Committee for a Better Environment

Approved: 012221 Committee for a Better Environment Via Teleconferencing through GoToMeeting November 23, 2020 7:00 PM Members Present Absent Alexa Bely X Dylan Burns X Pablo deOliveria X Matt Dernoga X Alan Hew (a 7:10pm) X Todd Larsen X Andrea McNamara X Nikki Pancho X William Scally X Don Schmadel X Emily Shohfi X Holly Simmons X Cameron Thurston X Daniel Walfield X Caroline Wick (a 7:05pm) X Mitchell Wyllins X Also Present: Janet McCaslin, City Liaison; Sheryl DeWalt, Contract Secretary The meeting began at 7:03pm by Todd Larsen, chair. 1. The agenda was reviewed. Ms. Shohfi motioned to accept the agenda. Mr. deOliveria seconded. Motion carries 12-0-0. 2. The October 26, 2020 minutes were reviewed. Mr. Scally motioned to accept the minutes. Ms. Shohfi seconded. Motion carries 13-0-0. 3. City activities: a. CBE has a current budget of $2063.98. b. Final Clean Up Day numbers: i. 2,247 gallons pf paint ii. 323 pounds of CFL bulbs, tubes, halogen lights iii. 350 pounds of batteries c. The Sustainability Plan was reviewed. Discussions centered around: i. SMART/PAYT ii. Population of College Park – increased or decreased in last five years iii. Encouraging composting iv. Bulk trash v. Revisit business recycling vi. Solid waste Audit – last one was completed in 2005.  4. Tips for December Municipal Scene: a. Disposal of Christmas trees and other greens b. Recycle gift wrap and boxes c. Energy use for holiday decorations d. Donation to College Park food bank 5. Continuing to work on results of GAT trap survey. 6. Plantings and clean up were done on November 7 (Good Neighbor Day) at the Permaculture Garden: 11 volunteers planted 1 Pawpaw tree, 6 shrubs (Nanking Cherries and Hazelnuts), and 38 various perennials plants such as lavender, thyme, and echinacea. They also spread at least 4 cubic yards of mulch and removed about 2 cubic feet of weeds. You can view pictures at www.FaceBook.com/edibleCP. 7. TLB Report: Mr. Walfield stated that the meeting was a Community Forum on Tree Canopy. CBE should show support for the TLB Tree Canopy program. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Brenda Alexander, the City’s horticulturist at balexander@collegeparkmd.gov. 8. College Park has decided to go with Zoom for future virtual meetings. Online Training will be sent out in early January 2021. 9. The December 28, 2020 meeting will be re-scheduled for January 11, 2020 at 7:00pm. Instructions will be sent out via email prior to the meeting date. Mr. Burns motioned to adjourned. Mr. Walfield seconded. Motion carries 14-0-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:51pm. Respectfully submitted by Sheryl DeWalt, contract secretary.