04-25-2011 CSMCREEKSIDE RENEWABLES ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
City Center
April 25, 2012 - 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Steve Cook, Marian Filk, Bob Peterson, Nathan Winter, Brandon
Fraser, and Bob Anderson
Member Absent: Juli Neubaith
Others Present: Andy Reid, Doug Johnson, Andy Kosek
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes from November 16, 2011
Motion by Winter, second by Anderson to approve the minutes as presented.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. Year End Financials - Andy Reid
Andy Reid, Controller, presented the year end financials. Overall, revenue beat
expenses by $206,000. A budget balance of $45,786 remained for 2011 and
$222,000 in cash was added for the year. There was no debt on the balance sheet.
Doug Johnson briefly spoke of the refuse budget.
3. Year to Date Financials - Andy Reid
Andy Reid, Controller, presented the year -to -date financials (through March). Both
bagged and bulk sales are up from last year. More specific financial detail was
contained in the reports distributed.
4. Strategic Plan Discussion — Doug Johnson
Doug Johnson noted that the strategic plan is still work in progress. Updates have
been made to the plan since the last time the board reviewed it. These updates have
been based on topics previously discussed. The updated plan will be emailed out to
board members and /or discussed at the next board meeting.
5. Sales and Shipping Update — Andy Kosek
Andy Kosek noted that last year bagging continued into December. Sales and
shipping have been going strong since February due to the mild winter. The bagger
has been running two shifts to keep up with shipments.
Doug Johnson explained a shipment report that tracks bagged and bulk products
both by month and year -to -date.
General discussion was held regarding bagged product data and different reporting
mechanisms.
Brandon Fraser asked about new markets Creekside is contemplating. Mr. Johnson
noted that Creekside has quoted a few markets. Most inquiries go through
Creekside's marketing representative, however quoting and negotiations go through
Johnson. Mr. Fraser asked about new products Creekside is currently working on.
Johnson noted that Perfect Circle has been working with Creekside on their soil for
their tomato growing operation. Johnson spoke of the "organic" market and issues
with the certification process. Another market Creekside is researching is worm
casings. Johnson noted that currently the main focus of Creekside is to expand its
current marketing with its current products and not as much of getting into new
products.
Mayor Cook asked about bagging gardening rock that had been discussed
previously. Johnson noted that in order to do that type of bagging job, a different
piece of equipment is needed that costs approximately $100,000.
6. St Cloud Update — Doug Johnson
Doug Johnson noted that the facility in St. Cloud is running right on task, on
schedule and under budget. Product will be screened by July and bagged for Fall
2013 shipments.
7. Miscellaneous
Bob Anderson mentioned a dust issued that occurred at the facility on January 6,
2012. Mr. Johnson noted that he and Mr. Anderson had discussed this incident
shortly after it occurred. There was a fierce wind that day that caused excessive dust
blowing to occur. Mr. Anderson seemed to think that material other than lobs and
brush was being processed due to the fineness of the dust.
Mr. Anderson asked the chain of command for inquiries directed to Creekside. Mr.
Johnson noted that he will discuss that with the City Administrator and will provide
the information to Mr. Anderson.
Lastly, Doug Johnson announced that he has put in his resignation as the General
Manager of Creekside. Mr. Johnson has taken a position with a company called Full
Circle Ogranics as its Director of Operations. He will mainly be working with
cooperatives in setting up compost facilities. Mr. Johnson's last day with the City
will be May 24, 2012.
Motion by Anderson, second by Fraser to adjourn at 5:45 p.m.