Green Team

Morgantown Municipal Green Team Monday, September 10, 2018 Meeting 5:30–7:00pm Minutes Members attending: Karen Kalafat, Jim Kotcon, Joseph Kanosky (NETL), Pam Cubberly, Jenny Selin, Mark Brazaitis, and Daniel Pan Guests: Robyn Hess (City Grants Writer), Stuart Clayton, Casey Killmer, Vanessa Reaves, Maddy Walls, and Beth Krause Grants available to City on Green Team priorities Robyn ran through a number of potential grant applications for recycling-related funds for the team to consider and help her move forward in 2018–19. Actions: Pam and/or Jim will read guidelines available for the three grant proposals to discuss with interested team members before October meeting. Jim and Pam will follow up with Robyn (whose time will free up in November-December) on all opportunities listed below. 1 Litter Control (likely due May 31, 2019 for July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020 grant period) a) Team did not discuss this, but Jim and Pam will follow up with Robyn. 2 Recycling Assistance (due July 1, 2019 for Jan 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021) a) Grants for “initiating, expanding, or upgrading recycling programs; public education programs promoting recycling; and recycling market procurement efforts.” b) This is the grant we have tried to go for in the past in order to fund a public education and media campaign, as well as compacters for the downtown to address business recycling. c) Cities of 10,000 or more residents may apply for grants up to $150,000. d) If receive grant, must wait a year before applying again. 3 Coca Cola Public Space Recycling Bins: (application for 2018 is still open) a) If granted, City would receive 15–100 (more possible) free recycling bins (heavy weight) for cans and bottles in public areas b) Team suggested that locations be chosen carefully to divert from trash receptacles and avoid contamination of contents; for instance, near soda machines, etc. c) Team would need to work with City on collection from these bins as one of the grant requirements is that collection in these bins be measured the first year. Robyn also mentioned the following opportunities in the future but did not have grant guidelines to show team members. 4 Promotion of backyard composting with subsidized compost bins (EnviroWorld) a) This would be a simple, easy project for the team Program is similar to the one run by FODC in the past for rain barrels. b) For each bin, a local business/nonprofit funder (gardening box stores, Garden Club, etc.) and the City would each pay $7 of the $34 per bin cost) so each resident would only need to pay $20 per bin. c) To ensure bins are used correctly, recipients could first take a composting training workshop, organized or at least hosted by one of the local funders? d) We must buy a minimum of one pallet of bins (40 bins) e) Support is for communities in Maryland but Morgantown might be able to set up a similar program. Action: Robyn will contact Maryland program for more information and to determine next deadline for applications and grant period. Action: Pam or another member will research possible interest by local gardening businesses, or local groups/agencies advocating for reduced organic matter in the waste stream. Ideas on possible funders from team members are welcome. 5 Equipment for City to process Styrofoam into marketable form (next application in 2019) a) Team discussed financial and staff demands on City to operate such a program? How would Styrofoam be collected? Would Republic Services be involved? Other questions need answers before application. b) This grant would definitely need approval by City in terms of operating costs. 1  The discussion turned to any financial support the team could obtain for intern stipends. The team often enlists interns, especially from specific departments at WVU for students seeking to fulfill requirements that match research or other tasks required by team. However, the team does not have resources to pay for such interns, which might otherwise attract more candidates. 6 AmeriCorps-funded intern(s) Robyn suggested the team explore applying for an AmeriCorps intern for the team for one or more projects. AmeriCorps would pay room and board and a stipend, and once a project is completed, an education grant of $5,200 per intern. She thought it was possible for a student to receive an AmeriCorps position while working part-time to complete some academic requirements. This would mean a WVU student could work to fulfill a requirement while producing research or other tasks for the team (as was true of both the team’s interns on the IAC and LED studies completed in 2016 and 2017). This arrangement would probably require more advance planning by the team. Applications start in August. Applicants are well vetted and expected produce good work. Persons of any age can seek such positions, for example, a senior citizen with professional skills. One example might be a former media professional to lead a broad and integrated recycling public education campaign, coordinating with City, county, WVU, and others. Green Space The team turned briefly to green space. City Councilor Mark Brazaitis reported on the importance of BOPARC facilities and green-space funding in Morgantown and mentioned recent efforts to promote a levy on the upcoming November ballot. Recycling Discussion turned to strong interest on the part of several visitors to work with the Green Team to promote/expand proper recycling and clear and accurate recycling information. As the discussion required a lot of background on its more than 10 year history, obstacles, and opportunities, it was agreed that those interested meet together separately to get up to speed and discuss priority actions. Action: Maddy Walls agreed to find a room at WVU for a meeting on September 27 at 5:30pm (later determined to be Room 1036, WVU Library). Updates added later by members  Rise for Renewables event on September 8. Pam and Jing designed and had printed an MMGT banner with grommets and a larger sized and updated poster about the team. With the remaining funds in our 2018 City budget of $500, we printed 300 more accurate and updated recycling brochures for use by the City Communications Department and the team. Action: Pam and Jing will discuss how to upgrade team public education materials and how to reach a broader public about energy efficiency, renewable energy (third solar coop), reducing/reusing/recycling, etc. With our new banner, it would be helpful to find or receive a donation of a simple “party” tent in order to use the banner more effectively.  Progress on Climate Action Plan: Jim is contacting Joey James and Downstream Strategies for is current status.  Spurring action on LED Streetlight Study. Pam is arranging a meeting for key persons involved in arranging and advising on Abby Cayton’s study on the supervision of WVU’s Dr. Ken Means in 2017. Anyone on team who is interested should contact Pam Cubberly to find out date/time/location. Deferred until October:  New Leadership for Green Team (very important)  Andrew Stacy’s request for short video ideas  Updating of City website related to MMGT interests  Coalition or meeting(s) proposed for various City advisory boards (raised by Matthew Cross on Pedestrian Safety Board; could involve just one to regular meetings: no date set) Next meeting: Monday, October 1, Morgantown Public Library, 2nd floor conference room, 5:30pm–7:00pm. 2