Barry Tilley gave a legislative update on legislative activities to date.

Dawn Erlandson, Northwoods Advertising, presented a model of the Behavior-Changing Process. She explained the importance of awareness, informing people that a problem exists and understanding what the problem is. Next, Ms. Erlandson explained that one must care, or show concern about the problem or issue. The next step would be to gather specific knowledge about the issue, and finally take action and do something about the problem.

Greta Unowsky, Northwoods Advertising, presented the Strategic Communications Plan Blueprint. She explained the three components of the Plan: Situation Analysis, Communications Strategy and Recommendations. Ms. Unowsky noted that input for the Plan was being obtained by interviewing each Lead Staff member and SWMCB Commissioner. Ms. Unowsky noted that the final presentation to the SWMCB will take place at the May 22 SWMCB meeting.

Commissioner Siegfried asked whether Northwoods Staff noticed any common themes among the Commissioners responses to the interview questions. Ms. Erlandson noted that there was a consensus about the need to focus on toxicity reduction and that waste reduction was a common theme, but there where differences of opinion. Commissioner Johnson noted that he would like to see the SWMCB focus on truly toxic materials, and make sure that its’ messages about recycling are focused on what’s truly best for the environment.

Chair Haigh reminded the SWMCB that the Living Green Expo was to be held on April 27 at the State Capital and that the SWMCB would have a booth with staff on hand to answer questions on home composting and other related issues.

Brad Fields asked the SWMCB to make an adjustment to the 2002 budget for the source separated compost pilot projects. He indicated that the projects will focus on transport and collection issues in residential, institutional, commercial, and special events. The total amount for the pilot projects is $146,200. The Processing Committee is proposing that the SWMCB 2002 consider amending its Budget by reallocating $25,000 to this project. Additionally, the Processing Committee requests that the SWMCB consider amending the 2002 Budget to transfer $21,200 from the Backyard Residential Composting Bin project and moving to support these pilot projects. Mr. Fields noted that the projects are as follows:

Commissioner McLaughlin wanted to know if there would be a comparison with the Home Compost Bin Program. Mr. Fields indicated this project would be different in that it is more of a measure of preference, as some people would like to recycle organic goods, but prefer not to compost. Judy Hunter added that organic source separation allows more materials to be composted than the Home Composter does. Commissioner McLaughlin asked if the study included yard waste. Mr. Fields answered that the City of Wayzata did not want to include any yard waste as part of this project. Sherry Enzler asked about costs and if the SWMCB is asking the hauler to invest in a special truck for this dual pick-up. Mr. Fields indicated that the hauler participating in the pilot project already has a special truck, which is capable of collecting with 2 bins. Commissioner Maher made a motion that the budget be amended to reallocate $25,000 to the project and that $21,200 be taken from the Backyard Residential Composting Bin project and moved to support these pilot projects. Commissioner Siegfried seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Commissioner Harris noted, as explained in Agenda Item 5a, that the Committee has been working on pilot projects for composting. He indicated that following implementation of these projects, the Committee will be involved in the evaluation of the projects.

Mike Lein explained to the SWMCB the need for the VSQG database to be housed and maintained, which had been developed by Lancet for the SWMCB member counties. Staff requested that the SWMCB authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and execute Amendment #1 to the VSQG database agreement with Lancet Software Development, Inc. (Agreement # 2001-30) for an amount not to exceed $15,000 for hosting and maintenance services for the regional VSQG database and extend the term to April 15, 2003. Commissioner Kordiak made a motion to approve Amendment #1 as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Reinhardt and passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Mike Lein explained that in December 2001, the SWMCB contracted with Ensodex to analyze how each county collects HHW participant data and make recommendations to improve efficiency. After interviewing HHW program managers, information technology staff and other support staff at each county, Ensodex outlined a number of alternatives that each county and the SWMCB might want to consider. The report proposed three levels of refinements and investments to the data system. Mr. Lein noted that the Lead Staff recommend that the SWMCB amend Ensodex’s contract to develop a software program that automatically corrects errors in the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver’s License Database (DLD), which is an important to compare to the HHW database. Commissioner’s Johnson, McLaughlin, and Berg noted the concern that this software program was unnecessary and did not directly solve the problem, which Commissioner Johnson pointed out, is the State’s issue. Mr. Lein explained that the State is not interested in fixing the problem at this time.

Commissioner McLaughlin asked whether there was a better way to obtain data about a participants’ county of residence. Jan Lucke noted that one of Ensodex’s primary tasks was to identify alternates for obtaining the data, and that Ensodex said the DLD was the most efficient means to do so.

Commissioner Harris said that errors in the DLD might have implications for other county programs. He said he would contact MICA about the issue. Commissioner McLaughlin asked whether the recommendation was a one-time development cost. Ms. Lucke noted that is was. Commissioner Harris made a motion that the SWMCB authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and execute an amendment to the agreement with Ensodex increasing the contract amount by $14,400 and extending the term of the agreement to December 31, 2002 for efficiency improvements to the County HHW databases. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Johnson and passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Commissioner Kordiak gave an overview of the NEPSI agreement and distributed a recent article printed in the New York Times. He noted that the next NEPSI meeting is June 24 and 25 in St. Paul. Commissioner Kordiak also distributed the new paint brochure, which will be distributed at HHW sites and other locations. Commissioner Kordiak said the OEA is working on a pilot project to collect and recycle paint with retailers, and the SWMCB will offer assistance as the project advances. He also noted that individual county work on building markets for RCP (recycled content paint) continues, including Carver County’s use of RCP in its new Public Works Facility. He noted that Staff have begun work on developing a quarterly regional newsletter to hazardous waste generators, which will allow for better communication with generators, and efficiencies gained through the joint development of articles and information. It is planned that the first newsletter will be distributed this fall.

Commissioner Ische added that Carver County had purchased a building in Chaska for HHW and recycling, which should open in late June.