January 2007

Recycling Committee Minutes 

1. Members attending:

Reginald H. “Reg” Turnbull, Turnbull Law Office, P.C.
Carrie Carroll, Hallmark/Cottonstone
Lee Waer, Turnbull Law Office, P.C.
Dean Lamb, Environment Services Division Director, Jefferson City Government
Jennifer “Jenny” Tergin, Motorsports

Members absent:

Dave Nowack, Natural Connections
Rob Didriksen, Volunteer

Other Persons Attending

Mike Kauflin, M.R.S. Recycling Service, Inc.   
           

January 10, 2007, 9 AM at Turnbull Law Office, P.C., 200 E. High St., Jefferson City, MO 65101

Reg reviewed the minutes and asked for motion to approve.  Dean moved to approve the minutes and Carrie seconded.  Minutes were approved.

a. Recycling Rechargeable Batteries:

Reg mentioned that he had removed the poster from the office window, but he plans to put it in the window again.  None were noted in other windows downtown.

Jenny said that she has a couple of dozen fluorescent bulbs to deliver to Wal-Mart.  Carrie offered to help Jenny take the bulbs to Wal-Mart.

Reg asked about the status of placing a container. Carrie said that she has not received a final decision from Lance Stegeman at Exchange Bank.  She thought that Lance is waiting for an approval. 

Mike mentioned that now is a good time to place a container from M.R.S. Recycling because new telephone books such as Verizon are coming out.

Jenny said that she called New World Recycling about ten times.  According to Jenny, New World Recycling is having driver problems and that they will establish regular pickup dates after they have a driver.

Carrie mentioned Kris Hilgedick’s article in the News Tribune about recycling during the holidays. Carrie said that she also called Kris.  Because Kris is very busy, Carrie thought that it might be helpful to share article ideas with Kris.

Members discussed the status of structures on McCarty Street that may be razed and what might happen with the waste materials.  Members also discussed the possibility of an article regarding home renovations and the need to salvage materials before waste goes to a landfill. 

Dean mentioned copper writing as an item that has value.  He noted that in the St. Louis area there are firms that strip homes to extract reusable and recyclable materials.

Jenny noted that “clean materials” could be dumped for fill whereas other materials such as asbestos would take special handling.  Jenny noted her and her husband’s business had turned in copper for recycling.

Carrie noted the potential for an article topic.  Reg mentioned recycling tips for homes being remodeled and for homes being destroyed.  Carrie said that she will call Kris.

Carrie asked Mike if M.R.S. Recycling Services, Inc., accepts clothes.  Mike said that they do accept clothes.  Mike noted that clothes can be recycled into rags and stuffing for seats.  Carrie noted that non-usable clothes can be recycled rather than being thrown away.

Reg asked if meeting on mornings of the second Wednesday of each month was agreeable to the committee members.  Members thought the day and time were okay.

Carrie noted that the Downtown Jefferson City website has been okay about adding the recycling information in spite of the costs.  She also said that the committee could have its own website if the Recycling Committee ever received a grant.

Carrie said that she provides information to Steve Picker for the recycling committee.

Reg asked if the Environmental Commission would be interested in hosting information from the recycling committee because the recycling issues have expanded beyond the downtown area.

Dean mentioned the information that is available on the city’s website.  Jenny asked Dean if the city could host the recycling committee’s minutes.  Dean referred Jenny to Bill Betts (the minutes from the December 11, 2006, had incorrectly spelled Mr. Betts last name).

Dean noted the city is planning to add four new containers.  Reg asked about the potential site placements and mentioned the rear area of the City Gundelfinger property between 300 E. High and 304 E. High.  Dean also said one idea is placing a container on the parking lot near the City Hall.

Dean said that he had shared information about the solar power trash compactor with the City Parks and Recreation staff.

 The July 4th holiday was the only event mentioned and the committee expects to plan recycling again with Rob Didriksen.

Dean said that more and more people are using the recycling containers throughout the city.  He expected the trend to continue.  Dean also mentioned curbside pickup as a long-term solution.  Reg and Dean discussed past curb side pickup efforts. 

Jenny discussed the curbside program in Columbia, Missouri and commented on how well she thinks it works.  Dean mentioned that Jenny may want to contact her councilman to advocate for curbside service.  Carrie asked if the committee should investigate recycling options.  Dean mentioned there are budget issues. 

Some discussion occurred regarding government-operated versus privately- operated utility services in Jefferson City and Columbia.  Reg mentioned that Jefferson City has more private utility contractors than Columbia.  He noted that maybe the committee should encourage the involvement of private industry to help find solutions.

Carrie noted that members could contact their councilmen regarding curbside pickup.

Reg said that he wanted to step down so that Carrie could be the chairperson, but he is willing to stay on the committee.  Reg thanked Carrie and Jenny for all their help.  He also suggested that in the future the chairperson have a term of one year.  Reg asked for a committee vote.

Dean moved to accept and Jenny seconded.  Carrie was elected to serve as chair person effective immediately.

Lee will email draft minutes to Carrie for her review.

The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for Wednesday February 14, 2007, at 9 AM at Turnbull Law Office, P.C., 200 East High St. Jefferson City, MO 65101.

FYI: CC  City Administrator’s Office for delivery to Mayor John Landwehr, Councilman Edith Vogel, and Councilman Peter Oetting; Charles Lansford, Kris Hilgedick, Colleen Taylor, Rick Graham, Corey Toebben, Steve Picker, and Mike Kauflin.