City of Lawrence
Recycling and Resource Conservation Advisory Board
February 8th, 2006 Meeting Minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Kevin Dobbs, Aimee Stewart, Shannon Criss, Dickie Heckler, Marie Stockett, Daniel Poull, John Craft, Laura Routh, Cindy Strecker |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Chris Cobb
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STAFF PRESENT: |
Mollie Mangerich
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
None |
Aimee reports Cindy Strecker’s letter RE: Cool Cities was sent to Mayor Highberger. Subcommittee also recommends investigating other options to the Cool Cities program. Suggested goals included in minutes.
Proposed memo provided to be sent to Commission requesting update on status of Energy Memo recommendations.
There has been a proposal to merge energy fair with Home and Garden Show (HGS)—do we want to collaborate? It is decided to allow RRCAB staff to meet with HGS and flush out details and bring back info. Discussion regarding possible award for next year’s fair, and the need for criteria. Mollie suggests that recognition might be preferable. Shannon Criss asks if we want there to be nominations for such an award or recognition?
Subcommittee discussed the need for/possibility of an Energy Coordinator for the City of Lawrence. Mollie notes that it is very difficult to get funding and support for hiring additional staff. Daniel Poull notes that such a position could assist with inspections, etc. John Craft notes that the School District SAVED money when they hired an energy management for their project—could the City not also fund a position in the same way?
John also provides update on discussion regarding status of fire station project and notes that research has shown that the administration part of the building actually exceeds conservation code; the dormitory part (with the high glass windows) remains in question. John notes that the Federal Dept. of Energy recently provided a revision to insulation standards that actually worsen efficiency; making approval and adoption of the energy code a moving target so far as local efforts may be concerned. The State’s requirement, currently, is clear: follow 2003 code. The City has an environmental procurement policy. Is it being followed? Mollie suggests that we collaborate with other City Divisions and their advisory boards to address energy issue further.
Suggested Guests to Invite for 2006:
Bruce Flanders, LPL, to request update on LEED project
John Geist, Lawrence School district, to learn more about their efforts
Neal J. Angrisano, AIA
Johnson County Dept. of Environmental Quality
Marie reports that the Recycling subcommittee met after a hiatus for the holidays. Projects proposed by the Recycling group include a forum on recycling involving neighborhood and environmental groups; a pending meeting with recycling service providers (private curbside haulers) to seek feedback on how to improve recycling in Lawrence. Mollie requests that she be kept in the loop for these discussions, and asks for a definition of “haulers”. Dickie notes that it is the subcommittee’s intention to open a dialogue with stakeholders in recycling before making specific recommendations.
The subcommittee also discussed several ideas, one of which would take advantage of the pending adoption of the development code that could improve accessibility and efficiency of recycling: 1) requiring new neighborhoods and developments to set aside space for recycling drop-off containers; and 2). Requiring licensing of haulers and private recycling centers operating within the City of Lawrence.
Mollie advises the subcommittee that they will need to defend their suggestions with specific information—i.e. why does recycling need to be approved? Why should haulers be licensed? (Mollie’s edit: i.e., The Board should identify the problem(s) which need a solution when making a case for program/service changes)
Laura notes that in light of the fact that the city relies largely on a private entity, Wal-Mart, to provide residential recycling, and because Wal-Mart’s center shut down to residents for 6+ months this past year, it should be self-evident that Lawrence needs to improve both the accessibility and efficiency of its recycling options.
Mollie notes that the subcommittee appears ready to take on specific projects, and asks that they involve staff before actions are taken to further these ideas. Laura notes that it is frustrating to be asked, now, to defend ideas with data when in fact it has been very difficult to get requested information and data from the Staff regarding recycling. She expressed frustration that Staff seems very resistant to the advisory board being involved in recycling at all. She noted that the data which was provided by Bob Yoos at last request came in a form that was very difficult to interpret, and in spite of repeated requests, a breakdown of numbers was not provided. Mollie asks Laura to again submit a request for the data needed. (Data request pending and to be included with minutes).
Laura notes that if the Board is not going to be allowed to discuss or be involved in decisions affecting recycling, then perhaps the board ought to change its name and revise its mission. John Craft asks what is the Mandate of the Board? Daniel Poull reads our mission statement. Mollie says that she will send the Board copies of the ordinances and City Commission mandates that created the RRCAB. The Board agrees to review and discuss these by email and at the next meeting.
4. Discussion of Goals: Kevin agrees to consolidate and compile all goals and email to the group. Please send your comments to Kevin. March will be our goal setting meeting. Folks wishing to promote a given goal are encouraged to research it and communicate finding at next meeting. A number of proposed goals for 2006 are discussed:
a) Expanding scope of work to include sustainable landscaping/tree preservation/toxics use reduction.
b) Litter clean-up project modeled after Green Up Vermont. (www.greenupvermont.org). Suggestion to explore who is already doing this within City organizations.
c) Continue energy conservation work and support of energy code
d) Reviewing charter and by-laws of RRCAB (Postscript: this is approved as part of March agenda)
e) Determine how much effort we wish to put into established projects managed by staff: energy fair and Earth Day events, versus new projects and directions
f) Development Code: taking opportunity to provide input for development code regarding street and area lighting; construction/energy standards, jobsite recycling of wood and cardboard, space for neighborhood recycling centers. Discussion ensues about development code . Mollie provides handouts regarding the proposed code and commits to providing timeline. (POSTSCRIPT: Comments on the Development Code should be compiled in a Memo Format addressed to: Sheila Stogsdill, Interim Planning Director and Terry Riordan, Chair, Lawrence Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission, and copied to: Mike Wildgen, City Manager Dave Corliss, Asst. City Manager; Debbie Van Saun, Asst. City Manager; Chuck Soules, Public Works Director; Tammy Bennett, Sr. Management Analyst; Bob Yoos, Solid Waste Manager Mollie Mangerich, Operations Supervisor: Deadline: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 16, 2006.
5. Recycling Staff Report/update
Mollie provides RRCAB with recycling numbers for the end of the year. It is noted that the total tonnage of recyclables collected is down significantly, likely due to the extended closure of the Wal-mart center.
Mollie reminds board that the 2005 Annual Recycling Report is in the works (Bob Yoos is the author) and as it was last year, this staff report will go to the Public Works Director who will then provide it to the City Manager who then provides it to the City Commissioners. Upon completion and submission of staff report it will be forwarded to the RRCAB who may provide any comments. Mollie reminds the board that it was clarified last year that this is a staff report and not a RRCAB report. It is neither reviewed nor vetted by the RRCAB before its release. Laura notes that the Board may wish to review and comment on the Report, publicly, after the fact.
Submitted by Laura Routh, Recording Secretary for RRCAB.
Meeting adjourned: 7:25 PM.