December 9, 2004 minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
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Jeanette Collier, marci francisco, Janet Gerstner, Paula Gilchrist, Carrie Moore, Vern Norwood, Kirsten Roussel and Patti Welty |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
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Donna Duncan and Greg Moore |
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STAFF PRESENT: |
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Monica Cardin, Mollie Mangerich and Margene Swarts |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
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James Dunn and Loring Henderson |
C. Moore called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Introductions
Members and staff introduced themselves. Thereafter, the public introduced themselves.
Approval of the October 28, 2004, minutes
francisco entered the meeting.
Gilchrist noted that on the bottom of page 1, the last paragraph should be 826 Alabama Street and not 830 Alabama Street. On page 3, the first paragraph should have John Hoyt at 830 Alabama Street, not 1830 Alabama Street. The second paragraph states “Moritz questioned why the stakes have not been removed.” Gilchrist stated it should be “Hoyt questioned why the stakes have not been removed.”
Gilchrist and francisco noted they were both present at the October 28, 2004, meeting.
Gilchrist moved to approve the October 28, 2004, minutes as corrected. Collier seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Receive the November 3, 2004 Study Session notes and the November 16, 2004 Appeal Comments
The Committee received the November 3, 2004 Study Session notes and the November 16, 2004 Appeal minutes.
Presentation by Mollie Mangerich, Waste Reduction and Recycling Operations Supervisor
Mangerich stated that she was invited because there were questions from the Committee about what the City is currently providing as recycling services and what are available locally. Swarts noted that the Committee wanted more education.
Mangerich distributed pictures and written information. She stated they do curbside recycling of yard waste once a week. There are two permitted compositing facilities and they are permitted to accept a small quantity of business waste.
Gerstner entered the meeting.
There are 10 locations in the Lawrence area for cardboard recycling. They provide a collection of cardboard to businesses and to the industrial park area. Collection services to those are once to five times a week. They provide office paper recycling, which the Committee might be interested in for business and office, at no fee for the service. They provide roll-out containers at no charge for pick-up. They either run a truck once a week or once a month. Mangerich stated that in terms of recycling, in 2003 the City achieved a 34% recycling rate with Wal-Mart and the three curbside recycling services. It is the highest in the state. The City does not provide curbside recycling for households.
Swarts asked the charge for curb side recycling. Mangerich stated that there are three companies and their prices vary. They either pick-up once a month or once a week, and they vary from $7 to $15 a month per service.
Gerstner inquired about the office program. She asked if the office needs to request that. Mangerich stated that that was correct. They currently have over 90 businesses that participate.
Swarts asked if there are any brochures that could be provided to subrecipients regarding office recycling.
francisco thanked Mangerich for extending the yard waste pick-up through the end of December.
Mangerich also noted that the Christmas tree recycling is the first three Mondays after Christmas. They will have posters at the Christmas tree stands and in the Lawrence Journal-World.
Swarts stated that most of the subrecipient agencies are public service agencies and the Committee also funds operating expenses for five target neighborhoods. She asked Mangerich if she had any ideas or suggestions in particular the Committee might be able to suggest to those subrecipients.
Mangerich stated that they have a vested interest in neighborhoods that like to get education out to members or the area. The Waste Reduction and Recycling office really likes to get the word out. They have put door hangers on doors and informed people about hazardous household wastes. She noted that there is no charge to take items to the facility, but it is by appointment. They love to work with any neighborhood group who would like to canvass the neighborhood, work with children groups, or non-profits to build awareness about existing services.
Mangerich also suggested looking at the department’s website, www.lawrencerecycling.org for current news. They are looking at all single family housing with regard to curb side recycling. It would be a weekly service, but they would have to hire new staff and build a new facility.
Norwood inquired about recycling at construction sites and the issue of treated wood. Mangerich stated that they would be able to set roll-offs and establish a fee structure. Treated wood is not really used in new construction so it is not a problem.
Mangerich reiterated that one service that is available is recycling office waste paper. Gilchrist noted that it is free.
Public Comment
Dunn asked if there is something specific subgrantees could do. He also asked if the Department could tell smaller agencies how they can better prepare items for recycling and not use so many dumpsters. Mangerich stated that the website tells people how to prepare their recyclables for Wal-Mart.
There followed a brief discussion regarding battery bags. Collier stated that she would be interested in handing out battery bags to her clients.
Mangerich thanked the Committee for inviting her and noted she would like to get involved in more neighborhood activities.
Consider Request for Contingency Funds from Lawrence Open Shelter
Swarts stated that staff e-mailed the request and a hard copy is also available. LOS did provide estimates and are available to answer any questions. Swarts also noted there are contingency funds available.
Henderson stated that since he sent the letter he has been hired as the director for CDIC and LOS, which are in the process of merging into one entity. He begins his new position on January 1, 2005 and the old director leaves on January 14, 2005. He stated that the request is contingent upon negotiations with the landlord for more space. The LOC occupancy permit was extended by the City Commission for one year and they also approved the expansion. To add more spaces for sleeping they will have to have the sprinkler system.
C. Moore asked if the total funds requested are $2,389. The letter breaks the amount down. She noted there is $4,308 available in contingency funds.
francisco moved to approve the Lawrence Open Shelter request for $2,389 from contingency funds, with $1,785 contingent upon agreement with the landlord for the space. Collier seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Swarts noted that this does trigger a Substantial Amendment to the Consolidated Plan because LOS was not previously funded. She will begin the process for the Substantial Amendment.
Gerstner asked if the funds would be available after the 30 days. Swarts stated they would.
Henderson thanked the Committee for the support.
Miscellaneous Items
Swarts announced that the City Commission sponsored advisory board reception is January 27, 2005 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The NRAC will be receiving invitations in the mail. She suggested they cancel the meeting that is scheduled for that night.
C. Moore stated that she enjoyed the last reception.
Gerstner moved to cancel the January 27, 2005 NRAC meeting. francisco seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
Swarts distributed the calendars and pens.
Swarts stated that all applications the Committee received were for eligible activities however, she recommended that the Committee scrutinize them for appropriateness.
Welty asked about the process for deciding who gets funding. There followed a brief discussion regarding the allocation process.
Adjourn
There being no further business and no public present, Norwood moved to adjourn the meeting. Gilchrist seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting ended at 6:33 p.m.