01-18-2006 CSMCREEK SIDE SOILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Januaiy 18, 2006, 4:15 p.m.
Call to Order
Members Present: Bill Arndt, Doug Johnson, Robert Anderson, Randy DeVries, Brandon Fraser and
Marion Filk
Members Absent: Casey Stotts and Gary Plotz
Others present: Cam Rucks, Consultant and Mayor Cook
Approval of Minutes from December 21, 2005
Motion by DeVries, second by Fraser to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried
unanimously.
2. Financials
Cam Rucks stated that outstanding issues need to be addressed with the manufacturing
software before the numbers can be analyzed. The year end for 2005 remains open for several
months into 2006 as Accounts Receivable continue to come in. The facility is acquiring a new
financial progam called PeachTree which will allow for better manufacturing and inventory
accounting. This new program should be up and ruining by March 1, 2006. A full financial
report will be given at the next Committee meeting in February.
3. 20065 Budget and Rates
Doug Johnson stated that the 2006 budget and rates will be considered for adoption at the City
Council meeting on January 24, 2006. Some price adjustments were made mid- season due to
rising fuel costs, etc.
4. Spruce Ridge Update
Doug Johnson stated that all debagging was completed at Spruce Ridge on December 29,
2005. Currently the colorizing and "harvesting" of the plastic is being conducted. This
product will be screened at the site in April or May. Various options are being considered to
rid of the "dirty" product from the site.
5. MNLA Show Report
Creekside had a booth at the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Show that was held earlier this
month. It was a good time to network with vendors and customers. Approximately five or six
other competitors were in attendance. No comments were received from customers regarding
the price increases.
6. Public Sales
Mayor Cook suggested a survey or poll be taken of the community to provide input on
thoughts surrounding public sales of Creekside product. Comments had been received last
season that some public was disappointed that no product was sold on site and that sales could
only be made through landscape outlets at an additional cost. Brandon Fraser commented that
it may be a good public relations pitch to have public sales again at wholesale costs. Doug
Johnson mentioned that sales can be made at the site yet with a 12 yard minimum purchase.
Marion Filk commented that, coming from a gardener's perspective, location and price isn't as
much of a hindrance, as long as the product is available. Currently, Creekside product is sold
through outlets such as Prieve Landscaping, Crow River Landscaping, Carr Flowers,
SuperAmerica, Little Dukes, etc.
Marion Filk suggested holding a Spring /Fall one -day promotional sale at the site. Doug
Johnson also considered holding the one day special at the landscaping outlets. Johnson will
discuss this option with the local landscapers when he meets with them in early February.
7. Plans When Minneapolis Contract is Complete
Doug Johnson stated he is researching whether or not the Minneapolis contract will need to be
renewed. There may be another option for a material source. The product he is looking at
would be received screened and ready for Creekside to bag.
8. Miscellaneous
Robert Anderson brought up the issue of re- permitting. Doug Johnson explained that the
renewal has been submitted to the MPCA and the facility can operate under its current license
until the renewal is approved.
Robert Anderson also commented that some trees have died at the site and he requested that
they be replanted.
9. Adjourn
With no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Anderson, seconded by Filk to
adjourn at 5:10 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.