07-22-2015 CSMCREEKSIDE RENEWABLES ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
City Center Main Conference Room
July 22, 2015 - 4:30 p.m.
Members Present: Nathan Winter, Brandon Fraser, John Lofdahl, Tammy Field
Members Absent: Sandra Kaufman, Kurt Hjerpe
Others Present: Andy Kosek
1. Approval of Minutes from April 15, 2015
Motion by Fraser, second by Field, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion
carried unanimously.
Reporting
1. Financials
Kosek reviewed income statements for both the compost fund and refuse fund. Overall, the
compost fund to date sits at a cash flow of $393,848.46. The refuse fund to date has a cash flow
balance of $59,801.27. Kosek noted that Creekside utilized much temporary work compared to
permanent employees. There are still some capital expenditures that will occur this year that have
been budgeted for. Kosek also mentioned that the City is currently out for Request for Proposals
for refuse hauling.
2. Sales Year -to -Date
Kosek reviewed bagged sales information. Overall, sales are up over 40,000 bags compared to
this time last year.
General discussion was held on the McLeod County single -sort system and how it will affect the
materials brought to Creekside.
Old Business
1. Questions/comments from Creekside tour on 4-15-15
None
2. Meeting Time
It was decided that the meeting time will be moved to a 4:00 p.m. start time.
New Business
1. Facility Services
Kosek asked the group if there are services that Creekside provides/accepts that the group is
inquiring about. Does the group feel there may be things the facility shouldn't be involved in
and/or that they should become involved in. The group had no specific feedback. Lofdahl had
inquired previously about the facility accepting shingles, but following the facility tour, it is
obvious that the facility does not have ample space for such material.
Discussion was held on a mold issue that the facility faced and how it was handled.
Kosek posed the question on whether or not the facility should continue to accept private
contractor blacktop concrete. Kosek noted that much garbage is accumulated when these loads are
dropped off Another service to consider the value of is accepting demo wood.
2. Creekside's Goals
Kosek asked the group if Creekside should go bigger with the big box stores, stay status quo or go
smaller with a higher -profit margin. Lofdahl noted that if the facility goes bigger, equipment will
have to be upgraded to accommodate. Kosek explained that there are smaller accounts Creekside
could take on and bag their own product in, but the bagging production season is too full.
Minimal margin production capacity takes up much production that Creekside could be bagging
their own product.
Manager/Department Update
Kosek noted that a pavement project at Creekside and the wastewater treatment facility is on the
City Council agenda for approval next week as well as a contract with an aggregate crushing
contractor. Bagging is down to one shift. Staff is working on marketing plans for minimal margin
product. Kosek also mentioned that a huge competitor, Scott's, has moved into a packaging
facility in Lakeville.
Future Discussion Items
Future discussion items include: 1.) Facility services to add or eliminate. 2.) Mold mitigation. 3.)
Do we continue to process source -separated material? Kosek would need to confirm that the
initial grant agreement for the facility doesn't regulate the use of the facility.
Adjournment
Motion by Winter, second by Lofdahl, to adjourn at 5:40 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.