HomeMy WebLinkAbout10G - Joint Compost Initiative with the SMSC
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
APRIL 21,2008
10 G
DANETTE WALTHERS-MOORE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT &
NATURAL RESOURCES DIRECTOR
AGENDA ITEM:
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A JOINT
COMPOST INITIATIVE WITH THE SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX
COMMUNITY
DISCUSSION:
Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to request Council approval of a resolution
authorizing a joint compost site initiative.
Historv
The City of Prior Lake and Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC)
Staff have met on numerous occasions and discussed the possibility of a joint
compost initiative. If approved, the compost operation would take place on
SMSC fee land located north of CSAH 42, west of CSAH 83, and south of
Valley View Road (previously known as the Sangren property).
In November of 2005, the SMSC was granted a Conditional Use Permit to
allow outdoor storage of compost material on the subject 8,12 acre site. Since
that time, the compost site has been operating at less than capacity.
In addition, the City has received inquiries from citizens regarding where yard
waste can be taken, particularly after storm events. The City has also been
contending with issues related to discarded yard waste being placed in public
natural areas.
Current Circumstances
The SMSC is introducing food waste to the compost site, which provides a
need for woody type material (leaves, branches, etc) , Together, the food
waste and woody material create optimum conditions for the natural
breakdown of these materials, and the creation of usable compost.
As proposed, the joint venture between the City and the SMSC would involve
the following:
. On the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month (from May to October)
the compost site would be open from 10 am to 5 pm to Prior Lake
citizens and SMSC members for the drop-off of leaves, branches,
grass clippings, and plant material.
www.cityofpriorlake.com
r:\COunCII\2008 agenda reportS\04 21 08\Cit}!::smsc comp-ost site.doc
phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245
. The City of Prior Lake would provide staff during the specified
Saturday hours for traffic control, gate management, and chipping
operations. The SMSC would provide a staff member to operate
the tractor and assist with chipping operations.
. The SMSC would maintain the waste/compost material (turn the
compost stacks, maintain moisture and heat levels, etc).
. The City of Prior Lake would provide a chipper for use at the
compost site as needed during the Saturday hours.
. As compost is created, the City and the SMSC would utilize it on
City and SMSC property, in addition to woodchips.
. In the future, as a surplus of compost and woodchips are created,
they would be offered to citizens and members for use on their
individual properties.
Conclusion
If approved, the compost site would provide citizens a convenient place to
bring their yard waste. In addition, it would provide the City with needed
compost and woodchips to be used on City parks and public areas.
ISSUES:
As many people are aware, if the right conditions are created, yard waste is a
valuable resource that the City can financially and environmentally benefit from
utilizing. If approved, this initiative would reinforce the 2030 Vision and
Strategic Plan related to maintaining City property, parks, playfields and
natural areas in an environmentally responsible and aesthetically pleasing
manner. In addition, the objective of utilizing environmentally-friendly fertilizers.
As such, this proposal is in accordance with the Natural Resources Vision
Element of the 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan.
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
It is unclear at this time what the total savings will be from the compost and
woodchips generated for use by the City, but it is believed that it will exceed
that of the cost associated with staffing the compost site twice a month.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council has the following alternatives:
1. Adopt the resolution with conditions.
2. Deny the resolution.
3. Defer this item and provide staff with specific direction.
Reviewed by:
RECOMMENDED
MOTION:
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2
4646 Dakota Street S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714
RESOLUTION 08-xx
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A JOINT INTIATIVE BETWEEN THE CITY OF PRIOR LAKE AND
THE SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY REGARDING A COMPOST SITE
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
Motion By:
Second By:
The City of Prior Lake will partner with the SMSC to provide a joint compost site for
citizens on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from May to October; and
When the site is open to residents, the City will provide two staff members and access
to a wood chipper in exchange for future compost and woodchips for use on City
property and parkland; and
The Prior Lake City Council considered the proposed initiative on April 21, 2008; and
The City Council finds the compost initiative supports the City of Prior Lake 2030 Vision
and Strategic Plan.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE,
MINNESOTA as follows:
1. The Recitals set forth above are incorporated herein.
2. The joint compost initiative is hereby approved.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 21st DAY OF APRIL, 2008.
YES
NO
Haugen
Hedberg
Erickson
LeMair
Millar
Haugen
Hedberg
Erickson
LeMair
Millar
Frank Boyles, City Manager
www.cityofpriorlake.com
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245