Metro East Sun

City of Collinsville Cool Cities Committee met Feb. 24

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Brennan called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm. The following members were present and answered roll call: Page, Martin.

Also Present: Senior Planner Caitlin Rice, Melody Newton, New Earth Farms (virtual), Carol Freker, Willoughby Farms Superintendent and Scott Rayho, Resident.

SPEAKERS FROM THE FLOOR

Scott Rayho mentions that the Jaycees may be interested in joining Cool Cities Committee in future litter clean up events.

Carol Freker speaks briefly about working with schools and teachers on composting programs. Willoughby Farms received ASP grant from Madison County for a higher efficiency composting system with less maintenance and staff time. Hoping for implementation in Fall of 2026.

DISCUSSION

1. Guest Speaker – Melody Newton, New Earth Farm

Melody Newton is New Earth Farm’s Community Outreach Coordinator here to speak with the Cool Cities Committee regarding a partnership between New Earth Farm and Collinsville. New Earth Farm offers composting services in the St. Louis region through home pick up, drop off service or community drop off locations. New Earth Farm is seeking opportunities to expand into the Metro East and has successfully implemented 3 community drop off locations in Edwardsville at the Highschool, YMCA and Community Center. In the past year, Edwardsville has diverted 19,000 lbs. of food waste from about 38 members. Currently, New Earth Farms is seeking to partner with Willoughby Farms for a community compost drop off bin. If subscribers increase, more drop-off locations may be added. Willoughby Farms currently operates their own composting program with materials from the farm, city facilities and occasional residents, however, the current system cannot handle any more material. New Earth Farms is willing to partner with Willoughby to help ease some of the burden and phase out once Willoughby is self-sustaining.

The service includes weekly or biweekly pick up with padlocks and codes to access each bin to dissuade contamination or illegal dumping. The cost is $12 per month with unlimited access to the bins. Other benefits include helpful resources about composting and information on a waste tracking app to measure how much food waste you have diverted. The Metro East portion is currently ineligible for a compost give back program, but as New Earth Farms expands in this region, it will become more accessible.

New Earth Farms needs about 25 pre-registered participants before investing in Collinsville within a 2-month period. The Cool Cities Committee expressed interest in helping promote this program and will discuss ideal dates and timeline to push to the public.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Page made a motion to approve January 27th, 2025, meeting minutes. Seconded by Martin.

Voice Vote: 3 ayes, Motion approved (2-0)

STAFF REPORT

Rice reminds the Committee about two upcoming events, St. Louis Road Litter Pick Up scheduled for Saturday, March 22nd at 10 a.m. and Invasive Sweep at Glidden Park, Saturday, April 5th, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Per Scott Rayho, member, Jaycees have expressed interested in joining the Cool Cities Committee on the litter pick up. The High School Environmental Club will be joining for the Invasive Species Sweep.

COMMENTS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS

n/a

ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS

Solidify New Earth Composting dates

Memorial Day tabling

Green Business Challenge Menu

Motion to adjourn made by Martin and seconded by Page.

Voice Vote: All Ayes. Motion Approved (3-0) ADJOURNMENT at 6:55 pm.

https://collinsville.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=collinsville_4d715095fbc61528af3d5d0998285090.pdf&view=1