Commissioner Susan Haigh, Ramsey County

Commissioner Siegfried made a motion to approve the September 25, 2002 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Berg and passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Commissioner Maher made a motion to ratify the checks and claims. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Siegfried and passed unanimously on a voice vote.

The coordination of Waste Management Issues of Hospital/Health Care Providers presentation was postponed for a later date.

1. Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Policy Plan Memorandum of Understanding.

Sherry Enzler and Paul Smith gave an overview of the Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Plan approved by the SWMCB in 1997, and noted that the Policy Plan, per MN Statute §473.149, needs to be revised every six years.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) defines the process by which the OEA and the SWMCB will work together in the preparation of the Regional Solid Waste Management Policy Plan. Staff are requesting that the SWMCB authorize the Chair to execute the attached MOU. A motion was made by Commissioner Harris that the SWMCB authorize the Chair to execute the MOU as attached. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Stafford and passed unanimously on a voice vote.

2. OEA Solid Waste Advisory Committee.

Mary Richardson commented that there would be three or four more Advisory Committee meetings. Staff will provide an update at the December meeting.

3. Legislative Issues

1. 2003 Draft Legislative Package

Mary Richardson noted that the 2003 Draft Legislative Package is very similar to the SWMCB's 2002 Legislative Package but now also reflects the policies contained in the Policy Plan, the findings of the Citizen's Jury, and proposals of the OEA's Solid Waste Advisory Committee.

New proposals in the 2002 Legislative Package are: that the SWMCB support clarification of the Solid Waste Management tax exemption for source separated organics composting to allow for a variety of collection options; that the SWMCB support an amendment to current law that would include waste to energy in the definition of renewable energy; and that the SWMCB support the adoption of legislation to address the slow progress on the national level regarding banning of CRTs from disposal, advance disposal fees and increased manufacturers responsibility.

Commissioner Harris asked if in light of current budget should the SWMCB be going before the Legislature. Mary Richardson commented there would be no cost to the State, because there will be a fee collected at the landfill. Commissioner Harris commented that loss of business to the landfills could mean loss of funds to the State.

Commissioner Harris asked if a projected cost could be attached to the CRT issue. Mary Richardson commented that cost will depend on what actions are taken. Commissioner Haigh noted that many entities need to step forward and agree on methods of collecting CRTs and also agree to shift the burden of disposal to the generator.

Commissioner Harris asked if Washington is doing anything on this issue. Kathie Doty noted that NEPSI has Washington officials as members, but she does not believe that much will happen on a national level this coming year and that policies may need to be developed on a state by state basis. Commissioner Siegfried noted that he believes this issue should be kept on the forefront so that companies may develop ways to minimize toxic products.

Commissioner Maher moved approval of the 2003 Legislative Package as presented. Commissioner Reinhardt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.

2. SWMCB Designated Lobbyist

1. 2003 SWMCB Organizational Structure

Chair Haigh and Mary Richardson reviewed the proposed 2003 SWMCB organizational structure. Commissioner Haigh commented that Regional Policy Committee will be very active for the first six months of 2003. Commissioner Maher asked what the meeting schedule would be. Commissioner Haigh noted that there will need to be more than one meeting a month for some committees. Commissioner Siegfried made a motion that the proposed SWMCB organizational structure be approved as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kordiak and passed unanimously on a voice vote.

2. Communication Activities

1. Findings on County Negotiated Outcomes

The Findings on County Negotiated Outcomes was presented by Phil Eckhert and Kathie Doty. Commissioner Siegfried made a motion that the SWMCB approve the report to the SWMCB on Progress on the County Negotiated Outcomes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kordiak and passed unanimously on a voice vote.

2. Special Resolution 2002-04: Distribution of SCORE and LRDG Funds

Commissioner Reinhardt gave the report on the October 1 Transport Packaging Workshop for businesses. 39 people from many different organizations attended the workshop.

Commissioner Reinhardt distributed invitations for the October 30 Community Power meeting and noted that all staff and Commissioners are encouraged to attend.

Commissioner Siegfried noted the SWMCB will host a delegation from Panama who are interested in learning about Sustainable Building Practices. Their visit on October 25 will include tours of the Dakota County Environmental Department and a State of Minnesota Building.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:04 p.m.