02-23-2009 CSMCREEK SIDE SOILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Creekside Compost Facility
Febwary 23, 2009, 4:00 p.m.
Members Present: Bill Arndt, Robert Anderson, Brandon Fraser, Marion Filk
Others Present: Doug Johnson — CreekSide Manager, Jeremy Carter — Finance Director, Gary Plotz — City
Administrator, Mayor Steve Cook
1. Approval of minutes from December 27, 2008
Anderson asked for clarification in paragraph 3 related to the profit forecasted for 2009 compared
to the 2009 budget. Jeremy Carter explained the differences between a budget presentation and a
year -end income statement.
Motion by Anderson, second by Fraser, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried
unanimously.
2. 2008 & 2009 Financial Review
Jeremy Carter, Finance Director, presented the 2008 actuals to budget (unaudited). The revenues
over expenses show $101,376.00. Carter then reviewed a 2008 balance sheet for refuse. Total
retained earnings total $2,492,914.00. Carter then reviewed CreekSide's income statement for
2008. The income statement showed a $1.5 million in gross profits with $235,000 in revenues
over expenses. Discussion was held regarding a large custom- bagging contract that was retained
in 2008 and renewed in 2009. Fraser raised the issue on how the City (CreekSide) competes with
private industry. It was realized that there typically isn't an industry in the private sector that can
provide the exact service that Creekside does. Carter then reviewed the 2008 Creekside balance
sheet. The total retained earnings total $3.3 million (total assets minus the total liabilities).
Strategic Plan Strategies
Johnson explained that four new goals have been identified in CreekSide's strategic plan:
1. Document all policies and procedures
2. Work on sustainability
3. Direct more waste from landfill
4. Look at alternatives for waste and renewables
More detail was provided on each of these goals. Plotz went into more detail on Goal 4 and plans
CreelcSide has on getting into renewable energy. Perhaps a name change of "CreelcSide
Renewables" could be considered at a later date. Fraser commented that this direction should be
headed down sooner than later. Arndt commented on burning corn cobs as well as they provide a
tremendous amount of heat. Fraser asked if MPCAS controls procedures related to renewable
energy production. Johnson mentioned that the MPCA regulates this type of production now.
Cook suggested having community education be a goal in and of itself rather than just a tactic
under Goal 3. Carter mentioned that community needs to be defined as well.
�. 2009 Work Plan Overview
Johnson stated that new hours of operation will be put in place at CreelcSide. CreelcSide staff
conducted a detailed study that measured customer counts to the half hour. CreelcSide will be
adjusting their hours based on this study.
Johnson reviewed a business plan that he and his lead employee created. The business plan
outlines the number of employees needed to accomplish certain tasks. The plan shows that
CreelcSide will need to add three part -time employees in the near future. Additional shifts may
need to be added as well to accomplish the large bagging production. This will mean 10 hour days
for 2 — 2 '/ months, including a few Saturdays. An extension to the bagging building would
curtail extended hours. Fraser suggested putting the work plan into an Excel spreadsheet which
will calculate work hours, etc.
5. Miscellaneous
Cook asked how local sales were going (i.e. Runnings, etc.). Plotz noted that the local retailers
liked having CreelcSide product on hand and no merchants have pulled out of the program.
Arndt noted that he has received a request that CreelcSide put soil down on the city -owned garden
plot. Johnson will check into it and speak with Sara Witte from the Parks Department.
Motion by Anderson, second by Arndt, to adjourn at 5:50 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.