Sustainability Council meeting minutes -Sept 6, 2019

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Minutes

September 6, 2019 9:00 – 10:30

S111 Student Services Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Nate, Randy, Wade, Kristi, Glenn, Deanne, Mike, Theresa, Dave, Kevin

General Members present:

Guests: Griffin Peck

 

Announcements

Lake Superior Harvest Festival, Bayfront, Sept 7th 10:00-4:00pm. The LSC Eco-E Program will have a table.  The SFA is looking for volunteers, contact Randy if available.

The Eco-E Program will also be represented at the AICHO Indigenous Food Expo, Sept 21st at the Central Hillside Park to 4th Street Market.

Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS) annual conference is Sept 27-28 at Carleton College

Nobel Conference, “Climate Changed: Facing Our Future”, September 24th – 25th at Gustavus Adolphus College

2019 AASHE Conference “Co-Creating a Sustainable Economy” – October 27-30 in Spokane, WA

 

New Business

Today is the worldwide debut of RSPT’s #NoPoopFairy vimeo campaign.  Kristi shared on the LSC Sustainability facebook page.

 

AASHE annual dues are due in October.  After brief discussion, Deanne motioned to pay the $295 dues, Glenn seconded unopposed.

 

Kristi gave an update on the S-building red railing removal project.  The Sustainability Council will lead the transition of the vegetated area close to the building.  The Council agreed to using a similar design as the pollinator garden on the west side of the entrance, with Shoreview Natives’ assistance, in the spring.  The new planting may utilize some plants that should be thinned from the west planting.  The Council agreed a broader discussion about long-term maintenance of these public spaces needs to happen in conjunction with this new project.

 

Glenn gave an overview of the intent of the CISMA Forest Management MOU that Dr. Rogers enthusiastically signed with Cabinet support last week.  Work on invasive removal will begin with Glenn and Deanne’s Environmental Science classes, in partnership with Duluth Invaders, around the second week of November. Kristi will connect with the city of Duluth to obtain guidance on purchasing appropriate tools for the removal.

 

The City of Duluth donated city bus-sized “Cigarette butts are Litter” signs.  They may be useful for creating a large impact as a campaign, but likely aren’t suitable as a permanent installment.  The signs are currently in the Student Life storage area.

 

The Council also discussed a need for dog leash and pet waste collection.  After some discussion, the Council agreed facilities should install signs, and it would be a good idea to consult with the City and perhaps obtain a sign from the Parks Department to bring consistency in messaging.  Pet waste bag dispensers might also be useful.  Kristi will reach out to the City to inquire about these materials.

 

Randy and Kevin offered Eco-Ent program and produce sales updates.  There has been tremendous progress in development of the site, and there have been quite a few faculty reaching out to inquire about utilizing the site as a lab space.  There are a few critical needs not currently being met, including lack of adequate refrigeration and lack of cohesive communication to the campus regarding Market Days.  Wade offered suggestions and will continue to work with the Program to find solutions.

 

Kristi brought the FY20 Workplan Goals to discuss a plan for working through each.  Kristi asked for a chairperson to lead each in exploration, meeting as independent work groups and reporting back to the Sustainability Council monthly.  The following goals and chairs were determined:

 

  1. Develop proposal for north trail as pedestrian path (Dave will lead this group, a maintenance person should also be included, and Theresa volunteered as well)
    • Desired Outcomes:
      1. consider appropriate surface for maximum usability,
      2. estimate total costs, development and ongoing maintenance (add: Dave suggests planning signs),
  • account for the trail’s potential use as an access from lower main parking lots to Living Labs field site

*Wade wondered if the LSC Foundation may want to peruse sponsorship for different segments?

  1. Articulate the role of “Living Labs” at LSC (Randy will lead this group along with Deanne and Nate)
    • Desired Outcomes:
      1. draft potential interdisciplinary collaboration/learning opportunities at new Farm Site (add: collaboration/consult with Student Senate)
      2. develop a forest management plan for Miller Creek corridor – identifying terrestrial invasive species threats and management goals
        1. align goals as potential course-related field experience, both through curriculum and Sustainability Distinction
  2. Update campus’ sustainability and energy goals (Kristi will lead this group along with Glenn, Jenna and Griffin)
    • Desired Outcomes:
      1. align with state and system-wide sustainability goals, following Board of Trustees approval of new system sustainability policies,
      2. update LSC Sustainability webpages to reflect these new goals

 

Kristi’s summer project included updates to all LSC’s sustainability website content update (WP Goal 3), except the Facilities & Energy page, which is on hold awaiting the Minnesota State Board of Trustees approval of system-wide energy goals.

 

Old Business

Kristi gave a brief update of the North Trail & Farm Spur and Miller Creek corridor, and brought the new hand maps for review.  The maps are posted at the E-entrance.

 

Budget

FY 20 original budget: $8,450

Encumbrances to date:

  • Menards: -300
  • Dan’s Feedbin: -150
  • P-Card Amazon: $200 (Compost bags)

 

Next Meetings

October 4th, 2019

 

Meeting adjourned, 10:30

 

Minutes respectfully submitted by Kristi Heintz, 9/10/2019.  Posted to LSC Sustainability Council Blog and Employee Portal Committees page.

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