March 12, 2002

Environmental Council Minutes

March 12, 2002

Le Chateau D

4:30-5:30

Present:  Dane Springmeyer, Ben Brouwer, Ben Wessler, Andrea Hamre, Kaitlin Gregg, Katy Saunders, Helen Young, Lori DelNegro, Charlotte Tate, Connie Leach Bisson (Co-Chair)

Absent:  Mandy Helwig, Tim McCahill, Caitlin Hicks, Oren Frey, Stephen Switzer, Erika Holsman, Erin Jensen, Sarah Herrup, Valerie Benka, Abiezer Miranda, Mike Moser, Charlie Sargent, Jon Isham, Nan Jenks-Jay (Co-Chair)

1. Campus Tree Inventory- Remaining campus trees have been identified and most have been entered into master database.  Currently working on a map that will identify the species of each tree, diameter and any dedications/memorials. Developing a potential tree tag design to review with Greg Yandow, Landscape Services Supervisor.
2. Water Use Efficiency at the Golf Course – Currently working on securing an FCC license to operate the satellite transmitter.
3. Blue Mitts Bike Society – Purchased 40 pairs of blue mitts and members were visible throughout the winter riding in various weather conditions.  Currently fundraising and developing biking ideas to increase interest in biking on campus and in the extended community.  ($500 spent and grant completed)
4. Yellow Bike program- Working with other groups on a Bike-to-Work day as part of the College's annual May Day celebration.

15 bikes are currently in the Yellow Bike program. Experiencing problems rounding bikes up for maintenance.  Next phase of the program this spring will include outfitting bikes with locks. User will pay a deposit to obtain a key that will work for the entire Yellow Bike fleet.  Public Safety may release additional bikes to the program.  In addition, 15-25 new, single-speed bikes will be purchased from the Alpine Shop at wholesale.  The new bikes and lock system will be introduced to campus as part of Earth Day events.  Bikes will be stored over the summer and re-released in September.

1. Weybridge Bike Trailer-  Purchased and in use by Weybridge residents.  ($270 spent and grant completed)
2. Biodiesel – Requesting that Env. Grant funds be used to develop a website to link small-scale biodiesel producers and consumers.  Currently, those interested in purchasing small amounts of biodiesel are using a listserve as their means of networking.
3. Designing a Sustainable College Farm – One farm has been visited, and reports from several other farms has been reviewed.  Jean Hamilton, in conjunction with MISD, held a dinner to dialogue with several community members about a Middlebury College Organic Garden.  No update on grant progress was received.
4. Outdoor Recycling Bins – Recycling staff decided to retrofit existing containers in order to reduce the cost of the outdoor recycling bins.  A prototype will be developed in-house (including signage), and if acceptable, all grant funds will be invested to obtain the maximum number of bins.
5. Elevator Abuse signage – Grant recipients have discussed the project with Tim Wickland and temporary posters will be allowed in the elevator.  Draft signage for in and around the elevators will be developed over spring break.
6. Green Room – Final Report received.
7. Compost unit – Chinese House has purchased its compost unit.  ($133.33 spent and grant completed.)
8. Efficient Exit Signs- will not be initiated this year
9. Greenhouse – cost overruns and a delay in construction until late summer places some of this grant work and costs in '01-'02 grant year budget.  Greenhouse is complete and producing winter hearty greens and herbs.

1. Environmental Grants Assessment Committee

The following members volunteered to provide an assessment of the Environmental Grants program after Earth Day:  Charlotte Tate, Dane Springmeyer, Katy Saunders, and Ben Wessler.

1. Earth Day/Hanging Out

Connie will continue to discuss permanent options for air and solar drying of clothes with Facilities Management staff, and then will meet with Commons Deans about submitting a grant to implement options acceptable to Facilities Management.

Students discussed various plans for campus events to be undertaken in conjunction with MISD and other groups on campus:  Junk Art Contest on Gifford Green, Recycling Bales, environmental quotes around a green, clotheslines (possibly a charity line where people could donate clothes), Mchakamchaka Earth Day Fun Run ending up at the BBQ Monday night, and expansion of Yellow Bikes.  Don Knaack, hired by Midd Dining, will perform world music on a variety of instruments created from junk.  The concert will end with a participatory "junk jam."

Alexander Lee from Project Laundry List will be offering a powerpoint presentation on Sunday evening and is assisting with an art event that may hang in one of the dining halls. 

Dane and Connie continue to represent the College at planning meetings for the Environmental Fair that will take place on the Middlebury Green on Sunday, April 21st.  There will be informational booths, speakers, a drumming circle, music, food, and hybrid vehicles to test drive.