Sustainability at Lake Superior College

Meeting Minutes 04/10/09

Members present:  Cliff Koski, Deanne Roquet, Dick Haney, Glenn Merrick, Julius Salinas, Kevin Futhey, Theresa Hornstein, Jim Drake, Erica LeMay, Britt Johnson.

Committee Reports

Earth Day:  Earth Day speakers are planned to speak in the internet café.  There was discussion as to whether this should take place in the lounge instead.  Glenn and Dick will talk to Celeste.  Glenn will be introducing Ken Gilbertson.  Steve Wagner will be introducing John Stetson.

Old Business

The EC budget currently has about $3300.  Upcoming expenses include trail signage ($500), trail brochures, Wastewise conference attendance, UMACS attendance, LSC Open House poster lamination.

Cliff and Dick are planning to attend the UMACS conference in May/June.  Deanne may also attend.

New Business

The Environmental Council welcomed new member Erica LeMay, Admissions Representative.

Deanne, Carol, and Britt will meet and work on a new format for the EC meeting agendas.  An “announcements” section needs to be added.  There is a need for a system for EC members to submit agenda items.

Julius contacted Mellin Promotions regarding tote bags for the EC to give out on Earth Day.  Mellin Productions will make 500 forest green tote bags with the LSC logo for $880.00, including shipping.  The council voted and approved the purchase of the tote bags.  During the time of the meeting, Julius worked with Melissa Doolittle and acquired a PO for the tote bags.  Mellin Promotions will have the tote bags shipped before Earth Day activities at LSC. 

Erica talked about the LSC open house taking place on Friday, April 17, 2009 from 3-6pm.  This year’s open house has a “green” theme.  Campus Ambassadors are creating posters to highlight “green” efforts at LSC.  Erica appealed to the EC to pay for the lamination of the posters so they could be stored and used at future LSC functions.  Cost of lamination will not cost more than $300.  The council voted and approved the allotment of up to $300 for the lamination of the posters.

Erica asked the EC for booth participation in the LSC Open House.  Deanne will be at the Biology booth, and Cliff will be at the Civil Tech booth.  Deanne and Cliff asked Erica to place the Biology, Civil Tech, and EC booths next to each other so Deanne and Cliff can also be available for the EC booth.

Erica is in the process of updating the campus ambassador tours.  She asked for a small description of various “green” projects around campus to include in the tours.  Deanne will email Erica information she gathered as part of her Award of Excellence.  Erica also mentioned she needs to recruit more Campus Ambassadors.  Please send potential students her way.    

Jim suggested a coffee cup sleeve decorating contest for Earth Day.  The purpose would be to encourage re-euse of the coffee cup sleeves.  EC members discussed that there was probably not enough time to hold the contest this year, but we should keep it in mind for next year.

LSC will be awarded a $500 grant as part of the Schools Cutting Carbon program.  Ben and Frank will be measuring electrical use in the computer labs to assess electricity waste from computers that are “asleep” but on.  However, there is concern as to when the $500 will arrive.  There are only 5 weeks of the semester remaining, and the project is intended to be student-run.

Deanne, Cliff, and Britt met with Mindy Granley, UMD’s Sustainability Coordinator on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 8:00am at Bixby’s.  Everybody is welcome to join at the next meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 8:00 at Bixby’s.  Mindy will invite Janice Creedy from UWS.  Mindy agreed to share expenses of hosting Deb Rowe during LSC’s Duty Day.  Mindy will arrange to have Deb Rowe speak at UMD also. 

Customized Training is looking into a program “Communicating the Business Case for Sustainability”.   The city of Duluth will be utilizing this program.  The goal of the program is to change the face of sustainability in the business world, making sustainability an integration that improves efficiency, rather than a side project that costs money.   Videos and books are available.

Kevin reported that Wastewise is holding its own Earth Day on April 23 at 7:30am.  The EC voted in favor of sending one person from the EC to that meeting.

Kevin and Britt are in need of styrofoam for shredding.  There is now a supply shortage of styrofoam chunks.  Kevin will talk to Gary Kruchowski and Mat Gilderman.  He will also talk to AJ at WLSSD.

Motions

The EC voted in favor of purchasing 500 forest green tote bags with the LSC logo for $880.00, including shipping.  The tote bags will be handed out during LSC Earth Day activities.

The EC voted in favor of the allotment of up to $300 for the lamination of the posters for LSC’s Open House on Friday, April 17, 2009.

The EC voted in favor of sending one person from the EC to the Wastewise Earth Day.

Next Meeting

The next Environmental Council meeting will take place Friday, April 24, 2009 at 10:00am in Gary’s office.

Retreat Minutes 04/02/09

Members present:  Carol Johnson, Celeste Zuniga, Cliff Koski, Deanne Roquet, Dick Haney, Julius Salinas, Kevin Futhey, Melissa Doolittle, Wade Gordon, Diane Morin, Britt Johnson.

Structure

Council at Large

·         Next fall, EC meetings will continue to meet every-other-week, but will alternate between Thursdays at 2pm and Fridays at 9am.  An outlook calendar notification will be set up.

Subcommittees

·         Each subcommittee will be responsible to meet, discuss and define subcommittee mission statement and goals.  The chairperson will report outcomes at the final EC meeting of the year, May 8, 2009.  Carol will send an email with further information regarding this.  Subcommittees could also have an annual report.

·         Wade and Diane will work on a complete restructure of the EC using a more traditional board structure.

·         A need to appoint Cathy T. as the EC’s marketing/PR liaison was discussed.

Staff

·         Remaining budget money may allow for the hire of a student worker.  This student could assist in several EC projects, including educating staff and faculty on appropriate usage of saddle bags.

Subcommittee Creation

·         Ideas for activities/projects for subcommittees can be brought to EC meetings.  New subcommittees may be created as needed.

Membership Goals

·         EC needs representation from Allied Health and Nursing Department.  Lorrie Fox is interested in joining the EC.  Deanne will contact Lorrie about remaining meeting dates for the EC this year.

·         The EC would like the LSC Student Senate to appoint a liaison.  Carol will contact Student Services and Student Life regarding this. 

·         Deanne has been working to recruit future LSC students and EC members through the Schools Cutting Carbon (SCC) Program.  Two Harbors and Proctor High Schools are also involved in the SCC Program

Creative Strategy for Campus Wide Involvement

·         EC should present at each duty day to report efforts and accomplishments.  This is also an opportunity to invite new members to the EC.

Worm Building

·         Wade and Kevin will look into moving the worm building when the new Science/Health building is constructed.

Incorporate Sustainability in the Campus Mission

·         IE is currently focusing on green efforts.

Duty Day Planning

·         If the EC is not the recipient of an IE grant, there may be money available from human resources through Mary Nienaber.

·         Presenters planned include Deb Rowe ($7500) and Connie Jamieson. 

Budget Planning

·         Carol and Wade will be working on FY10 budget.

·         FY10 Budget items planned/suggested:

o   Conference fees/Travel                                                           $1500

o   Earth Day Events                                                         $1000

o   Memberships (AASHE, Wastewise, etc.)                     $500

o   Student Worker                                                                        $4600

o   Supplies and Equipment                                                          $500

o   Printing                                                                                    $200

o   Community Alliance                                                    $750

o   Vending misers (5)                                                      $150

o   Kiosk                                                                           $2500

o   Office recycling bins

o   Reusable shopping bags to be given away at Earth Day events

Note:  Kiosk would be located outside Student Services.  It would be for general information use, but screen would default to sustainability topics.

Vision and Mission Statement

·         Mission statement needs to be revisited.

Other

·         Deanne submitted the project proposal for the Schools Cutting Carbon Program.  This will likely result in a $500 grant.   The proposed project involves the purchase of 5 Kill-A-Watt monitors ($50 each) to quantitate wasted electricity by computers in LSC computer labs.  The remaining funds will be used to purchase software that will reduce energy use through shutdown or hibernation of CPUs.  This project will be led by Frank Niffenegger and Ben Smith.

·         Coffee mugs and trays will be ready for the Presidential Conference room by May 4. 

·         Carly, an LSC student, will be working on an EC website to publish President’s Climate Commitment (PCC) reports.

·         The EC needs to come up with a “brand”.  A “logo” is not allowed according to LSC policy.

·         On Earth Day, speakers will be presenting in the Internet Café.

·         Deanne is meeting with Mindy Granley, UMD Sustainability Coordinator, over breakfast at Bixby’s at 8am on Tuesday, April 7, 2009.  All EC members are invited to join.

Next Meeting

The next Environmental Council meeting will take place on Friday, April 10, 2009 at 10:00am in Gary’s office.  The remaining two meetings for the school year are April 24 and May 8.  

Meeting Minutes 03/20/09

Members present:  Cathy Carlson, Cathy Tonkin, Celeste Zuniga, Cliff Koski, Deanne Roquet, Dick Haney, Julius Salinas, Kevin Futhey, Frank Niffenegger, Diane Morin, Jim Drake, Ben Smith, Britt Johnson.

Committee Reports

Recycling:  Kevin will be installing new acrylic signage on the old recycling bins.  Kevin and Britt reported good interest in the shredded styrofoam.  The EC voted to allot $100 to pay student groups to shred the styrofoam the rest of this year.  Recycling sub-committee members will look into how to fund the shredding and sell the shredded sytrofoam in the future.  Jim suggested asking for payment of the shredded styrofoam in estimated value.

Earth Day:  Earth Day events will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2009.  Celeste reported that 15 people are participating in booths.  John Stetson will be added as a vendor and paid $300 to speak at LSC Earth Day.  John Stetson’s PowerPoint program is titled “Polar Meltdown” and will highlight his travels with Will Steger.  Ken Gilbertson will present a PowerPoint program titled “Sustainability of Green Space”.  Earth Day sub-committee members are working to find a room for these two programs.  It was recommended that weatherman Dave Anderson be notified of LSC’s Earth Day events.

Signage:  Celeste reported she is waiting for PO approval for the purchase of 10 more pamphlet bins. These will be mounted on the old recycling bins.

President’s Climate Commitment:  Cliff reported that the greenhouse gas inventory for the PCC is done for the most part.  Connie will be entering the data into the calculator.  After the greenhouse gas inventory is complete and reported, the next step for the PCC is the LSC duty day.  Deanne reported that a student is interested in doing a website for LSC’s efforts in the PCC.  The PCC requires that schools publicly post data and progress.  Celeste passed on a recommendation from Kaelene Arvidson-Hicks that we include “Cutting Carbon” in a website.  This will improve chances of being chosen for the $20,000 grant of the Schools Cutting Carbon Program.  Celeste also informed the committee that Steve Fudally would like to be aware of all websites created for LSC functions.

Old Business

Deanne reported that the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) breakfast seminar she attended on Friday, March 13, 2009, was good.  Jacqueline Johnson, Chancellor of UMN Morris, and Judith A. Ramaley, President and Professor of Biology at Winona State University, spoke at the seminar.  UMN Morris is working to achieve carbon neutrality by 2012.  Both women spoke about the sustainability efforts, achievements and goals of their respective schools.  LSC needs to establish this also, something the Schools Cutting Carbon team will work on.

Deanne reminded the council of the UMACS conference to take place on May 31, 2009 at UMN Morris.  The Schools Cutting Carbon program will provide $500 in grant money for a project that must involve students.  Deanne suggested the EC consider using the $500 to send LSC students to the UMACS conference.

Celeste distributed a draft agenda for the EC retreat to take place Thursday, April 2, 2009 from noon to 4pm.  A location for the retreat has not been determined.  Diane will look into the possibility of holding the retreat in the workforce development conference room.

Deanne reported that the Schools Cutting Carbon (SCC) team has submitted the greenhouse gas inventory data.  Tim Blodgett of the SCC Program and ERM consultants will be on campus Wednesday, March 25, 2009 and will meet in the student services conference room at 8:30am.  They will tour the LSC main campus.  At 11am the group will tour the ERTC.  The group will then make recommendations on reducing the LSC carbon footprint and make suggestions for a student-led project that, if awarded, could be funded by a $20,000 grant through the SCC program.  Frank suggested the styrofoam shredding as a potential project. 

Ben reported on Earth Hour progress.  Grandma’s restaurant has agreed to participate.  Ben is meeting with Mayor Don Ness to discuss shutting down the lift bridge lights during Earth Hour.  He will be contacting Beaners to set up a press release.  Diane and Cathy T. recommended getting the LSC PR department involved.  Jim Drake recommended contacting the Weather Channel.  Celeste will be contacting the Duluth Chamber of Commerce.  It was also recommended that Ben contact radio stations.  Ben will be creating a poster for local businesses to post to indicate involvement in the Earth Hour event.

Frank reported that the deadline for posting on the Husky Tabloids is Wednesday, March 25, 2009.  Celeste will arrange the posting of Earth Day events.

Deanne reported that a set of mugs will be placed in the administration conference room, as a trial run of the Bring-Your-Own-Mug (BYOM) effort.  Emily is in charge of washing and replacing the coffee/water mugs after use. 

New Business

Deanne reported that Wade Gordon is now the official administrative representative for the Environmental Council, and also associated programs such as the Presidents Climate Commitment and the Schools Cutting Carbon program.

Cathy C. reported that something needs to be done about the disposable coffee cups in the cafeteria.  Prices are going up for the cup supplies.  (Sleeves now cost $0.09.)  Jim Drake suggested offering a discount for reuse of the cup sleeve.  Cathy will try this.   

Diane reported a new spring lecture series offered by the Workforce and Community Development Department.  The lecture series follows the theme “Living and Learning Green” and will take place in room S1981.  Three lectures are scheduled:   April 21, May 5, and May 19.  LSC will also offer training and certification for assembly and installation of photovoltaic systems to earn North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner (NABCEP) certification.  The goal is to eventually implement this training into LSC program curricula.

Motions

The EC voted in favor of allotting $100 for the shredding of styrofoam.

Next Meeting

The next Environmental Council meeting will take place on Friday, April 10, 2009 in Gary’s office.

Meeting Minutes 03/06/09

Members present:  Carol Johnson, Cathy Carlson, Celeste Zuniga, Deanne Roquet, Dennis Godfrey, Dick Haney, Glenn Merrick, Heather Grillo, Kevin Futhey, Theresa Hornstein, Wade Gordon, Diane Morin, Jim Drake, Ben Smith, Britt Johnson.

Committee Reports:

Earth Day:  Celeste and Heather reported the LSC Earth Day will be a one-day event taking place on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 starting at 10am.  All events will take place in a centralized area to be determined.  Ken Gilbertson and John Stetson will be speakers.  Dennis Godfrey and his automotive students will be highlighting a Prius they converted to a plug-in hybrid.  The Prius was obtained through a grant.  In connection with the Earth Day events, Twin Ports recycling will be on campus Thursday, April 23, 2009 to collect various household items.  There will be a fee for the recycling.  The EC committee voted in favor of allotting $1000 for Earth Day events, including speakers, prizes, food, etc.

Recyling:  Kevin requested pamphlets from WLSSD and Britt requested pamphlets from Waste Management for the pamphlet bins on the recycling bins.  Kevin will be installing new acrylic signage on the old recycling bins.  The new signage will match the new recycling bins.  The committee voted in favor of purchasing 5 more pamphlet bins for the old recycling bins.

PR:  Deanne suggested the PR subcommittee request Marketing students help with PR activities.

Old Business

Deanne and Glenn are moving ahead with the Sustainability Initiative.  The mission of this initiative is “to create a curriculum for LSC students that cultivates environmental competency with a focus on environmental sustainability and practical application.”

Deanne is working on a Powerpoint presentation on Environmental Council activities.

Deanne would like to set up monthly meetings with other Twin Ports campuses, including Mindy Granley, UMD’s Sustainability Coordinator.  Diane stated that Mindy would like Deanne on a panel.

Britt has been contacting local businesses about the shredded styrofoam that is available through the Machine Technology program.  She also posted to the Minnesota Materials Exchange Program and Craig’s List.  Several leads have resulted.  She will report findings at the next meeting.    

Deanne is working on selecting a date for the Environmental Council Retreat.  Possible dates thus far:

• Thursday, April 2, noon to 4pm
• Friday, April 3, 8am to noon
• Thursday, April 23, noon to 4pm

Mike Phlepson will be unable to facilitate the retreat due to surgery on his shoulder.  Deanne will work on locating another person.

Deanne reported that three students are involved with the Schools Cutting Carbon program:  Ben Smith, Joel Phelps, and Frank Niffenegger.  http://www.schoolscuttingcarbon.org/

New Business

The Environmental Council welcomed new member, Ben Smith, an LSC student.  Ben will be involved in the Schools Cutting Carbon program.

The Environmental Council was pleased to have Wade Gordon, EC member, present at our meeting.  Wade replaces Mark Winson as the Environmental Council Administrative Representative.

Carol requested a new format for meeting minutes.  Minutes will now be divided into “old business” and “new business”.  A list of motions will be listed at the end.

A revised list of EC subcommittees was passed around for verification.

Jim Drake suggested the Environmental Council set up a Twitter site to post conferences, etc.  Britt is currently working on a blog on the LSC website. 

Dick highlighted the Fit City Duluth program.  According to its website:  “Fit City Duluth is a public/private community initiative designed to change the social and physical environment of Duluth to encourage active, healthy lifestyles. Through information and advocacy, we aim to prevent and reduce chronic health issues and to facilitate healthy built environments that reinforce human powered and public transportation.”

Carol stated that the Upward Bound program received new vests for highway clean-up and offered the old vests to Student Life.  Heather stated she will take the vests.

Deanne or Kevin plan to attend a breakfast seminar through the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) on Friday, March 13, 2009 at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.  The seminar will feature speakers Jacqueline Johnson, Chancellor, UMN Morris, and Judith A. Ramaley, President and Professor of Biology, Winona State University.

Ben reported he will work to get LSC involved in Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28, 2009 from 8:30pm to 9:30pm.  Earth hour is an international event that encourages people to turn off non-essential lights and appliances for one hour in an effort to raise awareness of climate change issues.  Several cities and countries are involved.  LSC campus is closed at that time, so Ben will look into holding the event at a local business.  Collaboration with other schools is also possible.  Deanne will contact the appropriate people at the City of Duluth and Mindy Graves at UMD. http://www.earthhour.org/

Carol highlighted the Lake Superior Youth Symposium that will take place at St. Scholastica on May 14-17, 2009.  The symposium is an opportunity for students to discuss global climate change in the Lake Superior region and its impacts on our communities and ecosystems.  http://lakesuperioryouth.org

Motions

The committee voted in favor of allotting $1000 for Earth Day events, including speakers, prizes, food, etc.

The committee voted in favor of purchasing 5 more pamphlet bins for the recycling bins.

Next Meeting

The next Environmental Council meeting will take place on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 10am in Gary’s office.

Meeting Minutes 02/20/09

Members present (2/13/09):  Carol Johnson, Celeste Zuniga, Deanne Roquet, Julius Salinas, Kevin Futhey, Theresa Hornstein, Frank Niffenegger, Diane Morin, Jim Drake.

Members present (2/20/09):  Deanne Roquet, Glenn Merrick, Heather Grillo, Julius Salinas, Kevin Futhey, Stacy Johnston, Frank Niffenegger, Britt Johnson. 

February 13, 2009

The Environmental Council welcomed three new members:  Frank Niffenegger, Diane Morin, and Jim Drake.

Deanne and Kevin talked with Mark Winson regarding his resignation.  He will talk with the President’s Cabinet to determine who will be the administrative representative to the Environmental Council.

Deanne has set up a “when is good” survey to determine the best date for the Environmental Council retreat.  Deanne will report the preferred date once determined.

Mindy Granley, UMD’s sustainability coordinator, suggested that LSC Environmental Council representatives begin monthly meetings with other colleges in the area to discuss sustainability.

Deanne suggested developing a Power Point presentation or an annual report on the Environmental Council accomplishments.

Diane Morin will be attending the Building Green Conference at The Inn on Lake Superior on February 26, 2009.  The conference focuses on economic development in the green economy, regional building, testing requirements, and green building standards and codes.

Celeste will recruit a member from student services to join the Environmental Council.  She will also draft and email Deanne the draft retreat agenda.

February 20, 2009

On Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 4:30, Deanne attended a webinar intended as a kickoff for the Schools Cutting Carbon (SCC) Program.  The organizers of the SCC program announced that members need to meet two goals by Friday, February 27, 2009.  First, a team needs to be assembled, including the project leader (Deanne), an administrative representative, a facilities representative, and an LSC student.  Second, the team needs to submit carbon data.  Deanne will be recruiting student involvement in the SCC program on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 11am in the Internet Cafe.  Once the carbon data is submitted, representatives from the SCC program will do a site visit and make recommendations.  The LSC team will then write a grant proposal to the SCC program.  Funds will be announced and awarded next fall.  At this time, Proctor and Two Harbors High School are the only other local schools involved in the SCC program.  There is potential for collaboration with these other schools.

Heather is working to get the student Environmental Club going again.  She was contacted by an organizer of Grandma’s Marathon, and asked if there might be a group of students interested in picking up and sorting through trash/plastic bottles.  Heather will be sending out an email to survey interest in the Grandma’s Marathon event.

Kevin and Heather presented pictures of the LSC recycling bins.  The recycling bins are a big success!  Recycling bins are full, and regular waste is minimal.  Many recycling stations have been added, and there are more to come.  Kevin clarified that the small blue recycling bins in the classrooms are for ALL recycling (single sort), not just paper.  Heather suggested that the pictures be used for PR for Earth Day.

Several EC members discussed a need to improve PR for the sustainability efforts around campus.  Deanne discussed the possibility of working with marketing students, under the direction of Mike Flipson.  Julius discussed the need to make the marketing apply directly to people’s lives.  Glenn discussed the need to get space on the Senate tabloids.  Frank spoke with the Student Senate President and Vice-President, and was told that this is possible on the next tabloid posting in about 6 weeks.  Deanne will contact the PR committee about arranging this.  Kevin spoke with Gary Kruchowski about posting the Environmental Council minutes as a blog on the LSC website.  In the future, Britt will post minutes to the blog, once it is set up.

Deanne reported that Duluth Mayor Don Ness has implemented a “No Idling” policy for the City of Duluth vehicles. 

Heather discussed plans for the LSC Earth Day.  She discussed possible events, speakers, locations and whether the event should be one or two days.  Attendance to speakers has been poor in the past, so there will likely be one speaker, with a large effort to increase attendance.  Speakers will likely be arranged around specific classes that could attend to increase visibility.  A campus trash pick-up is planned.  Student Life and Maintenance have gloves, bags, and vests for this event.  EC members discussed a need to hold a contest, offer food, etc. to increase involvement.

Mike Koppy is going ahead with the construction of the commercial styrofoam shredder and will house the unit in the carpentry building.  Heather requested the shredder be completed by Earth Day 2010 so that it could be highlighted in the Earth Day events.  Student life is currently paying for student groups to shred the styrofoam, but is unable to continue funding the shredding.  Heather requested the EC take over the remaining needed funds for the year (about $100).  Britt will look into the possibility of selling the shredded styrofoam to local businesses.

The next Environmental Council meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2009 in Gary’s office.