01-20-2010 CSMCREEK SIDE SOILS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Creekside Compost Facility
January 20, 2010, 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Brandon Fraser, Bob Anderson, Marion Filk, Bill Arndt
Others Present: Doug Johnson, Andy Kosek, Gary Plotz, Jeremy Carter
1. Approval of October 21, 2009, minutes
A clarification was made from "Fraser" to "Johnson" in the paragraph discussing
methane capture.
Motion by Fraser, second by Anderson, to approve minutes from October 21, 2009,
with the revisions noted. Motion carried unanimously.
2 4th quarter financials
Jeremy Carter, Finance Director, reviewed fourth quarter actual which show a
favorable balance of $163,725. Bulk sales and bagged sales are up with "other fees"
down due to contract loss with Minneapolis. Expenses are down from 2008. The
income statement shows a favorable number in 2009. General discussion was held
regarding material received in.
Mr. Carter then reviewed Creekside's balance sheet. The sheet showed retained
earnings totaling $3,088,427. Mr. Carter also reviewed the Refuse income
statement and balance sheet which portrayed a healthy budget. The total retained
earnings were $2,482,654.
Doug Johnson, Creekside Manager, distributed a listing of direct and /or indirect
savings to City of Hutchinson and McLeod County residents. These savings include
savings on source - separated green bins, intake of yard waste, stump chips, brush,
logs, asphalt and concrete.
Gary Plotz, City Administrator, explained that the City has discontinued the
recycling credit and backyard bin. These credits total approximately $68,000.
These fields could perhaps be used to fight emerald ash borer or reduce rates for
residents. An additional service is being added with the leaf vacuums. Brandon
Fraser voiced that the vacuum service may only apply to particular residents.
Discussion was held regarding use of city fiends. Mr. Plotz mentioned that
negotiations are being held on refuse rates. Mr. Fraser voiced that perhaps revenues
generated at Creekside stay at Creekside rather than transferring a portion to the
City's general field (i.e. $52,000 transfer to general field should be reinvested in
Creekside or rates lowered). Jeremy Carter explained each field and how they are
sustained. Fraser opined that refuse rates should be lowest because of having the
compost facility.
3. Board composition
Doug Johnson noted that the Creekside Advisory Board was formed initially to
discussion neighborhood issues and the like. It has been suggested to appoint
representatives from the following sectors to the board: manufacturing, customers,
public, county, master gardener and Council Member. The persons identified to be
appointed are: Bob Peterson, Juli Neubaith, Brandon Fraser, Bob Anderson, Nathan
Winter, Marion Filk and Bill Arndt. Term limits will be determined. Ideas from the
Board will be brought forth to the Council. The meetings will remain scheduled
quarterly, which are the third Wednesday of the quarterly month (January, April,
July, October) at 4:30 p.m.
4. Miscellaneous
Bob Anderson mentioned the grinding of leaves. It was noted that leaves from the
metro are already partially composted.
Doug Johnson spoke about the Home & Garden Show coming up. He suggested
donating $100 to the local landscapers' booth and having Creekside product
displayed rather than Creekside renting and manning its own booth.
Motion by Anderson, second by Fraser, to approve such donation. Motion carried
unanimously.
Gary Plotz mentioned that Creekside is being featured in BioCycle magazine. He
and Doug Johnson were asked to present at a national conference in April_ Mr.
Plotz also noted that Garick has informed him that Creekside has the most efficient
bagging facility (Home Depot supplier).
Motion by Anderson, second by Fraser, to adjourn at 5:50 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.