Sustainability at Lake Superior College

Sustainability Council meeting minutes 1/10/2020

January 10^th, 2020 9:00 – 10:15

S111 Student Services Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Jeri, Mike M., Dave, Mike F., Jenna, Tammy, Theresa, Connie, Glenn, Randy, Mary, Tim, Kristi

General Members present:

Guests:

Announcements

The next Isaak Walton League meeting: Wednesday January 15^th at 7:00, “Reflections on brook trout and other cold water fishes in a time of transition” will Showcase Lucinda Johnson from NRRI.  Monthly Ikes meetings are at LSC in S260.

New Business

RSPT annual dues are up.  Kristi outlined the benefits of partnership with this group, particularly in our combined efforts for stormwater education, training and MS4 reporting.  Theresa motioned to pay the $330 annual dues from the Sustainability Council budget, Tammy seconded, unopposed.

Kristi noted our rechargeable and mercury-containing battery disposal is now ready for disposal.  Kristi offered to dispose of these at WLSSD, Mike motioned to secure $100 from our budget to cover any disposal fees, Dave seconded, unopposed.

Connie offered an update on the Food service RFP process and timeline.  The vendor proposal deadline was extended from January 10^th to now January 31^st. The tour for interested vendors on December 20^th brought one potential vendor, and so far, that is the only proposal we have received. Given the new deadlines, Connie will offer an updated vendor interview schedule at a later date. The survey data collected will be used to guide priorities, talking points and scoring rubric for potential vendors.

Related to our food service space, Kristi shared that she and Randy are working on a USDA Technical Facilities Design Assistance request. This has not yet been completed, but Kristi intends to continue to work through the process next week.

With Kristi’s departure from LSC looming, the Sustainability Council discussed options for selecting a new Council chair.  Given the myriad responsibilities that Kristi has taken on as part of the Sustainability Coordinator role, the Council outlined the obligation of the committee chair.  For now, this will include calling meetings and keeping lines of communication open between the Council and Administration, in addition to advocating for a backfill of Sustainability Coordinator position. Glenn offered to take on this chair role, and Mike agreed to assist in purchasing; all agreed this would be an appropriate temporary solution to the gap in coverage.

Kristi offered a more sustainable solution to soft plastics recycling (ie bags) is now needed, as she will no longer make the monthly transport to Cub from campus. When last inquired, A1 offers monthly pick-up service for $25 per month.  The Sustainability Council agreed a contract should be created through facilities to secure this service. Kristi will work with Tara to move this forward.

Earth Day is April 22^nd. The Council will continue to plan for this 50^th anniversary celebration.

Old Business

Kristi noted the FY20 Workplan Goals will need to be updated, via Tara/Al, on the progress made.

1. Develop proposal for north trail as pedestrian path
   • Desired Outcomes:
     1. consider appropriate surface for maximum usability,
     2. estimate total costs, development and ongoing maintenance (add: Dave suggests planning for new signs),
     3. account for the trail’s potential use as an access from lower main parking lots to Living Labs field site

2. 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
3. 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

Budget

FY 20 original budget: $8,450 – current balance $6,546.05

Encumbrances to date:

• Menards: -$300
• Dan’s Feedbin: -$150
• P-Card (Amazon): -$167.95 (Compost bags)
• AASHE dues: -$295
• P-Card (Amazon – 10 sets loppers, saws) (Landscape Restoration – 10 buckthorn dobbers and dye): -$600
• Bee-line spur trail Limestone: -$225.50
• P-card (Amazon – Cornerstone $92.95)

Next Meetings

February 7^th, 10:00 in S111

Meeting adjourned, 10:15

Minutes respectfully submitted by Kristi Heintz, 11/14/2020.  Posted to LSC Sustainability Council blog and Employee Portal Committees page.

Sustainability Council meeting minutes 12/13/19

S111 Student Services Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Mike M, Jenna, Theresa, Mark, Connie, Kevin, Nate, Tim, Mike F, Cliff, Glenn, Deanne, Kristi

General Members present:

Guests:

Announcements

The next Isaak Walton League meeting, Wednesday December 18^th at 7:00, “A Window to the Wild” will Showcase Ryan Pennesi, a trained wildlife biologist and educator now professional photographer.  He’ll discuss his use of trail cameras to study wildlife in remote areas.  Monthly Ikes meetings are at LSC in S260.

New Business

A Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR) grant for Lawns to Legumes community demonstration sites is now open and offers $20-$40K reimbursement for plantings.  There is also a residential opportunity for a $350 cost-share; information on the Blue Thumb website.  Randy and Kristi are exploring opportunities and potential partnership for the community grant.

Connie offered an update on the Food service RFP process and timeline.  Vendor proposals are due January 10^th, a tour for interested vendors will be December 20^th and proposal reviews and vendor meetings will happen January 21-24.  Anyone is welcome to join those tours or meetings, contact Connie if you have not already.  Mike also shared that we have already received interest from four vendors.

Kristi brought the food service survey results to the Council for broad review and first feedback.  Kristi will send that information to the group and has already shared it with Student Senate.  The survey information will be used to guide priorities, talking points and scoring rubric for potential vendors.

Related to our food service space, Kristi shared that she and Randy are working through a USDA Technical Facilities Design Assistance request.  This design assistance is available to commercial spaces that would serve community needs.  Our proposal will include exploration of options for utilization of the existing footprint, including improved food service preparation and retail space, food processing and value add related to our Eco program, teaching/learning space, and opportunities for community benefit in the form of a food hub.  If our proposal is chosen, it will enable free architect assistance and experience in commercial kitchen space design.

Mike and Kevin shared the Eco-Ent farmsite is officially dormant, but snow removal is in full force!  So far, both structures have stood up to wind and snow with diligent clearing by the Eco crew.

City of Duluth single use bag ordinance will take effect April 2020.  The Council discussed any areas this may potentially impact.  Connie shared that she has been using cloth bags for several years, Nate shared that Admissions use drawstring bags, but there still may be some plastic bags in circulation.  We’ll continue to be on the lookout for replacement options, particularly when the Farmer’s Market picks up again.

Old Business

Glenn shared a recap and lessons from our inaugural buckthorn removal effort.  Overall, it was a great effort, covering 3 acres with about 80% removal from the area.  In future, we will likely choose an area with a denser stand of buckthorn and focus on complete clearing.  This will enable a more concentrated replanting effort in the spring. We are looking at the U of M’s “Cover it Up” research to guide our replanting efforts.

FY20 Workplan Goals (no updates)

1. Develop proposal for north trail as pedestrian path 
   • Desired Outcomes: 
     1. consider appropriate surface for maximum usability, 
     2. estimate total costs, development and ongoing maintenance (add: Dave suggests planning signs), 
     3. account for the trail’s potential use as an access from lower main parking lots to Living Labs field site

2. 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 
     3. align goals as potential course-related field experience, both through curriculum and Sustainability Distinction
3. 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

Budget

FY 20 original budget: $8,450 – current balance $6,546.05

Encumbrances to date:

• Menards: -$300
• Dan’s Feedbin: -$150
• P-Card (Amazon): -$167.95 (Compost bags)
• AASHE dues: -$295
• P-Card (Amazon – 10 sets loppers, saws) (Landscape Restoration – 10 buckthorn dobbers and dye): -$600
• Bee-line spur trail Limestone: -$225.50
• P-card (Amazon – Cornerstone $92.95)

Next Meetings

Tbd – potentially January 10^th.

Meeting adjourned, 10:00

Minutes respectfully submitted by Kristi Heintz, 12/13/2019.  Posted to LSC Sustainability Council blog and Employee Portal Committees page.

Sustainability Council Meeting Minutes 11/8/2019

October 11^th, 2019 9:00 – 10:00

S111 Student Services Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Nate, Theresa, Tim, Grant, Deanne, Connie, Randy, Kristi, Grant, Mike F., Mike M., Al, Mark, Cliff

General Members present:

Guests:

Announcements

Eco-E will host the MN Ag Commissioner in an Emerging Farmers Summit on November 14^th in S255 (Randy)

New Business

Kristi and Kurt offered an update on the food service survey collaboration with Student Senate.  Senate is interested in polling students, and the Council agreed employees should also be surveyed.  Kristi has reached out to Denise and will continue that conversation with her to follow the proper procedure for all employee and student emails.  The draft survey questions were sent to the Council’s work group for feedback last week.  Feedback on survey questions should be sent to Kristi by (this) Friday afternoon.  Kristi and Grant will work with Denise next week, and try to get the survey processed as soon as possible.

As part of the RFP and Food Service selection, Connie is convening a new Food Service Task Force.  She has pulled together a representative group from across campus and will try to organize a first meeting for next week Friday.  Connie agrees, the survey development can proceed without committee review, but the survey feedback will be invaluable in the decision-making process.

Mike and Randy offered farm updates.  This will likely be the last week of growing.  Mark/facilities has purchased a heater that will be ready for early spring season. They hope to start seedlings in March. Deanne mentioned it would be great to see some data on how much produce was grown this season, sold and donated.  Mike and Randy shared that they’re working on pulling that data together, and creating a report in the coming weeks.  The broader campus would probably find value in seeing those numbers as well.

Kristi mentioned there have been repeated requests for take-away bags on produce market days.  The Council will think about some creative container solutions – perhaps boxes or donated bags.

Kristi and Al submitted a Level 2 electric vehicle charging station grant opportunity from Minnesota Power last week.  Kristi provided the proposal rational for Cabinet review, Al provided the leg work in obtaining pre-approval from Cabinet.  The charger installation would coincide with parking lot resurfacing next spring in the Circle Drive.  The grant deadline was November 1, and Kristi will follow-up with Minnesota Power to see where we stand.

Old Business

FY20 Workplan Goals

1. Develop proposal for north trail as pedestrian path
   • Desired Outcomes:
     1. consider appropriate surface for maximum usability,
     2. estimate total costs, development and ongoing maintenance (add: Dave suggests planning signs),
     3. account for the trail’s potential use as an access from lower main parking lots to Living Labs field site

UPDATE – We completed our first stretch of trail limestone on the Spur trail from the upper parking lot to the H-building on October 25^th.  With $225 and 10 yards of limestone, 0.1 miles of trail was laid, with 10 volunteers, in 6 hours, using 12 donuts and 6 bananas as fuel.  Everyone had fun, nobody got hurt.

2. 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
3. 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

Budget

FY 20 original budget: $8,450

Encumbrances to date:

• Menards: -$300
• Dan’s Feedbin: -$150
• P-Card (Amazon): -$167.95 (Compost bags)
• AASHE dues: -$295
• P-Card (Amazon – 10 sets loppers, saws) (Landscape Restoration – 10 buckthorn dobbers and dye): -$600
• Bee-line spur trail Limestone: -$225.50
• P-card (Amazon – Cornerstone $92.95

Potential purchases

• EV install $1,500

Next Meetings

tbd

Meeting adjourned, 10:00

Minutes respectfully submitted by Kristi Heintz, 11/8/2019.  Posted to LSC Sustainability Council Blog and Employee Portal Committees page.

Sustainability Council meeting minutes 10-11-2019

October 11^th, 2019 9:00 – 10:30

S111 Student Services Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Mike M, Mike F, Dave, Theresa, Mary, Tim, Glenn, Kristi, Randy, Cliff, Wade, Mark, Jenna, Nate, Jeri, Griffin

General Members present:

Guests:

Announcements

Local Foods, Local Places, presented by Ecolibrium 3, sponsored by many others: Community Session Monday Oct 21^st 6:00-8:30 at Bent Paddle and Planning Session Tuesday October 21^st, 9:30-5:00 at 2125 W Superior St.

Food Justice Summit From the Ground Up: Unearthing Root Causes  Nov 4-6, 2019 DECC – LSC Farm tour at LSC Nov 4^th

Eco-E is hosting the MN Ag Commissioner in an Emerging Farmers Summit on November 14^th in S255 (Randy)

Eco-E hosted Tina Smith’s staff in a regional agriculture exploratory discussion on Sept 30^th (Randy)

New Business

Kristi brought the AASHE Stars data input and membership for discussion.  Griffin is interested in working to complete our baseline.  The tool would be valuable in goal setting, charting progress, benchmarking with peers, and sharing success stories.  The Council agreed it would be prudent to spend a couple of months compiling data and getting an idea of where we land, and discuss the merit of full membership at that point.  First year membership is $900, with a 50% renewal discount in subsequent years if membership doesn’t lapse.

Kristi picked up 3 free outdoor Poop Fairy signs from the City’s Parks Dept.  The farm site will post 1 and the others can be placed in areas where issues are identified.  The Council discussed additional signs and plastic bag needs.  All agreed to start with this sign, and perhaps strategically offer poop bag dispensers from RSPT if issues persist.

Glenn is leading LSC’s First Annual terrestrial invasive species plant removal party with his Environmental Science class, but others are welcome.  Training for the removal will be on Wednesday, November 6^th at 12:30 and the removal will be on November 13^th at 12:30.  Email Kristi or Glenn if you’re interested in offering this project to your students.  The Council agreed this could be a great opportunity to offer to student clubs and others, but perhaps keep this year’s pilot smaller and manageable.

Kristi has created an Invasive Terrestrial Plant Management google map that will help us with planning and management of this ongoing project.

Randy hosted Edison Charter School’s Food Service Director and Manger at the farm last week to discuss student engagement and produce sales opportunities.  They may also want to bring the school’s Outdoor Science teacher in for sharing ideas. Kristi will continue to connect with this group through their school’s food board.

Mike shared Eco-Ent program and farm updates – lettuce sales continue with local grocery stores, basil is nearing the end of its life, the LSC market will continue through November, the fridge saga continues and an equipment request has been submitted for a replacement, fall/winter preparation is well underway and a few more preparation projects are yet to be finished.  The program has about 20 enrolled students, but not all declared.

As many have heard, the LSC Café will no longer operate as it is currently structured after this spring semester.  Connie has been tasked with developing a request for proposals for an external food service operator.  With so many synergistic opportunities between the Café and Farm, Kristi reached out to Connie to offer Sustainability Council input on the RFP.  Connie is very open to feedback, and would also like to re-convene the previous food service task force for broader discussion.  The Council agreed, broad feedback is important.  Griffin suggested a survey to students be put out; Wade has requested a copy of the results of last year’s housing development student survey from Daniel Fanning’s office.  Many assumptions have changed since that survey was developed a year ago.  After broad discussion, the Council agreed a separate meeting for deeper discussion should happen soon.  Kristi will put out a doodle poll for the week following MEA.

Old Business

FY20 SC Workplan Goals – updates

1. Develop proposal for north trail as pedestrian path (Dave)
   • Desired Outcomes:
     1. consider appropriate surface for maximum usability,
     2. estimate total costs, development and ongoing maintenance (add: Dave suggests planning signs),
     3. account for the trail’s potential use as an access from lower main parking lots to Living Labs field site

Dave has been exploring options and costs for trail development for the North trail and spur segments.  Using the DNR’s trail development guidance, he’s found 3-4” compacted gravel or limestone surface on a 3’ wide path is critical after the trail has been scraped down to mineral soil.  All told, an estimated $7,000 would need to go into materials costs alone, but this does not include equipment or labor. The Council needs to further discuss areas of that trail that need limestone, and if some sections might be left rugged.  Ideas for renting equipment or contracting service were discussed.

Randy mentioned the spur trail to the H-building/farm has been heavily used and is now getting muddy.  The Council agreed this segment would benefit from some immediate attention, and we may be able to simply lay down limestone on existing surface since it has been compacted now.  A load, up to 15 yards to avoid delivery fees, was suggested for this fall.  Glenn motioned to bring in a yard using the cheapest hauler, Cliff seconded, unopposed.  Many were interested in moving limestone; Kristi and Dave will coordinate the effort.

2. Articulate the role of “Living Labs” at LSC (Randy will lead this group along with Deanne and Nate – no updates this meeting)
   • 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
3. Update campus’ sustainability and energy goals (Kristi will lead this group along with Glenn, Jenna and Griffin – no updates this meeting)
   • 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

Budget

FY 20 original budget: $8,450

Encumbrances to date:

• Menards: -$300
• Dan’s Feedbin: -$150
• P-Card (Amazon): -$167.95 (Compost bags)
• AASHE dues: -$295
• P-Card (Amazon – 10 sets loppers, saws) (Landscape Restoration – 10 buckthorn dobbers and dye): -$600

Next Meetings

Doodle for Food Service RFP workgroup meeting: sometime October 21-25

November 1^st, 2019

Meeting adjourned, 10:30

Minutes respectfully submitted by Kristi Heintz, 10/14/2019.  Posted to LSC Sustainability Council Blog and Employee Portal Committees page.

Sustainability Council meeting minutes -Sept 6, 2019

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 7^th 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 21^st at the Central Hillside Park to 4^th 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 24^th – 25^th 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?

2. 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
3. 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 4^th, 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.