10-16-2013 CSMCREEKSIDE RENEWABLES ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
City Center
October 16th, 2013 - 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Marian Filk, Nathan Winter, Juli Neubarth, and Bob Anderson
Members Absent: Bob Peterson, Gary Forcier, Brandon Fraser
Others Present: Andy Reid, Andy Kosek, Jeremy Carter
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes from April 17, 2013
Motion by Anderson, second by Filk, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion
carried unanimously.
2. Financials
Andy Reid, Controller, reviewed the compost fund income statement. There is a
substantial increase in sales from last year — approximately $2.5 million. Revenue
over expenditures is $334,896. A wheel loader and bagging line improvements are
included in capital outlay expenditures. Mr. Reid then reviewed the refuse fund
income statement. Total revenues are comparable to this time last year. The net
revenue over expenditures is $188,578. Additional expenses this year are due to the
grinder and compost bags and increases at Spruce Ridge.
3. 2013 Season Sales
a. Year to Year comparison
Andy Kosek and Andy Reid reviewed the 2013 season sales. The 2013 season was
recorded as the best year in Creekside's history with 2.2 million in bagged sales.
This is mainly due to a very large Menards contract. Bulk sales remain flat. One
adjustment made has been decreasing the cost per yard of bit -con due to the large
inventory of it. Bulk mulch sales will not be as strongly focused on moving
forward, but rather more focus will be placed on soil products.
4. 2014 Forecast
Andy Kosek and Andy Reid explained that the 2014 season forecast is the same as
2013's with the Menards and Home Depot contracts compiling 1.5 million bags.
Creekside staff has forecasted a total of 2 million bags being produced.
5. Operation/Production
a. Bagging- 2 Shifts
b. Grinding- County Yardwaste Program
Andy Kosek explained that the bagging operation is working two shifts which began
October 1St. 16,000 bags a day will be processed until mid -late December. By then
the yard should be full of inventory. Mr. Kosek explained that there has been a
funding change in the county yardwaste program which may affect grinding
operations. It is proposed that Creekside would be reimbursed for truck/loader time
for operation/maintenance of grinding in other McLeod County cities. The County
has reduced the funding for this function by 50 %. All invoices need to be turned in
by December 31, 2013. Creekside began to grind all the brush in other McLeod
County cities in October and will go back in November to collect all leaves and
brush so that the invoices can be submitted by December 31St and receive funding.
Other grinding jobs include material on site and grinding in St. Cloud (yard waste
material). Litchfield has agreed to allow Creekside to pick up material. Creekside
ground material for Litchfield at no charge earlier this Fall. Mr. Kosek spoke to
Creekside's relationship with S &S Tree Sales for wood /yard waste contracts.
Juli Neubarth asked if funding is being set aside to replace the grinder when
necessary. Mr. Kosek noted that Creekside is no concentrating as much on bulk
mulch sales and more on soil products. Jeremy Carter, City Administrator, noted
that he has had conversations with other county communities on partnering in the
funding of this piece of equipment. Replacement for the grinder is included on the
City's capital improvement plan for 2017.
6. United Hardware Generic Topsoil Inquiry
No discussion was held on this item. Andy Kosek explained that United Hardware
had an idea brought forward to Creekside, however the buyer was not interested so
the idea was pulled.
7. Product Procurement
a. Raw
b. Finished
Andy Kosek explained that raw material is coming from Ramsey County, Sherburne
County and St. Cloud, which includes grass and leaves. Finished material is coming
from smaller communities such as Olivia, Mayer, Willmar, a private company in
Maple Grove and Elk River Composting.
8. Creekside Bag Redesign
Andy Kosek distributed new designs of the Creekside bags. The intent is that the
new design will boost sales.
9. Equipment Back -up Alarms
Andy Kosek explained that staff has been working with the neighbors in the area on
alternatives to a full -blown back up alarm system used on payloaders. Mr. Kosek
explained that the three front end loaders will have back up cameras and strobe
lights that will be used after 6:30 p.m. A muffled alarm system will be used
between 7:00 a.m. — 6:30 p.m., which will be 20 decibels above normal ground
levels as required by OSHA. Mr. Kosek asked that Creekside have until November
15 to install the back up cameras, which will be used after 6:30 p.m. instead of the
audible alarms. Jeremy Carter, City Administrator, spoke to the OSHA compliance
and safety regulations that must be followed by Creekside.
Bob Anderson mentioned that families with young children have moved into the
neighborhood and perhaps the City may wish to consider fencing in the facility. It
was suggested to place signs around the perimeter as a precaution as well. Staff can
make contact with those residences that have young children as an additional
precaution/warning that the site has heavy equipment moving around.
IO.New Business
None
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.