Committee for a Better Environment

Approved: 012819 Committee for a Better Environment Davis Hall, College Park November 26, 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: Cameron Thurston, University of Maryland; Sam Robinette, resident; Kathy Robinette, resident; Russell Robinette, resident; Janet McCaslin, City Liaison; Sheryl DeWalt, Contract Secretary The meeting was called to order at 7:11pm by co-chair, Mr. Larsen. Mr. Larsen invited everyone in attendance to partake of the potluck. 1. The agenda for the November 26, 2018 meeting was reviewed. 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 October 22, 2018 minutes were reviewed. There were two minor changes noted. Mr. Larsen made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. Ms. Oppelt seconded the motion. All in favor; no opposed. 3. Ms. McCaslin stated that the CBE budget is currently at $8291.47. 4. A Green Award was presented to Mr. Russell Robinette for his diligence in picking up trash in the Berwyn neighborhood. Mr. Robinette received a thank you card and $100 check. Ms. McCaslin noted that there will be a certificate forthcoming from Mayor and Council at a later date. 5. The event on pruning trees was held on November 3 from 10:00am-1:00pm with 12 people in attendance. Ms. Carole Barth from Prince George’s County conducted the workshop. Ms. Brenda Alexander participated in the workshop. It was a very engaging workshop with many questions asked from the audience.  Mr. Robinette asked about a tree on his property that was planted by the City many years ago. It seems to be diseased and wants to know what to do about it. Ms. McCaslin stated she will speak to Brenda Alexander on his behalf. 6. There was a suggestion made to look into having the various workshops recorded and accessible to the public. Ms. McCaslin stated she will ask. 7. Ms. Oppelt attended a Community Tree Workshop through Prince George’s County. She will share the information received via email to the committee. She is asking to be reimbursed for the $35 fee. Ms. Weene made a motion to reimburse Ms. Oppelt $35 for the workshop. Ms. Walfield seconded the motion. All in favor; no opposed. 8. An email was sent with a link to Survey Monkey asking questions on the committee that you serve for College Park. The committee reviewed the questions and discussed them as they affect CBE. The due date is December 14. Ms. Oppelt asked each member to please complete and submit the survey. 9. A question was raised about the membership with regards to those with upcoming ending to their terms of office. It was stated that until the Committee on Committees is done with their research and report to Mayor and Council, all members are status quo. 10. The committee was interested in doing a Myers-Briggs test. Ms. DeWalt stated she will send the test to the committee, score it and report back. 11. Ms. McCaslin announced that the Sustainable Maryland information will need updated in 2019. 12. 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 8:30 pm. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.