07-21-2010 CSMCREEKSIDE RENEWABLES ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
Creekside Compost Facility
July 21, 2010, 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Bill Arndt, Brandon Fraser, Bob Peterson, Bob Anderson,
Marian Filk, Nathan Winters
Absent: Juli Neubarth
Others Present: Doug Johnson, Andy Kosek, Dave Blumberg, Jeremy Carter,
Gary Plotz
1. Approval of April 21, 2010 minutes.
Brandon Fraser asked that the April 21, 2010, minutes include reference to the
recycling credit being used as a reinvestment to Creekside if it is not returned to the
users.
Motion by Anderson, second by Fraser to approve the minutes with the addition
noted above.
2. Welcome New Members
Doug Johnson, Creekside Manager, introduced Assistant Finance Director, Dave
Blumberg. He also introduced new members to the Board. They include Bob
Peterson, Juli Neubarth, and Nathan Winters.
3. Discussion of Board Purpose
Gary Plotz, City Administrator, shared that after discussion with the City Council
about having a combination board with a Tree Board and Environmental Board, it
was decided to keep the Compost Advisory Board focused on Creekside. As part of
this, the name of the enterprise and board has been renamed "Creekside
Renewables." This is mainly due to the facility being involved in activities that
expand beyond soils (i.e., bagging, concrete, other renewable energy projects).
Gary Plotz reviewed the ordinance establishing the Creekside Renewables Advisory
Board. The number of citizen members needs to be changed from five to six. Doug
Johnson, compost facility manager, expressed that he would like to use the Board as
a supporting background to take recommendations to the Council. Gary Plotz then
made introductions of those in attendance.
4. Update of Season Sales
Andy Kosek, compost site lead, provided an overview on bag sales, which are down
approximately 70,000 compared to last year. Part of this is due to losing a color -
mulch customer in Iowa. Bulk colored -mulch sales are down drastically mainly due
to the customer over - pricing on materials. The decrease in sales has not necessarily
affected the bottom line. Staff is currently working on screening since the bagging
season is done. Manure is being hauled in today. Jeremy Carter, Finance Director,
noted that activities include building inventory and screening.
5. Financials
Jeremy Carter reviewed the balance sheet cash on hand, accounts receivable, and
inventory. Total retained earnings as of June 30, 2010 were $3,710,351. Jeremy
Carter then reviewed income statements as of June 30, 2010. These numbers
include reducing bag prices in order to potentially gain new customers. Rental
equipment is down to reduce costs. The bottom line profit shows $320,000.
6. Garlic Festival Update
Doug Johnson explained that festival organizers wish to have a zero waste program
at the festival. Creekside will provide a dumpster and container at no cost. If
material is less than 5 %, no tip fee will be charged. All products used must be
recycled or composted. The hope is that the Arts and Crafts Festival and County
Fair will use the program as a model.
7. Waste to Concrete Demo
Doug Johnson explained that concrete and residuals from source - separated waste
can create a concrete material. A demo area is going to be established on -site.
Brandon Fraser expressed some concern with freezing - thawing process and the
reaction with organics. He also mentioned controls to use during testing of the
material.
8. Miscellaneous
Brandon Fraser raised the issue of elimination of recycling credit and inquired about
any change in the amount of recycling activity. Jeremy Carter noted that no drop off
of customers has been seen with Waste Management or with Solid Waste. Brandon
Fraser also inquired about the wet season, specifically whether consideration has
been given regarding water going to waste treatment and whether those costs are
burdened by the sewer department. John Paulson's, City environmental specialist's,
research showed that cost and testing was approximately $6,000 - $8,000. Brandon
Fraser asked if it was fair to not charge sewer to Creekside. The point was made
that at present there is no good measurement on volume to bill appropriately. The
matter will continue to be researched.
Bob Anderson discussed a strong odor coming from the site. Mr. Anderson asked
that the site work on controlling the odors. Doug Johnson said that they will be
addressed as best as possible.
Brandon Fraser expressed that he would like to get a ballpark figure of what dollar
amount of flow goes to the sanitaiy sewer. Jeremy Carter thought, based on past
figures, it was $15,000 - $20,000 worth. More information will come.
Motion by Bob Anderson, second by Brandon Fraser, to adjourn at 5:45 p.m.
Motion carried unanimously.