Committee for a Better Environment

Committee for a Better Environment Davis Hall, College Park October 22, 2018 7:00 PM Members Present Absent Suchitra Balachandran X Alan Hew X Todd Larsen X Janis Oppelt X Jordan Schakner X Daniel Walfield X Donna Weene X Guests Present: Janet McCaslin, City Liaison; Sheryl DeWalt, Contract Secretary The meeting was called to order at 7:04pm by chair, Ms. Oppelt 1. The agenda for the October 22, 2018 meeting was reviewed. “Adopt a Stream” was added under new business. Ms. Oppelt made a motion to accept the agenda with the amended change. Mr. Larsen seconded the motion. All in favor; no opposed. 2. The July 23, 2018 minutes and the September 24, 2018 minutes were reviewed. There were two changes noted for the September 24, 2018 minutes. Mr. Larsen made a motion to accept the July 23, 2018 minutes as written and the September 24, 2018 minutes with the changes. Mr. Walfield seconded the motion. All in favor; no opposed. 3. It was noted that this is the third meeting missed by both Dr. Balachandran and Ms. Weene. Ms. Oppelt stated that Ms. Weene is under medical care and Dr. Balachandran is active in the political arena. No further action will be taken at this time. 4. Ms. McCaslin stated that the CBE budget will be $8600 for the current fiscal year. Mayor and Council awarded monies normally given by CBE to the Department of Public Works budget. 5. CBE did participate in College Park Day. Mr. Larsen, Ms. Oppelt and Ms. McCaslin represented CBE throughout the day. 6. The event on pruning trees will be held on November 3 from 10:00am-1:00pm. Ms. Carole Barth from Prince George’s County will conduct the workshop. Ms. Brenda Alexander will be participating in the workshop. Ms. Oppelt volunteered to bring the food and coffee. Flyers have been posted throughout the City, on Facebook and on NextDoor. Ms. Oppelt stated she would email the flyer to her listserv as well as the Mayor and Council and the association presidents’. Ms. McCaslin will have flyers at the Farmer’s Markets this weekend.  7. Ms. McCaslin stated that the tip for the garbage disposal was added to the monthly newsletter. Mr. Walfield suggested a tip for quick home energy programs. Ms. Oppelt made a suggestion about a tip on cleaning out your garden now or in the spring. Ms. McCaslin asked for all tips to be emailed to her by Friday, October 26. 8. Mr. Hew put forth a Green Award nomination for Mrs. Sangi Tluanga. She has a complete roof of solar panels, beautifully maintained garden in the back yard, rain barrel, compost bin, and picked up trash along the trail and separates out all the recyclables. Ms. Oppelt made a motion to give a Green Award to Mrs. Tluanga. Mr. Larsen seconded the motion. All in favor; no opposed. Ms. McCaslin will requisition a check for $100 for Mrs. Tluanga and Mr. Robinette. Both Mrs. Tluanga and Mr. Robinette will be invited to the November 26 CBE meeting where they will be presented with a card and their checks. At a later date, they will be asked to attend a City Council meeting where they will be presented with certificates signed by the Mayor. 9. The weeding of the Permaculture Garden went well. Mr. Hew stated that several students did come and assist. In the spring, CBE will replace some of the dead plants. 10. Mr. Larsen will be contacting Prince George’s County to inquire about assistance in conducting a rain barrel workshop for the spring in Spanish. 11. Ms. McCaslin asked Ms. Oppelt and Mr. Larsen to review the current CBE brochures and ensure that no changes are needed. She will then contact the City coordinator and ask for them to put into the City format for brochures. 12. Ms. Oppelt stated that she completed the request to rent the film “Wasted” but has never heard back. 13. Ms. McCaslin discussed the idea of adopting a stream. Mr. Hew also mentioned that stream cleanup is generally part of Good Neighbor Day. 14. The next meeting will be November 26 at 7:00pm at Davis Hall. The December meeting will be cancelled as it falls on December 24. The following meeting will be January 28, 2019. Ms. Oppelt made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Walfield seconded the motion. The meeting concluded at 8:05pm.. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.