Minutes

Meeting Minutes 11/9/2012

8:30-9:45

Location: Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Theresa Hornstein, Wade Gordon

General Members present:  Jeri Schwerin

Guest Present:

Announcements

ERTC’s Adopt-A-Lot: The Fire Tech Club requested to adopt their parking lot at the ERTC campus.  A sign has been made and sent to them to put at the parking lot entrance.

Adopt-A-Parking Lot lower lot clean-up will be next Thursday, November 15^th, at 10:00.   Kristi has requested that Mat post the announcement to facebook, asking for any student volunteers.  Anyone that would like to help can meet at the East entrance.

Student Employee & Work Group Reports

Purchasing Policy update: Wade, Mike and Kristi met last week to discuss initial change to the first draft of the Environmental Responsible Purchasing Policy and Efficient Use Policy.  After one more small-group meeting, the Council decided a hard copy of the Policies should be proofed and initialed by each Environmental Council member, especially voting members.  Kristi will send an email next week with more information.

Plastic water bottle alternative proposal  Kristi sent an email request to Wade to forward to Administration about the opportunity to replace single use plastic water bottles with compostable cups.  Two alternative products were outlined, and the cost comparison and disposal options were highlighted in the email. Kristi spoke with Suzie at WLSSD about the potential to drop compostable cups at their composing facility.  This option depends on the type of product used (material) and quantity.  These cups could be handed out at events such as Open House, Student Success Day and Earth Day.

New Business

North Shore Community School contacted Kristi about the possibility of using our campus as a collection point for glossy paper.  NSCS has been recycling glossy paper at New Page for years, and would like to expand their collection sites.  All funds rasied from collection would go to North Shore Community School.  Although the community partnership opportunity is positive, the Council advised we first check with Student Life to find out how consistently the collections are happening here by our own campus groups.  Currently, PTA is collecting for a trip.  Kristi will follow-up with Heather.

Sustainable Twin Ports Cara Lindberg, STP Board President, met with Bruce, Deanne and Kristi on Thursday about our potential participation in this year’s training cycle.  All members agreed it would be a great opportunity if we got the right campus stakeholders involved.  Representation from the Deans, Public Information, faculty, Wade again suggested we propose it as an AQIP project.  Kristi was mistaken and under the impression that we missed that opportunity, but the AQIP team will meet again in December and will review suggestions.  Wade will follow-up with Kent.  In the meantime, Deanne will contact Jerry Hembd about meeting with the President’s Cabinet soon to propose the project.  The Council would like to move forward with the project, regardless of its affiliation with AQIP.  Another notable attribute of STP is the metric they’re creating, based on the STARS system, which would be free to us with participation.  The City of Duluth has agreed to go through the metric on a beta version basis and Cara noted there may be an opportunity for LSC to go through the beta test as well.  She also noted the tuition rate for us would be substantially less if we agreed to host the 5 meetings through the 6 month cycle.

Ongoing Business

Old Business

Budget                                                                                                                                                                      

FY13 Budget: $10,000

Expenses since last meeting: none

System Hold ($1000)

Balance as of 11/9/2012: $7,628

Next meeting

November 30^th, 2012, Student life Conference Room at 8:30

Meeting Minutes 11/9/2012

8:30-9:45

Location: Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Theresa Hornstein, Wade Gordon

General Members present:  Jeri Schwerin

Guest Present:

Announcements

ERTC’s Adopt-A-Lot: The Fire Tech Club requested to adopt their parking lot at the ERTC campus.  A sign has been made and sent to them to put at the parking lot entrance.

Adopt-A-Parking Lot lower lot clean-up will be next Thursday, November 15^th, at 10:00.   Kristi has requested that Mat post the announcement to facebook, asking for any student volunteers.  Anyone that would like to help can meet at the East entrance.

Student Employee & Work Group Reports

Purchasing Policy update: Wade, Mike and Kristi met last week to discuss initial change to the first draft of the Environmental Responsible Purchasing Policy and Efficient Use Policy.  After one more small-group meeting, the Council decided a hard copy of the Policies should be proofed and initialed by each Environmental Council member, especially voting members.  Kristi will send an email next week with more information.

Plastic water bottle alternative proposal  Kristi sent an email request to Wade to forward to Administration about the opportunity to replace single use plastic water bottles with compostable cups.  Two alternative products were outlined, and the cost comparison and disposal options were highlighted in the email. Kristi spoke with Suzie at WLSSD about the potential to drop compostable cups at their composing facility.  This option depends on the type of product used (material) and quantity.  These cups could be handed out at events such as Open House, Student Success Day and Earth Day.

New Business

North Shore Community School contacted Kristi about the possibility of using our campus as a collection point for glossy paper.  NSCS has been recycling glossy paper at New Page for years, and would like to expand their collection sites.  All funds rasied from collection would go to North Shore Community School.  Although the community partnership opportunity is positive, the Council advised we first check with Student Life to find out how consistently the collections are happening here by our own campus groups.  Currently, PTA is collecting for a trip.  Kristi will follow-up with Heather.

Sustainable Twin Ports Cara Lindberg, STP Board President, met with Bruce, Deanne and Kristi on Thursday about our potential participation in this year’s training cycle.  All members agreed it would be a great opportunity if we got the right campus stakeholders involved.  Representation from the Deans, Public Information, faculty, Wade again suggested we propose it as an AQIP project.  Kristi was mistaken and under the impression that we missed that opportunity, but the AQIP team will meet again in December and will review suggestions.  Wade will follow-up with Kent.  In the meantime, Deanne will contact Jerry Hembd about meeting with the President’s Cabinet soon to propose the project.  The Council would like to move forward with the project, regardless of its affiliation with AQIP.  Another notable attribute of STP is the metric they’re creating, based on the STARS system, which would be free to us with participation.  The City of Duluth has agreed to go through the metric on a beta version basis and Cara noted there may be an opportunity for LSC to go through the beta test as well.  She also noted the tuition rate for us would be substantially less if we agreed to host the 5 meetings through the 6 month cycle.

Ongoing Business

Old Business

Budget                                                                                                                                                                      

FY13 Budget: $10,000

Expenses since last meeting: none

System Hold ($1000)

Balance as of 11/9/2012: $7,628

Next meeting

November 30^th, 2012, Student life Conference Room at 8:30

Meeting Minutes 10/26/2012

8:30-9:30

Location: Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

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

General Members present:  Dick Haney, Glenn Merrick, Julie Johnson, Neldon Herron

Guest Present:

Announcements

Sustainability Across the Curriculum Workshop: March 21^st-23^rd at North Hennepin Community College

UMD Fall Sustainability Fair, November 7^th 10:00-2:00, Kirby Center

Fall Open House table, November 1^st, 2:30-6:30

“Living with Uncertainty: Duluth Streams and the Aftermath of the 2012 Floods” meeting and workshop, Oct. 31^st, MPCA Office, 8:00-12:30

Call for Annual Pass-Through Coastal program Grant Apps, Nov 2^nd Deadline for draft comment

LEAP Energy Sector meetings: October 29^th at 10:00-Residential, 2:00-Public. October 30^th at 10:00 C&I, 2:00-Transportation

Student Employee & Work Group Reports

No student employees present to report

New Business

STARS? Sustainable Twin Ports? Theresa reported from AQIP that our window to propose projects had passed by the time we wanted to bring up the possibility of using Sustainable Twin Ports as an AQIP project.  Deanne recommended a former Early Adopter meet with Admin that may be involved.  Deadline for application is December 4^th.   Kristi passed around the STARS worksheet she worked on a year ago. The benefits of quick and easy positive promotion from a STARS Rating was discussed, but no decision was made on either project.  More discussion at the next meeting.  (Kristi, Theresa)

ERTC thank you pizza Kristi contacted the ERTC students’ instructor, Mark Behning, about sending a gift certificate to the guys for helping with bridge work.  Kristi will take a donation collection at the next meeting for those interested in contributing.

Purchasing Policy Kristi has a draft policy compiled for a first draft look.  Wade and Mike volunteered to  work with her on this next week.

Buckthorn removal options Glenn mentioned the need to do some buckthorn removal on campus.  Kristi suggested this project possibly wait until later this winter or next year.  There are a few options we can explore when time permits.

Ongoing Business

Old Business

Budget                                                                                                                                                                      

FY13 Budget: $10,000

Expenses since last meeting: none

System Hold ($1000)

Balance as of 10/25/2012: $7628

Next meeting

November 9^th, 8:30, Student Life Conference Room

Meeting Minutes 10/12/2012

8:30-9:30

Location: Workforce Development Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council members present:  Cliff Koski, Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Theresa Hornstein, Amy Brooks

General Members present:

Announcements

St. Louis River: Past, Present, Future Social Event, hosted by St. Louis River Alliance, will be held November 14^th at Spirit Mountain’s Moosehead Conference Room from 5:00-7:00 pm.  Contact Kristi for more information.

After many years of service to the LSC community and the EC, Carol Johnson will be leaving.  Unfortunately, the Upward Bound Program funding has not been renewed for our campus.  The EC agreed a going-away social be organized on Thursday the 25^th at 5:00 at Blackwater.  Anyone interested can join, contact Kristi or Deanne for details.

Fall open house is November 1^st, 2:30-6:30.  The Biology Dept has arranged for 2 tables, the EC will share with the Garden Club.

Work Group Reports

None to report on at this time

New Business

STARS Kristi revisited the idea of continuing our planning for AASHE STARS tracking.  In light of requests from Administration to show accountability and numbers, this would be a good tool to track progress over time.  Registration in STARS is $900 the first year and $450 each consecutive year.  Cliff also pointed out that we could use the STARS framework without registering, but then we miss out on the promotional aspect.  The discussion is tabled until next meeting.

AQUIP Project Proposal Kent has asked for AQUIP Project proposals.  Wind energy was brought to Kent’s attention from a campus individual outside the EC.  Kent stated it wasn’t a viable AQUIP Project for many reasons but forwarded the request to Deanne for EC consideration.  We all agree it’s beyond our scope of project planning.

Sustainable Twin Ports Deanne, Bruce, Glenn, and Jim all attended the Early Adopters Social last week.  All were in agreement that it may be a good fit for LSC.  The Strategic Sustainability Training happens over the course of a year and costs $3,5000.  The training would require 2-5 people from campus to be involved and committed to about 80 hours of training over the course of the year.  Theresa will take this to AQUIP as a potential project idea and discussion will continue at next EC meeting.

Ongoing Business

Kristi gave an update on Interpretive Trail signage and bridge work.  Larry Sampson from the SHTA has been helping with design and construction of the 2 Interpretive Trail bridges.  Both sets of stringers are almost completed and set.  ERTC students have been incredibly helpful in getting this much accomplished.  Kristi suggested we treat them to lunch for all their hard work.  John Calcaterra’s carpentry students have built and assembled cedar frames for the new Interpretive Site Signs that Jean designed.  Adam has installed most of the frames and will work on putting the signs in sometime in the next month.

Maintenance trash/recycling update: Vaughn was not present to report.

Old Business

Beach Sweep and Adopt-A-Parking Lot kick-off event was a success.  Kristi and Amy both helped to organize the volunteers.  We had 5 of 9 groups represented and the 30 individuals collected about 35 of trash.  Stat sheets were sent to Andrea at the Aquarium.  Andrea sent out community stats: 20 total sites were cleaned and over 1300 pounds of trash were collected.  As a thank-you, participants have free access to the Aquarium on Friday October 18^th from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Minnesota Waste Wise Annual Meeting report: Theresa, Cliff, and Kristi all attended the Meeting this year in Chaska at the Landscape Arboretum.  They all agreed the EC should take a field trip to the Arboretum in the summer.  They gathered a lot of ideas for campus landscaping.  They also reported on some of the speakers at the meeting.  Overall, a great experience and a great lunch!

Budget                                                                                                                                                                     

FY13 Budget: $10,000

Expenses since last meeting:

System hold ($1000)

Balance as of 10-10-2012: $7938.44

Next meeting

Next meeting is October 26^th at 8:30 in the Student Life Conference Room

Notes Submitted by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 10/12/2012

8:30-9:30

Location: Workforce Development Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council members present:  Cliff Koski, Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Theresa Hornstein, Amy Brooks

General Members present:

Announcements

St. Louis River: Past, Present, Future Social Event, hosted by St. Louis River Alliance, will be held November 14^th at Spirit Mountain’s Moosehead Conference Room from 5:00-7:00 pm.  Contact Kristi for more information.

After many years of service to the LSC community and the EC, Carol Johnson will be leaving.  Unfortunately, the Upward Bound Program funding has not been renewed for our campus.  The EC agreed a going-away social be organized on Thursday the 25^th at 5:00 at Blackwater.  Anyone interested can join, contact Kristi or Deanne for details.

Fall open house is November 1^st, 2:30-6:30.  The Biology Dept has arranged for 2 tables, the EC will share with the Garden Club.

Work Group Reports

None to report on at this time

New Business

STARS Kristi revisited the idea of continuing our planning for AASHE STARS tracking.  In light of requests from Administration to show accountability and numbers, this would be a good tool to track progress over time.  Registration in STARS is $900 the first year and $450 each consecutive year.  Cliff also pointed out that we could use the STARS framework without registering, but then we miss out on the promotional aspect.  The discussion is tabled until next meeting.

AQUIP Project Proposal Kent has asked for AQUIP Project proposals.  Wind energy was brought to Kent’s attention from a campus individual outside the EC.  Kent stated it wasn’t a viable AQUIP Project for many reasons but forwarded the request to Deanne for EC consideration.  We all agree it’s beyond our scope of project planning.

Sustainable Twin Ports Deanne, Bruce, Glenn, and Jim all attended the Early Adopters Social last week.  All were in agreement that it may be a good fit for LSC.  The Strategic Sustainability Training happens over the course of a year and costs $3,5000.  The training would require 2-5 people from campus to be involved and committed to about 80 hours of training over the course of the year.  Theresa will take this to AQUIP as a potential project idea and discussion will continue at next EC meeting.

Ongoing Business

Kristi gave an update on Interpretive Trail signage and bridge work.  Larry Sampson from the SHTA has been helping with design and construction of the 2 Interpretive Trail bridges.  Both sets of stringers are almost completed and set.  ERTC students have been incredibly helpful in getting this much accomplished.  Kristi suggested we treat them to lunch for all their hard work.  John Calcaterra’s carpentry students have built and assembled cedar frames for the new Interpretive Site Signs that Jean designed.  Adam has installed most of the frames and will work on putting the signs in sometime in the next month.

Maintenance trash/recycling update: Vaughn was not present to report.

Old Business

Beach Sweep and Adopt-A-Parking Lot kick-off event was a success.  Kristi and Amy both helped to organize the volunteers.  We had 5 of 9 groups represented and the 30 individuals collected about 35 of trash.  Stat sheets were sent to Andrea at the Aquarium.  Andrea sent out community stats: 20 total sites were cleaned and over 1300 pounds of trash were collected.  As a thank-you, participants have free access to the Aquarium on Friday October 18^th from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Minnesota Waste Wise Annual Meeting report: Theresa, Cliff, and Kristi all attended the Meeting this year in Chaska at the Landscape Arboretum.  They all agreed the EC should take a field trip to the Arboretum in the summer.  They gathered a lot of ideas for campus landscaping.  They also reported on some of the speakers at the meeting.  Overall, a great experience and a great lunch!

Budget                                                                                                                                                                     

FY13 Budget: $10,000

Expenses since last meeting:

System hold ($1000)

Balance as of 10-10-2012: $7938.44

Next meeting

Next meeting is October 26^th at 8:30 in the Student Life Conference Room

Notes Submitted by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 9/14/2012

8:30-9:30

Location: Workforce Development Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Carol Johnson, Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Theresa Hornstein, Mike Francisco, Amy Brooks

General Members present:  Dick Haney, Glenn Merrick, Mat Gilderman, Bruce Wallis, Sarah Newport, Jackie Evertz

Guest Present:

Announcements

Duluth LEAP (Local Energy Action Plan) public meeting: Dick would like LSC to be considered as the host site for this meeting and invites anyone interested to attend.

The Sustainable Twin Ports Early Adopter Showcase is October 24^th in the Fitger Room at Fitgers, 4:30-6:30. Email Kristi if you’d like more information.

Boreal Natives has seeded the first phase of the Student Senate’s Legacy Project.  No maintenance is required at this time, and the first 2 mowings next season will be taken care of by Boreal.

Student Employee & Work Group Reports

Student Employees have been meeting with Kristi every Thursday morning and will continue to do so.  The Council discussed project goals for the Employees which included quantifying projects such as composting and water bottle stations.  The Student Employees will continue to report on projects at regular EC meetings.

New Business

Bruce reported Food Services is looking for alternatives to the plastic salad containers and other paper/plastic products they are currently using.  Upper Lakes currently does not stock these for large quantity sale, but Bruce is continuing to look at viable options.

Adopt-A-Parking Lot  Kristi gave an update on the status of adopted lots.  Just the Lower Lot remains to be adopted.  The Lower Lot will be designated as an “LSC Student” adopted lot and the EC will organize volunteers for monthly clean-ups.  Sarah suggested the kick-off event take place on Student Success day, October 3^rd.  The kick-off event will be held in conjunction with Beach Sweep which is organized locally by the Aquarium.  Kristi will contact Paula about using SS day for the clean-up/club instruction and also contact Andrea Crouse at the aquarium about registering us as Beach Sweep participants.  The Student Employees will work on promo of the event.  Bruce suggested we term Beach Sweep as Miller Beach Sweep to give it a local campus appeal

Student Success Day : Sarah is working on a large scale recycling education push.  She’d like to use the SS day table to showcase information on recycling on campus.  She and Jackie are working on different promotional ideas including 3D posters utilizing recyclable materials and printed vinyl stickers.  Kristi will also be doing a morning session focused on our LEED buildings.

Ongoing Business

Maintenance trash/recycling update: Vaughn was not present to report on this, Carol will email him to get an update.

Old Business

Budget                                                                                                                                                                     

FY13 budget: $10,000

Expenses since last meeting:

System hold ($1000)

MN Waste Wise Meeting Registration x 4 ($180)

Mileage for MN Waste Wise in Chaska ($197.58)

Balance as of 9/14/2012: $7,938.44

Next meeting

September 28^th , 8:30, Student Life Conference Room

Notes Submitted by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 9/14/2012

8:30-9:30

Location: Workforce Development Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Carol Johnson, Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Theresa Hornstein, Mike Francisco, Amy Brooks

General Members present:  Dick Haney, Glenn Merrick, Mat Gilderman, Bruce Wallis, Sarah Newport, Jackie Evertz

Guest Present:

Announcements

Duluth LEAP (Local Energy Action Plan) public meeting: Dick would like LSC to be considered as the host site for this meeting and invites anyone interested to attend.

The Sustainable Twin Ports Early Adopter Showcase is October 24^th in the Fitger Room at Fitgers, 4:30-6:30. Email Kristi if you’d like more information.

Boreal Natives has seeded the first phase of the Student Senate’s Legacy Project.  No maintenance is required at this time, and the first 2 mowings next season will be taken care of by Boreal.

Student Employee & Work Group Reports

Student Employees have been meeting with Kristi every Thursday morning and will continue to do so.  The Council discussed project goals for the Employees which included quantifying projects such as composting and water bottle stations.  The Student Employees will continue to report on projects at regular EC meetings.

New Business

Bruce reported Food Services is looking for alternatives to the plastic salad containers and other paper/plastic products they are currently using.  Upper Lakes currently does not stock these for large quantity sale, but Bruce is continuing to look at viable options.

Adopt-A-Parking Lot  Kristi gave an update on the status of adopted lots.  Just the Lower Lot remains to be adopted.  The Lower Lot will be designated as an “LSC Student” adopted lot and the EC will organize volunteers for monthly clean-ups.  Sarah suggested the kick-off event take place on Student Success day, October 3^rd.  The kick-off event will be held in conjunction with Beach Sweep which is organized locally by the Aquarium.  Kristi will contact Paula about using SS day for the clean-up/club instruction and also contact Andrea Crouse at the aquarium about registering us as Beach Sweep participants.  The Student Employees will work on promo of the event.  Bruce suggested we term Beach Sweep as Miller Beach Sweep to give it a local campus appeal

Student Success Day : Sarah is working on a large scale recycling education push.  She’d like to use the SS day table to showcase information on recycling on campus.  She and Jackie are working on different promotional ideas including 3D posters utilizing recyclable materials and printed vinyl stickers.  Kristi will also be doing a morning session focused on our LEED buildings.

Ongoing Business

Maintenance trash/recycling update: Vaughn was not present to report on this, Carol will email him to get an update.

Old Business

Budget                                                                                                                                                                     

FY13 budget: $10,000

Expenses since last meeting:

System hold ($1000)

MN Waste Wise Meeting Registration x 4 ($180)

Mileage for MN Waste Wise in Chaska ($197.58)

Balance as of 9/14/2012: $7,938.44

Next meeting

September 28^th , 8:30, Student Life Conference Room

Notes Submitted by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 8/31/2012

9:30-11:30

Location: Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Carol Johnson, Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Theresa Hornstein, Wade Gordon, Vaughn Johnson, Christina Eckstine

General Members present:  Dick Haney, Glenn Merrick, Neldon Heron, Bruce Wallis

Guest Present: Sarah Newport, Dylan Thorbjornsen, Jacqueline Evertz, Julie Johnson

Announcements

Set semester meeting times: The EC will meet every other Friday morning from 8:30-10:30 in the Student Life Conferenece Room.

The next meeting will be September 14^th.  Kristi will send an Outlook Calendar request to everyone.

Upcoming Conference: MN USGBC 2012 Impact Conference is Tuesday September 18^th.

UMD has received an AIA award for design excellence on the Bagley Center.  Deanne would like to send a letter of congratulations on behalf of the EC.  Kristi and Deanne will work on the letter.

Duluth LEAP (Local Energy Action Plan) public meeting: Dick would like LSC to be considered as the host site for this meeting and invites anyone interested to attend.

Student Employee & Work Group Reports

Kristi introduced Christina Eckstine, the EC’s newest student employee.  Amy Brooks will also be working with the EC this year.  Kristi will arrange regular meetings outside of the EC meeting with student employees to work on projects.  Student Employees will report back to the EC during regular meetings.

New Business

From the office of the VPs:  Campus Committees LSC is now forming advisory committees on items including furniture and equipment purchasing as well as general facilities input.  In meeting with Al a few weeks ago, he encouraged members of the Council to participate in these committees to bring a sustainability viewpoint to relatable issues.  Wade is a part of both equipment committees, administrative and instructional, and Kristi has asked to be considered for both the facilities and furniture committees.

Adopt-A-Parking Lot  Kristi gave an update on the status of adopted lots.  Just 2 lots remain.  Kristi will email all clubs and try to get the last two lots adopted.  Kristi will also meet with Student Employees to plan a kick-off event in late September and lay out the instructions for adoptees.

Council semester project planning: the group started to discuss the importance of laying out tangible and quantifiable projects to focus on.  Deanne commented on Al’s suggestion at an earlier meeting that the EC try to quantify the dollars saved by initiating certain projects, for example composting, re-use room, water bottle filling stations…Carol again mentioned faculty office trash and recycling collection as a missed opportunity in time savings by maintenance.  Many ideas were generated, Vaughn said he will instruct maintenance staff to no longer clean out individual offices, but to have individuals bring their trash to a community location.  He will also run some numbers on the amount of time it will save them.  The discussion concluded with a reiteration of the importance of an LSC Purchasing Policy.  Kristi will make this the first priority, after supervising student employees.

Wade suggested the Council initiate annual green stewardship awards for a student, faculty and staff for innovative ideas or office space practice.  Kristi will bring this to the Student Employees as a project to peruse.

Ongoing Business

Old Business

Budget                                                                                                                                                                      

FY13 budget: $10,000

Expenses since last meeting:

-plant identification and garden plot sign holders ($325.65)

Balance as of 8/28/12” $9,316.35

Waste Wise Annual Meeting is October 2^nd.  Cliff, Theresa, Vaughn and Kristi will to go.  Kristi will work on travel POs and registration.

Next meeting

September 14th, Workforce Development Conference Room, E2028

Notes Submitted by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 8/31/2012

9:30-11:30

Location: Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Carol Johnson, Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Theresa Hornstein, Wade Gordon, Vaughn Johnson, Christina Eckstine

General Members present:  Dick Haney, Glenn Merrick, Neldon Heron, Bruce Wallis

Guest Present: Sarah Newport, Dylan Thorbjornsen, Jacqueline Evertz, Julie Johnson

Announcements

Set semester meeting times: The EC will meet every other Friday morning from 8:30-10:30 in the Student Life Conferenece Room.

The next meeting will be September 14^th.  Kristi will send an Outlook Calendar request to everyone.

Upcoming Conference: MN USGBC 2012 Impact Conference is Tuesday September 18^th.

UMD has received an AIA award for design excellence on the Bagley Center.  Deanne would like to send a letter of congratulations on behalf of the EC.  Kristi and Deanne will work on the letter.

Duluth LEAP (Local Energy Action Plan) public meeting: Dick would like LSC to be considered as the host site for this meeting and invites anyone interested to attend.

Student Employee & Work Group Reports

Kristi introduced Christina Eckstine, the EC’s newest student employee.  Amy Brooks will also be working with the EC this year.  Kristi will arrange regular meetings outside of the EC meeting with student employees to work on projects.  Student Employees will report back to the EC during regular meetings.

New Business

From the office of the VPs:  Campus Committees LSC is now forming advisory committees on items including furniture and equipment purchasing as well as general facilities input.  In meeting with Al a few weeks ago, he encouraged members of the Council to participate in these committees to bring a sustainability viewpoint to relatable issues.  Wade is a part of both equipment committees, administrative and instructional, and Kristi has asked to be considered for both the facilities and furniture committees.

Adopt-A-Parking Lot  Kristi gave an update on the status of adopted lots.  Just 2 lots remain.  Kristi will email all clubs and try to get the last two lots adopted.  Kristi will also meet with Student Employees to plan a kick-off event in late September and lay out the instructions for adoptees.

Council semester project planning: the group started to discuss the importance of laying out tangible and quantifiable projects to focus on.  Deanne commented on Al’s suggestion at an earlier meeting that the EC try to quantify the dollars saved by initiating certain projects, for example composting, re-use room, water bottle filling stations…Carol again mentioned faculty office trash and recycling collection as a missed opportunity in time savings by maintenance.  Many ideas were generated, Vaughn said he will instruct maintenance staff to no longer clean out individual offices, but to have individuals bring their trash to a community location.  He will also run some numbers on the amount of time it will save them.  The discussion concluded with a reiteration of the importance of an LSC Purchasing Policy.  Kristi will make this the first priority, after supervising student employees.

Wade suggested the Council initiate annual green stewardship awards for a student, faculty and staff for innovative ideas or office space practice.  Kristi will bring this to the Student Employees as a project to peruse.

Ongoing Business

Old Business

Budget                                                                                                                                                                      

FY13 budget: $10,000

Expenses since last meeting:

-plant identification and garden plot sign holders ($325.65)

Balance as of 8/28/12” $9,316.35

Waste Wise Annual Meeting is October 2^nd.  Cliff, Theresa, Vaughn and Kristi will to go.  Kristi will work on travel POs and registration.

Next meeting

September 14th, Workforce Development Conference Room, E2028

Notes Submitted by Kristi Heintz

Meeting Minutes 7/16/2012

11:30-1:30

Location: Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

Governing Council Members present: Cliff Koski, Deanne Roquet, Kristi Heintz, Theresa Hornstein, Vaughn Johnson

General Members present:  Jeri Schwerin

Guest Present:

Announcements

The EC would like to welcome Vaughn Johnson to the EC.  He is the new EC representative for facilities taking over for Kevin Futhey who retired last week.  Vaughn has already met with Kevin, Deanne, and Kristi and voiced some great ideas, welcome Vaughn!

Conference attendance in FY13:  Deanne mentioned two conferences next year and encouraged anyone that would like to go to put the dates on their calendars.   The first is the Annual Minnesota Waste Wise Meeting in Chaska at the Landscape Arboretum on Tuesday October 2^nd.  Kristi, Theresa, and Cliff all showed interest in going. The second conference is at UW-Madison on April 15^th where Jane Goodall will be the keynote speaker.

Deanne brought up an interesting idea themed after “Food For Thought”.  This would be a sustainable food plus discussion forum involving Bruce/the LSC cafeteria.  Deanne will try to set up a meeting with Bruce to discuss this idea.

New Business

Gardening Club/Wild Ones:  Jeri gave a brief review of work done by the Garden Club in the past month and also gave an overview of what “Wild Ones” does.  She also described the tour they’d like to have here at LSC.  Kristi added that we’d like to make it a plant identification workshop open to the LSC community where natives in both the rain gardens and other areas on campus would be identified and labeled.  Mary Beebe is working with the group and is trying to arrange the workshop for early August.

Ditch no-mow: With the current momentum of the Garden Club and Student Senate Legacy projects bringing attention to outdoor spaces, Kristi brought up the idea of creating some no-mow spaces in the wet ditch areas along the main drive of the campus.  There are many spots that aren’t easy to mow now, and with a little work could become permanent stormwater mitigation areas.  Kristi contacted Jeff West with Boreal Natives to ask for recommendations.  Kristi asked the EC if this is something we should pursue or put in a long-term goal file.  Vaughn agreed there are some areas that could use some immediate attention, and he will bring our idea to Gary A. for feedback.  Jeri suggested we take a look at her home rain garden for ideas.  There are a lot of unknowns as far as who would pay for the work and materials, who would do the work, and how we could get long-term support for maintenance.  Kristi will move forward with some initial planning, but the focus will remain on existing projects to make sure we aren’t taking on too much at one time.

Atrium: Vaughn asked who is responsible for upkeep of the Atrium plants.  This raised a larger discussion of who is responsible for grounds maintenance etc.  It was agreed that a larger discussion needs to be had with facilities and Admin on issues such as these.  Deanne will contact Al about possibly meeting with us to talk about these things.

Dedicated Tree for Kevin The EC decided to dedicate a replacement tree to Kevin once the dead white pine is cut down on the hillside by the H-Building.

Kristi is working with Mat on H-Building LEED signs and showed the design idea to the EC.

Vaughn mentioned the recent MnSCU hazardous waste fines.  He wondered if the EC had any role in our campus’ hazardous waste procedures.  Kristi has a role from a CLA standpoint, but most felt as though the EC is not in a position to make recommendations to Admin beyond the need they already recognize.

Ongoing Business

Old Business

Three water bottle filling stations have been installed in the E and W buildings.  Support and gratitude has been tremendous, and suggestions for more stations have been noted.  A need for one by the Wellness Center makes most sense and if an opportunity to install another arises, we will suggest this.

Budget                                                                                                                                                                      

FY13 Budget: $10,000

Encumbrances since last meeting:

• MN Waste Wise annual membership dues: $150
• Airpark Disability Svcs for plastic bag pick-up: $208

Items for approval:

• 7×5” galvanized signs: $2 each, cards $.70 each.  These will be used for plant identification in the campus gardens.  Theresa motioned to purchase 100 of each, Cliff seconded it, no opposition.

Next meeting

Next tentative meeting is August 13^th, 2012

Notes Submitted by Kristi Heintz