12-20-2006 CSMCREEKSIDE SOILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
December 20, 2006, 4:20 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER: 4:20 p.m.
Members Present: Marian Filk, Robert Anderson, Doug Johnson, Gary
Plotz, Brandon Fraser, Casey Stotts, Bill Arndt
Member Absent: Randy DeVries
Others: Cook
1. Fall Report—complete
Johnson provided a comparison report between 2005 and 2006
on the volume coming in from the Minneapolis contract. In
2006, about 1/ of the amount of leaves was coming from Linder
Yard as in 2005. Approximately 2 million tons or $64,000 less
was received in 2006 due to the dry year and Minneapolis
hauling leaves from Linder Yard and mixing( ?) Minneapolis
hopes that the city will renew the contract due to process ease.
Johnson also noted that city officials met with state legislatures
last evening. One of the items discussed was banning use of
"black bags" for yard waste. Senator Dille was very favorable
of the idea and intends to bring a bill forward in the 2007
session. Stotts suggested sending a thank -you letter to the
legislators.
2. Peach Tree and JDE update
Johnson reported that the conversion is coming along.
Preliminary numbers show a net loss for the first in five
months. Some attributes include op. costs and bills being paid
in May 2007 the goal is to be live with Peach Tree 1 -1 -07. Plotz
also noted that an Assistant Financial Director has started and
he will assist in implementation of Peach Tree. Year end
approximations bottom line number will probably still show a
loss for 2006. The members may look comparable to last year's
numbers. Stotts asked that Johnson bet a ballpark figure (as far
as net loss for the year) out to the Board as soon as possible.
Johnson hopes that a final year end report will be prepared by
the end of January 2007.
3. Strategic Planning Update
Johnson reported that a Strategic Planning Committee is going
to be formed with the first meeting happening mid - January.
Some board members may be asked to serve on this committee.
4. Miscellaneous
Anderson noted there was more plastic appearing late October
early November. Johnson noted he recalled a day when the
wind was swirling and he ceased operations. Anderson asked if
it could be coming from the bails. Johnson stated that it does
not, but from the debagging operations. Debagging will
continue to occur into next week. Johnson asked that Anderson
let him laiow when he has debris and he will have someone
take care of it. There is fencing in place, but it can only catch
about 99% of the plastic debris. Anderson also noted that at the
end of November there was a very odorous day. It was linked to
grinding brush. Johnson noted that he has a potential contractor
that will buy the product prior to it going through the heat stage,
which causes the odor.
Discussion was held re: an episode with a skunk at the compost
site.
Discussion was held re: a new fence that was put up. Johnson
noted that he has seen tracks in the area with logs disappearing.
Anderson does not believe that a fence is necessary. Anderson
commented that there was an article in the Leader that notes the
site will show a profit. Johnson and Cook noted this does not
include depreciation. The article should have noted that there is
a positive cash flow (does not include depreciation). Anderson
asked if he could use the odor reader when brindinb is
occurring. Plotz noted that official training is required to
operate the reader and Anderson should call if he has issues.
Filk reported on the turf study that Nathan Winster would like
to do in conjunction with the University of Minnesota and
Creekside. He will be on next month's agenda.
Johnson asked if Creekside could give anything to contractors
and customers to say thank you. It was noted that sending out
Christmas cards would be okay, but giving other gifts will need
to be authorized by the City Attorney.
Plotz noted that a one day spring clean -up is going to be
sponsored by McLeod County with a drop off site possible at
the Fairgrounds. This will hopefully curtail ditch drop -offs. If
anyone is interested in working on this Planning Committee
they should contact Plotz.
Anderson noted if he could have a tour of the fenced -in area
tomorrow morning.
No further business to discuss meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Fraser /Arndt