04-16-2014 CSMCREEKSIDE RENEWABLES ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
City Center
April 16, 2014 - 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Marian Filk, Nathan Winter, Bob Peterson, Brandon Fraser and Bob
Anderson
Members Absent: Gary Forcier and Juli Neubarth
Others Present: Andy Reid, Andy Kosek and Becky Kobow
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m.
1. Approval of Minutes from October 16, 2013
Motion by Anderson, second by Filk, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion
carried unanimously.
2. Financials
Andy Reid reviewed the compost and refuse fund financials for year end 2013.
Total revenues in the compost fund was $218,007 and total revenues in the refuse
fund was $8,221. Refuse rates have remained flat since 2008.
3. 2014 Season to date
a. Shipments
b. Sales Orders
Becky Kobow, Creekside Marketing Coordinator, presented before the Board.
Kobow explained that shipments, compared to last year, are up 85,000 bags.
Creekside materials are up a bit, as well as increased shipments in SplenderGro
materials. Garick's shipments are up 35,000 bags from last year and custom
bagging is steady. Bulk orders have not begun yet. The weather plays a very large
role with bulk sales and freight costs are always a challenge. Andy Kosek spoke on
the difference between sales orders and re -orders and the timing of them. Sales
orders generally remain consistent from year to year. Kosek also spoke of the
breakdown of the salaries and fringe benefits, which should be show in the cost of
sales column on the financials.
4. 2014 Marketing/Advertising
Kosek explained that Creekside does quite a bit of co-op advertising and radio
advertising, mainly with WCCO. KKMS and Garden Bytes on KDUZ have also
been added to the radio advertising campaign. These stations have a wide -listening
area. Fraser suggested putting the sound byte from WCCO on to Creekside's web
site for users to click on and listen to. Kosek will check on any copyright issues
associated with that. Several other programs are produced with distributors.
5. Operation/Production
a. Bagging- 2 Shifts
b. Raw Material Processing
Kosek explained that two bagging shifts per day began on March 24th. Bagging will
also occur on some Saturdays. Kosek also mentioned that the grinder will not be
used for off-site grinding. County grinding and on-site grinding will continue. The
only exception to that is a grinding contract that Creekside needs to fulfill with the
City of St. Cloud.
6. Product Procurement
a. Source Separated Organics
b. Raw
c. Finished
Kosek explained that with the source -separated organics program, no new
educational outreach has been created since the program originated. Kosek stated
that the plan is to continue efforts to outreach to grocery stores and restaurants
which would bring more material to the site. The current raw material remains
status quo. Kosek mentioned he is working on a new program trying to contract
excess yard materials. He is still working with various cities and organizations on
acquiring finished goods.
7. 2015 Bagged Product ideas
Kosek noted that the facility is expanding its bagged product ideas for 2015 and he
asked the board about various bag sizes of the products offered. Filk stated that she
likes the 40 lb. bag size. Discussion centered around offering smaller bag sizes.
Fraser inquired about topsoil sources and Kosek discussed opportunities with the
beet plant in the City of Renville. Fraser also inquired about any potential of
dredging in the river for a source. Kosek noted that this has been mentioned before
and looked into. Creekside does have interest in the dredged material, as well as
working with the involved groups to make it happen.
8. Miscellaneous
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.