ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES
BOARD ROOM, ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

The meeting was called to order at 1:03 p.m. by Bruce Abe, chair.

PRESENT: 

Bruce Abe, Connie Anderson, Greg Angus, Ken Burrus, Caralee Cheney, Cheryl Laufle, Tyler Peterson, David Phippen, Larry Tilford, Gina White or Ananda Seebach

ABSENT:

Hillary Delaney, Jason Ramey, Ananda Seebach, and Robin Thompson

MINUTES:

Cheryl Laufle requested the following changes to the February 1, 1999 minutes:

page 3, paragraph 1, line 1 - change the date April 20 to April 22; page 5, paragraph 6, line 2 - after the word carpooling add the word matches.

A motion was made by Cheryl Laufle to approve the February 1, 1999 minutes as corrected. The motion was seconded by David Phippen and the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

BY-LAWS:

Bruce Abe stated he will check with Chuck Fields to see how to transfer the by-laws to the intranet.

PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES:

Bruce Abe distributed an updated draft of the Environmental Procedural Guidelines for two sections: Recycling and Education. Bruce Abe reviewed the changes recommended from our last meeting that were incorporated into these updated procedures.

Cheryl Laufle requested the following change: Recycling - second bullet, line 3, change the word it's to its.

A motion was made by Larry Tilford to approve the Procedural Guidelines for Recycling and Education as corrected. The motion was seconded by Cheryl Laufle and the motion was approved.

Bruce Abe reviewed other Procedural Guidelines topics for completion. Bruce Abe mentioned they would be "guidelines" and not "directives". The next two sections that would be completed are Procurement, and Laboratory/Instructional Aids.

The following individuals volunteered for the following sub-committees:

Procurement - Greg Angus, Ken Burrus, and Larry Tilford

Laboratory/Instructional Aids - Caralee Cheney, Tyler Peterson, David Phippen

(Jason Ramey was volunteered. He will be called to check on his desire to participate)

Caralee Cheney inquired about the time table deadline for the sub-committees.

Bruce Abe responded that a draft for the procurement and laboratory/instructional aids should be available for review at our next committee meeting.

CAPITAL PROJECTS:

Bruce Abe mentioned the capital projects section would be deferred until our next meeting.

COMMITTEE WORK PLAN AND GOALS:

Bruce Abe mentioned the committee would continue to work on the Procedural Guidelines. The next phase of the Procedural Guidelines to be reviewed would be Capital Projects.

RECYCLING PROGRAM:

Tyler Peterson stated he had contacted companies regarding chlorine free paper. Some of the companies did not return his call and others do not carry chlorine free paper. He was not able to talk to any distributors over the telephone, but received this information by E-mail or through catalogs.

Tyler Peterson mentioned he had talked with West Coast Paper and their paper price is $8.00 per 1,000 sheets; chlorine free paper is $16.00 per 1,000 sheets. He indicated another vendor quoted him $26.00 per 1,000 sheets for chlorine free paper.

Tyler Peterson indicated the price for recycled chlorine free hemp paper is $22.00 per 1,000 sheets.

Tyler Peterson stated there is quite a price difference for chlorine free paper. He mentioned it would be expensive to change to chlorine free paper, however, he will do more research.

Bruce Abe stated he had asked Mark Durfee, central printing, regarding the purchase of paper. The vendor's used for purchasing paper are not selling chlorine free paper anymore. Bruce Abe stated that Mark Durfee informed him that the last time he purchased unbleached bond paper was September, 1996 and there is still a supply of the paper because the demand on campus is not there. He was informed unbleached bond paper is not desirable because copies made from unbleached paper are darker and difficult to read. Bruce Abe mentioned the last time Mark Durfee purchased unbleached paper the price was $16.00 per 1,000.

Bruce Abe stated that if the college bought unbleached bond paper in volume the price would be probably less than the quotes Tyler Peterson had gotten.

Cheryl Laufle mentioned that the Business Administration Division uses unbleached bond paper more than any other department on campus.

Caralee Cheney mentioned the Science Division has started to use unbleached bond paper in their copy machine.

Bruce Abe indicated that education of the campus community regarding the use of unbleached bond paper would perhaps increase the number of people using that type of paper.

Bruce Abe related that if this committee shows that the alternative price for unbleached bond paper is cost prohibitive that is a strong reason for not using the paper.

Cheryl Laufle mentioned that hydrogen peroxide bleached paper is more expensive.

Greg Angus reported that the paper towels and folded towels purchased by plant operations contain recycled materials.

Bruce Abe stated the bathroom toilet tissue contains recycled materials.

Cheryl Laufle questioned whether the paper trays that are used by the cafeteria contained recycled materials.

Bruce Abe related that recycled materials could not be recycled if they had food used on them.

Caralee Cheney inquired why the cafeteria changed from the use of plastic trays to paper trays. She commented that it is a waste not using washable trays instead of paper trays.

Bruce Abe responded the larger dishwasher was taken out of the cafeteria for completion of the multicultural center.

Bruce Abe mentioned he had called other community college's regarding their recycling programs and received the following responses:

One college uses mentally challenged individuals to sort and bale the recycling material and then a company picks up their recycled materials. He was informed the college is losing money on their recycling program.

One college hires an outside company to do their recycling and they are losing money on their recycling program.

One college has a company that collects, sorts, and delivers their recycling.

Cheryl Laufle inquired if our recycling program pays for itself.

Bruce Abe responded that usually the program does not pay for itself and only once, a few years ago when the college had an emergency major replacement of electrical equipment did the college have revenues more than costs. Bruce Abe stated the recycling market currently is down, and that for almost every recyclable product the revenue is less than the cost to sort and recycle.

Caralee Cheney inquired what does the college do to recycle their computer equipment?

Larry Tilford responded that the computer equipment is so old and out dated that there are no bidders during the surplus sales held by plant operations. Generally the old computers are thrown out since people do not want to make bids on the computer equipment. He stated the very old computer equipment is declared to have no value and the equipment is disposed.

CAMPUS COMPOSTING:

Larry Tilford reported that the plant operations ground staff is requesting another composting bin. He stated he has received telephone calls from other college campuses and K-12 schools regarding the colleges composting program.

Bruce Abe stated a price quote would be needed for the ecology concrete blocks used for the composting area. The proposal is to expand the composting area to one additional stall. Bruce Abe related the composting area is located south of the "pit" parking lot area and north of the automotive center building. He mentioned that "scrub" brushes and trees were taken out which has visually opened up the right side looking north. Bruce Abe stated people appear to be more comfortable walking through these two areas.

Bruce Abe mentioned that in a few years he hoped there would be improvements to the west side of the "pit" driveway because a couple years ago there were break-ins to cars.

NEW BUSINESS:

ANNUAL REPORT TO THE PRESIDENT:

Bruce Abe stated there is an annual report due to the president in June,1999.

He indicated that we could gradually be gathering information for this annual report. Bruce Abe mentioned a draft of the committee's activities, work and accomplishments will be done for the next meeting in order to see what other things should be added to the report.

OTHER:

It was suggested that Jason Ramey write an article for the Ebbtide regarding littering since he sees the spots where it occurs.

Cheryl Laufle suggested a picture taken of an unidentified car with the license number blocked out with the litter in the picture to show the littering on campus to be included in the Ebbtide article for littering.

Caralee Cheney suggested calling Matt Loper, environmental club advisor, to see what the environmental club is doing for Earth day.

Tyler Peterson stated the environmental club may write an article regarding their involvement in a habitat program.

Bruce Abe related he would call Robin Thompson to see if she has heard back from Elizabeth Halfacre regarding the posters.

Bruce Abe mentioned he would call the Ebbtide to see if someone would interview a committee member in order to write an article about the new posters.

Bruce Abe will contact student programs to reserve space on Earth day for posters and procedural guidelines.

2. Bruce Abe inquired if the meeting time could be changed from
1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. due to a student's conflict in her schedule.

Larry Tilford responded that Jason Ramey might have a conflict, due to overtime, changing the meeting time to 1:30 p.m.

Bruce Abe indicated his schedule could be coordinated in order to attend the meetings.

Since there were no other objections to the meeting time change the future meetings would be held at 1:30 p.m.

NEXT MEETING:

Monday, April 5, 1999, 1:30 p.m.
Board Room, Administration Building

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to discuss Cheryl Laufle made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Tyler Peterson and the motion was approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:05 p.m.

CJA / 3/4/99

 The meeting was called to order at 1:36 p.m. by Bruce Abe, chair.

PRESENT:

Bruce Abe, Connie Anderson, Ken Burrus, Cheryl Laufle, Tyler Peterson, Jason Ramey, Ananda Seebach, Robin Thompson, and Larry Tilford

ABSENT:

Greg Angus, Caralee Cheney, Hillary Delaney and David Phippen

MINUTES:

A motion was made by Robin Thompson to approve the January 11, 1999 minutes. The motion was seconded by Larry Tilford and the motion was approved. (There were two abstentions from voting on the minutes since these individuals were not at the prior meeting.)

There was a question about the minutes being inserted on the Web page. Bruce Abe stated Chuck Fields is given the minutes for inserting on the Web page. After Connie Anderson becomes more familiar with the Web page she will be inserting the minutes on the Web page.

OLD BUSINESS:

BY-LAWS:

Bruce Abe gave a brief background on the origin of the committee, the by-laws, and procedural guidelines.

PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES:

Bruce Abe indicated the initial Environmental Procedural Guidelines were too detailed and restrictive. Bruce Abe stated the instructional divisions felt the proposed were an infringement on academic freedom. He mentioned the Environmental Procedural Guidelines have been revisited by this committee with the intent of the college mission in mind.

Bruce Abe stated a draft of the procedural guidelines have been completed by Cheryl Laufle and Robin Thompson. He thanked both of them for drafting the procedural guidelines and stated the committee could now continue onto other areas. Bruce Abe related a final draft would be prepared for our next meeting and a vote would be taken at that time.

The draft procedural guidelines were reviewed.

RECYCLING:

Tyler Peterson inquired if the college could use unbleached paper, that is an environmentally friendly paper, instead of the bleached paper. He stated there is not much of a price difference between the two types of paper, however, people are hesitant to use the unbleached paper.

Larry Tilford commented that colored or unbleached paper does not photocopy well.

Bruce Abe stated some types of paper with recycled content create lint or dust, and create paper jams so the parameters of the copier machine would have to be reviewed. He indicated there would have to be education of the copier users for changing the type of paper they use.

Bruce Abe mentioned that 95 percent of the campus copier paper is purchased through central printing, Mark Durfee.

Robin Thompson commented that there should be a review of the individual use on the type of paper used by the divisions and departments. She stated that VCT and central printing could be contacted and the information compiled into a report.

Larry Tilford inquired if the recycling company provided the college with statistics on the amount of paper recycled each month, and if there were any goals to increase that amount?

Bruce Abe responded that West Seattle Recycling Company provides numbers for the paper and cardboard recycled. He stated that perhaps these figures could be compiled for the annual report to the president.

Robin Thompson related perhaps there could be a contest on the various uses of paper products. She mentioned one example for possible paper reduction is the paycheck distribution since every payday there is a new envelope used that cannot be recycled because it is glued shut. If they were not glued shut these envelopes could be recycled for future payrolls or campus use.

EARTH DAY:

Cheryl Laufle commented that prior to earth day on April 20 there could be an article written on post consumer paper and recycling for the Ebbtide newspaper.

Bruce Abe indicated that on earth day the environmental committee could have a table next to the environmental club with samples of the various posters, paper supplies, and efforts to improve recycling on campus.

Robin Thompson mentioned she had a visual board that could be used for posting materials on earth day.

RECYCLED MATERIALS IN CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES:

Bruce Abe related that using recycled materials in the construction of facilities will usually add to the cost of the project.

ALUMINUM CAN RECYCLING:

Jason Ramey related he has noticed that the garbage includes more aluminum cans that could be recycled. He stated that it appears about half of the garbage for the buildings is not garbage, but recycling material, such as aluminum cans.

Cheryl Laufle commented that people need to be educated and made more aware about recycling.

Robin Thompson will take some pictures for displays and statistical information if she is provided the given areas that are using the garbage for materials that could be recycled.

Bruce Abe requested that Larry Tilford contact Dave from West Seattle Recycling Company to see if more recycling containers for cans could be provided. He relayed this company provides staff to sort recycled material then delivers the recycled material to the recyclers. Since the college is not in the business of recycling, the college pays for these services. Bruce Abe indicated at this time the cost for aluminum, cardboard, paper, and glass are very weak.

Bruce Abe stated the recycling company might be able to provide as many recycling containers as needed.

RECYCLING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS:

Cheryl Laufle will check on the enrollment for Clean Green and EnviroStars.

Bruce Abe related there is an annual award for recognizing an organizations process on conservation.

EDUCATION:

Bruce Abe related that the president's staff has approved funding of $500 for the first quarter to have the posters printed for smoking, recycling and littering. He stated that Paulette Fleming, Vice President, for Human Resources and Employee Benefits has been requested to review additional funding through the wellness committee.

Tyler Peterson reported the environmental club has a bulletin board in the library.

Larry Tilford commented that perhaps the digital display sign in the P.U.B. 900 building could be utilized for educational purposes.

Robin Thompson will determine which posters should be laminated since there will be a mixture of posters around campus.

Bruce Abe indicated since some of the posters will be used indoors, so approximately 25 percent of the posters should be laminated. He mentioned laminating the posters does not allow the paper to be recycled.

Additionally, Bruce Abe stated that professional development funds should be reviewed for smoking cessation classes.

LITTERING:

Jason Ramey reported an hourly person is hired to sweep up cigarette butts and litter around campus. He mentioned there is a significant amount of litter in the parking lots. Jason Ramey stated some individuals empty out their ashtrays, throw out their cigarette butts on the ground, and leave fast food containers from their cars in the parking lots.

Cheryl Laufle related there could be an article in the Ebbtide newspaper regarding the costs involved for picking up cigarette butts and trash on campus. She suggested having a picture taken of an unidentified car with the license number blocked out with the litter in the picture to make people more aware of the littering on campus.

 Robin Thompson mentioned if people were made aware on how much the trash on campus was costing each individual perhaps there would not be as much trash and more recycling.

RESOURCE CONSERVATION:

Bruce Abe mentioned if people were educated to turn off light switches when they vacate a room and turn off water these two items would provide conservation.

Larry Tilford related auto flush valves for toilets are being used in a few areas. However, a campus wide retrofit would be expensive.

Amanda Seebach stated there should also be a review of the library building 100, not just the F.O.S.S. 2100 building, for a button to push for the handicapped doors in order to save energy.

Bruce Abe indicated that some physically challenged are unable to push buttons, therefore, motion detectors were needed at the F.O.S.S. 2100 building.

Cheryl Laufle indicated it would be good to have a data base to review for carpooling.

Bruce Abe will check with Sara Nicholson, Public Information Office, to see if a data base could be established on the intranet for carpooling.

CAPITAL PROJECTS:

Bruce Abe mentioned capital projects would be deferred until our next meeting.

COMMITTEE WORK PLAN AND GOALS:

Bruce Abe mentioned the committee work plan and goals would be deferred until our next meeting.

RECYCLING PROGRAM:

Bruce Abe indicated the president's staff has approved funding for $500.00 for the first quarter to have posters printed for smoking, recycling and littering. He stated that the president's staff has requested that the wellness committee be contacted for additional funding.

Bruce Abe will write a memorandum to Paulette Fleming, Vice President for Human Resources and Employee Benefits regarding additional funding for posters.

CAMPUS COMPOSTING:

Bruce Abe mentioned there are three composting bins 12' wide x 10' depth that are already filled with composted material. Plant Operations is requesting one more composting bin.

Larry Tilford brought pictures of the composting area for the committee to see how well the program is working.

Bruce Abe stated a price quote would be needed for the ecology concrete blocks used for the composting area.

NEW BUSINESS:

Bruce Abe stated there is an annual report due to the president in June,1999.

This report would show the committee's activities, work and accomplishments for the year.

OTHER:

Since there was no objection to the meeting time change the future meetings would be held at 1:00 p.m.

3. Bruce Abe inquired if a smoking cessation credit class would
be taught, what would the approximate costs be for the class?

Cheryl Laufle felt there should be more research done for having a smoking cessation class taught. She stated that the American Lung Association or Easter Seal Society have classes.

NEXT MEETING:

Monday, March 1, 1999, 1:00 p.m.
Board Room, Administration Building

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to discuss Cheryl Laufle made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Ken Burrus and the motion was approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

CJA

2/4/99 

The meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m. by Bruce Abe, chair.

PRESENT:

Bruce Abe, Connie Anderson, Caralee Cheney, Hillary Delaney, Norah Peters for Ken Burrus, David Phippen, Ananda Seebach, Robin Thompson, and Larry Tilford

ABSENT:

Greg Angus, Ken Burrus, Cheryl Laufle, Tyler Peterson, and Jason Ramey

The members introduced themselves since there were new members attending for the first time.

MINUTES:

Bruce Abe stated that Connie Anderson, secretary, was absent for the November 2, 1998 meeting, and he has not prepared the minutes from that meeting. He related he would have them completed by our February meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

BY-LAWS:

Bruce Abe gave a brief background on the origin of the committee, going back to the executive order regarding the Government Options to Landfill Disposal (G.O.L.D.) plan and requirements. The G.O.L.D. plan required that a plan, college policy and committee be established with respect to recycling which eventually led to the college environmental policy and the environmental committee.

Bruce Abe mentioned the permanent committee members had approved the draft by-laws. If anyone needs a copy of the by-laws, please contact Connie Anderson on Ext. 4514.

PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES:

Bruce Abe indicated the previous Environmental Policy Procedural Guidelines were too detailed and restrictive. Bruce Abe stated they need to be guidelines instead of procedures, general in intentions and not too detailed.

Bruce Abe stated a draft of the procedural guidelines have been completed by Robin Thompson. A copy of these will be sent along with the minutes to be reviewed and discussed at the next meeting

COMMITTEE WORK PLAN AND GOALS:

Bruce Abe mentioned the committee needs to look at a committee work plan.

Ananda Seebach stated there should be a review of the energy since some of the buildings are hot and others are cold.

Larry Tilford responded the comfort levels for the buildings is a matter of individual preference and college-wide temperature set points have not worked.

Bruce Abe related that many buildings are used differently than originally planned. For example, the lower 800 building was not originally designed for classrooms, but for programs such as welding. Bruce Abe related state funds were requested but denied for retrofitting the building properly.

Bruce Abe stated the indoor air quality codes have changed over the years. He reported during the next biennial there has been a capital budget request to replace the air handlers in the physical education building 1900. He mentioned there would be new roofing installed on the physical education building 1900 this year.

Ananda Seebach stated that at the F.O.S.S. 2100 building if there were a button to push for the handicapped doors this would be saving energy.

Bruce Abe commented the severely handicapped could not use a button for using the handicapped doors, but instead a motion detector is used. Further, during the summer the current sliding doors for the handicapped will be changed to manual doors.

Bruce Abe requested the members make a work plan and goals list and bring their list to the next committee meeting.

RECYCLING PROGRAM:

Bruce Abe related that Cheryl Laufle, Robin Thompson and he had met with the art class to pursue the possibility of students designing posters for the campus regarding smoking, recycling, and littering issues.

It was indicated the students would be willing to design the posters as an-ongoing project.

Robin Thompson showed the committee samples of the various designs and sizes for smoking posters. She stated the smoking poster sizes, either an 8"x10" or 11"x17", would be determined by the location of where they would be put. She reported she had received the following quotes for the smoking posters:

120 laminated11" x 17" for four posters $453

90 laminated11" x 17" for three posters 340

60 laminated 8 -1/2" x 11" for 2 posters 162

Robin Thompson mentioned the posters would show that this committee is starting somewhere, and the committee's initiative to move forward on these problems. She hopes to have the posters out by spring quarter, 1999.

Bruce Abe commented the advantage of this program is there would be three different sets of posters each year. He related there would also be posters designed for littering and recycling.

Bruce Abe stated had sent a memorandum to the president on November 2,1998 regarding smoking, recycling, littering, funding and staff resources as recommendations from the Environmental Committee. Bruce Abe mentioned the president's staff would get copies of the samples of the smoking posters for their review. He would follow-up with the president on the status of the funding for the posters at the approximate cost between $800 - $900 per year.

Robin Thompson indicated the American smoke-out would be another alternative to approach next year having awareness on our campus.

Hillary Delaney inquired if the information kiosk area near the P.U.B. building 900 could be expanded and covered for smokers.

Bruce Abe mentioned according to the results of the employee and students smoking surveys the students did not want any of their funds devoted to smoking shelters.

Bruce Abe related that other issues for having a smoking shelter include: must be away from buildings; not near major pathways; and covered. Such shelters are not cheap.

Norah Peters inquired who regulates smoking on campus.

Robin Thompson responded there is no enforcement for smoking.

Bruce Abe commented the Washington Administrative Code (W.A.C.) process would require a public process, and hearing, in order to be implemented and approved by the Board of Trustees in order to establish campus regulations, fines, appeals, and enforcement related to the smoking issues.

Bruce Abe indicated there is a recycling concern regarding coffee cups.

It was mentioned that perhaps the college food services vendor would approve a discount for individuals who use their own coffee cups instead of the styrofoam cups.

Robin Thompson commented that the food services vendor may have coffee mugs that individuals could buy so everyone would bring the same size coffee mug in order to get a potential discount.

Ananda Seebach inquired if there could be more recycling bins for glass.

Bruce Abe responded the college has a recycling company, West Seattle Recycling Company, whom they have hired a person to collect, sort, and ship our recycling paper and containers to the recycling companies. Bruce Abe indicated there would be additional costs to the college to have additional glass bins. He stated the recycling company charges the college monthly for sorting the recycling material and credits the college a portion of the revenue they receive. Bruce Abe mentioned at the present time the prices for recycled glass and plastic are at an all time low. This results in net monthly charges to the college from the recycling company.

Bruce Abe related if anyone could come up with a plan for recycling small plastic and glass materials they should bring their recommendations to this committee for further discussions.

Bruce Abe related if anyone could come up with a plan for recycling small plastic and glass materials they should bring their recommendations to this committee for further discussions.

Ananda Seebach inquired about having student involvement for the recycling program.

Bruce Abe responded that the students have previously asked for their involvement, however the recycling program must be done on regular schedule. He stated with the students having quarterly and summer breaks it does not allow the recycling program to be a continuous program.

 NEW BUSINESS:

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP APPOINTMENTS:

Bruce Abe mentioned according to the college governance structure the committee appointments are for one year renewable terms, with the exception Larry Tilford, Building and Grounds Supervisor, and himself who are permanent members, and students.

OTHER:

David Phippen commented the eye washes in room 517 of
the 500 building are out of compliance. He stated Jay Brewer
should be contacted regarding this issue.

Bruce Abe stated a fume hood has been installed in the 700 building.

2. Bruce Abe related hazardous wastes would be scheduled for pickup.

Procedures for hazardous wastes in areas such as dental hygiene where needles are used, and chemistry areas for the chemicals being used, are in the process of development.

Bruce Abe reported that whenever any addition to buildings is being done, such as the vocational arts building, the local building department needs to know about the impervious surface and where water will be go, if it is to drain naturally, instead of being routing elsewhere.

3. Larry Tilford mentioned he would like to request one more composting bin for the plant operations department.

Bruce Abe stated that last year the plant operations department had approval to develop a three-sectioned composting area south of the"pit" parking lot area and north of the automotive center building.

Bruce Abe mentioned the purpose of this composting area was for "scrub" brushes and trees to be thinned out, and for grass clippings.

Bruce Abe stated the composted items would produce mulch within a few years.

Bruce Abe inquired if there was space for one more compost in in this area. He requested Larry Tilford bring pictures of  the composting area to the next meeting so the committee can see how well this program is working.

Hillary Delaney inquired about having native plants.

Bruce Abe stated the college is constantly looking at improvements in the landscaped areas and try to ensure that the changes are environmental positive.

NEXT MEETING:

Monday, February 1, 1999, 1:30 p.m.
Board Room, Administration Building

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to discuss Robin Thompson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Caralee Cheney and the motion was approved.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:28 p.m.

CJA
1/20/99 

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING
MINUTES

The meeting was called to order at 1:42 p.m. by Bruce Abe, chair.

PRESENT:
Bruce Abe, Ken Burrus, Caralee Cheney, Cheryl Laufle, David Phippen, Jason Ramey, Robin Thompson, and Larry Tilford

ABSENT:
Connie Anderson, and student representatives

MINUTES:
The minutes of the June 1, 1998 was deferred for approval until the next meeting.

Bruce Abe reviewed the committee membership. Per the recent memorandum from the College Governance Steering Committee, dated May 26, 1998, and approved by the college president on June 1, 1998, the environmental committee membership is to have a minimum representation of two from each of the four constituencies.

Bruce Abe mentioned based on the current membership, the committee will need two students. Bruce Abe will send a memorandum to the president requesting replacements for the two student positions.

Bruce Abe indicated that David Phippen, faculty, and Jason Ramey, classified staff, are replacements for their respective constituencies. David Phippen is an additional faculty member for this committee, and Jason Ramey is replacing Greg Angus, temporarily. Copies of the environmental committee constitution, by-laws, and board policy will be sent to David Phippen and Jason Ramey.

OLD BUSINESS:

BY-LAWS:
Bruce Abe stated the draft by-laws will be reviewed and discussed for approval at the next meeting.

PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES:
Bruce Abe stated the procedural guidelines will be reviewed and discussed for approval at the next meeting.

COMMITTEE WORK PLAN AND GOALS:
Bruce Abe related the committee work plan and goals will be discussed and developed at the next meeting.

RECYCLING PROGRAM:
Bruce Abe summarized the college-wide spring campus clean-up day held on June 4, 1998 and discussions were held. He related overall, the cleanup was very successful. A lot of recyclables and refuse that had accumulated over the years was appropriately removed from the campus. An area of concern in these efforts was sensitive and confidential documents.

It was mentioned at the Operations Committee meeting on Monday,

October 5, 1998, that personnel rating sheets were discovered in a public place after the recycling clean-up.

Another concern raised was the timing of the event. It was stated it was too close to graduation when so many other things were happening in and around campus. It was mentioned that hopefully, next year the clean-up day(s) would be scheduled earlier than a week before the end of the quarter.

CAMPUS COMPOSTING:
Bruce Abe mentioned the college compost program was started this summer. The site is north of the automotive building and south of the "pit" parking lot. The grounds staff have cleared the site and placed concrete econo blocks to form three composting sections. The chipped branches, and other grounds waste will be placed in the compost area.

Bruce Abe related it will take approximately three years for the grounds waste to become useable compost. There is the possibility of eventually expanding the program to a community compost program.

SMOKING POLICY, SHELTERS AND SURVEY:
Robin Thompson reviewed the results of the Employee and Student Smoking Surveys. She mentioned the surveys were accomplished separately focussing on each respective group.

Robin Thompson indicated the results were somewhat mixed without a clear direction regarding the smoking on campus. For example, the employees survey showed a 43 percent ban of smoking on campus, and 46 percent indicating "no" smoking ban. The students survey results were 34 percent for a ban of smoking on campus, and 28 percent indicating "no" smoking ban.

Robin Thompson mentioned the employees survey results for a campus smoking shelter resulted in 44 percent for the smoking shelters, and 35 percent against smoking shelters. The students results were 24 percent for the smoking shelters and 73 percent against the smoking shelters.

The committee concluded that the smoking survey results were mixed and that the student sampling may not be significant since only 400 students replied. Nonetheless, the committee consensus was to have a memorandum sent to the Governance Steering Committee indicating that there appears to be no consensus on smoking shelters with respect to campus support for, location(s) of, and funding source(s).

It was suggested the college pursue one or more of the following alternatives: education and information program to educate the campus on the health risks of smoking and cooperation in respecting others, especially non-smokers. The means of this program could include posters, articles in the student, faculty and classified staff newspapers/newsletters, announcements in classes, and new student orientation, etc.

It was mentioned that the Washington Administrative Code process which would involve the entire campus with respect to input, enforcement, fines, appeal process, etc. should be pursued. There was no action taken on this.

Bruce Abe related in the meantime, plant operations and grounds staff will determine where additional exterior ashtrays are needed. Cheryl Laufle will contact the Humanities department art instructor to see about the possibility of posters being designed by students on issues related to smoking, recycling, and littering.

It was suggested that the health occupations division receive a copy of the memorandum and plan.

NEW BUSINESS:

COMMUNICATION TO MEMBERS AND CAMPUS:
The recently announced implementation of campus internal WebPages was discussed. These internal WebPages will provide a very good means of communicating among members and the college overall.

The issue of voting via Internet was raised. Currently, if a motion is made that may impact the college overall, a quorum and vote of membership is necessary.

The possibility of using the Internet as a means of commenting and voting was discussed. The consensus was to ask the Governance Steering Committee if voting via Internet would be allowable if motions were read and distributed at one meeting, and a vote taken at another meeting.

OTHER:
None

NEXT MEETING:
Monday, December 7, 1998, 1:30 p.m.
Board Room, Administration Building

ADJOURNMENT:
There was no motion to adjourn the meeting.

 BA
10/30/98