Minutes

Meeting Minutes 3/4/16

10:00 – 11:00

Large Admin Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Mike Francisco, Theresa Hornstein, Glenn Merrick, Nathan Bronk, Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Mel Sease

General Members present:  Cliff Koski, Dave Israel, Heather Grillo, Jane Marynik, Aaron Ekstrom

Guest Present:

Announcements

NE Higher Ed gathering: with UMD intern, Hannah Smith, to discuss campus’ strategy to integrate climate, water, food systems, energy, and landscape topics: March 15^th @ UMD Bagley Center from 9-11am.  Anyone interested is welcome to attend, Kristi plans to go, request more details from Kristi if you’re interested.

New Business

Kristi shared that Sustainable Twin Ports will be applying for a MN GreenCorps member.  As a past Early Adopter, STP would like to partner with LSC to run a waste-focused project through a trial run.  Kristi would supervise the GreenCorp member on behalf of STP, but the first few months of work will take place at LSC.  Kristi will be talking about the particulars of the project with Susie at WLSSD next week.  The Council unanimously supports the idea.  Kristi is requesting a letter of support/intent to partner with STP.  In his absence, Glenn was nominated to draft the letter.  Applications are due to MPCA by March 18^th.

Earth Day at LSC will be Wednesday April 20^th.  Up-to-date details can be found on the google doc.  This year’s theme will be focused on promoting our campus and city trails, Joanna Swanson with the SHT is our confirmed speaker at noon, Lenny Pepperbottom I sour unofficial mascot (cuz ‘a the way he is), and the tag line will be “LSC Trails: They’re Pretty Neat”.  Mel has confirmed most of our vendors, including MN Power, Eco3, Duluth Community Gardens, SHT, City of Duluth, Duluth Invaders, WLSSD, and Cut Loose Creations.  Kristi has not yet invited COGGS but will do next week.  This year’s new event will be a trails scavenger hunt with prizes for most “points” collected at the points of interest and neatest photo contest.  The Earth Day committee (Nate, Mike, Mel, Jane, Vince, Jane, and Kristi) will use different methods to promote the scavenger hunt the week prior to the 20^th.  Heather will provide compostable trail mix, popcorn and lemonade and scavenger hunt prizes.  Additional details or ideas should be emailed to Kristi.

World Water Week is March 21-25.  Plans for the day include the annual water bottle chain and re-usable give-away.  Kristi will work on finding a water-focused documentary for the day and will share plans with Mindy at UMD to use for shared events publishing.

Old Business

Kristi, Al and Wade had their first conference call with NREL.  UMD put out a joint press release; it can be accessed from the LSC Sustainability blog post.  Kristi also submitted the press release to AASHE and the UMACS list serve.

The Council gave the LSC Sustainability logo one more look.  Kristi will finalize with Jean.

Aaron, Glenn and Kristi have been working on stormwater and landscape signs.  They met to edit content, Glenn and Aaron will review the revisions before they’re sent to Jean for layout on the template she designed.  Cliff agreed to ask John Calcaterra to again construct our cedar sign frames.

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Kristi briefly discussed preliminary planning for the wildflower area in front of the S Building.  An open invite to all employees to provide feedback has been posted on the employee portal.  Kristi has also reached out to Paula at ERTC to obtain a permit to burn the H hillside if spring conditions permit it.  Kristi will doodle poll a landscape meeting to discuss spring seeding and planting needs.

Motions 

Compostable bags are needed to internal (on campus/office) food waste collection.  Mike motioned we buy bags, spending up to $50.  Theresa seconded.  Motion carried unopposed.

After meeting with a landscape planning committee, Kristi will purchase wildflower seed from Eden Brothers.  Deanne motioned to approve up to $500 of seed, discussion included the need to make the area’s color last longer into spring.  The planning group will take that into consideration when order.  Nate seconded the motion with discussion points.  Motion carried unopposed.

Budget

FY16 Budget: $8,400 

Encumbrances to date:

• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$348.68
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$280
• AASHE travel (hotel for 2): -$601.58
• AASHE registration for 2: -$575
• Encumbered supplies (Dan’s, Shopko, Home Depot, Menards): -$700
• Garden/Council supply shed: -$1000
• AASHE dues: -$280
• Food Service: <-$150

BALANCE as of today: $4,219.92

FY15-16 potential budget items

• AASHE travel reimbursement
• Educational signage
• Ditch/swale/raingarden info signs
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 10:15

Next Regular Meeting

April 1^st, 2016

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

Meeting Minutes 2/5/16

9:00 – 10:00

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Core Members present: Mike Francisco, Theresa Hornstein, Glenn Merrick, Nathan Bronk, Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Wade Gordon

General Members present:  Cliff Koski, Dave Israel, Heather Grillo

Guest Present:

Announcements

New Business

Earth Day at LSC will be Wednesday April 20^th.  This year’s theme will be focused on promoting our campus and city trails.  Glenn suggested we contact a speaker with an extensive hiking background, Joanna Swanson(?), to ask if she’d be willing to speak at noon in the SL Lounge.  Kristi will put together an invite list of potential tabling vendors, and ask Mel to do the invites again this year.  The Coucil agreed the City of Duluth’s Parks/Trail Department should be highlighted with maps and information on trails.  COGGS will be a new invite this year, with discussion topics about a potential spur trail on our campus.  Deanne’s students will set up posters in the Lounge from 11-1:00, Heather will provide trail mix, popcorn, and lemonade.  Kristi will work with our student employees to organize a scavenger hunt (GREAT idea, Wade!), and we’ll host the campus clean-up with incentives for participation.  Additional details or ideas should be emailed to Kristi.

Kristi reported that last night’s “Know Your Solar” event co-hosted with Ecolibrium3 was a great success, with about 30 guests.  A few students attendee, Minnesota Power was represented as well as a number of PV installers and educators.  Kristi also shared that Bret has been moving forward to connect interested Community Solar Garden partners.  He’s very excited about the potential opportunity for LSC to be the PV array host site.  More information will unfold about this in the next couple of months.  Kristi, Wade, and Al will continue to assess this as an option.

Kristi received an update from Airpark Disability Services on our soft plastic recycling program.  2015 data showed a big increase in our recycled material, with 555 pounds recycled!

Old Business

Kristi gave an update on the submission of the NREL solar assistance and implementation grants.  UMD also submitted the applications.

Kristi reported the MS4 Permit Application and related procedures are nearing completion.  Our contractor, Michael Kooi, hopes to have the final pieces completed by the end of February.  Kristi will continue to work with him to complete these documents and submit to MPCA.

Kristi showed the draft stormwater signs that were designed by Jean, and also shared the logo she developed. Kristi will send the sign drafts out to Council to review and offer more specific content feedback, then Kristi will share feedback received with Jean.  Kristi and Aaron will continue to develop content for multiple signs around campus.

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Kristi will doodle poll a landscape meeting to discuss spring seeding and planting needs.

We are still hiring for a student employee to train with Jane and Aaron for spring and into next fall, when they will both be leaving.  The position is posted on the LSC employment page.

Budget

FY16 Budget: $8,400 

Encumbrances to date:

• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$348.68
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$280
• AASHE travel (hotel for 2): -$601.58
• AASHE registration for 2: -$575
• Encumbered supplies (Dan’s, Shopko, Home Depot, Menards): -$700
• Garden/Council supply shed: -$1000
• AASHE dues: -$280
• Food Service: <-$150

BALANCE as of today: $4,219.92

FY15-16 potential budget items

• AASHE travel reimbursement
• Educational signage
• Ditch/swale/raingarden info signs
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 10:15

Next Regular Meeting

March 4, 2016

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

Meeting Minutes 12/4/2015

10:00 – 11:30
Large Administrative Conference Room

Attendance
Governing Council Members present: Mike Francisco, Theresa Hornstein, Glenn Merrick, Nathan Bronk
General Members present: Kristi Heintz, Mel Sease, Cliff Koski, Dave Israel
Guest Present:

Announcements
Twin Ports Climate Coalition brown bag session “How Many Light Bulbs Does it Take to Change Climate?” facilitated by Bret Pence (Ecolibrium 3), will take place December 15th: MPCA Suite 400, 11:30-1:00. Email Kristi if you’d like more information.

New Business
Continuing discussions about the LSC B3 data at November’s meeting, Kristi shared a short Prezi that outlines the capabilities of B3 data analysis. The Council reviewed content and formed some general questions about use. The prezi can be viewed here. Any feedback on the prezi content should be sent to Kristi before a meeting with an “energy team” is called, likely in early January. Individuals identified for the “energy team” include Jon Lintula, Chris Ringsrud, Wade, Al, Gary Adams, Jim Borg, and President Johns. Kristi will initiate the meeting.

The Council reviewed some options, created by Jean, for an LSC sustainability logo. The Council offered suggestions about content, and Kristi will share that feedback with Jean.

The Council reviewed the FY16 working budget and put together an FY17 budget proposal. Kristi will work with Wade to finalize this proposal.

Old Business

Work Group and Student Employee Reports
The group informally discussed the S-building landscape options and challenges. Kristi will call a separate meeting for those interested in offering input, in January.

Budget

FY16 Budget: $8,400
Encumbrances to date:
• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$348.68
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$260
• AASHE travel (hotel for 2): -$607.2
• AASHE reimbursement for 2: -$358.58
• AASHE registration for 2: -$575
• Encumbered supplies (Dan’s, Shopko, Home Depot, Menards): -$700
• Garden/Council supply shed: -$1000
• AASHE dues: -$280
BALANCE as of today: $4,219.92

FY15-16 potential budget items
• Benches, picnic table for new SWCD swale and adjacent to E-building north exit (newly mulched area).
• Educational signage
• Ditch/swale/raingarden info signs
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 11:30

Next Regular Meeting
February 5, 2016

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

Meeting Minutes 11/6/2015

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Mike Francisco, Theresa Hornstein, Jane Marynik, Dick Haney, Deanne Roquet

General Members present: Kristi Heintz, Aaron Ekstrom, Mel Sease

Guest Present: Jess Maki (Student Senate VP)

Announcements

New Business

Kristi shared that Glenn has taken a role with the MnSCU transfer committee that will put him off campus during our monthly meeting times. The Council is comfortable moving ahead with Kristi acting in the chair role, but they’ll forgive her multi-tasking shortcoming and also won’t hold her to addressing everyone by correct names.

Kristi shared an update on plans for the new stormwater BMP project with SWCD. This project is an $8,000 Clean Water Legacy grant funded project. All costs will be covered by the grant. It will be a continuation of the Legacy Garden native planted area. The SWCD will also reimburse LSC for up to $500 to cover the cost of informational signage for the space. Wade suggested we use our internal programs to create the signs. Kristi and Glenn are meeting with Jean and Janet in PR to discuss bmp sign concept and design for the campus. After that discussion, we can move ahead with content planning.

Kristi gave an update on the community solar garden discussion with Ecolibrium3/Brett Pence. Wade, Al, and Brett met on October 19^th to discuss some different opportunities for LSC. Overall, Al and Wade were supportive, and Al would like to see an informal note of intent for the Administrative Council to review. Dick noted that it would be nice to involve Minnesota Power in the conversation. Kristi shared that we’ll need to keep in mind the time and resources we have available to us, and transitioned the conversation to building efficiency analysis.

Kristi offered the B3 data dashboard and our own data that is inputted monthly for energy and water, along with other MnSCU campuses. We discussed our increasing energy and made some general observations about the trend. As an aside, Kristi shared that identifying shortcomings and missed efficiencies may be a better route to save resources, before we peruse solar. Kristi would like to get a group from across campus together to discuss this data in greater detail. Individuals identified include Jon Lintula, Chris Ringsrud, Wade, Al, Gary Adams, Jim Borg, and President Johns. Kristi will initiate the meeting in the next couple of weeks.

Mel shared an update on her paper towel reduction project. Kristi will send the draft mini-posters that will hang in the restrooms and classrooms for Council input. Kristi is also working to get paper towel purchasing data from Mark so we can compare the baseline to progress over time.

Deanne mentioned that she talked with Susie at WLSSD about our worm composting struggles. Susie has offered assistance if we needed it. Kristi gave an update on the Café’s composting and fruit fly problems. Kristi will continue to work with them on best practices.

Old Business

Deanne shared her favorite take away from the AASHE conference; a session that focused on recognizing and facing failures. She equated that to our energy discussion, and would like to see us produce a similar presentation. Jane and Aaron also shared their favorite AASHE take-aways. Jane would like to see us focus more effort on helping students see how the sustainability work we do here can be applied by students at home. She also mentioned integrating sustainability in existing courses would be a good introduction for students that may not initially show interest. Many ideas circulated about how we could do this, from videos to brown bags to CFI.

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Policy and Procedure: employee reminders, education, and training needs (printing, recycling, supplies, computers, small appliance)

Carol, Kristi, Mel, Wade

Sustainability Reporting/Benchmarking: GGI, ACUPCC, MnSCU Sustainability Reporting, Superior Compact, B3, publicizing info

*Kristi, Deanne, Bruce

Grants and Awards: Pre-grant drafts and collaboration with grant office on potential opportunities

                *Deanne, Kristi, Wade

Landscape Planning: annual flower planting, rainwater harvesting, no-mow areas, rooftop gardening

*Kristi, Mike, Aaron, Theresa, maintenance rep, Wade

Sustainability in Curriculum

*Theresa, Kristi, Deanne, Glenn

-updates from Mel and Jane

-Garden Club update

Budget                                                                                                                                                                    

Mike motioned to pay the annual AASHE dues at $280. Theresa seconded, motion passed unopposed.

FY16 Budget: $8,400

Encumbrances to date:

• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$348.68
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$280
• AASHE travel (hotel for 2): -$601.58
• AASHE registration for 2: -$575
• Encumbered supplies (Dan’s, Shopko, Home Depot, Menards): -$700
• Garden/Council supply shed: -$1000

BALANCE as of today: $4,895.59

FY15-16 potential budget items

• Benches, picnic table for new SWCD swale and adjacent to E-building north exit (newly mulched area).
• Educational signage
• Ditch/swale/raingarden info signs
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 11:30

Next Meeting

December 4, 2015

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

Meeting Minutes 10-2-2015

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Nate Bronk, Mike Francisco, Theresa Hornstein, Jane Marynik, Dick Haney, Cliff Koski

General Members present: Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz

Guest Present: Dave Israel, James Eisenhauer

Announcements

New Business

Kristi shared plans for the new stormwater BMP project with SWCD. This project is an $8,000 Clean Water Legacy grant funded project. All costs will be covered by the grant. It will be a continuation of the Legacy Garden native planted area. The Council will develop the area further in the spring with trees and benches.

James attended to share information he has regarding potential COGGS bike trail or Superior Hiking Trail connectors to campus. Dick shared the city-wide context and significance for a trail like this one, and also shared the thoughtful design capability of the COGGS crew. James has invited some city trails representatives to tour the campus and talk more about route opportunities and cost estimates. This could potentially be a Student Senate or grant funded project. James will follow up with us and let us know when the on-side meeting will take place.

Theresa shared a discussion she had with a LSC Foundation chairperson, Judy Richards. They both felt like sustainability focused scholarship could be a potential addition to the Foundation portfolio. Theresa solicited general feedback; all felt it was an excellent opportunity to pursue with various funding options discussed. Theresa will follow up the Foundation.

Kristi, through a major paper written last semester, reached out to Brett Pence at Ecolibrium 3 a few months ago to discuss opportunity to host Community Solar Garden at LSC. Brett recently contacted Kristi and would like to establish an intent for LSC to partner on a number of proposals that may be coming up in the near future. Feedback from the Council on a project like this was overall very positive. Kristi will pass some general CSG information to Wade, Al, and Gary, then arrange a meeting between them and Brett soon.

Dave Israel shared that it would be nice to have some protected seating areas outside. The Council discussed developing the area adjacent to the exit on the H-building side of the E building (where new mulch was laid this summer). Benches, picnic tables, and shrubs would be a nice addition to that space.

Going into fall, Kristi and the SC student employee are discussion potential tasks/project ideas. Mel may continue to work on composting outreach, but will also be designing a strategy to reduce paper towel use in restrooms. Cliff mentioned his students identified quite a few buckthorn stands while surveying. Kristi shared the work an Eagle Scout project just completed, and suggested Aaron continue to work on that project, maybe with the help of Cliff’s survey course. Jane will continue to work on our Tree Campus USA application and plan for new spring wildflower planting ideas. If SC members have additional ideas, send them to Kristi.

Kristi very briefly shared that she’s been contacted by both Sierra Club and Save the Boundary Waters regarding potential student engagement opportunities. She asked for feedback regarding the best way to involve these groups and get students interested in the agendas. Ideas included inviting them to relevant classes and/or Earth Day activities. If anyone has additional ideas, contact Kristi.

Ongoing Business

None

Old Business

Kristi gave an AASHE conference registration update. She and Deanne are traveling to the conference with SC funding, Jane and Aaron are traveling through Student Life. They’ll all give a riveting report of the conference at November’s meeting.

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Policy and Procedure: employee reminders, education, and training needs (printing, recycling, supplies, computers, small appliance)

Carol, Kristi, Mel, Wade

Sustainability Reporting/Benchmarking: GGI, ACUPCC, MnSCU Sustainability Reporting, Superior Compact, B3, publicizing info

*Kristi, Deanne, Bruce

Grants and Awards: Pre-grant drafts and collaboration with grant office on potential opportunities

                *Deanne, Kristi, Wade

Landscape Planning: annual flower planting, rainwater harvesting, no-mow areas, rooftop gardening

*Kristi, Mike, Aaron, Theresa, maintenance rep, Wade

Sustainability in Curriculum

*Theresa, Kristi, Deanne, Glenn

-updates from Mel and Jane

-Garden Club update

Budget                                                                                                                                                                    

Mike motioned to purchase trail supplies requested by Aaron: fence post, cedar posts, flagging tape. Deanne seconded, motion passed unopposed.

FY16 Budget: $8,400

Encumbrances to date:

• Boreal Natives (fall maintenance): -$348.68
• Human Svs Dept (plastic bag removal-annual): -$280
• AASHE travel (hotel for 2): -$601.58
• AASHE registration for 2: -$575
• Encumbered supplies (Dan’s, Shopko, Home Depot, Menards): -$700

BALANCE as of today: $5,895.59

FY15-16 potential budget items

• AASHE travel reimbursement
• Benches, picnic table for new SWCD swale and adjacent to E-building north exit (newly mulched area).
• Educational signage
• Ditch/swale/raingarden info signs
• Additional bike rack for main entrance?
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Sustainability kiosk
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop

Meeting adjourned 11:15

Next Meeting

November 2, 2015

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

Meeting Minutes 5/1/2015

10:00 – 11:00

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Glenn Merrick, Kristi Heintz, Mike Francisco, Theresa Hornstein,

General Members present: Aaron Ekstrom, Nate Bronk, Al Finlayson, Cliff Koski

Guest Present:

Announcements

New Business

The WLSSD-LSC compost drop site is in full swing. Susie provided Q & A on Earth Day and gave out home collection bins and compostable bags. Kristi has additional container to give away. So far, we’ve given out over 50 bins. In the fall, we’ll launch a full-scale compost collection for the campus. The Council talked a bit about where those bins should be placed. Concerns include number of receptacles, fruit flies/smell, cost of compost bags, and responsibility for pick up. Kristi talked with the triple bin vendor, and we can just swap out the labels for a few bins. The Council agreed we should start small with collection bins then expand based on additional requests.

Kristi asked Kathy Dugdale for the state contract wording for Lighthouse for the Blind’s access to campus facilities for vending machine placement. Concerns shared with Kathy and Al via email include: costs to power them ($300+ per machine per year), wasted energy, especially during non-peak building hours, total number of machines with respect to diversity of products (multiple rows of the same beverage in a machine, not an efficient use of space), loss of revenue to our Store/Café (!), aesthetic and sound disruptions in acoustically sensitive space (like the concourse and Student Lounge, the Lounge is NOT usable for speaker-related events), cost to dispose of refuse, concerns voiced by students/Student Life with regard to lack access to outlets for their electronics around campus because every available outlet is jammed with a vending machine, and offering far too many unhealthy options to our students. Al shared that the current contract is expired, and new criteria will be evaluated for an incoming contractee when the current contractee retires.

May 7^th is our first Clean-Campus Power Hour. Kristi will send an email reminder to all employees along with a “Take A Hike Tuesday” and “Wednesday Weeding” options to gauge interest.

Kristi asked for volunteers to serve on an energy reporting committee this summer. We’ll address the types of information we should be sharing both with the public and administration annually. Al also suggested we re-visit the kiosk idea, and possibly house this information there. Kristi will continue to work with Steve when we further flush this idea out.

Gary Kruchowski would like to donate memorial tress to honor his father. The Council offered offered few location and species ideas. We’ll offer the ideas to Gary and ask what he prefers.

Ongoing Business

Old Business

Sustainability related purchasing and use policies and procedures have been through and approved by the Policy Committee. Kristi asked for any final input before they’re posted for campus review. None offered.

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Policy and Procedure: employee reminders, education, and training needs (printing, recycling, supplies, computers, small appliance)

Carol, Kristi, Mel, Wade

Sustainability Reporting/Benchmarking: GGI, ACUPCC, MnSCU Sustainability Reporting, Superior Compact, B3, publicizing info

*Kristi, Aaron, Deanne, Bruce

Grants and Awards: Pre-grant drafts and collaboration with grant office on potential opportunities

                *Deanne, Kristi, Wade

Landscape Planning: annual flower planting, rainwater harvesting, no-mow areas, rooftop gardening

*Kristi, Mike, Aaron, Theresa, maintenance rep, Wade

Sustainability in Curriculum

*Theresa, Aaron, Kristi, Deanne, Glenn

-updates from Mel and Jane

-Garden Club update

Budget                                                                                                                                                                      

FY15 Budget: $8,500

Encumbrances to date:

MN Waste Wise membership 2014-2015: -$150

Boreal Natives-Swale/Ditch project: -$5,735

Airpark Disability Services (plastic bag recycling): -$208

Dan’s Feedbin: -$300

Menards: -$200

AASHE: -$280

IOS (footrests): -$263.20

Amazon (footrests): -$123

Eden Brothers (S-bldg wildflower seed): -$192.51

SWCD for RSPT annual dues: -$300

Earth Day trail mix cups: -$5.92

Anticipated Travel for UW Madison Earth Day conference: -$483

BALANCE as of today: $139.06

FY14-15 potential budget items

• LSC Earth Day costs
• Spring landscape supplies (flowers)
• Concourse lighting signage
• Ditch/swale/raingarden info signs
• Additional bike rack for main entrance
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Parking lot/rain garden info signs
• Sustainability kiosk
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop host costs

Next Meeting

Sometime in June, Kristi will send a doodle later in May.

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

Meeting Minutes 4/3/2015

10:00 – 11:00

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Glenn Merrick, Kristi Heintz, Mike Francisco, Theresa Hornstein, Deanne Roquet

General Members present: Aaron Ekstrom, Nate Bronk, Al Finlayson

Guest Present:

Announcements

2015 UMACS Conference at Bemidji State is June 17^th – 19^th. Student registration is $30, employees are $125 until May 1^st. Bemidji State offers free camping on campus and State Park camping options in addition to hotel stays.

New Business

At last meeting, Kristi again brought up the idea of a Sustainability Council member recruiting meeting or open or informative setting. The Council suggested we ask for a bit of time to outline the Council’s current projects and solicit membership. The Thursday’s agenda wasn’t conducive to our pitch, so we’ll try to get on the agenda for fall Duty Day.

The Social Committee announced our plans for the May 7^th Power Hour: Clean-Campus work session. Kristi also sent a follow-up message to Mat to announce in Monday’s Newsplash. We’d like people to sign up ahead of time so we can gauge interest and supplies needed.

Kristi asked for a motion to increase the Dan’s Feedbin PO by $100 for campus flowers and spring landscape supplies. Deanne motion, Mike seconded unopposed.

The Council discussed final planning for Earth Day on April 22^nd : “Scraps to Soil: Campus and Community Compost”. In lieu of a speaker, the Council (Deanne, Theresa, Kristi and anyone else) will present some “how-to-compost” tips and show a short vimeo on home composting. We will also so a short composting movie from the PBS series Food Forward titled “SOS: Save our Soil”. Heather and Student Life will provide popcorn in compostable bags, trail mix in compostable cups and apples. All of these activities will be in the Student Lounge.

Also on April 22^nd, Kristi reported on the WLSSD community drop site. Susie will host a kick-off event and Q&A in W2888 for all employees. Kristi will send an e-invite to employees the week before Earth Day.

Ongoing Business

Old Business

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Policy and Procedure: employee reminders, education, and training needs (printing, recycling, supplies, computers, small appliance)

Carol, Kristi, Mel, Wade

Sustainability Reporting/Benchmarking: GGI, ACUPCC, MnSCU Sustainability Reporting, Superior Compact, B3, publicizing info

*Kristi, Aaron, Deanne, Bruce

Grants and Awards: Pre-grant drafts and collaboration with grant office on potential opportunities

*Deanne, Kristi, Wade

Landscape Planning: annual flower planting, rainwater harvesting, no-mow areas, rooftop gardening

*Kristi, Mike, Aaron, Theresa, maintenance rep, Wade

Sustainability in Curriculum

*Theresa, Aaron, Kristi, Deanne, Glenn

Budget                                                                                                                                                                    

FY15 Budget: $8,500

Encumbrances to date:

MN Waste Wise membership 2014-2015: -$150

Boreal Natives-Swale/Ditch project: -$5,735

Airpark Disability Services (plastic bag recycling): -$208

Dan’s Feedbin: -$200

Menards: -$200

AASHE: -$280

IOS (footrests): -$263.20

Amazon (footrests): -$123

Eden Brothers (S-bldg wildflower seed): -$192.51

SWCD for RSPT annual dues: -$300

Anticipated Travel for UW Madison Earth Day conference: -$400

BALANCE as of today: $406.42

FY14-15 potential budget items

• LSC Earth Day costs
• Spring landscape supplies (flowers)
• Concourse lighting signage
• Ditch/swale/raingarden info signs
• Additional bike rack for main entrance
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Parking lot/rain garden info signs
• Sustainability kiosk
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop host costs

Next Meeting

May 1, 2015, 10:00 in Student Life Conference Room

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

Meeting Minutes 3/6/2015

10:00 – 11:00

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Glenn Merrick, Kristi Heintz, Mike Francisco, Theresa Hornstein, Deanne Roquet, Mel Kelson

General Members present: Jane Marynik, Aaron Ekstrom, Nate Bronk, Al Finlayson

Guest Present:

Announcements

New Business

World Water Week is March 23^rd – 28^th. This will be a collaborative celebration across our campuses again this year and our event will be held on Monday. We’ll show “Blue Gold”, hold discussion after, and collect plastic bottles for the plastics chain during the movie. We’ll hang the chain in the concourse like last year.

Kristi reported on the WLSSD community drop site. Al confirmed there hasn’t been any concerns raised about being a WLSSD community compost drop site. Kristi has been working with Susie and we’ll do a kick-off event and Q&A on Earth Day for all employees.

Jane continues to work on our Tree Campus USA application. She pointed out that we need to perform a community serve oriented project. This could include the tree planting or buckthorn identification workday. The Council suggested a campus outdoor workday be included in the April 2^nd duty day plan. Glenn will check with the deans to see if there would be time for this as an afternoon break-out session.

Kristi has had requests from the public and LSC community about conducting another free e-waste collection. Kristi will check with 5R and open the “bid” to all haulers in town for a collection this year, perhaps April 2 or 3.

Kristi introduced our newest student employee, Aaron Ekstrom. He has experience with Conservation Corp and with various outdoor organizations. His current project for the SC is in design of rain garden and stormwater signs for various places on campus. He’ll also be responsible for completing our “north loop” trail on the north side of campus, designing signs, and perhaps designating a seating area. Aaron is also working with the Garden Club and Student Senate on the Legacy Project.

Kristi and Aaron reported that they met with Student Senate president Joe Johns last week about the Legacy Project. Joe asked the Council and/or Garden Club for a list of trees, plants, or planting areas that he could include in his proposal to administration. He’ll be meeting with Wade next week, the Garden Club will work Senate him on plantings and the SC will support them in planting and plant protection supplies.

Kristi again brought up the idea of a Sustainability Council member recruiting meeting or open or informative setting. The Council suggested we ask for a bit of time to outline the Council’s current projects and solicit membership. Glenn will work with the deans to set this up. Kristi will call a separate meeting to brainstorm our “pitch”.

The Council decided to go with the theme “Scraps to Soil: Campus and Community Compost” for this year’s Earth Day celebration. In lieu of a speaker, the Council (Deanne, Theresa, Kristi and anyone else) will present some “how-to-compost” tips and show a short vimeo on home composting. We will also so a short composting movie from the PBS series Food Forward titled “SOS: Save our Soil”. Heather and Student Life will provide popcorn in compostable bags, trail mix in compostable cups and apples. All of these activities will be in the Student Lounge. We will have our usual tables near Student Life, Garden Club will do herb planting in the Atrium, and we’ll do a worm bin raffle.

Ongoing Business

Old Business

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Policy and Procedure: employee reminders, education, and training needs (printing, recycling, supplies, computers, small appliance)

Carol, Kristi, Mel, Wade

Sustainability Reporting/Benchmarking: GGI, ACUPCC, MnSCU Sustainability Reporting, Superior Compact, B3, publicizing info

*Kristi, Aaron, Deanne, Bruce

Grants and Awards: Pre-grant drafts and collaboration with grant office on potential opportunities

                *Deanne, Kristi, Wade

Landscape Planning: annual flower planting, rainwater harvesting, no-mow areas, rooftop gardening

*Kristi, Mike, Aaron, Theresa, maintenance rep, Wade

Sustainability in Curriculum

*Theresa, Aaron, Kristi, Deanne, Glenn, Dick

-updates from Mel and Jane

-Garden Club update (Neldon, Aaron)

Budget                                                                                                                                                                    

FY15 Budget: $8,500

Encumbrances to date:

MN Waste Wise membership 2014-2015: -$150

Boreal Natives-Swale/Ditch project: -$5,735

Airpark Disability Services (plastic bag recycling): -$208

Dan’s Feedbin: -$200

Menards: -$200

AASHE: -$280

IOS (footrests): -$263.20

Amazon (footrests): -$123

Eden Brothers (S-bldg wildflower seed): -$300

SWCD for RSPT annual dues: -$300

Anticipated Travel for UW Madison Earth Day conference: -$400

BALANCE as of today: $298.93

FY14-15 potential budget items

• LSC Earth Day costs
• Concourse lighting signage
• Ditch/swale/raingarden info signs
• Additional bike rack for main entrance
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Parking lot/rain garden info signs
• Sustainability kiosk
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop host costs

Next Meeting

Next regular meeting April 3^rd 10:00 in Student Life Conference Room

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

Meeting Minutes 2/6/2015

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Glenn Merrick, Kristi Heintz, Mike Francisco, Theresa Hornstein, Deanne Roquet, Wade Gordon, Jane Marynik

General Members present:

Guest Present:

Announcements

New Business

Heather attended to discuss 2015 Earth Day plans. We’ll hold the LSC Earth Day Celebration on April 22^nd with a focus on Climate Change and its impact on food. Theresa and Deanne shared EPA’s willingness to send a representative to speak and also provide assistance at career themed events. They will check on EPA’s ability to speak to the Climate Change theme on April 22^nd. Kristi will talk with Bruce about possibly offering a special “Earth Day menu”, focused on meatless options. We could also show the documentary series, Years of Living Dangerously in the Student Lounge.

A working committee will meet in mid-February to discuss planning further; Kristi will send a calendar request to everyone for that meeting.

Kristi gave a brief Composting Pilot update. Mel is weighing the compostable in the bin daily. Kristi will meet with Susie from WLSSD next week Wednesday. Wade requested that we discuss responsibility for unwanted dumping and ask how the program has been received in different neighborhoods.

Bruce requested larger compost bags for the Café, Mike motioned to spend about $30 on a box of compost bags, Deanne seconded, motion carried unopposed.

The RFP for 2015 UMACS Regional Conference in Bemidji is out and due February 13^th. This year’s these should focus on “healthy planet = healthy people, campuses, and community”.   Kristi will send the email from UMACS to meeting attendees. Send suggestions to Kristi asap.

Kristi has posted a position on the LSC student employment page for an additional Student Employee for design of informational/educational signage related to our landscape and raingardens, student senate legacy garden liaison and spring outside work. This person may also work on the SWCD stormwater BMP project.

Glenn contacted SWCD to find out if they had any stormwater-related grant monies available. They do, and we’ll receive an $8,000 Clean Water Partnership grant, which the Council and groundskeeping team will use to install a new rain garden at the lower parking lot exit.

The Council discussed a need to bring in some fresh ideas and representation from other divisions. The Council will hold and advertise an open meeting, with a focus on introducing the Sustainability Council’s role on campus, during times of “hands-on” project needs a couple of times per year. We’ll hold an afternoon meeting, the first in Feb-March for Earth Day planning and landscape input and then perhaps at the beginning of fall semester. All current members are encouraged to bring a friend to that meeting!

Ongoing Business

Sustainability related purchasing and use policies and procedures will be discussed at the March meeting.

Old Business

The Council discussed the third draft of the= purchasing and use policies and related procedures . Kristi will meet with James to see if he agrees with changes we made. Next step may include a mid-winter duty day break out session, where anyone interested can provide feedback. From there, the policies/procedures will be forwarded to the LSC Policy Committee in April for larger campus review.

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

Policy and Procedure: employee reminders, education, and training needs (printing, recycling, supplies, computers, small appliance)

Carol, Kristi, Mel, Wade

Sustainability Reporting/Benchmarking: GGI, ACUPCC, MnSCU Sustainability Reporting, Superior Compact, B3, publicizing info

*Kristi, Aaron, Deanne, Bruce

Grants and Awards: Pre-grant drafts and collaboration with grant office on potential opportunities

                *Deanne, Kristi, Wade

Landscape Planning: annual flower planting, rainwater harvesting, no-mow areas, rooftop gardening

*Kristi, Mike, Aaron, Theresa, maintenance rep, Wade

Sustainability in Curriculum

*Theresa, Aaron, Kristi, Deanne, Glenn, Dick

-updates from Mel and Jane

-Garden Club update (Neldon, Aaron)

Budget                                                                                                                                                                    

FY15 Budget: $8,500

Encumbrances to date:

MN Waste Wise membership 2014-2015: -$150

Boreal Natives-Swale/Ditch project: -$5,735

Airpark Disability Services (plastic bag recycling): -$208

Dan’s Feedbin: -$200

Menards: -$200

AASHE: -$280

IOS (footrests): -$263.20

Amazon (footrests): -$123

Eden Brothers (S-bldg wildflower seed): -$300

SWCD for RSPT annual dues: -$300

Anticipated Travel for UW Madison Earth Day conference: -$400

BALANCE as of today: $340.47

FY14-15 potential budget items

• LSC Earth Day costs
• Concourse lighting signage
• Ditch/swale/raingarden info signs
• Additional bike rack for main entrance
• Interpretive Trail bench, trash/recycling cans, exclosures
• Parking lot/rain garden info signs
• Sustainability kiosk
• MnSCU Sustainability Across Curriculum workshop host costs

Next Meeting

Next regular meeting March 6^th at 10:00 in Student Life Conference Room.

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