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Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at 6:30 p.m.
1. Introductions/Roll Call
Commission members present: Ernie Willenbring, Joan Felice, Jim DeBenedet, and Jan Vanderwall; Dwayne Stenlund arrived late
Commission members absent: none
Staff present: Duane Schwartz, Public Works Director; Tim Pratt, Recycling Coordinator
Others present: Christopher Goodwin and Bryan Ukena Eureka Recycling
2. Public Comments
None
3. Approval of January 27, 2009, Meeting Minutes
Member Vanderwall moved to approve the minutes of the January 27, 2009, meeting of the Public Works, Environment and Transportation Commission. Member Felice seconded.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Motion carried
4. Communication Items
Cleanup Day
Tim Pratt presented information on cleanup day, which is in April. He then spoke on having a second cleanup day each year. The possibility exists but there would be a substantially greater subsidy on the part of the City. Member Vanderwall suggested coordinating something through the high school; he will check into it. Member Willenbring wondered if a second cleanup day was even necessary. All agreed to drop discussion of a second cleanup day.
Stimulus Bill
Duane Schwartz reported that staff was waiting to see how the funds were going to be dispersed and how the City can be eligible for it.
Vacuum Sweeper
Duane Schwartz reported that both Falcon Heights and Little Canada have responded favorably to inquiries by Roseville to rent their vacuum sweepers.
Commission Vacancies
The City Council is accepting applications for two vacancies on the PWETC.
5. Eureka Recycling Annual Report/Presentation
Christopher Goodwin and Bryan Ukena from Eureka Recycling presented their annual report. Roseville's participation increased to 82% over the past year.
Member Vanderwall questioned why some of his plastic has been refused by the recycler when it had the appropriate recycling number on it. Tim Pratt explained that the number symbols used don't always mean the same thing and that it is not a government regulated numbering system.
Member Felice asked Eureka for more information on composting. Mr. Goodman replied that the best way to deal with compostable waste is to compost it yourself in your backyard.
Member Felice asked what people can do with their old denim. Mr. Pratt said there's a company in Maplewood on Cope Avenue called Wipers that takes old clothes and fabric that isn't usable anymore. Mr. Goodwin said another option is putting it out with the regular recycling, but it needs to be clean and dry.
Member Stenlund asked what is the weakest market to get rid of material right now and what do they see as the future market for growth. Mr. Ukena responded that the weakest market is probably pop and beer boxes because they are manufactured to resist liquid and so they can't be recycled with other material.
6. Shared/Cooperative Services Discussion
Duane Schwartz introduced this discussion to come up with ideas on how to make up for budget shortfalls and asked the Commission for suggestions and areas to explore.
Member Vanderwall, who works for the school district, suggested looking into sharing resources and staff.
Chair DeBenedet suggested the Commission be given a list of employees along with their specific job duties so that they could make determinations of how to move employees around.
Member Willenbring suggested putting in slower growing vegetation so it didn't have to be maintained as often and also to cut back on maintenance in general, even if it doesn't look as nice. Member Felice suggested education of the public would be necessary so they would understand why maintenance is being cut back.
Member Stenlund suggested getting residents involved in the maintenance and wondered how to go about getting people interested.
Mr. Schwartz said this subject deserves much discussion and will continue to request input in the future.
7. Agenda for Next Meeting - March 24, 2009
§ Storm Water Report
§ 280 County Road B Design
§ Environmentally Sensitive Sweeping Areas
§ Final Design for Twin Lakes Phase I with emphasis on Storm Water Management
8. Adjournment
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