Austin Coalition for Environmental Sustainability – ACES , Austin, MN

ACES, Inc. MINUTES

Regular Monthly Meeting  – Thursday, May 27, 2010 – 5:30 PM

Austin Public Library Conference Room – 323 NE 4^th Ave, Austin, MN  55912

Welcome: Meeting was called to order at 5:35 PM by president, Mark Owens.  Also in attendance: Dorothy Owens, Karen Sundal, Susan Hurm, Jim Hurm, Merlene Stiles

Secretary’s Report: Karen – Minutes from 4/29 were accepted as presented.

Treasurer’s Report: Merlene – was accepted as presented. Balance will be minus $200 for Going Green Club plant sales. She wants to see article about the event submitted to media.

Austin Community Arts in the Park 2010 update: Karen – event is on hold. Members had brief brainstorming about having a festival through Main Street Project – Arts on Main Street – a fiesta and bazaar, talk to the Welcome Center, Chamber, Visitors Bureau, etc.

Rain / Recycling Barrels update:  Mark – we have orders for 2-3 more rain barrels – Mark will get ready.  Update on raw material supply for barrels, should not be a problem.  Website //www.coolcommunityenterprises.com is projected to launch in June.)

Bike Racks – Susan says they are in and being stored at AHS – she will find out what next

Bike lanes and trails are up at the new bridge – Soil & Water District is planting on the slopes this weekend along with the Mill Pond planting – nee volunteers 9 am

Complete Streets – Mark – reported that it passed – will Austin follow as policy?

Minnesota Waters Grant:  – Mark – planting May 28^th and 29^th 9 AM at the Mill Pond.

Bike Week:    July 8-15:  ACES members (Mark, Susan, Jim, Karen) have been meeting with Chad and Kim etc, (Wed Noon at the Coffee House) to plan – now called the “Be your own engine” committee

-         The brochure is shaping up, firm up events and participation for June 11 printing

-         Karen suggested a Bike Rack survey/ballot, to fill out at events – Mark added online

-         Mary Nelson (A&W) is interested in bike helmet use – invite her to next noon meeting  (Linda Maschka added that all clubs that do pull tabs are required to donate to community causes – check that out for discounted bike helmets and prizes)

-         Bike reflectors and reflective tape to purchase and give away at the upcoming bike camp – member vote approved use $200 of ACES funds.

GreenStep Cities- Best Practices:   Mark – not issued yet – announcement date June 22

Beaver Trails Jellystone donation - Mark – from Tammy Westridge donated 2 free nights camping for up to 4 – value up to $125 – too late for luncheon – Susan has an offer of $50 and will solicit other bids for the highest bidder.

Minnesota Civic Engagement Table – Mark – they have services and training to help with coordinating to minimize effort maximize impact – may be for larger groups.

Susan mentioned to Supt Krenz about Green Bus Fleet – CERTS funded – to retrofit diesel engines to make buses safer for kids – Palmer in Rochester does buses – Bob Wangsness has the info so his wife on the school board may pass on for their consideration

Website:  Mark and Karen confirmed we have access and Karen will update the minutes

Earth Day 2011 Event – report form Linda Maschka – Next year’s earth day falls on Good Friday. reservation is made at the nature center.

Next meeting June 24^th at 5:30 at the Library (unless otherwise notified)

Meeting Adjourned: 6:40 PM

Respectfully submitted, Karen Sundal, Secretary

ACES, Inc. MINUTES – Regular Monthlly Meeting Thursday, April 29, 2010 – 5:30 PM

Austin Public Library Conference Room – 323 NE 4^th Ave, Austin, MN  55912

Welcome and Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 5:40 PM by president, Mark Owens.  Also in attendance: Susan Hurm, Linda Maschka, Gloria Nordin, Dorothy Owens, Karen Sundal.

Secretary’s Report: Karen – Minutes from 3/25 were accepted as read.

Treasurer’s Report: emailed by Merlene, was read by Karen – members had additions of 3 checks from the luncheon and one missing expense that has not been reimbursed.  Prior to audit, the net gain from the luncheon rounded to $980, ($200 belongs to the AHS Go Green Club) and the ending bank balance is $2,300.

Announcements: Living Green Expo this weekend– Susan and Jim are going – Karen is interested in volunteering and looking for ride share.

Earth Week Reports:

Luncheon – was successful – 71 tickets sold and 80 meals paid for.  Suggestions for next year included appointing a single chair person;  holding the luncheon at a different time of day or on a weekend to attract more attendees – perhaps a cookout at the Ike’s cabin.  Linda M will inquire about options for next year with Larry D and Kim U at Park and Rec .

Community Pride Day – was successful– the impression was that there was not as much trash as last year – no final report from Park & Rec yet.  ACES handled the recycling – and with 4 workers it was manageable.

High School Earth Day- was assisted by ACES, Inc. –CFL display and Danger of Plastic bags/bottles Display, (and we are still locating the light box).

Rain / Recycling Barrels:
Wegner Barrel auctioned for $70.00 – 2 more are being decorated at High School for future use – suggested that we use one for auction at the Arts in the Park in August.  We have inventory at Super Fresh (more discussion below on more sales).  Karen offers to place in online storefront and put process in place to track sales and delivery/pickup.  Discussion included raw material supply for barrels, monthly maximum capacity, location to store, etc.  Karen will do some more research and it was tentatively approved to go forward with marketing online through Karen’s website www.coolcommunityenterprises.com projected to launch in May.

Complete Streets: Susan reported that the legislation is on Governor Pawlenty desk – awaiting signature.

Minnesota Waters Grant:  – Mark reported that they are getting ready to plant – volunteers welcome on May 28^th and 29^th at the Mill Pond.

Park It and Get Fit- National Bike Month:   Mark shared an email from Chad – suggesting a little different program that can be seen on the website www.greenlightride.com – mileage tracker where individuals or teams can participate in competitions, etc.  ACES members Mark, Susan, Linda will meet at the Coffee House on Wednesday 5/5 at noon to discuss plans.

GreenStep Cities- Best Practices: Mark reported this is also pending

Website access:  needs updating – Mark contacting Harry and may have instructions.

Austin Community Arts in the Park 2010 participation: Karen presented a handout with several ideas that ACES may want to participate –arrange AMCAT transportation for the day (Saturday 8/28); membership drive that would include a prize drawing; silent auction Rain Barrel; etc., (see attachment). We will consider in more depth at a future meeting with more information.

Next meeting May 27^th at 5:30 at the Library (unless otherwise notified)

Adjourn Meeting: 6:55 PM

Respectfully submitted, Karen Sundal, Secretary

————————————————————–

ACES agenda item – sent Monday, April 26, 2010

From:

Karen Hardy karenshardy@yahoo.com>

Most of you know my work with the Austin Community Arts in the Park, and I would like to offer the opportunity for ACES, Inc. to be involved again.  I did a little brainstorming – not all the ideas will fly, but thought I would offer them to see if you want to bring up on the agenda.

ACES could participate in Austin Community Arts in the Park – in any of the following -

• Creative transportation – bus or bike to the event (bike racks, prize for bus-biking-walking)
• Get AMCAT service maps, help arrange park and ride for August 28^th Saturday service from 8 am to 4 or 5 PM – and arrange vouchers or special rates for families so that people can park in municipal lots – or not have to drive at all that day. (donations or vouchers to cover cost?)
• ACES membership drive – publicize at the Arts-park and Re-Fest – new members and renewals receive one (or more for family) entry for a drawing for a prize (i.e.: entry for rain barrel, bus passes, books, gift certificates)
• Local produce booth – promote and invite farmers market, ethnic specialty produce
• Promote Re-Fest fall 2010
• Demonstrate rainwater capture and reuse – rain barrels and rain chains
• Contest for creative energy use/reuse – solar, wind, water, geo, bio
• Art Contest inspired by green thought (poetry, short story, sketch, 3-d art, etc.)

Thanks for reviewing these suggestions.  Let me know if there is interest in any or several.

The Arts in the Park theme is Celebrating Diversity and we have the opportunity to get the environmental word out to the growing minority population in Austin this year!

Karen Sundal – 437-1144 or 433-2701 – karernshardy@yahoo.com

ACES, Inc. MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES

Thursday, March 25, 2010 – 5:30 PM

Austin Public Library Conference Room – 323 NE 4^th Ave, Austin, MN 55912

Welcome and Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 5:40 PM by president, Mark Owens.  Also in attendance were Susan Hurm, Dorothy Owens, Karen Sundal, Jim Hurm, Bob Wangsness, Linda Maschka, Gloria Nordin, Ruth Klamm, Chad B from Rydjor Bike, Jim Stiles

Head count for dinner after meeting at El Mariachi – in honor of Ruth Klamm leaving

Secretary’s Report – Karen – Minutes from 1/28 approved as corrected.

Announcements – See Mark for additional details

-         Email announcement sent -Greening the Heartland May 19-21

-         Living Green Expo, May 1-2,

-         March 27^th 8:30 PM Turn lights off for 1 hour – promoted by MN Energy Challenge – energy challenge earth day kit is available

-         Wind Ordinance coming up April 13 – City Council – Planning commission

-         Active Living Seminar April 7^th 9-3:30 Rochester International Event Center

-         April 8^th – Spruce Up Austin free seminar

• Rain Barrels –

-         Cedar River Watershed District – cost share program – Mark

-         Jim Wegner completed decorating one barrel and wants a receipt estimating value – can the value be estimated before sold/raffled

-         Bruce Loeschen High School class decorating 2 barrels

• Park It for 2010 – Chad at Rydjor Bike will work with us for this year’s program encouraging human powered transportation – he will provide website that enables riders to calculate savings, etc.  He will locate more info and set up noon meeting one day next week.
  • Earth Day Spring Luncheon  – Thursday, Apr 22 committee completing details:

-         Door prizes, silent auction list – per handout

-         Excellent catered meal from Hy-Vee (see flyer/tickets – $15 per plate)

-         Starts 11:30, served 12 Noon  – (for those on lunch break) program continues to 1:30

-         Susan asked for proofing of Ticket and Luncheon flyer for review

-         Also Earth Week Flyer draft – Susan needs logo for Habitat for Humanity

• Going Green Club Dena emailed plans for earth week
• Ikes was awarded the Minnesota Waters grant for $5,000 matching for prairie plants and high school water quality course.
• Green Step - official best practices not in final shape yet – watch for future publishing
• Recycling Committee – no report this month
• July 4^th Parade – keep open if needed – AMCAT bus or Arts in the Park wagon
• Community Pride day – April 24^th 9-12 A.C.E.S. volunteered to provide white bags for recycling (Dorothy), contact Culligan for water – bring reusable bottles for water
• ACES members are helping with High School Earth Week Celebration –
• Treasurer’s Report – (delivered by Jim Stiles) SMIG bill, sale of Recycle Barrel for Nature center. Approved.

Next meeting April 29^th at 5:30 at the Library (unless otherwise notified)

Adjourn Meeting – 6:50 PM

Respectfully submitted, Karen Sundal, Secretary

ACES, Inc. MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES

Thursday, February 18, 2010 – 5:30 PM

Austin Public Library Conference Room – 323 NE 4^th Ave, Austin, MN 55912

Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM by president, Mark Owens.  Also in attendance were, Susan Hurm, Terry Dorsey, Dorothy Owens, Karen Sundal, Jim Hurm, Bob Wangsness. And guests Andrew McCullah, Debra McCullah, Emily Croswell (Mower Co Health dept) Linda Maschka

Treasurer’s Report – no report.

Secretary’s Report – Karen – Minutes from 1/28 approved as read.

Agenda items:

• Visitors Deborah and Emily presented SHIP – State Health Improvement Program

Presented handouts with their Goals, Agenda from last week, networking ideas

Bike Rack project:  Phase I – possible $10,000 this year, (possibly another $10,000 next year)

(Emily) Goal is to implement policies, systems and behavior changes to continue afterwards.

(Jim) City is interested – pick an area this year such as downtown through Main Street Project, city engineer input, Chamber input – and the city has a metal artist who can contribute.

(Susan) presented Bike sharing program – high-tech use of bikes by multiple users

(Emily) Complete streets – BCBS funding study of bike-friendly city streets (Margene Gunderson)

Austin school District has Wellness committee studying bikeability, walkability of city streets.

Riverland has staff whose function is to look into grant funds at riverland.

• Active Living Presentation – April 7th 9-3:30 event center in Rochester – walking audits –
  • GreenStep Presention next week – 2 presentations – Ikes, ACES will participate. Terry prepared a news-release and will submit to newspapers. Susan will bring flyers for visibility.
  • Earth Day Luncheon  – Thursday, Apr 22 – Committee: Ruth, Linda and Gloria, Dorothy – progressing
  • Park It for 2010 – Chad at Rydjor Bike can be consulted for rules of the road for bike rodeo, etc.
    • Rain Barrels- Bruce Loeschen will work with student s to decorate one for the luncheon

Mark has prepared 26 barrels – Go Green Club has used some for recycling barrels. Mark was approached by Soil and Water District to provide with Rain barrels in the future.

• (Susan) ACES can support AHS Earth day with display about use of water bottles.
• Newsletter project – see if our coalition can join forces with Audubon and Ikes with mailing list and common newsletter. – Terry – Audubon, Ramona Swenson – Ikes.
• City Council wants to expand green initiatives to increase recycling.  Investigate with County – businesses, better ways of doing it – for instance co-mingling, how to expand recycling in the parks.
• July 4^th Parade – no strong interest – possible to keep it open for joint entry  (Arts in the Park? – Karen)

Next meeting March 25^th at 5:30 PM – same place unless otherwise notified.

Adjourn Meeting – 6:45 PM

Respectfully submitted, Karen Sundal, Secretary

ACES, Inc. MONTHLY MEETING Minutes – Thursday, January 28, 2010

5:30 PM Pickett Place Community Room  – 808 1^st Dr NW Austin, MN 55912

Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 5:35 PM by president, Mark Owens.  Also in attendance were Susan Hurm, Terry Dorsey, Merlene Stiles, Jim Stiles, Ruth Klamm, Dorothy Owens, Karen Sundal, Jim Hurm, Linda Maschka.

Treasurer’s Report – Merlene – included bills for supplies, Income from rain/recycling barrels, F&M Bank Balance is $911.72;  WF Bank $653.16 and will be combined.  Report was discussed, moved and second, and accepted as amended.

Secretary’s Report – Karen – Minutes from 12/18 was summarized in bullet points – moved and second and accepted (to be posted on website per Ruth Klamm).

• Annual Renewal with MN for ACES Non-profit status – Mark mailed today and Karen will follow up
• Reminder to submit membership dues for 2010 – $25 per individual – several membership dues submitted.

Announcements – Mark has information regarding:

• Energy Resource Advisor Training – WSU  - available for CEUs
• CERTS 30 year Celebration Fri 2/19 Crowne Plaza
• Community Wind Forum Feb 1^st and 8^th at Kiester and Mapleton
  • Create a Local Wind development project seminar
• Minnesota Appliance Trade-in and Save program starts around March 1 – includes laundry appliances, freezers and refrigerators – this is a rebate program that requires proof of recycling.

Old Business:

• Park it and Get Fit – Thank you and tax deduction letters completed, proofread and ready to send – Susan

New Business:

Earth Day Luncheon  – Thursday, Apr 22 – Committee: Ruth, Linda and Gloria, Dorothy

(is this the same day as the City Authors Celebration? Merlene asks)

Nature Center Auditorium reserved is for April 22;        Task list has been started – seeking volunteers;  Call for items for silent auction – donations;   Contact Go-Greens or Art teacher for decorating a Rain Barrel

• July 4^th Parade – if we want to participate? – turn in by April 1^st
• Grants are available – Mark has several available to review and decide if we want to apply
• Periodic e-newsletter proposed by Karen – discussion that it would be valuable to include as a membership benefit – produce periodically;  would help to solicit more members and keep members informed; consider offering a discount on rain barrels with paid membership; consider soliciting advertising or sponsorships;  a non-profit has rules about raising money;  would be useful to linking to other co-aligned groups such as Izaac Walton, Nature Center, MEP, etc.
• Karen and Ruth get together and will bring up at the Feb meeting.

Minnesota GreenStep Cities – Ruth told us about workshops on Feb 24, 2010  open to the public at 3 PM and 5:30 PM at City Hall).  This replaces the Cool Cities initiative.  Presenters are Michelle Schroeder (Green Step), Dave Thompson (Austin Utilities), Phillip Mueslig (MN Pollution Control) will be presenters.

Next meeting Feb 18^th at 5:30 PM – same place unless otherwise notified.

Adjourn Meeting – 6:35 PM

Respectfully submitted,  Karen Sundal, Secretary

5:30 p.m. Pickett Place Community Room

Meeting was called to order at 5:45 by President Susan Hurm – in attendance: Susan Hurm, Jim Hurm, Ruth Klamm, Mark Owns, Karen Sundal, Merlene Stiles, Dan Kane, Terry Dorsey.

Minutes from last meeting – approved

Treasurer’s Report – Mark –approved

MEP Updates – Merlene – no report

A.C.E.S. – nonprofit status – Mark – emailed documentation to Patience at MEP

Caring for Creation Events – Food Preservation workshop August 1 at St Olaf – see flyer

Bible studies by Intern Natalie at Grace Lutheran 7/29 at 10:30 AM and also August 2 at 7 PM

Event at the Hormel Nature Center 7/29 at 6:30 PM – will have “Park It” flyers available

Park It & Get Fit – (see flyer) – promotion and prizes for bike and alternative transportation. Susan is preparing Cool City flyer for the mayor, including handouts, rules and coupons.

Freedom Fest Results – float in the parade was a success

Rain Barrel Workshop & Austin Utilities Rain Barrel Rebate – Mark, Jim & Susan etc.

Mark is obtaining materials and will make a couple sample rain barrels. Jim is investigating locations for storing and making the rain barrels (Hormel, Austin Packing, Habitat) Jim will also check into the process for generating rebates through Austin Utilities. Merlene will check with Jim her husband if the rain barrels can be stored in one of his empty greenhouses. The rain barrel maker committee will develop a plan to convert to rain barrels and decorate to promote water conservation. They will investigate rain barrels as potential fundraiser. Ideas include drawing to win, class to build your own, or direct sales at future events (Mower Co Fair, Arts in the Park, Re-Fest or all of the above). Merlene will go to Central Athlete for simplified A.C.E.S. logo for decal to be used for the rain barrels.

Moved, 2nd and passed to spend up to $150 for materials to prepare rain barrel assembly project – Susan, Jim and Mark in charge.

Moved, 2nd and passed to sign up for a table at Arts in the Park (cost $25) 8/30/09, volunteer to staff event, distribute flyers and possibly decorate or sign up class for rain barrels. Terry will contact for Bruce Loeschen the AHS art teacher to paint a barrel for the event.

Mower County Fair Booth/Display – August 11-16, 2009 –

Susan is preparing Display Board for the exhibit at the IKES Fish and Game building.

Prepare A.C.E.S. drawing box for the 1st drawing for Park It & Get Fit.

Merlene will replace one of the (largest broken) CFL on light box with another type to demonstrate.

Sign up sheet for volunteering at the Ikes building – Ruth

Hybrid car / concept car display – Terry

RE-fest –September 19 – More planning at next meeting – no action taken

Minnesota GreenStep Cities – no report

Nomination of new A.C.E.S. Officers – will take place on/by September 24th designated as A.C.E.S. official Annual meeting – Nomination committee – Susan, Jim H, Ruth.

New Business – Ruth brought up group Cooperative Energy Futures that looking for local contractors etc to get energy efficient bulbs in bulk – discussion concluded not to use at the fair, but to invite to participate at RE-Fest. Terry saw concept of “hour car” and will research further. Dan Kane had concerns about utility costs and visibility to residential customers. Terry’s neighbors had similar complaints. Issues will be continued with the Austin Utilities.

Adjourn Meeting – 6:50 PM

aces, inc – Thursday, January 22, 2009 -  AGENDA

5:30 PM Riverland Community College Room N123

Call to Order – Meeting was called to order at 5:35 PM by president, Susan Hurm.  In attendance were Susan Hurm, Terry Dorsey, Ruth Klamm, Dorothy Owens, Harry Stevens, Karen Sundal, Bob Wangsness, Dan Kane, Victoria and Olena – exchange student from Ukraine, Mark Owens, Mary Krueger (new), Denna Jacobson (Advisor for Go Green Club AHS), Ivan webmaster, Jim Hurm, -  not present: Merlene Stiles, Jim Stiles, Larry Dolphin

Treasurer’s Report given by Mark Owens – balance $1,270.68 – authorized expenditures and membership deposits noted. 

Minutes 11/20/08, 12/11/08 & 12/18/08 have been posted and today’s meeting minutes will be posted on the website.

Introductions were made around the room.

Paperless meeting minutes and agenda – It was moved and passed that we adopt – the logistics to be worked out by February 2009 meeting. – see electronic communication from Harry.  Harry proposed placing minutes and agenda be projected on screen rather than on paper – becoming dynamic.  Members and visitors online will have ability to edit – authorized edits become permanent.

Membership Dues Reminder:  Please pay prorated dues – list passed around.

Sisters of Ukraine – grants were discussed and funds to help with website costs

Caring for Creation Resource Fair at St Olaf Lutherans Church  2/15/09  aces will set up a table and display information to participate in the event – set up around 1 PM

Presented that aces hold February meeting with the Going Green Club at AHS – details to be worked out.

March meeting – to be announced

National Green Week Feb 2-8 Pacelli Catholic Schools - short notice to promote this widely, Denna will look into high school and middle school participation – Pacelli will weigh snack waste before and after the project.

Plan Earth Week Events and Flyer – Susan led the discussion in Larry’s absence – known events

April 15  – Izaak Walton League Game Feed

April 22 – Earth Day & aces Greens & Soup Lunch (plans discussed tonight)

April 25 – Austin’s Clean & Green Day – spring clean up in the past by Park and Rec – Larry will contact them to determine if aces Inc can work on this year

Discuss plans for aces Greens & Soup Luncheon (see Aces Green Luncheon handout)

Wednesday, April 22 at the Auditorium at the Nature Center – 11:45 to about 1:30 PM

Ruth presented Committee plans so far and asked for authorization to contact WalMart and others for raffle items (moved and passed) and also to use funds for decorations for the event up to $50 (moved and passed)

Tickets will be sold by members.  Ruth’s committee will continue planning. At the next meeting begin sign-up and volunteer.

Recreate & Relaunch aces website to be named www.becoolgogreenaces.org the name and cost of $15 is approved – Harry and Ivan are maintaining.  The smig website is still good co.net/aces

Application for Recognition of Exemption – Non-profit Status is nearly complete – Mark asks for help to review and complete details.  Susan got a call from the Attorney General’s office and our name has been reserved and should be used in its entirety for proper identification – Austin Coalition for Environmental Sustainability, Inc.

Communication’s Green Team  Report – several media photos and articles were in the local papers – RE-fest prizes and awards – and the books and certificates are ready to present.

Schedule Feb. Green Team Meeting – Identify Next Project – Cochairs

Minnesota Environmental Partnership Report

The MEP office has moved to Austin – 223 ½ N Main St. Suite 206 Phone 507-355-1399

Invited to participate in the March 16^th Monday 8-6 pm Ride the Bus to the Capitol.

Briefing paper for The Legislature is available on the MEP Website.

The meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.

 

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aces – Thursday, December 18, 2008 -  Minutes

5:30 PM Habitat for Humanities – Board Room

800 7^th Ave. NE – Board Room

 

Call to Order  Meeting was called to order at 5:40 PM by president, Susan Hurm.  In attendance were Susan Hurm, Keith Barnes, Terry Dorsey, Merlene Stiles, Jim Stiles, Ruth Klamm, Dorothy Owens, CH Stevens, Karen Sundal, Bob Wangsness, Larry Dolphin, Mark Owens and Jim Hurm

(Treasurer’s Report and Minutes for 11/20, 12/11 and today’s meeting minutes will be read in January)

Membership Dues Reminder:  Please pay prorated dues by 1/1/09

Green Teams: Each Team reported on results of Focus & Progress Reports:

 

Green Team Partnership Report  - Co Chairs – Mark & Keith

Three Main projects for 2009: (list items 4,5,8,9,12)

1- Promote and expand recycling in the community, colleges, school businesses, and county.

2- Bike friendly community,

3- Community-wide reduce Carbon footprint

 

RETAP update – Jim Hurm reported waiting for Austin Utilities info to finalize the audit.  (results of audit of City Hall and the Bus Warehouse)

ICLEI waiting for software update in January

 

Green Team Renewable Energy Co chairs – Ruth & Larry

Austin Foundation Grant – we were not recipient

St. Olaf Foundation Grant – not received – did not get on the agenda – Ecumenical district wide program with St Olaf, Grace Lutheran, and Our Savior’s – on Feb 15^{th –} Aces and others will be invited to display.

LCPPM and – Pat Benson is seeking intern for us for the summer, and grant money for aces staff.

Fundraiser - Green Spring Luncheon was approved – April 22^th is Earth Day – invite Isaac Walton, Horticulture, Friends of Nature Ctr, LWV – yet to be defined.

 

Research Request -   Recyclable Bins for Parks – Ruth circulated info gathered

            Merlene noted we look at what the City of Redwing has done for city recycling bins

Community Ownership – Wind Turbines – attended by Merlene and Mark

Environmental Friendly Lawn Care Mulching & Mowing – future public education campaign

Guest Speakers – no report

 

Green Team Communications – Co chairs – Bob & Terry

Presentations and Newspaper articles (Terry):

- Park It & Win a Prize – article and photos submitted to both local papers and appeared this week

– Energy Audit Winner – Toov household – Terry interviewed the family – article to be submitted

- certificates from RE•fest –  Children’s Books &  Drawing  Winners – being presented this week

- Riverland Student Housing (Exchange Students) – Recycling Request – in progress

- Ukraine, Riverland &  aces Connection /website  - In progress

- Revise and update aces brochure – Sundal printing can update location as needed

– community calendar, website link, www.co.net/becoolgogreen

 

2009 Foci to include 1) bike friendly community, 2) Reusable bags and 3) alternative energy – (#5,6,8,9)

 

MEP Report – Merlene summarized the drafted recommendations – includes such concepts as clean cars and energy, main street revitalization, bike paths, work and eat locally, and much more.

The meeting adjourned at 6:40 PM.

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