularly scheduled meeting be held with the
neighbors to address ongoing or new issues. Bill Arndt stated that a new development is
occurring on Jefferson Street, which is on the west side of the facility. There could be
issues that these neighbors have as well.
Other types of screenings were discussed, such as cottonwood and sumac trees. The
berm will be completed following Planning Commission approval. Odor management is
part of the long -range plans of the facility, thus staff researching different types of
measurement devices. The device they have located can be learned more about at the
company's website, nasalranuer.com.
Staff at the facility is looking into off -site leaf storage and processing. Processing is able
to be done off -site due to portable equipment. In addition, there are no MPCA
requirements for leaf composting. Only a brief application needs to be submitted.
1. Discussion of storm water issues.
Steve Madson stated that measurements had been taken of the site and have
calculated that 3.05 million gallons nun into the sanitary sewer. If the site is
charged the current rate, the cost is approximately $10,000.
2. Discussion of capital equipment needs.
Steve Madson explained that there are some equipment needs for the facility. Mr.
Madson does not believe that a building needs to be built for the blending line, as
originally thought, if the inventory can be built up by the beginning of December.
Currently, there is not enough room on campus to expand either with equipment
or buildings. The solution is to start building the inventory sooner in the year.
Mr. Madson has eliminated the idea of adding on to the bagging building, which
will eliminate $380,000 off the capital improvement plan. In order to start other
processes, new equipment will need to be procured. In order to accommodate off
site and ruining short - distance deliveries, three semi - tractor trailers are
recommended to be purchased, totaling approximately $150,000. In addition, two
light- bottom trailers are recommending to be purchased, totaling approximately
$100,000. A drop -frame trailer is also being recommended at $30,000. Lastly, a
trommel screener is recommending to be purchased at $250,000. This screener
can also be used as a debagger. Total of all of these equipment needs are
$530,000. By getting new equipment, operation costs will decrease.
A suggestion was made that a date be arranged for the Council and Compost
Advisory Board to see a demonstration of the trommel screener, which will be at
the facility the week of May 5, 2005.
Discussion was held as to the rate of return on investment with the purchase of the
trommel screener. More discussion was held on how the machine operates.
More discussion was held on the use of the semi- tractor trailers and the hauling
industry.
Future agenda items include nominating a chair of the committee and further
discussion of financial information.
3. Financial information.
Steve Madson explained that the first quarter shows a loss of $192,000. Mr.
Madson feels that there are issues with the cost of sale and inventory adjustments.
Mr. Madson was unsure as to why such a large loss has occurred. General
discussion was held on various costs associated with operating the facility. Duane
Hoversten will assist Mr. Madson with determining where the loss is coming
from.
4. Items from floor.
No further business to discuss — meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.