Environmental Council Meeting Minutes
March 15, 2000
Geonomics Library
Chair: Nan Jenks-Jay


In Attendance: Amy Seif, Oren Frey, Jamie McBride, Linda Pitkin, George McPhail, Mike Snow, Nan Jenks-Jay, Brian Harding, Krista Siringo, Dan Bedford

Absent: Tom Kelly, Margaret Aleks, Charlie Sargent, Jessica Pasko, Kathy Morse, Tyson Schoelzel

1. Approved Minutes, March 8, 2000.

2. Ridgeline Woods:
A. Update:
Nan gave an update on the Ridgeline Woods situation. She met with the member of the Board who had requested that the Woods be re-designed, and learned that he was not interested in seeing grass there. Instead he would like Ridgeline Woods to be a demonstration project of ecological landscaping. The College's landscape architect, Keith Wagner, had drawn up a landscaping plan with mostly grass. Instead of using this plan, the Environmental Council will work with Landscape Services and consultants to design Ridgeline Woods with the environment in mind. The Council is interested in a landscape plan that minimizes dependence on constant maintenance and one that takes into consideration the use of native species. The budget includes $2000 for planning and $10,000 for action. This initiative is not time-dependent.
B. Sub-Committee:
George is waiting to talk to Norm Cushman before calling a meeting of the sub-committee.

3. Sub-Committees:
A. Transportation :
1. Parking Study Committee: The Committee is still in the discussion phase. Nan asks that we request that the College use a two-pronged solution, which includes asking for alternative transportation options with every parking area created.
2. Electric Bus: Ross Commons is sponsoring the food on the bus, with a donation of $585. The Council thanks Ross Commons. Dan offered to develop a map to help advertise the bus. Nan will contact key folks in the Commons. Amy will ask the student environment groups to ride the bus.
B. Events :
Meeting time had expired, will discuss at next Council meeting.
C. Outreach:
Linda will contact radio station.

4. Other Business :
David Brower is speaking at Green Mountain College. The Council cannot sponsor a talk at Middlebury, but we are interested in having him talk at the College. Nan will ask Geonomics if they are interested in sponsoring the talk.

4. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Amy Seif on March 16, 2000.