Sustainability at Lake Superior College

Meeting Minutes 9/8/2017

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

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

General Members present:

Guest Present:

Announcements

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

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

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

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

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

New Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

Old Business

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

None to report

Budget      

FY 18 total budget: $8,450

Encumbrances to date:

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

Meeting adjourned 11:05

Next Regular Meeting

October 6^th, 2017

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

Meeting Minutes 4/14/2017

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

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

General Members present:

Guest Present:

Announcements

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

New Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kristi will forward these to Hanna and Al.

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

Old Business

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

None

Budget      

Encumbrances to date:

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

Supplies balance: $550

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

Equipment balance: $515

Conference balance: $1600

Travel balance: $1300

Purchased Svcs balance: $390

BALANCE as of today: $ 4,971.56

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

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

Meeting adjourned 11:00

Next Regular Meeting

May 5^th, 2017

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

Meeting Minutes 3/3/2017

10:00 – 11:30

Student Life Conference Room

Attendance

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

General Members present:

Guest Present:

Announcements

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

New Business

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

• 10:00

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

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

• 11:00-1:00

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

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

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

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

• 11:30-1:00

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

• Noon-1:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Old Business

Work Group and Student Employee Reports

None

Budget      

Encumbrances to date:

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

BALANCE as of today: $5,558.46

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

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

Meeting adjourned 11:15

Next Regular Meeting

April 7^th, 2017

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