Environmental Council Meeting
Minutes of November 22, 2004
Old Chapel 401
Present: Nan Jenks-Jay (Chair), Connie Leach Bisson (Vice Chair), Anne Knowles, Jeff Munroe, Brenda Ellis, Diane Munroe, Charlotte Tate, Dalal Al Abdulrazzak, Whitney Creed, Makely Lyon, Louis Paolella, David Wright, Sara Dewey, Clare O'Reilly
Missing: Steve Trombulak, Lance Leduc, Sharai Lewis-Gruss, Olivia Katz, Kelly Blynn, John Reed
I. Announcements
Energy Conservation at Break – The Purchasing subcommittee asked whether there would be any kind of message to students with tips for closing up their room for break. Connie reported that Facilities Management had drafted a notice that was distributed at the Energy Info Night and that she was handing them out to Atwater students at the Environmental Orientation later that night. She would also send an e-mail to the Commons Deans and noted that Scott Barnicle had already distributed something to his Commons. Before the December break, the plan is to have Reprographics make door hangers with "Closing Up Tips".
Anne Knowles announced that she had received a draft of the GIS Intern position and noted that the student hourly pay is higher than many positions because of the specialized skills needed.
Connie announced that 1 grant proposal had been received. She and student assistant Jimmy Manyuru created a sign inviting students to write environmental grants during break and posted it on an easel to be rotated between dining halls.
II. Minutes of November 8
The Minutes of November 8 were unanimously approved as received.
III. Meeting Times for December and January
Nan updated the EC on plans to meet with President Liebowitz. It is now likely to be a January meeting. Dalal was the only one in attendance that would not be on campus during January. Connie will check with those who were absent.
Nan shared that EC meeting times are rarely shifted but in light of the tribute to Bob Churchill scheduled for 4 p.m. on December 6th, the EC might explore a different meeting time for that week. Wednesday, December 8th at 4:30 was the time agreed upon with the main agenda item being discussion of recommended environmental grant proposal awards based on a review by the Environmental Grants subcommittee.
Connie asked if it would be possible to set dates for January. Anne noted that she would be away for one week but could not yet confirm the dates. Dalal will be away for the month. Dates to avoid include Monday, January 10 and Tuesday – Friday, January 25-28th. Connie will send an e-mail asking for feedback on potential dates.
IV. Pedestrian Campus
Steve was unable to attend today's meeting and asked Diane to provide a short update. The subcommittee will be working to develop a conceptual definition of a pedestrian campus. Building off Nan's 401 class project, the subcommittee will generate a list of projects that could be components of the pedestrian campus section of the long range plan. Their third focus area will be improvements in bike infrastructure on campus.
Nan asked Brenda for input on the dialogue around campus concerning the pedestrian campus. Brenda mentioned that it has been discussed in a joint meeting between the Staff and Faculty Councils and that she thought there was a subcommittee of the Faculty Council addressing the issue. Clare mentioned that she and Steve met with Tim Spears to discuss the pedestrian campus concept and its integration into the Commons system. Nan shared that she had seen draft plans for landscaping connected with Old Chapel Road and renovations to Starr Library. It will be important to maintain lines of communication with all these groups working on potential projects that might impact a pedestrian campus.
Anne Knowles asked if we know how President Liebowitz visualizes the pedestrian campus. Nan noted that there are various approaches to pedestrian campus such as banning vehicles in the center of campus, preventing first years from having cars, and on the west coast the emphasis is on getting people out of cars and using public transportation. She suggested that it will be important to look at what John Emerson is putting in as a subtitle for the Pedestrian Campus task force. What level of planning breadth will there be on this topic? There is often a risk of capturing the low hanging fruit without having infrastructure/resources in place for moving to greater levels.
V. Dish Recovery System
Clare began the discussion by noting that there has been a request for additional bins on campus. The service is becoming overused. Matthew Biette has suggested replacing dishes in the dining halls during January with disposables as a shock tactic for getting students to return dishes. Clare has replied that she does not believe this strategy supports Middlebury's environmental ethic, local foods initiative or purchase of wild Alaskan salmon. She noted that there will be a meeting with Matthew Biette in Freeman Dining Hall on Friday, December 3rd at 12:15.
The survey in The Campus about students' feelings concerning the taking of dishes shows the need for clarification in how students are allowed to use dishes. Since the dining halls are now only lightly monitored, there is more freedom to remove dishes.
Nan noted that it is important to keep Facilities Management involved. What would be the impact on waste if Dining started using disposables? Clare had suggested shifting to just bowls and spoons for J-Term as has been modeled by Weybridge Feasts. Charlotte asked whether it would be possible to have some designated for those needing take out.
Connie briefed members on her meeting with Matthew and John Nordmeyer in preparation for a discussion on this issue with Community Council next Monday. She conveyed Matthew's clarity in running a residential dining service where dining occurs in the dining hall. Students are allowed to leave with a piece of fruit and a drink and dining provides reusable mugs to all first year students. Connie said that she asked Matthew if he knew where President Liewbowitz stood on this issue as his viewpoint would assist in developing a response to the growing dish problem. Matthew said he would contact Ron in preparation for the Community Council meeting.
Nan asked Clare to report back to the Environmental Council after the December 3rd meeting. She also asked Clare to note that the EC has concerns about moving to disposables.
VI. Environmental Policy
Nan asked members to review the Environmental Policy for discussion at the next meeting. The EC is asked each year if it would like to make any changes. The policy was updated recently but it is useful to have new sets of eyes read and review. Read the policy
VII. Other Business
What is the status of the Outdoor Recycling Bins that were purchased with Environmental Grant funding? Connie suggested that Facilities Management (Norm Cushman and Missy Beckwith) be invited to provide an update.
The Lands Subcommittee met and is planning their next steps.
The Purchasing Subcommittee is meeting weekly on Tuesdays at lunchtime. Linda Ross, Assistant Director of Custodial Services came to their last meeting to provide background information on cleaning products. They will be meeting with Matthew Biette next to learn more about the cleaning products used in the kitchens.
A productive meeting was held to clarify a framework for the Environmental Assessment. Connie noted that this meeting was very helpful in creating a template for the report.
Nan concluded the meeting by reminding everyone to review the Environmental Policy. She also asked if the Environmental Grants subcommittee would be able to send out their recommendations in advance of the meeting. Connie said that they would try to do this but they had yet to find a mutual meeting time for the review.
The meeting adjourned at5:45 p.m.
Reminder: The next meeting will be on Wednesday, December 8 at4:30 p.m. in Old Chapel 401.