Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board

Phil Eckhert, Hennepin Co.

Brad Fields, Anoka Co.

Barry Schade, Dakota Co.

Mike Lein, Carver Co.

Michael Reed, Ramsey Co.

John Stiles, Ramsey Co.

Paul Smith, MOEA

Mark Rust, MOEA

Irv Stern, BFI

John Domke, SKB

Judy Purman, NRG Processing Solutions

Don Chapdeline, SKB

Ryan O’Gara, SKB

Chuck Wagner, BFI

Julie Ketchum, Waste Management

Susan Young, City of Minneapolis

Nathan Gilkerson, North Woods Advertising

Dawn Erlandson, North Woods Advertising

Tricia Haynes, Tricia and the Toonies

Mary Richardson, RRA

Linda Gondringer, RRA

Trudy Richter, RRA

Kate Theisen, RRA

The meeting was called to order at 10:47 a.m. Commissioner Stafford introduced Ramsey County Commissioner Toni Carter, as the new SWMCB Member.

Agenda Item #1. Consent Items.

a. Minutes of the March 23, 2005 Meeting and

b. Checks & Claims.

Commissioner Turner made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 23, 2005 meeting and the checks and claims as submitted. Commissioner Reinhardt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Agenda Item #2. Management and Policy: Legislative Issues.

a. Industrial Waste.

Mary Richardson noted that the Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer were not able to meet on the industrial waste issue. Commissioner Stafford noted that the industrial waste issue has been present for many years and has not yet been settled. Commissioner Stafford noted that the issue needs to be settled. Commissioner Stafford also said that the staff does not need to rush to a decision on this issue. He stated that staff has a year to do a slow, careful, creative, and aggressive study of industrial waste in the region. He asked staff to recommend a process for the study at the next meeting. Commissioner Stafford called for a motion to approve a study. Commissioner Carter made a motion in support of a study and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Turner.

Commissioner Reinhardt stated she supports the motion and gave a brief overview on how SWMCB first became involved in this issue. She also asked for the study to be outcome based. Commissioner Workman expressed his concern that private industry is not in agreement and questioned if the environmental concerns had been presented. Art Dunn noted that the study needs to clearly present the problem and then focus on potential solutions. Gordon Wegwart stated the MPCA would like to participate in the study. Commissioner Turner noted that the study needs to review what is practical, feasible, and how the region ensures waste gets to the best facility for disposal. The motion passed unanimously.

b. E-waste.

Trudy Richter gave a brief update on the status of electronics recycling bills before the Minnesota Legislature. Commissioner Stafford asked how the legislation is now defining e-waste. Ms. Richter responded that e-waste includes computer monitors and TVs (CRTs and flat screen). Commissioner Stafford then asked how likely a bill is to pass this session. Ms. Richter noted that the bill is in a better place than it has been in the past. She also noted that the lobbyists were unable to get electronics into the house omnibus bill. Art Dunn responded by saying Representative Ozment made it clear he does not like the current shape of the bill.

c. Inverse Condemnation.

Trudy Richter noted that the Inverse Condemnation bill did not make the house deadline, but that it will be heard in the Senate.

d. Processing Credit.

Trudy Richter presented that very little hope exists for finding monies to fund the processing credit.

Agenda Item #3. Communications & Outreach: Green Guardian Promotion Update.

Linda Gondringer stated that in the first quarter of 2005, the Communication Team focused its work primarily in three areas: (1) promoting the compost bin program, (2) expanding the contents of GreenGuardian.com, and (3) exploring opportunities to enhance promotions to children. Commissioner Turner then introduced the Green Guardian puppet with Tricia and the Toonies. Tricia Haynes created the puppet troop “The Toonies” in 1991. Commissioner Stafford noted that Ms. Haynes and Dakota County worked together to incorporate the Green Guardian into the troop’s environmental, educational theater program in 2004, and the Green Guardian puppet has been touring schools in Dakota, Hennepin, and Anoka Counties since then. The Green Guardian puppet performed for the Board. Following the performance, Ms. Haynes noted that the Green Guardian puppet will be performing at 12 county fairs later this summer.

Agenda Item #4. Other.

Commissioner Stafford noted that at the next meeting, on May 25, 2005, the Board will be presented with a few by-law changes that create an Executive Committee. The Board will then be asked to vote on these changes at the June 22, 2005, meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 11:40 a.m.

Members Present:

Commissioner Dick Stafford, Washington Co.