10-25-2006 CSMCREEK SIDE SOILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
October 25, 2006, 4:15 p.m.
Members Present: Bill Arndt, Robert Anderson, Marion Filk, Brandon Fraser, Doug Johnson, and Gary
Plotz
Members Absent: Randy DeVries and Casey Stotts
Others Present: hen Merrill, Finance Director
The meeting was called to order at 4:15 p.m.
1. Approval of August 23 minutes
Motion by Anderson, second by Arndt, to approve the minutes from August 23,
2006. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Update of Peachtree software - -Doug
Doug Johnson informed the group that some reconciling needs to completed yet, but
the manufacturing piece does illustrate daily costs. Integration is still taking place
with the financial system.
3. Update of MPCA inspection - -- -Doug
Doug Johnson reported that a follow -up visit was held with the MPCA regarding
the required improvements noted previously. All violations have been corrected
satisfactorily.
4. Update of Spruce Ridge composting - -- -Doug
Doug Johnson reported that the material from last fall is still at Spruce Ridge. The
material is not yet ready to be put into Creekside's product. It will probably take at
least one more month. Discussion was held regarding the bagging operations.
Anderson commented on some noise and odors from the stockpiling of the
logs /leaves on the south side. There was especially a distinct odor on September
24 1h. It was noted that if Anderson or any other neighbor has odor concerns, they
should contact Gary Plotz, Mayor Steve Cook, or Doug Johnson. General
discussion was also held regarding the grinding operations.
5. Discussion of fall bagging and composting
Discussed with the Spruce Ridge discussion.
6. Strategic planning committee
Gary Plotz noted that strategic planning is for more long -term planning (source,
recipe, marketing, etc. ). Jeff Meehan, Mayor Cook, Doug Johnson, Ken Merrill and
Gary Plotz intend to meet to discuss strategic planning in the near future. Plotz
invited other board members to attend if they would like.
General discussion was held regarding specific operations (i.e. future of
Minneapolis contract). More discussion was held regarding projected sales /profit,
etc.
Doug Johnson spoke about a new process — residuals that come off of the screening
process. These are materials that cannot go to the landfill but can be applied to
agricultural land. This material is approved by the MPCA with 4% contamination.
It is a product that could really take off and be a benefit to Creekside.
Bill Arndt noted that his wife found Creekside product in Virigina, MN. He feels
that the bagged product should be marketed and sold more in Hutchinson. Doug
Johnson noted that Creekside will work with the sales department to try and get the
product in more local stores.
Anderson asked if the profitability will remain with sales of 1.2 million bags.
Johnson noted that projections are that there will be a profit with total sales at 1.2
million bags. This includes depreciation and a $50,000 transfer to the City's general
field.
It was noted that Creekside has taken in approximately $250,000 worth of customer
product that would have been taken to the landfill if Creekside didn't exist. That is
a huge cost savings to citizens of the City and the county.
Discussion was also held regarding SCORE fielding that Creekside receives to pay
for the Compost site monitor.
Motion was made by Anderson, seconded by Filk to adjourn at 5:30 p.m. Motion
carried unanimously.