Committee for a Better Environment

Approved: 031819 Committee for a Better Environment Davis Hall, College Park February 25, 2019 7:00 PM Members Present Absent Suchitra Balachandran X Alexa Bely X Alan Hew X Todd Larsen X Janis Oppelt X Jordan Schakner X Daniel Walfield X Donna Weene X Caroline Wick X Guests Present: Cameron Thurston, University of Maryland; Janet McCaslin, City Liaison; Sheryl DeWalt, Contract Secretary The meeting began at 7:16pm by co-chair, Mr. Larsen. Since a quorum is not present, this meeting was an informational meeting. We welcomed Alexa Bely is a new member to CBE. 1. City activities: a. Ms. McCaslin stated that the CBE budget is currently at $7966.88. b. The Sustainable Maryland report needs to be updated for renewal. It will be discussed at the March 2019 meeting. c. An organic drop off program will begin on April 1. You can drop off your items at Davis Hall at the entrance. Beginning in May, you will also be able to drop off items at both of the Farmers Markets. d. Compost bins are available at Davis Hall. There is a 25% discount off the price for College Park residents. e. Clean up days are scheduled for each Saturday in April from 8:00am-12Noon. April 20 will also include document shredding for College Park residents only. f. Clam shell containers are recyclable now. 2. Discussed bulk trash study. Mayor and Council will be reviewing the bulk trash study at their meeting on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. Todd sent out an email with the link to everyone for adding their own personal comments. There is also a public hearing set for March 12. 3. Ms. Oppelt is continuing to finesse the Pay As You Throw information. 4. Mr. Larsen mentioned that CBE will be planning to host a seminar in May or June on how to green clean your home.  5. Prince George’s County is offering a mini grant program for litter reduction and engaging with school age children. The grant is up to $2500. We may be able to tie in the cleaning a creek project. Mr. Larsen stated he will call the coordinator and inquire about further details. Ms. McCaslin stated that the city can offer gloves, trash bags, and pick up sticks for this project. 6. Good Neighbor Day is scheduled for April 13. Knocking door to door and discussing recycling should probably wait until the fall when the students are back in session. 7. Solar United Neighbors would like to have an informational session about the Prince George’s County solar co-op. It was discussed about having a space to host the session, but CBE will not pay for any refreshments. 8. There are two city approved CBE brochures. Mr. Thurston stated that the University linguistic department could assist in translating them into Spanish. 9. The next meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2019. The meeting ended at 8:30pm. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.