BBGC Meeting Minutes 9/29/09

Kelly Flynn gave a report about the recent recycling events and distributed literature enumerating what could be made with the recycled materials, specifically the tire recycling. Two semi-trailers worth of tires were recycled within the first hour. An estimated 90 tons of tires were collected at the Broken Bow pickup alone. There were no figures available for the Lexington Landfill hazardous waste recycling effort, but reports indicated that the collection was significantly behind schedule because it was so successful. This only occurs once a year but there are more frequent collections in Kearney and Grand Island.

Lonnie Koepke then spoke about the upcoming Broken Bow School System recycling and conservation education. This will be scheduled at a later date but plans are in the works for creating a program for teaching the children to sort recycling.

Kelly Flynn noted that 3-7 category plastics are no longer being recycled. Only 1 and 2 category plastics will be accepted at this time. Category 1 will only be accepted in bottle form. No large mouth containers are accepted, i.e. the neck must be smaller in diameter than the base. It was recommended that this information be distributed through the website and through local media. It was suggested that examples of the types of plastics might be more helpful than simply reiterating the numbers. There is also plan to update the signage to better indicate what types of recyclables are collected.

Mac McMeen noted that the municipal building is now recycling as well as several other businesses around town.

Joan Birnie then discussed applying for non-profit status for the Broken Bow Green Coalition and Nate and Lisa Bell have agreed to research what this would entail. There also may be grants from the Fat Tire Brewery in Colorado for undertaking some projects but you must be a 501-C-3 non-profit entity. Suggested projects included a magnet to distribute to children for information on sorting the recycling, implementing and official business recycling program, or more community recycling bins. It was also suggested that the funds may be used partially for keeping the proposed biking trail that the city is to build clean and free of debris and with recycling bins. Kelly Flynn suggested looking into an environmental trust. Mac McMeen noted that the city is in line for a large grant for biking trails but could not be beholden to a group outside of the authority of the city.

Denise Russell demonstrated the chamber recycling bins, but they were deemed too small for use at events. There was expression of a need for a small recycling trailer placed at the new soccer and baseball facility to catch recycling during these events. Lonnie Koepke mentioned that a contest was held at a BBHS football game which resulted in collection of quite a few recyclable plastic bottles in exchange for a raffle ticket. It was suggested that the Nebraska Environmental Trust might be willing to fill a grant to purchase a couple of small trailers for use at these events.

Joan Birnie mentioned the the Central Nebraska Community Services weatherization program has been replacing drafty windows throughout Central Nebraska, but the funding does not cover the window framing if that is rotting or otherwise in disrepair.

Deb McCaslin noted that her husband sits on the Custer County Foundation Board and there is a possibility that the Broken Bow Green Coalition could establish a source of revenue under the Foundation’s umbrella. Deb’s husband Norm McCaslin will attend the October meeting and provide more information.

The next proposed meeting of the Broken Bow Green Coalition is Monday, 10/26/09 at 8:00 pm at the Broken Bow Chamber Office.