October 20, 1999
Environmental Council Meeting Minutes
October 20, 1999
Geonomics Library
Chair: Nan Jenks-Jay
In attendance: Amy Seif, George McPhail, Linda Pitkin, Kathy Morse, Margaret Aleks, Charlie Sargent, Nan Jenks-Jay, Charlotte Tate
Absent: Dan Bedford, Tom Kelly, Jess Pasko, Jamie McBride, Mike Snow, Oren Frey, Tyson Schoelzel, Brian Harding (absences due to mid-term break)
1. The meeting was called to order at 4:20 p.m.
2. The minutes from the October 6, 1999 meeting were approved.
3. Eric Davis on Transportation
A. Introduction
Eric spoke for 35 minutes regarding issues to consider at Middlebury College when working on the subject of campus transportation. Having good information is important, but there are no studies of automobile use at the college. He suggests that a student(s) take on a winter term project to determine where faculty/staff commute from, how faculty/staff use cars during the day, how many f/s use cars during the summer, how students without cars get around, etc. This may require a survey. Eric offered his assistance on this project. There is no campus transportation committee, but most of these ideas lie within the role of the Facilities Planning Group.
B. Policy issues
Old Chapel Road could be closed. Speed on Old Chapel is a concern. Improvements needed to crosswalks, especially near Munford and Meeker House. New paths needed to Bicentennial Hall.
C. Student issues
Should first year students have cars? Should the college require a parking fee? Middlebury used to have a $25 fee but students were not registering cars. Colleges tend to charge $50-$75. Should there be assigned spaces? We need more information on demand.
D. Faculty/Staff issues
Should the college require a parking fee? Should the fee be graduated according to income or proximity to buildings? The college could use the money for maintenance and improvement of parking lots. Do faculty/staff need their car for work purposes or for errands? Car-pooling is an alternative for some, but not many.
E. Vehicular Circulation issues
What about a shuttle bus system? What are the costs? What fuels? Where should additional parking for the growth at the college be located? What is the demand for a shuttle bus? How far is too far to walk? Eric says it is 15 minutes for himself. Public transportation would not work in rural Middlebury, but an internal transportation system may be feasible.
F. Eric's Personal Suggestions
Add new parking on the periphery of campus for faculty/staff. Close Old Chapel Rd. Establish a shuttle bus during peak hours that picks up every 5-8 minutes and during off-peak every 10-15 minutes. Learn from Haverford College. He suggests to take these steps: gather information, then discuss policies, then broaden the conversation with the external world, and then think of alternatives.
4. Sub-Committees
A. Members
Final membership of sub-committees was decided. See attachment .
B. Committee Chairs
Committee Chairs were nominated. See attachment . Role of Chair is to call meetings and arrange a meeting place.
C. Suggestions
Amy suggested that the Environmental Fair sub-committee also work on Earth Week activities and Graduation. Kathy suggested that the sub-committee focus on one activity for Earth Week, and leave the other activities to student groups.
5. Other Business
A. Candlelight Dinners
Amy will work on these during J-term and for the Environmental Fair.
B. Raffle tickets for green deeds
Amy will work this into the Liaison program next semester.
C. Small grants
It was suggested that the Audit Implementation committee work on developing a small grant program.
6. The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Amy Seif on October 25, 1999.
