Environmental Council Meeting Minutes
January 12, 2000
Geonomics Library
Vice-Chair: Amy Seif

In Attendance: Nan Jenks-Jay, Amy Seif, Krista Siringo, Kathy Morse, Oren Frey, Linda Pitkin, George McPhail, Tyson Schoelzel, Brian Harding.

Absent: Jamie McBride, Margaret Aleks, Charlie Sargent, Dan Bedford, Tom Kelly, Jessica Pasko, Mike Snow.

1. Meeting was called to order at 4:20 p.m.

2. Approved minutes, December 8, 1999.

3. Feedback on Meeting with the President
A. Small Grants Program :
If the program is successful, the funds may be very easy to find for the following years. Amy will advertise the availability of $25000 in February. The Council thanks the President for his generosity.
B. Focus on One Issue :
The discussion got a bit off track, but the President's suggestions for the audit were good and in line with the direction we have been taking.
C. Transportation :
We got the sense that the President wants to see if the community agrees with any reports on parking and transportation. Amy will speak at the Jan 19 Staff Council meeting. The Council discussed the distinction between peripheral and proximate parking.

4. Sub-Committee Reports
A. Audit Implementation :
Will meet again in the second week of February to choose grant recipients, discuss direction for next year, and the possibility of working on issues in ways other than the grant program.
B. Audit Planning :
Kathy will contact members to convene. The group will draft a formal letter from Council to the Minerva project regarding data we are interested in for the audit.
C. Transportation :
Jamie will set up the next meeting. Nan is not around next week except for Friday. Surveys need to be compiled.
D. Outreach :
Margaret Aleks will set up a meeting. Tyson is interested in a meeting for all res life staff.

5. Unanimous vote approving revisions to the Environmental Policies in the Handbook.

6. Other Business :
A. Trip to Living Technologies :
Amy will set up a date to visit Living Technologies to see a Living Machine during the last week of J-term. Depending on how many people go, George can drive his van, we can use a college van, or Nan can drive her car. Council members need to tell Amy if they want to go.
B. Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire :
The Council will do a pizza night and fill out the ULSF SAQ as a group to assess how close the College is to environmental goals. Amy will set a date.
C. VBSR :
The President has given his approval to join VBSR on behalf of the College.
D. New Graduation Pledge :
New wording may be more acceptable, but a student group should take on this initiative.
E. Copy Machines :
We should look into purchasing machines that can do multiple functions.
F. Recycling :
Student recyclers are picking up door-to-door in Coffrin to alleviate lack of accessible bins.

7. The meeting was adjourned at 5:05 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Amy Seif on January 13, 2000.