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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 17, 2011 Meeting MinutesSt. Lucie County Sustainability Advisory Committee February 17, 2011 Meeting Minutes Present: Eric Winterstein, Bob Cenk, Marty Laven, Doug Coward, Larry Pelton, Mary Chapman, Derrick Dukes Staff and Guests: Sandra Bogan (ERD); Marc Myers (Ft. Pierce Public Works); Ron LeClair (Cold-Plus), Michelle Noble (Waste Pro), Pete Fitzpatrick (Florida Solar Window Insulators) ************************************************************************************************************************************************* The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 1:33 pm MOTION TO APPROVE minutes from the January 20, 2011 meeting made by Bob Cenk, seconded by Marty Laven passed unanimously. The committee discussed consumption-based rating system as a strategic approach to raising the level of awareness and participation by residents and businesses in waste diversion /recycling. It was noted that this approach would encourage businesses to recycle without making it mandatory. Michelle Nobles, Waste Management talked about how consumption-based would work, using automated trucks that weigh the bins. Eric Winterstein talked about the system in Alachua County that doesn't weigh bins but uses various size bins, and if customers have more garbage, they have to use special bags and are charged more. Currently a very low number of Fort Pierce residents recycle. The group discussed single-stream recycling. Ms. Nobles pointed out that single-stream does increase participation significantly, but there is a devaluation of the commodity, so it's abit of atrade-off. Ms. Nobles also said that businesses are encouraged to recycle and that there is a cost differentiation that already exists. For example, it costs $6.40/yard of waste, yet would cost $0/yard for recycling. The question was raised as to how we reconcile geoplasma with the County's goal (SLC Greenprint) of diverting 75% of the waste from the landfill. It was noted that the Solid Waste Department was still intending on recycling even with geoplasma in place. It was also noted that the amount of trash required for geoplasma is much less than originally anticipated, but the committee needed more information from our Solid Waste department. MOTION: Doug Coward made a motion that Solid Waste staff be at the next meeting so the committee could have accurate information when discussing options. The motion was seconded by Larry Pelton and passed unanimously. Bob Cenk pointed out that as a resident, he would like the consumption-based rating system, but as a business, especially construction, he could see how people would take advantage of the construction dumpsters to get rid of their garbage, which already happens. What can local government do to help to encourage more recycling? Eco-Industrial Park ... attract companies that use recycled materials, etc. and offer tax abatement and/or incentives for the park. Two sites were identified for such a park: the Research and Education Park and/or adjoining property and a park co-located on the landfill site. The committee thought that two parks may be better than one, identifying different aspects of each park and the businesses that would fit best. The committee felt that we would need a commissioner to spearhead the eco-industrial park concept. There is currently no land available at the landfill, however, once geoplasma is in place, the. hills of trash will be taken down and potentially could be used. Marc Meyers (Ft. Pierce Public Works) let the committee know about the Green Building Construction Code Consortium in Lake Mary on July 7~h. Morning sessions are for politicians/decision-makers; afternoon session for builders, etc. The big question is how do you require green verification past the certificate of occupancy? This led to a discussion on audits and performance contracting. Larry Pelton said that so far Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce and IRSC have done investment-grade audits of exterior lighting with the idea of doing a joint RFP. Marty Laven shared that there is an effort to hold a Green Life Expo in the County in summer that could act as akick-off for the solar and energy loan fund. MEETING ADJOURNED at 2:33, motion by Doug Coward, seconded by Derrick Dukes, passed unanimously.