Committee for a Better Environment

Committee for a Better Environment United Methodist Church, College Park September 26, 2016 7:00 PM Members Present Absent Melissa Avery X Suchitra Balachandran X Matt Dernoga X Karen Garvin X Alan Hew X Susan Keller X Todd Larsen X Janis Oppelt X Kennis Termini X Daniel Walfield X Donna Weene X Guests Present: Andrew Fellows, EFC, University of Maryland; Steve Beavers, City Liaison; Sarah D’Alexander, University of Maryland; William An, University of Maryland; Sara Spaur, University of Maryland; Pujita Tipnis, University of Maryland; Sheryl DeWalt, Contract Secretary The meeting was called to order at 7:02pm by Ms. Oppelt. 1. The minutes from the July 25, 2016, meeting were reviewed. Mr. Dernoga made the motion to accept the minutes. Mr. Larsen seconded the motion. All in favor; no opposed. 2. Introduction of our guests from the University of Maryland. They are working on a writing program concerning environmental topics: a. Solar cooperative projects b. App on how to be more green c. Storm water retrofit project d. Capstone project for College Park e. Pet waste reduction from going into storm water f. Good Neighbor Day g. Zero waste h. Greenhouse inventory i. Tree canopy j. Stream cleanup – Guilford Run, Paint Branch, Indian Creek, Narragansett k. Cooperation of commercial businesses to recycle Suggestions were made from the committee on various apps that could be useful to the community:  • Nearest trash/recycle bin • Closest farmer’s market or food store • Bike sharing station • Social network – green products • Composting • Green or less green restaurants Ms. Oppelt stated she would share the Neighborhood Sun handout on solar panels to Sarah D’Alexander. If there are any other projects or suggestions we think the students could work on, please email them to Sarah D’Alexander or Andrew Fellows. 3. The budget is at $10,161. An expense of $70.78 was spent on soil testing. 4. Events: a. Neighborhood Solar presentation on September 15. About 20 people attended the seminar. Ms. Oppelt, Mr. Dernoga, Mr. Larsen, and Ms. Balachandran also attended. b. Litter Logo award ceremony. Ms. Weene was present with her Girl Scout troop. Pictures will be posted on the Facebook page. c. Permaculture Garden cleanup was completed with the help of 15 university students. d. College Park Day and Green Awards will be handled by Mr. Hew. e. Zero Waste/SMART subcommittee is meeting monthly at City Hall at 7:30pm. 5. Mr. Hew discussed the results from the soil testing. There is an excessive amount of phosphorous that was detected but without any detrimental effects. Other fertilizers can be used to help balance out the nutrients in the soil. The metal testing is showing measurable amounts of copper and arsenic. There is a more extensive test that can be done. Mr. Hew will investigate with the Department of the Environment and let the group know at the next meeting. 6. Councilmember Kujawa made a request of CBE to purchase/have available waste totes for senior citizens who request them. After several minutes of discussion on whether or not this should be done, it was suggested that Councilmember Kujawa submit further information to CBE to consider the request. Ms. Oppelt also mentioned that she would bring it up at the next Zero Waste/SMART meeting. 7. Discussed signage for bio retention and permaculture garden. Mr. Dernoga made a motion to purchase signage for the bio retention and permaculture garden. Ms. Weene seconded the motion. All in favor; no opposed.  8. Mr. Beavers distributed T-shirts with the new litter logo on them to the committee members. The committee discussed having the logo put on other pieces of literature: signage, bumper stickers, etc. Mr. Beavers indicated he would research costs. 9. Ms. Oppelt discussed the need for a co-chair on the committee. She made a motion to appoint Mr. Larsen as co-chair. Mr. Dernoga seconded the motion. All in favor; no opposed. Going forward, any information you would normally send to Ms. Oppelt, please include Mr. Larsen also. 10. Discussed a few members of CBE have missed two and three meetings. The expectation from City Council is a member missing three meetings could be dismissed from the committee. Ms. Oppelt stated she would reach out to the members who have been missing to confirm their commitment to CBE before a final decision is made. 11. The next meeting will be held on October 24 at the United Methodist Church. Ms. Oppelt made a motion to end the meeting. Ms. Weene seconded the motion. The meeting ended at 8:10pm. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.