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