Environmental Advisory Committee

EAC Meeting Minutes A meeting of the Environmental Advisory Committee was held at the Cortland Wastewater Facility on 2/17/2020. Attendees included (alphabetically): Bruce Adams Annika Huber Noah Beck Jeremy Jimenez John Busch Szilvia Kadas Diane Chu Frank Kelly Donald Chu Call to order at 7:00 PM New Business Discussion of membership status and getting new prospects approved by Council Discussion of regular meeting times. Decision is to meet first Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. Discussion of the logistics of making a productive presentation to Common Council. F. Kelly observed recycling is an excellent choice for a first issue to take up. It is much in the news owing to the difficulties the County is experiencing and answering constituent inquiries is occupying much of the mayor’s time. Discussion of the use of email for communication between members. Advice is to share information freely but avoid excessive discussion by email due to the problems of misunderstandings caused by lack of contextual cues. Reserve most discussion for meetings. To the extent possible, committee decisions will be made by consensus. J. Busch briefed the committee on his idea for enlisting local students for production of videos to be used in public education and outreach. F. Kelly discussed the value of having each member bring their specific expertise and interests to bear on various aspects of projects the EAC may take on. J. Jimenez and S. Kadas briefed the committee on their conversation with John Suarez regarding incorporating EAC projects into their SUNY curricula with an eye toward getting student participation in the projects. A. Huber briefed the group on her research into and ideas on public outreach and education regarding composting and food waste diversion. Group discussion of potential avenues for public outreach and education in general. Specific tasks were assigned to members who agreed to provide leadership in the areas noted, to be done by the next meeting: J. Busch: Reach out to video curricula leaders J. Jiminez and S. Kadas: Follow up with J. Suarez on next steps for developing curricula with an eye towards seeking grant monies. A. Huber: Reach out to Cayuga Recycling regarding their public outreach and education efforts. Diane Chu: Reach out to Cooperative Extension for information on food composting Donald Chu: Research the recycling issue with emphasis on public compliance with standards and finding markets for recyclables. N. Beck: Serve as co-chair of committee to maximize advantage of his position and local connections. Adjournment at 8:05 PM Bruce Adams 3/2/2020 Submitted by Date of approval Page 2