City of Collinsville Cool Cities Committee met July 19.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Brennan called the meeting to order 7:00pm. The following members were present and answering roll call: Brennan, Lutz, Marconi, and Young. Glotfelty was absent.
Also Present: Deputy City Manager Derek Jackson, Planning Commission Chairman Scott Rayho
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Young made a motion to approve the June 21, 2021, meeting minutes with corrections. Seconded by Lutz. Voice vote: All Ayes. Motion approved (4-0)
SPEAKERS FROM THE FLOOR
Scott Rayho, Planning Commission Chairman, stated that Smokin’ On Main BBQ festival is coming up next weekend and that the Chambers of Commerce is working on having a full event for the Italian Fest in September.
DISCUSSION
E 1. Biochar Discussion – Jackson presented two videos to the Committee. An informational video explaining the process of creating biochar and the value it has for carbon sequestration, and a promotional video from Energy American Solutions showcasing a biochar station in action. Jackson stated that he foresees the city exploring a biochar facility at Willoughby Farm, Woodland Park, or the future joint Public Works facility. Jackson stated that he has shared the information with the Public Works and Parks & Recreation departments. Jackson stated that he will be bringing the project to the table when the city prepares its capital improvement plan for 2022. Brennan inquired about the benefits to wastewater treatment as suggested in the promotional video. Young encouraged placing a biochar station in a manner where we can capture the heat generated from the operation to power an adjoining structure. Additionally, Young encouraged creating a program around the biochar facility where residents would be able to drop off yard waste to fuel the facility.
E 2. Sustainability Education Materials – Jackson presented the topic of sustainability education materials to the committee. Jackson stated that one of the accomplishments for the 2021 St. Louis Green Business Challenge was to create locally focused sustainability materials for residents, businesses, and contractors. Jackon stated that his goal would be to solicit assistance from the Cool Cities Committee, Community Appearance Board, and staff from Willoughby Farm to help craft the materials. Once the materials are finalized, they would be located at the city’s service counters, on the website, and on the City’s social media pages. Potential topics the committee discussed included rain gardens, rain barrels, composting, beekeeping, soil & erosion control, tree planting, recycling 101, hazardous household waste, bat houses, and in-door or “in my home” practices. Lutz shared that Madison County should be finalizing a dedicated Hazardous Household Waste drop-off site in the near future. Additionally, Lutz shared that Madison County will be holding a rain barrel design contest. Lutz and Jackson discussed teaming up on creating materials.
NEW BUSINESS - NONE
OLD BUSINESS - NONE
STAFF REPORT
Jackson shared a video of a commercial for the Smokin’ On Main BBQ festival the coming Saturday, July 24th in the Collinsville Uptown area. Jackson also reported that Waleska Do Valle Santos, Sustainability Intern, is moving along with putting together the Greenhouse Gas Inventory, which Jackson anticipates coming before the Committee and City Council in September of 2021.
COMMENTS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Young inquired about the City’s Sustainability Plan and how it is received by residents. Jackson stated that regionally the City’s plan has garnered a lot of attention, with players such as Jean Ponzi with the Missouri botanical Gardens and Dr.
Sharon Locke with SIUE highlighting the plan with their networks. Additionally, Jackson stated that he has been asked to speak with a variety of groups, including Webster Groves’ Sustainability Committee, Collinsville Kiwanis, and Collinsville Maryville-Caseyville Rotary. Jackson stated that locally, the average resident is typically not aware that the city has adopted the plan but once they learn about it the consensus is positive. Young inquired about possibly advertising in the Troy Times Tribune for awareness. Brennan suggested a press release which could then be picked up by the paper without it having to be an advertisement. Brennan added timing it with the sustainable materials and utilizing a QR code. Brennan inquired about Collinsville’s farmers market on Main Street. Jackson informed the committee that the farmers market in 2019 were hosted in conjunction with the Maryville Farmer’s Market. Jackson stated that due to COVID, the Maryville Farmer’s Market coordinators scaled back to just the Maryville event at Fireman’s Park. Jackson stated that the Parks & Recreation Department was not ready to take it on in 2021 but will explore bringing it back for 2022.
ITEMS FOR AUGUST MEETING AGENDA
Jackson stated that he does not have any items or speakers lined up for the August meeting. Jackson invited the Committee members to reach out to him if there is a particular topic they’d like to discuss. Jackson stated that him and Brennan have been in communication with Carrie Wolf from Habitat for Humanity Restore to speak to the Committee in September.
Motion to adjourn made by Young, seconded by Marconi.
Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion Approved (4-0)
ADJOURNMENT at 7:53pm
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