04-18-2007 CSMCREEKSIDE SOILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
April 18, 2007, 4:35 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER: 4:35 p.m.
Members Present: Bill Arndt, Bob Anderson, Doug Johnson, Casey Stotts,
Gary Plotz, Brandon Fraser, and Marian Filk
Member Absent: Randy DeVries
Others Present: Nathan Winters, Ken Merrill and Jeremy Carter
1. Composting at Fair
-Filk noted that the County Board approved the purchase of the
containers for the aluminum and plastic bottles cans.
-In addition the fair will hire a group to clear the recyclables
and food waste.
- Johnson noted that Witte and Young are to have their calendar
to him by May 15tH which will then go to Council.
2. E -Waste Program
County wishes to start e -waste program (computers,
refrigerators, TV's, etc.). Creekside will be one drop off site.
There will be a small fee to the dumpees and will be deposited
in a roll -off. This will be a year round drop -off site. This will be
effective May 1, 2007
3. Strategic Planning
Doug distributed strategic planning reports. The strategies
include:
1. Standards of Product
2. ERP Plan
3. Customer based
Under each strategy are several goals. One of the goals for the
Compost Advisory Board is to create a local public relations
plan. Doug asked the board members to bring back tactics to
achieve this goal and have the goal completed by July 1, 2007.
Doug then stated that this strategic plan can be monitored by
the board to see if Creekside is accomplishing.
4. Local Sales Update
Johnson noted that in years past the sole supplier has been
Prieve Landscaping. This year, Landscape Concepts will also
be selling all Creekside products. Both Prieve and Landscape
Concepts have agreed on pricing. Filk asked if an open house
would be held again to have a "special pricing day ". Johnson
noted that sales are up by 50,000 bags compared to last year.
5. Misc.-
Stotts commented that a plan was going to be put in place in the
event that the compost facility does not operate as it does today
(such as sales, shipping, etc.) and becomes only be a collection
point for the city.
Plotz noted that the Minneapolis contract expires 12-3 1-07.
Plotz noted that if the City does not renew the contract, sales
will be downsized automatically. Stotts noted that a plan needs
to be put in place in the event that does occur. Johnson noted
there are other sources and opportunities. Johnson noted that by
the end of June, the financials will be reviewed, forecasting will
be complete and a recommendation will be made as to the
Minneapolis contract. Stotts also noted that he wants an
analysis completed on only collecting material from
Hutchinson /McLeod County.
Johnson submitted an un- audited 2006 financial report, an
income state, and balance sheet for the first quarter of 2007.
Jeremy Carter, Asst. Finance Director, explained the combined
income statement for the first quarter. The combined income
statement shows a net loss of ($103,537.66) for the first quarter.
This is typical for this environment, due to low sales in January
and February, whereas next quarter will show a different swing
in that the big sales will be in April and May. Stotts asked that a
comparison report to 2006 to show that the sales are dependant
on the months of the year.
Johnson noted that the Minneapolis material is being hauled to
Riese Farms. This is much more cost effective than bringing it
on -site.
Ken Merrill reviewed the 2006 un- audited financial report. The
total loss is configured at ($415,757.13) which includes one-
time adjustments. From an operating stand point, the 2006 loss
is ($259,373.40). In order to get that to $0, the sales will need to
be increased and costs need to be reduced. Johnson noted that
more cost efficiencies have been identified using the Peach
Tree system. Other reductions include returning truck- tractors,
screening on -site and using different haulers. In addition
Creekside has informed the marketing reps that 1.2 million bags
need to be sold. This would allow Creekside to break even.
6. Survey Results-
Nathan Winters and Marian Filk distributed survey results from
the Master Gardener Horticulture Day. Overall it appears that
the gardeners want better availability. Good feedback and more
than half of the attendees responded.
Winter also noted that the emerald ash bore could be a problem
in Hutchinson and he asked that Creekside keep this in mind
during collections.
Johnson asked for board member to consider volunteering at the
booth at the fair.
It was suggested that an open house be held the same day as the
plant sale at the fairgrounds on May 12, 2007. Bagged products
could be on -site and orders can be taken for bulk. This will
boost public support. Marian and Doug will talk details the
week of May 7, 2007. Marian will run the ad with Doug's
approval.
No further business to discuss meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
Filk/Johnson