04-20-2016 CSMCREEKSIDE RENEWABLES ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
City Center Main Conference Room
April 20, 2016 - 4:00 p.m.
Members Present: Sandra Kaufman, William Mose, John Lofdahl, Tammy Field
Members Absent: Kurt Hjerpe, Nathan Winter
Others Present: Andy Kosek, Becky Kobow
1. Approval of Minutes from February 17, 2016
Motion by Lofdahl, second by Mose, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion
carried unanimously.
Reporting
1. First Quarter Financials
Kosek reviewed financial reports for the refuse fund and compost fund for the first quarter with
nothing significant to report. Everything is on task to date. Discussion was held specific to bit -
con sales. Organic carts are still being monitored.
2. Sales Year -to -Date
Kobow reviewed sales year to date. Kobow reviewed each product line. Overall, sales are up
almost 12%. The custom bag sales are down 33% because of the downsized model and not
fulfilling the Garick contract. Staff has no concerns with these numbers as of now.
New Business
1. Bag Film Redesign - Mulch
Kosek distributed images of new bag designs for Creekside's mulch product. Kosek stated that
staff is considering combining the current SplenderGro and Creekside mulch products into a single
product line. This would help balance inventory and make production more efficient. General
input from board members was provided, such as making sure the product can be seen through the
bag and considering retail pricing at different sites.
2. Receiving Stumps — Tip Fee
Kosek noted that stumps have not been accepted at the facility since it opened, however they tend
to appear when customers bring in product. Kosek noted that there is a piece of equipment that
can be used for adequate stump destruction. The cost is approximately $600/hr. Kosek suggested
if customers wish to drop off stumps, a healthy tip fee be applied. Kosek approached the McLeod
County Solid Waste facility about a financial contribution to fund such equipment, however that
will need to be researched.
Manager/Department Update
Kosek noted that Grow With Kare had run a story that was aired on KARE 11 recently focusing
on the bagging line at the facility. Things have been running very smoothly. Kosek noted that an
additional bagging job has been obtained from a company in Duluth with fulfillment of 12,000
bags per year. Another small bagging job of approximately 5000 bags will come later this year
from Shopko. Garick did contact Kosek earlier this week looking for help. Kosek noted that
Creekside will consider assisting them however it will be on different terms than the previous
agreement held with them.
Miscellaneous
Mose asked about plans for the wood grinder and paying for that. Kosek noted that the decision
on that hinges on McLeod County. Funding for this program could potentially come from the
state.
Adjournment
Motion by Field, second by Mose, to adjourn at 5:15 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.