May 4, 2000
Environmental Council Meeting Minutes
May 4, 2000
Old Chapel 206
Vice-Chair: Amy Seif
In Attendance: Amy Seif, Oren Frey, Jamie McBride, Linda Pitkin, George McPhail, Mike Snow, Nan Jenks-Jay, Brian Harding, Krista Siringo, Tom Kelly, Margaret Aleks, Charlie Sargent, Jessica Pasko, Kathy Morse, Tyson Schoelzel
Absent: Dan Bedford
1. Approved Minutes, April 19, 2000.
2. Environmental Grant Prentations:
A. Printing Double-Sided:
Catherine Turner and Jennifer DeLeonardo presented their project focused on getting the College to purchase campus printers that print double-sided. They found faculty to be very supportive of their efforts and did not get any resistance from ITS. Carol Peddie assisted them in identifying printer options. Two options were identified as possible. The Hewlett Packard model with a duplexing option costs $3200. NEC also makes a printer with a duplexing option, but might not be compatible with campus systems. If the price is affordable, ITS will install printers with a duplexing option in Bicentennial Hall and Voter. ITS had already been planning on purchasing additional printers.
B. Campus Landscaping:
Melissa Bahret examined the current pesticide use on campus and did inventory research. She declared that our campus is one of the "greener" ones as far as chemical use on the landscape is concerned, but we still use several chemicals. Seven main chemicals are used on the athletic fields and lindane, glyphosate, and Alamo are used on the main campus. The production of glyphosate, also called "round-up," has been banned in the U.S. She explained that often the inert ingredients are not known to the consumer, and these ingredients can be harmful. She found Integrated Pest Management to be the best alternative to pursue for campus landscaping.
C. Bicentennial Wetland:
Lara DuMond studied wetland functions, wetland assessment, and wetland hydrology to assist her with this project. She found that wetlands trap water run-off, decrease flooding, and bind excess nutrients. She has developed a restoration plan for the wetland behind Bicentennial Hall. This plan includes increasing native plant diversity and species diversity. Weed canary grass has taken over the wetland. She identified the wetland as a seasonal semi-permanent wetland and determined the area to be a good site for research and demonstration. Her project also involved visiting natural wetlands in the region and hosting a wetland tour and lunch, which over thirty people attended.
3. Recommendations for Electric Bus Report:
A. Survey Results:
Survey results indicate that the majority would like to have the option of a campus shuttle and see more electric vehicles in campus fleets. Forty-three riders said they would have driven across campus if the bus wasn't available.
B. Campus Shuttle Service:
The Council would like to see a campus shuttle service to meet future demand, as long as the needs of riders are addressed. See Electric Bus Report for details.
C. Electric Buses:
The Council would like to see alternatives that minimize pollution pursued if a shuttle system is put in place. See Electric Bus Report for more details.
4. Council 1999-00 Successes:
A. Electric Bus and Electric Bus Survey!
B. Environmental Grant Program!
C. Events: Earth Day, Environmental Fair, Caring for the Land Lectures!
As an Earth Day "tradition," we may want to partner on a project with a department that doesn't normally think of themselves as environmental.
D. Membership to Parking Study Committee!
E. Improvements in Council: Field Trip, Visiting Speakers, Assessment, etc!
F. New funds ($25000) from President for Grant Program!
The Council gave thanks to Amy. Amy gave thanks to the Council.
5. Council Membership:
A. Repeat Membership:
Includes Tom Kelly, Kathy Morse, Linda Pitkin, Krista Siringo, George McPhail, Charlie Sargent, Mike Snow, Jess Pasko. Also, Erik Skovstead and Katy Saunders would like to be members.
B. Instructions for Joining Next Year:
Faculty need to tell the Dean of Faculty's office by the end of finals that they would like to join. Staff need to contact Charlotte Tate/Staff Council early this summer with their intentions. Students need to contact the SGA early in September.
6. Other Business:
A. Project Review Committee:
The Project Review Committee's work has been integrated into the Facilities Planning Process. We expect good things to come from Atwater.
B. Pathways Report:
The Peak Task Force, which integrates academic programs and college environmental awareness, will be looking to improve upon areas of the Pathways Report which have not yet been met by current programs.
7. Dinner at Weybury Inn
8. The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Amy Seif on May 4, 2000.