Minutes

Meeting Minutes 10/6/2017

10:00 – 11:15

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Theresa Hornstein, Kristi Heintz, Eric Brandt, Marissa Johnsen, Danielle Wood, Mike Francisco, Jose Perros

General Members present:  Dick Haney

Guest Present: Chris Whaley

Announcements

Regional Economic Indicators Forum (REIF): Exploring the influences on our region’s economy  “Economics of the Region’s Water Resources”, Keynote: Stephen Polasky Tues, October 31^st, 7-9:00 am.  Registration is $25.  Contact Kristi if you’re interested in requesting Council funding to cover registration costs.

New Business

Chris gave an update of his current GreenCorps project(s).  He’s currently working to get all of our vending machines on misers while also capturing energy use data, before and after miser installation.  At the same time, he’s been researching some model college Green Office programs and will be designing something for our campus to fulfill the facility-user education and outreach committment.  He’ll have additional projects to report on each month, as outlined in the GreenCorps workplan.

Through conversations with maintenance on recycling practices, Kristi received a request from a maintenance staff to provide employee office recycling education.  Kristi brought some example “reminder cards”, and the Council discussed options to deploy these reminders along with other modalities.  Eric suggested an explanatory email be sent first to prep people for the card on their desk.

The Council also discussed an opportunity to streamline event supply purchases, favoring less waste and compostable materials.  Kristi offered that its currently a voluntary practice and she has worked with Recruiting on some changes to their event offerings, but so far no other requests for assistance have been made to the Sustainability Council.  Marissa shared a not positive experience with even waste management she had at another campus, and wondered if we could restrict some purchases or provide “acceptable” options.  Mike wondered if we might ask if Connie could bulk purchase, much like the Copy Center does for supplies, and departments could purchase from her.  This may even provide a staff time and cost saving opportunity; great ideas!  Kristi will check with Connie.

Kristi shared that a Campus Climate Committee Recommendation was put to President Johns regarding Outdoor Gathering Spaces.  The Council wasn’t quite sure about the role it could play, but will watch for president Johns’ recommendation and perhaps look for ways to provide assistance.  Regarding outdoor walking spaces, the Council will continue to work on ways to better promote the trails, including maybe adding additional trail map displays to vestibules like the one in the E building, and maybe adding some information to new student orientation materials.

Kristi shared that the latest GMW position posted does include “groundskeeping”, so potential may exist to bring additional attention to outdoor spaces, especially where it has been voiced as  a valuable asset to the campus community.

Kristi noted that the AASHE annual membership dues are up for October 31^st.  Mike motioned to continue annual $280 membership, Theresa seconded.  Motion carried unopposed.

Old Business

Kristi asked Peggy to add a compost bin request toggle to EMS and Craig has moved the bins to a maintenance closet along with compost bags and composting information.  Kristi will continue to work with maintenance on best practice for managing the additional waste steam.

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Kristi shared an update on the Trex recycling challenge.  Jose has been working to put more bins out, and has done some additional work to emphasize recycling bin use on campus.  Additional suggestions welcome!

Danielle gave an update on her grounds and garden maintenance work.  She’s been clearing the vegetable garden of weeds and has done work to clear the North Trail.

Budget      

Encumbrances to date:

• Menards: -300
  • Atrium soil, potting soil, landscape tools
• Mileage reimbursement: MPCA site supervisor training: -160.50

Meeting adjourned 11:15

Next Regular Meeting

November 3^rd, 2017 at 9:00

Notes submitted to SC blog and LSC Employee Portal > Committees by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 9/8/2017

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Theresa Hornstein, Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Marissa Johnsen, Deanne Roquet, Dave Israel, Wade Gordon, Connie Moore, Danielle Wood

General Members present:

Guest Present:

Announcements

New Student Employees with the Council this semester are Danielle Wood and Jose Porras.  Danielle’s primary responsibilities will be in groundskeeping in fall and indoor plants and Atrium care in winter.  Jose will work primily on trail work this fall and recycling education and efforts in the winter.

Sept 17-23, Celebrate the Night Sky Week, organized by the Starry Skies Lakes Superior

Sept 19^th, 11:30, Climate Conversation in S1981.  Kristi would like to provide coffee, Deanne would like tea also.  Deanne motioned to approve the Council’s purchase of coffee and tea service from the Café, Theresa seconded.

Ron Moen (Asst. Professor in the Biology Department at UMD and Senior Research Asst. at NRRI) will speak on Climate change and potential trends in NE MN mammal populations.  “Climate change is projected to increase mean annual temperature and precipitation in the upper Great Lakes region. This will affect the distribution and abundance of mammal species in the region. We used past trends in population size, climate envelope modelling, and observations to predict species responses to climate change in NE MN. Because MN is on the southern edge of the boreal forest and at the transition of prairie, northern hardwoods, and boreal forest, we will see more change than other regions. I will provide an overview of possible changes collectively and with specific species, accompanied with the caveat that we are entering a future with no historical analog.”

Glenn is organizing Interpretive Trail work for next Friday, September 15^th.  Talk to Glenn for more details if you’re interested.

New Business

Kristi gave a GreenCorps member update.  The member originally assigned to our site withdrew from the program, but GreenCorps was able to get a commitment from another candidate.  That candidate is coming to us from St. Paul, so may not start on the Sept 18^th, but will start sometime in September.  This candidate will be supervised by Kristi and will be housed in the Biology office area.  Part of our host site contract requires the member’s direct supervisor to attend an all-day training in St. Paul.  Connie motioned to reimburse Kristi for travel. Deanne seconded.

Kristi shared that LSC has been recognized as a finalist for their “Best of Benchmarking: Higher Ed awared” based on our year-over-year improvement in benchmark ratio from 2015-2016.  We provided some follow-up information to receive a finalist designation, and the winner will be recognized at an awards luncheon at International Market Square in Minneapolis on October 26^th.  Al asked Kristi to attend the luncheon.  The Council suggested maybe the campus’ budget cover half of Kristi’s travel reimbursement, and the Council cover the other half.  Wade motioned, Dave seconded.  The Council also suggested this distinction be sent to Daniel Fanning in PR.

Kristi shared that Airpark is no longer offering soft plastics pick-up service.  In the interim, the Trex recycling challenge might be a good way to jump-start our plastics collection and could make a nice student project.  Connie suggested perhaps UDAC might be interested in helping, too.  Plastics would have to be hauled to Trex’s only program partner in the area for the 6-month challenge, Cub Foods.  After that, Kristi will look at a longer-term plan for our soft plastics.  WLSSD may accept it.

Kristi outlined the campuses Strategic Planning Goals for FY18 as they relate to the Sustainability Council.  These initiatives and goals will be our charge for the year.

After hearing several requests over the years from students and employees, Kristi obtained a quote from Max R for outdoor trash/recycle bins and put the request to Al for special expense purposes.  She has not received a response yet.

Kristi and Cliff worked with one of Matt Whitehill’s former students to map the north trail this summer.  The new maps are now printed in brochure format, and are available in the E-entrance vestibule along with a reprint of the Interpretive trailhead sign and map.

Old Business

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

None to report

Budget      

FY 18 total budget: $8,450

Encumbrances to date:

• Menards: -300
  • Atrium soil, potting soil, landscape tools

Meeting adjourned 11:05

Next Regular Meeting

October 6^th, 2017

Notes submitted to SC blog and LSC Employee Portal > Committees by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 4/14/2017

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Theresa Hornstein, Deanne Roquet, Cliff Koski, Kristi Heintz, Eric Brandt, Nate Bronk, Marissa Johnsen, Mike Francisco, Deanne Roquet, Glenn Merrick, Dave Israel, Al Finlayson

General Members present:

Guest Present:

Announcements

City Nature Challenge is April 14-18, information session at Hartley on April 15^th

New Business

Kristi gave a GreenCorps application update.  Kristi had a phone interview with MPCA.  They noted there were 94 applicants for 40 positions.  We applied for the Energy Efficiency initiative, of which there were 14 host site applicants.  Host sites will be announced in late April if funds are available.  Related, MPR did a story on plug loads and office spaces you can listen to it here: Electricity, plug load, and smart strips.  This is exactly the type of project we’d have a GreenCorps member assess for impact.

Kristi has been working with Hanna and Tracy Meisterheim Chaplin to organize an “Integrating Sustainability: curriculum and campus” (still very much in draft) workshop on June 8^th from 8:30-12.  Additional details will be available after Kristi meets with Tracy again on Thursday, April 20^th.  Anyone that wants to give input is welcome to attend that meeting.

Earth Day is set for April 25^th.  The poster is listed on the blog and around campus.  Deanne and Nate took a few to community businesses.

Kristi asked for a motion to purchase the usual spring wildflower seed mixes from Eden Brothers.  Dave motioned to spend about $150, Theresa seconded. Motion passed.

Kristi gave an update on remaining budget and the Council discussed priorities for those funds.  Cliff motioned that about $500 should be encumbered for remaining spring supplies including planter flowers, compost, mulch in addition to remaining encumbered funds at Dan’s Feedbin of $200.  Theresa seconded the motion.  Passed.

Kristi created new Recycling/Waste signs, some to accompany the new compost “Zero Waste” kits.  The .pdfs are available for anyone to print online.  The new signs will be printed, laminated, and posted on all of our triple bins this summer.

Supervisors have asked for end of year reporting on FY17 projects.  The Council compiled a list, Kristi will forward to both Hanna and Al.  The group noted that we should highlight:

• The NREL grant,
• Solar installation training discussions we initiated between Ecolibrium 3, MREA, Workforce and Bus & Ind.,
• Waste/dumpster study and zero waste kits,
• Thermal study and heated foot rests,
• Earth Day,
• Stormwater/green infrastructure grant and work,
• And grounds keeping.

Similarly, the Council brainstormed initiatives for FY18.  Supervisors will take those priorities and align them with the MAP goals:

• Deanne suggested we focus on promoting the Zero Waste kits,
• Al suggested we provide input on energy efficiency projects accompanying the MetaSys reprogramming,
• Kristi would like to better articulate the educational significance of the Interpretive Trail – tying to Citizen Science projects happening locally –
• Better promote the trail systems for employee use (including mapping the north trail),
• and finally we may better articulate our responsibility to report out and in on sustainability and energy (annually otherwise).

Kristi will forward these to Hanna and Al.

The group discussed potential purchases with remaining funds.  Parking lot islands were discussed (mulch, rock), perhaps earmark for an additional water bottle filling station in the Atrium, contracting someone to GIS the north loop trail, and a picnic table was mentioned.  Last purchase orders need to be encumbered by May 1, Kristi will work with maintenance and Al to figure out what is needed.

Old Business

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

None

Budget      

Encumbrances to date:

• Annual AASHE dues: -280
• Boreal Natives (fall-spring maintenance): -$600
• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$200
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$280
• Menards -$341.71
• Dan’s -$100
• RSPT Annual dues: -300
• Amazon (heated foot rests, max/min thermometers): -499.80
• Clear System Compost Collection Bins x5: -338.61
• IOS (Earth Day supplies): -264.33
• Amazon (groundskeeping tools, aprvd August 2016): -149

Supplies balance: $550

• Reprint interpretive trail signs (ShelDon ~$250)
• Spring seed ($150)

Equipment balance: $515

Conference balance: $1600

Travel balance: $1300

Purchased Svcs balance: $390

BALANCE as of today: $ 4,971.56

FY16-17potential budget items (carryover FY15-16 list)

• Bottle filling station near Student LIfe
• Picnic table under H catwalk
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk: pamphlet holder, plastic bag bin, compost bag dispenser
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 11:00

Next Regular Meeting

May 5^th, 2017

Notes submitted to SC blog and LSC Employee Portal > Committees by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 3/3/2017

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Theresa Hornstein, Kristi Heintz, Eric Brandt, Nate Bronk, Marissa Johnsen, Mike Francisco, Deanne Roquet, Glenn Merrick, Heather Grillo

General Members present:

Guest Present:

Announcements

Duluth Traverse Trail Master and Management Plan survey is open until end of March.  COGGS and other have applied for a grant funding to complete pieces that may benefit LSC’s spur trail ambitions.  When that award is announced in April, it would behoove LSC to put representation at planning meeting to show our support of trail development near campus.  James E will keep us posted of those opportunities.

New Business

Kristi outlined Earth Day’s Tuesday April 25^th planning so far. The theme will be “Leave No Trace”.  Plans so far include:

• 10:00

TAPPING and SAPPING // Maple tree tapping and syrup making demo with

Tap a maple tree, and learn how SAP becomes SYRUP and other SWEET TREATS!  Meet at the circle drive entrance at 10:00, and we’ll head out to the Miller Creek Interpretive Trail; appropriate footwear recommended!

• 11:00-1:00

Community and club INFO TABLES in the Student Life hallway.  Get the scoop on local and regional trails, local food options, community sustainability, and volunteer opportunities!  Check out our General Biology student posters in the Student Life Lounge, demonstrating their waste research and MINI-LANDFILL EXPERIMENT results!

• LSC instructors Dave Israel and Tom Gustafson will turn WILLOW into WALKING STICKS – check it out in the Circle Drive!
• Toward ZERO WASTE at HOME // LSC is a community compost drop site. Learn about home food waste sorting, free food scrap collection, and Duluth’s closed-loop FOOD SCRAP to SOIL system.
• 11:00-Noon

Give-1-Get-1 SAMMICHES // A Zero Waste Lunch

Make a sandwich to donate to CHUM, then make one for yourself!  Sandwich supplies generously donated by the Whole Foods Coop!  Enjoy your sandwich and a compostable-cup of lemonade in the Student Lounge while you enjoy our featured speaker!

• 11:30-1:00

LEAVE NO TRACE TREATS – Completely compostable trail mix, popcorn, and lemonade (Connie motioned the Council supply compostable cones and cups for trail mix and beverages, Deanne seconded, unopposed)

• Noon-1:00

SAVE THE BOUNDARY WATERS – Amy Freeman and her husband, Dave, have traveled over 30,000 miles by kayak, canoe and dogsled through some of the world’s wildest places, from the Amazon to the Arctic. National Geographic named Amy and Dave 2014 Adventurers of the Year. The Freemans are ardent wilderness advocates who are actively working with the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters (www.SaveTheBoundaryWaters.org) to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from sulfide-ore copper mines being proposed along the edge of our nation’s most popular Wilderness.  When not on expeditions, Amy guides canoe, kayak and dogsled trips in Northern Minnesota.  We’re fortunate to bring Amy indoors, and learn from her outdoor experiences!

(Deanne motioned to purchase an LSC ceramic coffee mug for speaker Amy and maple tapping guest as a thank you for time, Eric seconded, motion carried unopposed).  Mike noted a special expense form needs to be filled out for these purchase, Kristi groaned at the point, Mike redacted his suggestion and told Kristi she may suffer the consequences of not following protocol, Kristi redacted her groan and thanked Mike for the reminder.

Once a few more details are settled, Kristi will work with Jean to create a poster

Kristi updated the group on the Minnesota State system’s efforts to create sustainability collaboration amongst campuses follow the first webex in February.  She noted it will be focused on facilities best practices and focus will be driven by topics of interest, mainly driven by suggestions we offer.  Kristi has already inquired about creating more transparent guidance as it relates to renewable energy development guidance, Emily Ziring noted it is being discussed now.

Kristi purchased the organics collection bins and shared that she offered compost assistance at the Advisory Breakfast on Friday morning and has posted information about the kits on our blog.  Alisha is very interested in finding ways to reduce waste in recruiting and SS programming.

Kristi gave the Council homework to review the new offering frameworks, reporting requirement and dues for Second Nature’s (formerly the ACUPCC) membership.  The Council decided over a year ago to discontinue membership with ACUPCC, citing redundant and competing reporting requirements between them and B3.  The Council decided then to revisit Second Nature once its new structure was settled.  Further discussion in April.

Kristi shared the rough outlined of the GreenCorp application she’s started; its focus is on campus energy reduction.  The application is due March 17^th and Kristi will complete it over spring break.  Kristi noted the GreenCorps funding is on the short list for those programs that will be cut if the Corporation for National and Community Services’s (CNCS) funding is slashed, so she is being careful not to spend too much time and energy on this application.

Old Business

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

None

Budget      

Encumbrances to date:

• Annual AASHE dues: -280
• Boreal Natives (fall-spring maintenance): -$600
• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$200
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$280
• Menards -$400
• Dan’s -$300
• Printing -$12
• RSPT Annual dues: -300
• Travel reimbursement (Deanne, Kristi to St. Paul Climate Adapt Wkshp 1/31/17) – $161.57
• Amazon (heated foot rests, max/min thermometers): -499.80
• Clear System Compost Collection bin x5: -338.61

BALANCE as of today: $5,558.46

FY16-17potential budget items (carryover FY15-16 list)

• Bottle filling station near Student LIfe
• Picnic table under H catwalk
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk: pamphlet holder, plastic bag bin, compost bag dispenser
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 11:15

Next Regular Meeting

April 7^th, 2017

Notes submitted to SC blog and LSC Employee Portal > Committees by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 2/3/17

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Theresa Hornstein, Kristi Heintz, Eric Brandt, Nate Bronk, Marissa Johnsen, Wade Gordon, Heather Grillo

General Members present:

Guest Present:

Announcements

League of Women Voters presents a film showing of “Bag It”, Feb 16^th 7:00 @ Denfeld Lecture Hall

Duluth Traverse Trail Master and Management Plan First Public Meeting: Thrs Feb 9^th 5:30, Denfeld

Water Is Life: Standing Rock and Beyond Teach-In at UMD, Feb 13^th 8:45-4:00

New Business

Dave and Amy Freeman would be available to key note our Earth Day on Tuesday April 25^th, Kristi suggested maybe a “Leave No Trace” theme for this year’s activities.  Additional discussion points included:

• Tables from 11:00-1:00
• Keynote at noon
• additional community table invitees: Farmer Doug, a SNAP resource, RSPT, Fond du Lac, UWS, Ecolibrium 3, WLSSD (compost demo, info about our drop site, Garden Green)
  • perhaps tickets at each vendor table, redeemed for reusable water bottles
• make one-take one sandwiches (one donated to CHUM or other)
  • perhaps ask 3^rd Street Bakery if they’d like to donate bread
• Wade will inquire with his contact about a sugar bushing demo (tap our own trees, syrup making demo, maple cotton candy…)
• Theresa’s students will poster their compost/landfill project (set up Monday, students may not available Tues)
• Kristi will ask Dave if he and Tom are interested in demoing their diamond willow walking stick carving
• Once details are settled, Kristi will work with Jean to create a poster

Kristi met with recruiters a few weeks ago and the conversation prompted a transition from providing plastic bottles of water that they typically offer to compostable cups and plates for events like open house and career nights.  Kristi noted we can pretty easily provide suggest products that they might use, but our collection process for zero waste lacks receptacles.  Kristi suggested the Sustainability Council purchase compost receptacles that can be used for zero waste events, then easily stored, and perhaps be integrated into regular use at some point.  A product from Clear Systems is similar to the one offered by WLSSD, and cost $299 + shipping for 5 units.  Eric motioned to spend up to $350 on these collection bins, Theresa seconded.  Kristi will make the purchase.

Kristi shared that the Minnesota State office is convening a System-wide sustainability workgroup, and foundational information provided by Emily Ziring includes the following impetus to collaborate:

“…the Governor’s Office recently established their Office of Enterprise Sustainability to assist state agencies (including Minnesota State) in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, increase energy efficiency and recycling, and better coordinate sustainability efforts across state government. In addition, the State recently created a new structure to support and achieve the state’s sustainability goals, including those outlined in Executive Orders 11-12 and 11-13. The new structure will likely result in new sustainability and energy-related reporting requirements for state agencies, including Minnesota State.”

The introductory webex is scheduled for February 21^st.  Kristi will provide additional details at the March meeting.

Old Business

Per discussion and motion to purchase, Kristi now has 10 heated foot rests and has distributed 3 max/min thermometers to individuals that previously requested heated foot rests.  With the thermometers, she requested each person provide some thermal data a few times per week on a google doc.  After the data is collected, Kristi will hand over the heaters.  At least one of the requests came from someone who currently has a space heater.  Kristi will request that space heater taken home before handing over the foot rest.  The offer for additional heaters will be sent out in a couple of weeks.

Kristi provided a summary of talking points from the meeting with MREA and local stakeholders on January 30^th.  Kristi send the following message to internal meeting participants:

Next steps:

• The interested Civil, Chemical and Electrical Engineering faculty at UMD thought it might be a good idea to survey their current students to get an idea of real interest.  Mindy will continue to work together with those faculty to get that information, and a similar survey could be done here.
• It sounds like Rody and Dave [Ormann, Twin Ports Arrowhead NECA] will continue discussions about additional certification options and gauge potential enrollment, maybe some cross-over for our students?
• Bret [Ecolibrium 3] and I will continue talking with MREA about host opportunities and suss out their partnership framework with the C. Wisc and Illinois colleges that Adam mentioned.
• I will be participating in the MAP #3 distinction taskforce and will keep this idea front of mind within that context.

Theresa provided the final draft details of the NEW sustainability scholarship.  Some tweaked wording for eligibility was discussed, and Theresa will forward those to Collin.

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

None

Budget      

Encumbrances to date:

• Annual AASHE dues: -280
• Boreal Natives (fall-spring maintenance): -$600
• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$200
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$280
• Menards -$400
• Dan’s -$300
• Printing -$12
• RSPT Annual dues: -300
• Travel reimbursement (Deanne, Kristi to St. Paul Climate Adapt Wkshp 1/31/17) – $161.57
• Amazon (heated foot rests, max/min thermometers): -499.80

BALANCE as of today: $5,558.46

FY16-17potential budget items (carryover FY15-16 list)

• Bottle filling station near Student LIfe
• Picnic table under H catwalk
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk: pamphlet holder, plastic bag bin, compost bag dispenser
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 11:30

Next Regular Meeting

March 3rd, 2017

Notes submitted to SC blog and LSC Employee Portal > Committees by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 1/13/17

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Theresa Hornstein, Kristi Heintz, Eric Brandt, Dave Israel, Deanne Roquet, Nate Bronk, Marissa Johnsen

General Members present:

Guest Present:

December meeting minutes reviewed

Announcements

MREA meeting was supposed to happen 1/11 but was rescheduled for Jan 30^th due to inclement weather.  The focus of this first meeting would review solar deployment strategies we’ve been assessing for our own campus (related to our NREL assessment) and regional education opportunities ie, how MREA’s certification programming could partner with our institution(s). Workforce, Business & Industry, and Facilities, and Sustainability Council have been invited.  UMD and Ecolibrium 3 will meet everyone at LSC in the morning for a 10:30 tour of LSC, we’ll meet for discussion at 11:00 in S2920.  Everyone is welcome.

New Business

Kristi shared that Dave and Amy Freeman would be available to key note our Earth Day on Tuesday April 25^th.  The Council agreed that date should work.  Kristi followed-up with Igrid Lyons to confirm, the Council will invite Heather and continue planning at February’s meeting.

Kristi brought the Bag It Duluth discussion to the Council for discussion.  Kristi noted that Connie has been using alternatives to plastic bags in the LSC Store for over SEVEN YEARS (!) and asked for her feedback first.  Connie shared that she had already signed support for both the LSC Store and Café.  All agreed the Council could sign, simply stating support of LSC’s Sustainability Council, not necessarily representing the campus as a whole.  Nate made an official motion to sign on to the Bag It Duluth support page, Eric seconded.

MPCA is hosting a free Climate Adaptation conference for Minnesota higher ed in St Paul on January 31^st.  Deanne and Kristi have already registered, anyone that would like to ride along should register at the eventbrite site.  The Council discussed covering travel expense (mileage) for one vehicle.  Connie motioned to cover mileage, Theresa seconded.

Old Business

Kristi brought, again, the heated foot rest discussion to the Council for discussion.  Citing there have been additional requests for heated foot rests, and some difficulty to obtain the foot rests from their department budgets.  Kristi has worked with Melissa Leno to offer suggestions.  Kristi’s concern is two parts.  First, we’ve talked at length about “fixing” the problems at a facilities level, but she wonders if this strategy is either a) impossible or b) going to be more expensive than just putting a band aid on the problems, on an individual basis.  She’s also concerned that if these individuals are unable to get the foot rests from their department (for various reasons), the alternative is that they may bring in their own space heater, which is against policy and not what we want.  Dave suggested that when requests are made, maybe we try to obtain some temperature data from those areas so we can better figure out if there are patterns.  Max-min thermometers were suggested and could be deployed prior to offering a heated foot rest.  The max-min reading wouldn’t dictate whether or not an individual gets a heater, but rather would give us a better idea of what is “comfortable” for our occupants and how that compared to our current standards.  After lengthy discussion Deanne motioned to purchase 10 space heaters and $50 worth of max-min readers, Dave seconded.  Nobody opposed.  Kristi will work to fulfil past requests first then perhaps put out an open offer to the campus.

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Kristi brought the topic of student employee utilization to the Council.  She shared that both students working on the waste sort program have resigned their positions, citing other job and changing course loads, so the project is no longer active.  There were some great outcomes from the first phase of this project, but students may not have felt fulfilled in their experience as the pace of the project doesn’t offer enough active employment hours (ie, they were spending 10 minutes a day every day collecting data, not exactly a money maker).  Marissa offered students might not be recognizing the real value of these work opportunities, as it could be a resume builder.  Kristi shared the difficulty in completing some of these ambitious projects with only student employees when time to manage the project can be immense, students need to be self-starters, and the Sustainability Club was unable to muster interested participants to volunteer time to work on the project.  It may perhaps make a better class project with support from a student employee.  Deanne will continue to work on course driven research opportunities.  Kristi offered that it might complement the MAP Theme 3 “Graduate with Distinction” goal if Sustainability were defined as a “distinction”.  The MAP team is assembling now, and Kristi has asked to be a part of these discussions (although it will be a faculty driven development process).

Kristi added she would still like to go ahead with the behavior change idea that was generated, discouraging paper towel use using stickers.  Baseline purchasing information was compiled, new products are now being utilized, so it would make sense to continue gathering that data to see how improved signage/education might affect need to purchase paper towels.   Deanne motioned to support the print cost for dispenser stickers printed in the Copy Center, Nate seconded.

Budget 

Encumbrances to date:

• Annual AASHE dues: -280
• Boreal Natives (fall-spring maintenance): -$600
• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$200
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$280
• Menards -$400
• Dan’s -$300
• Printing -$12
• Travel reimbursement (Deanne, Kristi to St. Paul Climate Adapt Wkshp 1/31/17) – $161.57

BALANCE as of today: $ 6,358.26

FY17 Budget priority review/planning

FY16-17potential budget items (carryover FY15-16 list)

• Bottle filling station near Student LIfe
• Picnic table under H catwalk
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk: pamphlet holder, plastic bag bin, compost bag dispenser
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 11:30

Next Regular Meeting

^{February 3rd}, 2017

Notes submitted to SC blog and LSC Employee Portal > Committees by Kristi Heintz

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Theresa Hornstein, Kristi Heintz, Eric Brandt, Alex Sundberg, Wade Gordon, Cliff Koski, Mike Francisco, Marissa Johnsen

General Members present:

Guest Present:

November meeting minutes reviewed

Announcements

MPCA is hosting a free Climate Adaptation conference for Minnesota higher ed in St Paul on January 31^st.  Deanne and Kristi have already registered, anyone that would like to ride along should register at the eventbrite site.  Kristi will also meet informally with Emily Ziring, Minnesota State Sustainable Facilities Program Manager.

New Business

Kristi shared that Dave and Amy Freeman would be available to key note our Earth Day on Tuesday April 25^th.  The Council agreed that date should work.  Kristi will follow-up with Igrid Lyons to confirm.

Bret Pence of Ecolibrium 3 has initiated a northland meeting with MREA (Midwest Renewable Energy Assn) and representatives from LSC/UMD. January 4^th was put forward as a potential date, or January 11^th would be an alternate.  The focus of this first meeting would review solar deployment strategies we’ve been assessing for our own campus (related to our NREL assessment) and regional education opportunities ie, how MREA’s certification programming could partner with our institution(s).  Kristi asked the Council for feedback on individuals at LSC that should be invited to this initial meeting.  Jon Lintula, Don Ness, and perhaps Matt Whitehill were noted.  Kristi will make the initial invite and include Al and Wade in the planning.

Kristi noted she gave a sustainability-focused facility tour to new campus Admissions and transfer coordinator.  They had some GREAT ideas for less-waste events on campus.  Kristi will continue to collaborate.

Kristi asked if there’s anything for spring 2017 that the Council should be proactively assessing, budget related or otherwise?  Wade asked if local conferences will be happening this year: UMACS or Sustainability Across the Curriculum.  Kristi will look into these. He also noted there is a need for a bottle filling station near Student Life/Atrium.  Perhaps the Council can look at funding one at the end of FY.

Old Business

Kristi gave an update on the NREL solar analysis.  NREL has provided an amended analysis, reflecting rate increases and an ownership model.  Kristi has not taken time to fully review the report, but results were more favorable this time.  Kristi will provide a more comprehensive overview at January’s meeting.  Kristi added there may be an RFP coming for community solar garden hosts in January, and LSC should discuss intentions related to that opportunity.

In November, Glenn requested an estimate for Interpretive Trail sign reprint from Sheldon.  Based on printing in 2012, signs cost $14 each and we’ll likely print 17.  Theresa motioned to print signs up to $300, Dave seconded the motion with no opposition.

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Kristi gave a brief update of the work the Council sub-group’s November 15^th “Energy Task Force” (working title) meeting.  Attendees at the first meeting included Marissa, Connie Moore, Deanne, Glenn, Luke, and Mike (any others?).  The committee discussed the myriad reports and projects undertaken in past years, and opportunity to report on energy with most efficient use of time, noting the SPA likely wouldn’t be read by a huge audience.  Deanne noted at the committee meeting that it would be good to update initiatives that were outlined to demonstrate progress, Kristi noted this could be formally done in a STARS format each year.  The committee will look at maybe integrating energy reporting into annual reports.

Tangentially, Kristi found a B3 Post Occupancy Evaluation opportunity to collect building occupant feedback.  After contacting the SPOE Director at the UofM Center for Sustainable Building Research, the project team discovered we had not input our project to the B3 tracking portal, therefor we are not eligible for the free SPOE.  Unclear about WHY we didn’t input or were exempt, Kristi will continue to dig into the B3 requirements.  The SPOE for non-B3 participants is $4,000.

Alex provided a PowerPoint update on the status of the waste sort.  Kristi will work with Theresa to try to incorporate the waste sort into a class. Alex also shared the beginning stages of data collection/baseline for paper towel use for the last year.  Starting in January, student employees will initiate a waste reduction campaign and continue to track paper towel use.

Budget 

Encumbrances to date:

• Annual AASHE dues: -280
• Boreal Natives (fall-spring maintenance): -$600
• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$200
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$280
• Menards -$341.71
• Dan’s -$100

BALANCE as of today: $ 6,410

FY17 Budget priority review/planning

FY16-17potential budget items (carryover FY15-16 list)

• Bottle filling station near Student LIfe
• Ditch/swale/raingarden info signs
• Picnic table under H catwalk
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk: pamphlet holder, plastic bag bin
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 11:30

Next Regular Meeting

January 13^th, 2017

Notes submitted to SC blog and LSC Employee Portal>Committees by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 11-4-2016

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Mike Francisco, Theresa Hornstein, Kristi Heintz, Eric Brandt, Deanne Roquet, Glenn Merrick, Alex Sundberg, Luke Turner

General Members present:

Guest Present:

Announcements

Kiri Langseth-Schmidt reached out to Kristi to ask if LSC would be interested in hosting her and her husband about their recently completed international bike trip.  Their blog has some great pictures and stories: lowgearlife.com.  Kristi extended the offer to the HPER faculty, Jeremy and Joshua.  Jeremy is interested in asking them to their class.  The Council thought they might be good Earth Day speakers, if they’re still in the area this spring.

New Business

Theresa shared that she’s been working with Collin in the Foundation office to establish a sustainability scholarship using the money generated at the annual plant sale.  Last year, Kim set the $500 generated aside and that could be used for a scholarship now.  Theresa ran a few questions about scholarship applicant eligibility, student status (2^nd year), intended career or continuation of education, and goals.  Eric added scholarship review points cautioning that more specific scholarships sometimes don’t receive any applicants.  Theresa will address these in the scholarship development form, if anyone has suggestions, send to Theresa.  The Council agreed this will be a great tool to entice students to consider the Superior Connection transfer pathway to Sustainable Management to UWS.

The scholarship conversation veered to FYE course goals and strategies to explore these new types of options.  Patty Dorn invited Kristi to her FYE classes where she was able to share some information with students about the Superior Connection options.  Hanna has invited Kristi to join a larger group of individuals interested in defining the scope of FYE, next week.  If anyone has suggestions for that group related to sustainability, club memberships, or otherwise, talk to Kristi before Thursday November 10.

Annual dues for AASHE 2017 are due in November.  AASHE offers a number of resources to members, webinars, and conferences for the entire campus for $280 per year.  Mike motioned to remain members and pay dues for the next year, Theresa seconded, no one opposed.

Kristi brought the Sustainability Plan of Action for discussion. The plan was approved in 2011, so this marks year five.  The plan has not been updated or thoroughly reviewed.  Since we are no longer reporting our greenhouse gasses bi-annually, the Council had committed to reporting out on some kind of metric in its place.  We continue to gather energy data in B3, but haven’t created a reporting strategy yet (be it our own, STARS, etc).  The Council suggested the group review outside of regular meetings, and perhaps anyone interested will meet separately to discuss.  Kristi will send the SPA and request for review team volunteers.

Kristi brought the Sustainability Council co-chair discussion back from August.  After some discussion about the chair roles, the Council decided to forgo the “co” and support Kristi in solo chairing the committee, and review the structure after spring semester.

The Council discussed some ideas for a Gary Adams tribute.  To our knowledge, nothing has been discussed at the Administrative level, but Kristi will check with Al and Wade on this.  The Council feels it might be their role to make suggestions for this, but not necessarily our role to initiate.  Kristi will ask Wade for feedback on this strategy.

Roberta Schneider has extended an opportunity to host Dave and Amy Freeman to share their full year in the Boundary Waters.  The Council agreed they’d be a great addition to our 2017 Earth Day, and Kristi shared we’ll likely showcase the work our student employees have been doing on the waste sort, perhaps with a “Leave No Trace” theme.  Kristi will share our interest with Roberta.

Old Business

Kristi gave an update on the NREL solar analysis.  Kristi, Al, Wade, and Jon conference called with NREL and requested the adjustments discussed at October’s meeting.  They will send results to us, likely within the week.

Kristi gave an update on the solar+storage payment conundrum discussed at last meeting.  Wade is working with Workforce to find a solution.

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Alex and Luke introduced themselves and the waste sort project they’re working on together as well as progress to date.  They’ll be putting a timeline together this week.  Alex gave an update on Sustainability Club membership and needs for waste sort volunteers.

Motions 

AASHE annual due approved, $280

Budget 

Glenn mentioned the Interpretive Trail signs need to be replaced as they are fading, and few more added.  Kristi will provide an estimate for these at the next meeting.

Encumbrances to date:

• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$200
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$260
• Menards -$400
• Dan’s -$200.02 of $300 enc

BALANCE as of today: $7,290.00

Review/revise FY16-17potential budget items (carryover FY15-16 list)

• Picnic table under H skywalk
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk: pamphlet holder, plastic bag bin
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 11:30

Next Regular Meeting

December 2^nd, 2016

Notes submitted to SC blog and LSC Employee Portal>Committees by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 10/14/16

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Mike Francisco, Theresa Hornstein, Nathan Bronk, Kristi Heintz, Al Finlayson, Eric Brandt, Cliff Koski, Marissa Johnsen

General Members present:

Guest Present:

Announcements

New Business

Al gave an update on the status of the concourse lighting.  The control panel has been replaced and half of the lights are turned off most of the day when natural light is available.  Kristi and Jean have both made signs for the halls

Kristi brought the continued requests for heated foot rests to the council. It seems there is a trend for where those requests are coming, and it may mean a larger heating/cooling study or thermal comfort analysis needs to be performed.  The Council reiterated the responsibility to purchase heated foot rests lies with the department budgets.

Kristi shared that she’ll be sitting on a panel at Fond du Lac TCC with other campus coordinators (Courtney from FDL and Mindy from UMD) as part of the Sustainability Awareness Week (SAW). Those campuses have activities planned for the week; we are promoting our waste sort project at the Club Recruitment Day.

Old Business

Kristi gave an update on the NREL solar analysis.  We received the results a couple of weeks ago, and their analysis was not favorable for solar at this time (a $125,000 loss over the 25 year analysis) based on our relatively low electricity rates.  Citing a recent EITE and franchise fee increase, a primary ownership model and storage, Kristi, Al, Wade, and Jon will conference call with NREL and request some adjustments to their assumptions and some additional costing information.

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Kristi gave a brief overview of the Toward Zero Waste project she is working on with our student employees, Alex and Luke.  The three met with Ryan and a graduate student he’s worked with on NRRI’s waste sort analysis last week, and we’re now designing our own waste stream analysis.  Mike will look at the Waste Management Contract to see when we need to make adjustments, if the study indicates savings can be made.

Motions

Budget

Kristi outlined a payment conundrum facing Jon Lintula for the Hartley Solar+Storage course he took in August.  A number of misunderstandings has left him with a $500 bill for which no money has been encumbered.  Workforce Development is managing the registration and payment for this course.  After long discussion, the Council declined to offer financial support for the course, citing improper timing and lack of previous discussion.  Kristi will continue to work with those involved to find a suitable solution.

Encumbrances to date:

• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$200
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$260
• Menards -$400
• Dan’s -$200.02 of $300 enc

BALANCE as of today: $7,290.00

FY17 Budget priority review/planning will follow November’s priority project planning

Review/revise FY16-17potential budget items (carryover FY15-16 list)

• Ditch/swale/raingarden info signs
• Picnic table under H skywalk
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk: pamphlet holder, plastic bag bin
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 11:30

Next Regular Meeting

November 4^th, 2016

Notes submitted to SC blog and LSC Employee Portal>Committees by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 9/2/2016

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Mike Francisco, Theresa Hornstein, Glenn Merrick, Nathan Bronk, Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Wade Gordon, Eric Brandt (new member)

General Members present:

Guest Present:

Announcements

Growing Sustainable Communities Conference Oct 4-5, Dubuque IA

Grants available for Minnesota playgrounds and athletic field upgrades

Recycling Assn of Minnesota’s Annual Conference Oct 5-6 in Bloomington

New Business

Kristi brought the FY17 co-chair nominations discussion to the table.  The Council reviewed current membership, quorum, and discussed the merits of co-chair shared roles.  The Council felt a faculty chair was beneficial along with Kristi’s co-chair role.  The Council agreed to think about the best fit for the co-chair and will discuss at November’s meeting.

Kristi suggested the Council discuss FY17 goals and priorities, and allow those goals to drive student employee hires for the year.  The Council has budged 20 hours per week for students and has hired 1 student already for landscape and plant watering responsibilities.  Using the Integrated Planning document developed for 2015-2016, a number of continuation projects were discussed:

• Legacy Garden advisory and development assistance to Student Senate
• Interpretive Trail signage “refresh” (adding a few and re-printing those that have faded)
• Mapping and signage for north loop trail
• Energy-related:
  • portal/kiosk
  • Sub-metering the main campus electricity meters, updating descriptors
  • Office area thermal audit (temperature and comfort zone analysis)
  • Streamline B3 data input and assessment (possibly direct input from MN Power?)
• Purchasing:
  • Additional education about the Sustainable Purchasing policies and applicability for campus users, utilizing the Policies Prezi Kristi posted this summer.
  • Develop a sustainable supply purchase request process (request to SC, tracking in ISRS, request to budget request committees, etc.), open to all

These ideas will be sent out via email to the Council to review and priorities further at October’s meeting, each will be discussed for its student employment potential.

Stormwater-related landscape signs are printed, cedar supplies have been purchased for frames, and John Calcaterra will build the signs when he has student employees available.  Install may wait until fall.

Kristi gave a brief update on the Zero Waste initiative.  Kristi designed some sample templates for reduced paper towel use.  Mark is in the process of replacing most/all towel, soap, and sanitizer dispensers, so we’ll wait until the dispensers are replaced to initiate signage.  Kristi has talked with the new supply rep about signing the GreenSeal soap products that will now be used, and also inquired about highlighting the additional sustainability attributes (less packaging/waste, sustainable forestry, etc).  Based on conversations Kristi had with students at Welcome Week table, recycling and composting education is sorely needed.  This could potentially be a nice student worker initiative.

Additional discussions about SC responsibility as an Advisory body ensued, as well did discussion surrounding the appropriate use of Sustainability Council budget for facilities-related matters.  Additional heated foot rests have been requested, the conversation held at the onus being placed on facilities or individual departments to rectify the comfort in some of the building areas.  This conversation related back to the student employee project to assess temperatures of each space.

Kristi reported that she has set up food scrap pick-up service with WM for the kitchen.  3 of the 4 worm bins have been emptied and the bins are in cold storage.  Kristi talked with Bruce, Jill, Arlene, and Mark about getting food scrap to the bin.  Mark purchased bins and bags, Jill and Arlene are eager to comply.  Since Monday, the only compost bags that have been placed in the bin is the one Kristi brought from the Biology office.  Kristi will continue to monitor the situation, and contact WLSSD if additional assistance is needed.

Additional agenda items, deferred to October meeting: Gary Adams tribute, ACUPCC new commitment framework, and NREL assistance update,…

Old Business

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Motions 

none

Budget 

FY16 Budget wrap report and FY17 priorities discussion

• Landscaping, Atrium work

Motions needed

none

Encumbrances to date:

• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$200
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$260
• Menards -$400
• Dan’s -$200.02 of $300 enc

BALANCE as of today: $7,290.00

FY17 Budget priority review/planning will follow October’s priority project planning

Review/revise FY16-17potential budget items (carryover FY15-16 list)

• Ditch/swale/raingarden info signs
• Picnic table under H skywalk
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk: pamphlet holder, plastic bag bin
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 10:30

Next Regular Meeting

October 7^th, 2016

Notes submitted to SC blog and LSC Employee Portal>Committees by Kristi Heintz