07-20-2011 CSMCREEKSIDE RENEWABLES ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
City Center
July 20, 2011 - 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Bill Arndt, Marian Filk, Bob Peterson, Nathan Winter, Juli
Neubarth
Absent: Brandon Fraser, Bob Anderson
Others Present: Jeremy Carter, Doug Johnson, Andy Kosek
Bob Peterson called the meeting to order at 4:40 p.m.
1. Approval of April 6, 2011, Minutes
Motion by Filk, second by Winter, to approve the minutes from April 6, 2011, with
the correction of the spelling of Nathan Winter's last name. Motion carried
unanimously.
2. Review of 211`' Quarter Financials
Jeremy Carter reviewed the financial for Quarter 2. In general, the financial reports
indicated that there was a profit of $120,000 to date, however sales were down
$200,000. There is a cash balance of $600,000. Inventory was down but will be
increasing. The facility is moving into the production time of year. Discussion was
held regarding the decrease in sales, which is being seen industry -wide, especially at
retail outlets.
Motion by Filk, second by Neubarth to approve Q2 Financials. Motion carried
unanimously.
3. Review of Computer Sales
Doug Johnson explained that one of the goals of Gary Plotz, who was hired at
Creekside, is to increase sales. Creekside has begun web sales. Mr. Plotz has
worked with Julie Neubarth in developing these sales. Supersocks products are one
of the products being featured on the web site, which is called Minnesota Ground
Cover. Minnesota Ground Cover will be focused towards wholesalers. The site will
become live in the next week or so. Jeremy Carter mentioned that Gary Plotz also
worked on targeting wholesalers within a 75 mile radius.
4. Extended Hours
Doug Johnson mentioned that the facility is behind schedule on screening product
due to the weather conditions over the season. Because of this, he is proposing to
extend the hours of operation for the months of August and September. Mr. Johnson
is proposing to run 24 hours, operating three separate shifts. Mr. Johnson and staff
will be notifying neighbors that the hours may be extended and the request for
extended hours will go before the City Council for approval at the July 26, 2011,
Council meeting.
5. St. Cloud Update
Doug Johnson reminded the Board that at the last meeting discussion was held
regarding an alternate site in Carver County. Carver County since decided that they
did not want to proceed with the project. However, a site has been located in St.
Cloud. Creekside will operate St. Cloud's site by grinding, screening and cleaning
up their site at a cost to St. Cloud of $28,000. Creekside has begun this and is half
done with the work. Product from St. Cloud is transported to Hutchinson. If all
goes well, a five -year agreement is being considered. Gary Plotz was instrumental
with this project.
6. Organic Certification
Doug Johnson mentioned that Gary Plotz is working on Creekside's yard waste
compost becoming organic certified. Beginning in the Summer of 2012 a new
product line of organic products will come out, which adds 20% to the profit of the
bag. Currently Creekside's product is organic - approved but not organic - certified.
7. Miscellaneous
Doug Johnson mentioned that Creekside took in an enormous amount of material
from the storm that went through on July 1't. Johnson estimated that over 250 tons of
material came in last week and on July 211`' over 420 private vehicles came through
and over 1200 vehicles came through three days after the storm.
Motion by Arndt, second by Filk to adjourn at 5:35 p.m.