05-16-2007 CSMCREEKSIDE SOILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
May 16, 2007, 4:15 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER: 4:20 p.m.
Members Present: Doug Johnson, Casey Stotts, Marian Filk, Bob Anderson,
Nathan Winters, Brandon Fraser, Bill Arndt
Member Absent: Randy DeVries, Gary Plotz
Others Present: Steve Cook
Minutes — Anderson, Filk Carried
1. Strategic Planning Updates -
Doug Johnson distributed the strategic plan of Creekside. The
board reviewed strategy three (customer based). One of the
assignments of the board is indicated as goal 5 — create local
public relations. Some of the tactics being worked on or
completed include:
1. County Fair — coordination with plant sale
2. Support local Master garden show
3. Home and Garden show — discussion was held to pay for 1/3
of landscaper's booths with the expectation that Creekside
product will be displayed and labeled.
4. Education at the High School
Winters discussed having tours /open house of the facility.
Johnson will schedule an open house in September.
General discussion was held re: the project with the school that
used to be put in place. There are cost studies that need to be
completed first.
2. Miscellaneous
Scenarios of downsizing and changing operations
- continue as we are minus bagging operation
-only intake City /County yard waste and City's source —
separated including bagging /marketing
-no Minneapolis contract, but have other contractors bring in
material at minimal tip fee.
- purchase finished compost, then bag and market
-no Minneapolis contract
These scenarios will be mapped out and configured by 6 -6 -07.
Discussion was held that these items are part of the strategic
long -term plan. Anderson asked what the plan is for making
profit. Johnson stated that the current goal is to break even.
The Minneapolis contract expires in August 2008. Fraser
expressed that he feels, off the cuff, the best business model
seems to be to accept product from private hauling contractors
for a minimal tip fee.
-Bob Anderson — tree planting update, Doug is waiting to hear
from Park & Rec. that the trees are here, they have been
ordered.
- General discussion was held re: the current marketing contract
with JMSI.
-Cook received a call for use of compost for medicinal
mushrooms. There are facilities that can house them Doug will
research this.
- Fraser noted there is plastic west of town, this plastic is
incorporated into the compost that is being put onto crops.
Johnson noted that the contractor that was hired did not follow
the process as discussed. Johnson said they will re- screen it.
No material with plastic will be accepted at the compost
facility.
-Plant site: Filk reported that everyone seemed very pleased that
Creekside product was available at the plant site. The excess
material will be offered to the Meeker County Master
Gardeners.
No further business to discuss meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
Cook/Stotts