10-20-2010 CSMCREEKSIDE RENEWABLES ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
Creekside Compost Facility
October 20, 2010 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Bob Anderson, Bob Peterson, Juli Neubaith, Brandon Fraser
Absent: Nathan Winters, Doug Johnson, Marian Filk, Bill Arndt
Others Present: Jeremy Carter, Gary Plotz
1. Approval of July 21, 2010 minutes.
No quorum for action.
Bob Anderson commented that Creekside should be contributing to the water /sewer
field.
2. 31d Quarter Financials
Jeremy Carter reviewed the actual to budget figures through 9/30/10. Both bulk and
bagged sales are down from last year. This could be due to the economy, could be
due to loss of contract with Baumgard's. Creekside is beginning to take early
sales /early ships. Total cost of goods is down from last year. The gross profit
through 9/30/10 is just over $1 million. Mr. Carter specifically explained the
reasons for the difference in cost of goods sold for compost -bulk product. Mr.
Carter explained that the major difference is due to a different way of cost
accounting. Less and less material is coming in to produce bit -con which effects
sales. A new marketing plan is going to be developed for 2011 to increase bulk
sales.
3. Perfect Circle Visit
Gary Plotz, City Administrator, explained that he, Jeremy Carter, and Doug Johnson
visited a company based out of Lake Mills, IA called Perfect Circle. Perfect Circle
is a company that houses a multitude of greenhouses under one roof. These
greenhouse facilities are constructed near landfills to use the methane for in floor
heat. Perfect Circle sells their products to a national company called Whole Foods -
high quality natural produce. Perfect Circle may be a customer for Creekside in that
they are looking for a high quality soil to grow their product in.
Bob Anderson spoke of his ill- experience with Perfect Circle being built in Hassan
Valley Township.
General discussion was held about various ventures Creekside is considering.
4. Quotes for Mitigating Odors
Bob Anderson spoke of a thick that brought in a load of liquid garbage that spilled a
bit on the corner of Adams Street and the entrance to Creekside. This spill also
occurred on Creekside's site. Quotes have been obtained to enclose the vessel
system to aid in mitigating odors. This will cost approximately $216,000. A
concrete pad for better sloping will cost approximately $42,000.
5. Sanitary Costs for Creekside
Gary Plotz explained that most runoff is absorbed into the ground, but if heavy rain
occurs, the sanitary sewer does go to the wastewater plant. Jeremy Carter explained
that some pilot testing has been completed which showed approximately $7,500 per
year or 20,000 gallons per day goes to the sewer system.
6. 2010/2011 Inter - Department Cooperation Projects
Gary Plotz explained that 13 frill -time employees are being laid off throughout the
City, with 3 of them coming from Public Works. Employees from Creekside will be
assisting with snow removal and will be assigned routes. Equipment will also be
shared. Other projects will be discussed at a future meeting.
7. Miscellaneous
Bob Anderson asked if the closing of Adams Street has constricted production at
Creekside. Doug Johnson responded that that has not been the case.
Brandon Fraser discussed mushroom growing, sterilized soils, and organic growing.
Gary Plotz noted that the market was tested a bit. Garick wasn't able to produce
enough bags to make a go of it.
Gary Plotz discussed marketing of bulk product, hoping to market bulk mulch to
Home Depot and be sole supplier.
Meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.