10-15-2014 CSMCREEKSIDE RENEWABLES ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
City Center
October 15, 2014 - 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Brandon Fraser, Sandra Kaufman, Kurt Hjerpe, Bob Anderson and
Nathan Winter
Members Absent: Gary Forcier
Others Present: Andy Kosek and Becky Kobow
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m.
1. Minutes
Motion by Fraser, second by Winter, to approve the minutes from the April 16,
2014, board meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
2. Financials (if available)
Andy Kosek noted that the controller was unable to attend the meeting today,
therefore there will be no review of financial information. Staff can follow up with
any board member if requested.
3. 2014 Season in Review
a. Bagged
b. Bulk
Becky Kobow reviewed sales information for 2014. In bagged sales, Creekside and
SplenderGro sales were up, however WonderBlend sales were down. All bagging
accounts were up other than the Bachman's account. Overall, there was almost a
10% increase in bagged sales. Kobow reported that all bulk sales were up other than
soil. The reduction in the soil sales reflect a large street project in 2013 that was not
had in 2014.
General discussion was held on how excess material from street projects is used.
4. 2015 Forecast
Andy Kosek noted that no changes have been made to the forecast for next year. No
new customers have been lost or gained. The same projections for 2014 are set for
2015.
Nathan Winter asked if there are any other competitive producers in the area, such
as Mississippi Top Soil. Kosek responded that no one in the area can compare with
Creekside's volume.
5. Operation/Production
Kosek reported that two bagging shifts began September 22, 2014, and will last until
next week. There is some screening to complete and some grinding is being done
for other communities in the county. Within a couple of weeks, leaf material will
begin coming in to the site.
6. Source Separated Program Discussion
a. Promoting
b. Educational Advertising
Kobow explained the residential curbside organics pickup program. This program
includes carts being placed at each residence for residents to discard their food
wastes, grass clippings, etc. Kobow explained that biodegradable bags are available
three times a year for residents to pick up for use. Kobow provided an overview on
survey results tabulated in 2012-2013. The results showed that the age group of the
users is mainly 41-60 years of age and most users like updates about the availability
of the bags received through their water bill. The contamination rate in this program
has increased over the years.
General discussion was held on the best methods to get information out to residents
regarding this program.
Brandon Fraser suggested more engaged signage on the organics cart. It was also
noted that emails and text messages are a good way to communicate with users.
Kosek noted that Waste Management owns the carts so they would need to be
contacted for cart maintenance or placing signage on the carts. A suggestion was
made that refrigerator magnets are used for other purposes and maybe they could be
used for organic cart education. Outreach and lack of education are two things that
staff struggle with. The organics program brings in approximately 1000-1500
finished yards per year, however diverts a huge amount of material from the landfill.
Nathan Winters suggested that Creekside staff meet with the Master Gardeners
group on generating ideas about outreach and education.
7. Miscellaneous
Kosek asked for feedback from the board on their opinions of what should be
discussed at board meetings. Bob Anderson felt it was important to be updated on
long range plans, movement of material and equipment uses. Kosek stated that
Creekside is getting out of bulk sales in the metro market. Nathan Winters noted
that he likes to receive information regarding financial information, but he likes to
be informed of community events and product ideas. It was noted that it is also
good for staff to discuss challenges so that the board can provide feedback. Kurt
Hjerpe noted that he has observed that much focus is put on volume and maybe that
shouldn't be such a large focus of Creekside's operations. Kosek offered out tours
to the board for a better understanding of processes. Nathan Winters asked if there
is an alternative time that could be considered for the meetings, such as perhaps
earlier in the day. Kosek noted he will contact Fraser who had to leave early from
the meeting, as well as controller Andy Reid who was not present at the meeting
today.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.