Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, Ramsey Co.
Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, Hennepin Co.
Commissioner Jim Ische, Carver Co.
Commissioner Joseph Harris, Dakota Co.
Commissioner Tom Workman, Carver Co.
Commissioner Dick Lang, Anoka Co.
Commissioner Thomas Egan, Dakota Co.
Gordon W. Wegwart, MPCA
Art Dunn, MOEA
Others Present:
The Green Guardian
Zack Hansen, Ramsey Co.
Phil Eckhert, Hennepin Co.
Mike Lein, Carver Co.
Larry Carlson, Ramsey Co.
Judy Hunter, Washington Co.
Brad Fields, Anoka Co.
Michael Reed, Ramsey Co.
Fawzi Awad, Ramsey Co.
Sheila Wiegman, Dakota Co.
Bill Lauer, Dakota Co.
Lori Frekot, Dakota Co.
Amy Briesacher, Anoka Co.
Carl Michaud, Hennepin Co.
Rebecca Walter, MPCA
Paul Smith, MOEA
Jim Chiles, MPCA
Ann Gibson, Minnesota Hospital Association
Jason Haus, Dem-Con Companies
Chris Basgall, Onyx
Mayo Rude, Onyx
Steve Holdman, Veit Companies
John Pippert, Veit Companies
Bill Keegan, SKB
Doug Carnival, McGrann Shea Carnival
Sue Cairn, Cairn and Associates
Bill Heaney, MRRA
John Kellas, Waste Management, Inc.
Tim Worke, Associated Contractors MN
Dave Semerad, Associated Contractors MN
Erin Bowley, Cairn and Associates
Irv Stern, BFI
Ryan O’Gara, SKB
Scott Vandenheuvel, Veit Companies
Chuck Wegner, BFI
Katy Boone, JRs Appliance Disposal
John Domke, SKB
Don Chapdelaine, SKB
Joanna Myering, United Hospitals
Barry Tilley, SWMCB/Dakota Co.
Mary Richardson, RRA
Jan Lucke, RRA
Kate Theisen, RRA
Linda Gondringer, RRA
The meeting was called to order at 10:35 a.m.
Agenda Item #1. Recognition of Departing Members.
Commissioner Stafford presented two resolutions for consideration recognizing the two departing SWMCB members. Resolution 2005-01 recognizes Commissioner Haigh for serving as a member of the SWMCB since 1997, for serving as Chair of the SWMCB from 1998 through 2003, for serving as Vice-Chair for SWMCB in 2004 and 2005, for working with the State to develop two Metropolitan Solid Waste Policy Plans and Regional/County Solid Waste Master Plans, for advocating stronger partnerships by reaching out to industry, business, non-profit organizations and academia, and for providing the vision that led to the creation of Green Guardian. Commissioner Reinhardt made a motion to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for Commissioner Susan Haigh. Commissioner Ische seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
The Green Guardian and Commissioner Stafford presented Commissioner Haigh with a farewell gift. Commissioner Haigh then thanked the members of the Board and Commissioner Stafford, stating that she learned so much by participating on this Board.
Resolution 2005-02 recognizes Commissioner Berg for serving as a member of SWMCB since 2002, for serving on the Regional Policy Development Committee, and for his instrumental role in the development of the Metropolitan Solid Waste Policy Plan and the Regional/County Solid Waste Master Plan. Commissioner Berg supported initiatives to practice waste reduction and recycling in public works projects. Commissioner Ische made a motion to approve the Resolution of Appreciation for Commissioner Dennis Berg. Commissioner Reinhardt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Agenda Item #2. Election for Vice Chair.
Commissioner Stafford nominated Commissioner Kordiak for SWMCB Vice-Chair and called for other nominations. There being no other nominations, Commissioner Ische made a motion to elect Commissioner Kordiak as Vice-Chair of the SWMCB. Commissioner Harris seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
The election of Commissioner Kordiak as Vice-Chair left a vacancy in the office of Treasurer. Commissioner Stafford nominated Commissioner Turner to be the SWMCB Treasurer and called for other nominations. There being no other nominations, Commissioner Kordiak made a motion to elect Commissioner Turner as Treasurer of the SWMCB. Commissioner Haigh seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote. The elections for Vice-Chair and Treasurer fill vacancies and are for the term of one year.
Agenda Item #3. Consent Items.
a. Minutes of the December 15, 2004 Meeting and
b. Checks & Claims.
Commissioner Reinhardt made a motion to accept the minutes of the December 15, 2004 meeting and the checks and claims as submitted. Commissioner Kordiak seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Agenda Item #4. Management and Policy.
a. 2004 Accomplishments.
Linda Gondringer presented the 2004 Accomplishments: A Year of Partnership and Reaching Out. The presentation highlighted that, in 2004, the SWMCB focused its work on building and strengthening partnerships and reaching out to communities to collaborate on its work. The SWMCB strengthened its relationship with the State and reached out to businesses, industries, academia and the non-profit sector.
2004 successes through partnership included development of the Regional Solid Waste Master Plan with the OEA and industry, development of hospital healthcare waste procedures with the MPCA and the Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA), creation of sustainable building design reports with the University of Minnesota, development of an MOU for the Collection of Hazardous Waste with the MPCA, extension of Household Hazardous Waste Reciprocal Use Agreement, development of an MOU on Latex Paint Product Stewardship, work on the CRT Legislative Initiative through the OEA stakeholder process, implementation of the recycled manufactured shingle scrap project, and work in the area of processing.
In 2004, the SWMCB continued its strong commitment to communications and outreach. It reached out to communities primarily through the Green Guardian program, Community POWER and the composting kit sale events.
The SWMCB’s successful programs were recognized by others. In 2004 the SWMCB received five awards, from the prestigious National Pollie Award for the Green Guardian campaign to state and local awards for Community POWER. Ms. Gondringer noted that work in 2005 will continue to build upon the partnerships established or renewed in 2004, and staff is optimistic that these partnerships will lead to even greater successes in 2005.
b. Legislation.
i. Solid Waste Tax Reform.
Jan Lucke presented background information and two solid waste tax/industrial waste options for the Board to discuss. The two options presented were, (1) tax all waste at the same rate, and (2) modify the definition of industrial waste.
Commissioner Reinhardt commended the Chair, staff, and consultants for their work on this issue. She stated that the staff worked very hard to find the best environmental and economic benefits in the options presented for this issue and worked through difficult data issues. She stated that this issue is about finding the best environmental solution that works with the State's waste hierarchy.
Commissioner Stafford stated his strong displeasure with the inappropriate tone of the memo written by Scott Vandenheuvel, Veit Companies. Other board members also expressed displeasure with the memo and noted that the SWMCB addresses issues in a professional manner. The author apologized for the memo.
Commissioner Reinhardt offered the following three motions for consideration: (1) that the SWMCB supports the repeal of the sunset of the processing credit, and (2) that the SWMCB supports changing the definitions of industrial waste to resolve environmental and economic issues arising from current definitions, and to close any loopholes that may exist that have an adverse effect on the environment, and (3) that the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance lead a work group to discuss the implication of the current understanding of the industrial waste definition, and to gain a better understanding of industrial waste management. The work group will attempt to include all stakeholders involved, including industry, the MPCA, the Department of Revenue, the Department of Finance, and both metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties.
Following discussion and clarification of the motions, Commissioner Kordiak seconded the first motion. The first motion, regarding the repeal of the sunset of the processing credit, passed unanimously on a voice vote. Commissioner Kordiak seconded the second motion on the definitional change, and the motion passed on a voice vote with Commissioner Workman voting nay. Commissioner Haigh seconded the motion on the establishment of an OEA work group on definitional issues, and the motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
ii. E-Waste.
Commissioner Kordiak noted that numerous bills will be presented throughout the legislative session on e-waste, and that the SWMCB is currently refining its legislative proposal. Commissioner Kordiak stressed the need for something to happen this year.
iii. Other.
Commissioner Stafford presented the Board with the 2005 Committee Appointments. Commissioner Reinhardt made a motion to approve the appointments as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Harris and passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Agenda Item #5. Communications and Outreach.
a. Community POWER Final Report on Grants.
In the interest of time, this agenda item was postponed until the next SWMCB Board meeting on February 23, 2004.
b. Community POWER Presentation on the North St. Paul – Maplewood – Oakdale (ISD 622) Community Education.
In the interest of time, this agenda item was postponed until the next SWMCB Board meeting on February 23, 2004.
Agenda Item #6. Collaborative Activities: Resolution 2005 -03 Procedure for Applying the Lethality Characteristic to Healthcare Waste.
Mike Lein introduced the Procedure for Applying the Lethality Characteristic to Healthcare Waste resolution, stating that the SWMCB partnered with the medical industry and the MPCA to achieve the mutually beneficial goals of regulatory compliance, prevention of environmental contamination, and improvement of public health.
Ann Gibson, Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA), Director of Health Policy, stated that this partnership included 130 hospitals in Minnesota. Ms. Gibson thanked the SWMCB and the MPCA for the collaborative agreement that allows all parties to remain good stewards of the environment and allows the MHA to improve patient care and reduce costs at the same time. Rebecca Walter, MPCA, stated that this new procedure will be used for all pharmaceutical waste in Minnesota and will assist in the creation of such standards throughout the state. Fawzi Awad, Ramsey County, stated that the process created a working relationship to tackle very complex issues that focused on the difficulty and expense of compliance. This working relationship has created a win-win solution for all parties. Joanna Myering, United Hospitals, noted that the working group came up with a reasonable approach and a streamlined process that is feasible, allows facilities to be good environmental stewards, and is not a financial burden on the hospitals.
Commissioner Stafford thanked everyone involved for their hard work on this project. Commissioner Harris made a motion to approve Resolution 2005-03 endorsing the Preferred Option for Applying the Lethality Characteristic to Healthcare Waste. Commissioner Reinhardt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Agenda Item #7. Other: 2005 Meeting Schedule.
Commissioner Stafford presented the 2005 meeting schedule. Commissioner Harris made a motion to approve the 2005 meeting schedule. Commissioner Reinhardt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Commissioner Workman made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Harris, and passed unanimously on a voice vote.