City of Meridian Blogs

The City of Meridian’s Environmental Excellence Award was recently presented to Fiber Composites, LLC, located at 420 W. Franklin Road.  This annual award honors local companies for their successful and innovative water conservation, waste reduction, pollution prevention, and greenhouse gas reduction programs that significantly contribute to protecting our water quality, diverting waste from the landfill, and conserving resources.

“Fiber Composites has demonstrated a high level of initiative in their manufacturing processes that help make a positive difference in the quality of our city’s environment”, asserts Steve Maneck, Pretreatment Manager, Environmental Division for the City of Meridian.

Produced in a near waste-free manufacturing process, Fiber Composites offers consumers durable, sustainable decking product options that save natural resources.  From raw material sourcing to routine maintenance, Fiber Composites’ outdoor living products incorporate the following sustainable manufacturing practices:

·         Water conservation: The use of closed loop water cooling systems allow for zero water discharge from the facility – thus no process wastewater is discharged to the City sewer system;

·         Pollution prevention: Facility rainwater runoff is collected in a permitted retention pond, which decreases potential for downstream flooding, stream bank erosion, and improves water quality through pollutant removal of nutrients, sediment, metals, organic matter, oil and grease, and bacteria.

·         Waste reduction:  Over 98% of all material waste is recovered from their manufacturing processes.  Composite decking products contains a percentage of recycled, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic (milk jugs, shampoo and laundry detergent bottles) combined with reclaimed wood flour, acquired from window trim, door frames, lumber and cabinet waste. HDPE encapsulates the wood protecting it from harsh weather, warping, splintering and decay.

·         Greenhouse gas reduction: An energy-efficient lighting program was installed at the plant, and by participating in Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs, they’ve reduced and contained energy costs while reducing energy consumption.

·         Noise reduction: Facility fan noise reduction efforts have led to significant decreases in operational noise, making their manufacturing plant a good neighbor within our thriving community.

Congratulations to the management team and employees of Fiber Composites, LLC!

Spring has sprung, even if it has been a windy and cold start to the season. It is always nice to see the grass green up and watch the trees come out of their winter dormancy.  Even though year-round employees are busy all winter in preparation for spring, there is some excitement when seasonal employees arrive for work and their regular routines are established. Employees take great pride in and ownership of the parks they are assigned to.

I get to spend some of my time in the buzz of the many forestry-related projects that happen in the spring.  This year we are improving our tree fertilization program.  It is the first time we have performed in-ground injections with mineral and micro-nutrients for the trees.  We generally do not add fertilizer when planting because we want the tree to acclimate to the soil and site that it will be growing in so that the tree can thrive long term.  We are now giving the trees some fertilizer only during March and April to help in their overall health.  We want the trees to green up in the spring and be ready to go dormant in the fall.  Therefore, by not overfeeding them, we can accomplish this goal. Our team of Spence Chivers and Parks Maintenance Foreman Mike Barton have been instrumental in developing and initiating this program.

Also in the spring, there is a flurry of tree planting, especially in April, which is the month of Arbor Day and Earth Day.  This year I made an effort to take on all persons and organizations who volunteered to plant trees. In early April I started to receive calls and lined out several projects for tree plantings with various civic groups.

The first was a little project for one tree to be planted on April 16^th at Settlers Park with Carissa Springer and her Daisy Troop. Two of the Parks crew, Jeremy Aldrich and Debbie Miller, helped on this project.

The second project was with Amanda Martin and several high school and college students on April 22^nd at Tully Park.  Four trees were planted on Memorial Tree Lane with the assistance of Parks crewman Rick Heller.

The third project was for Arbor Day in Meridian on April 29^th held at Discovery Elementary. Two trees were planted at the celebration—one as a donation from Jayker Nursery—a Ruby Lace Honey Locust, and the other—an Imperial Honey Locust. There were roughly 150 students and dignitaries present.  Councilman Brad Hoaglun read the official proclamation for Arbor Day.  Later that day I returned to the same school to speak to about 300 of the student body, who did not attend the celebration that morning.

The fourth project was on the same day at 4 p.m. at Champion Park with Rachel Van Derlaan and her Cub Scouts. We planted four new Dawn Redwood trees at the park. It is a challenge to have 20 boys full of energy and getting them to go in one direction.  The first thing I did was to teach them about safety when using shovels, rakes, and while carrying tools. I gave the instruction and let them do the planting.  It took a while to fill each hole with soil around the trees because it had rained and the soil was wet and heavy. The shovels were bigger than a few of them, but the scouts kept working until they finished.

Then on Friday, April 30^th, City Council President David Zaremba, Parks Commissioner Phil Liddell, Parks & Recreation Director Steve Siddoway, and I attended the State Arbor Day Celebration at the Capitol. There the City of Meridian received recognition as a “Tree City USA” again this year and received a Growth Award for our tree plantings through projects last year.

There were 475 trees planted in the parks system in 2009.  I am pleased to note that this is our 8^th consecutive year to receive the Tree City USA designation.

The fifth project was also on the 30^th later in the day, where I attended a tree planting project with Diane Overall at Lake Hazel Elementary School. I was able to put her in touch with a nursery to help with a tree donation. We planted five trees, and I had the opportunity to talk about trees, proper planting practices, and care.

The sixth project is on May 19^th with an Eagle Scout tree planting project at Seasons Park. Ten new Norway Spruce trees will be planted and donated to the City.

Also in April, we received notification of an award for a stimulus grant for tree work in the City.  The grant totals $44,500. There will be five hazard trees removed and replanted in the downtown area. Also all of the downtown street trees will be trimmed. In another project, about 250 trees will be pruned in two parks. The work will be completed this summer.

We are also working on the specifications for the Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park arboretum.

The entire 60 acres will be an arboretum, but there will also be a seven-acre specimen arboretum.

We hope that it stands apart as an interesting destination to see trees that may not be easily found in the valley.

You can see that a lot of forestry-related activities are occurring this spring season.  I get to organize these projects, but it takes a good and willing Parks crew and many volunteers to help get everything set up, ready, and completed.  I appreciate everyone’s help in making these projects successful.  The City of Meridian is truly a great community to live, work, and raise a family in.

Fried alligator; beignets; catfish court bullion; gumbo, shrimp Creole; char-grilled oysters, alligator and shrimp and sausage cheesecake; jambalaya; and throw in a couple wicked hurricanes…that’s right…dining Nawlins’ style.

I had the opportunity to attend a training conference in New Orleans recently. There was a break in activities on Saturday afternoon, so I took advantage of the fact that the French Quarter Festival was in full swing just outside my hotel. The weather was delightfully warm (no wind or rain), and there were throngs of people everywhere enjoying amazing music at multiple venues. I spent most of my time listening to Zydeco music and learning the Louisiana two-step from new-found Creole friends. The music venue was a small public park lined by enchanting apartments with porches and wrought iron railings—just like it is in the movies. It was truly a magical afternoon of food, music, and fun. I headed back to the hotel room about 9:00 p.m. and dreamily drifted off to sleep.

The next morning I found out seven tourists had been shot by gang members around 9:00 p.m. about three blocks away from my hotel.

“Pop!” The bubble burst.

It reminded me that planning a great city is not just about what gets built and landscaping along streets. It is about much, much more. It is about providing youth programs that offer hope and support for our young so that they don’t turn to gangs as a place to belong. It is about having industries and job-force training so that crime isn’t the only good-paying “job.” It is about a police force that is a positive presence in the community.

There are a lot of things that New Orleans does right. The business owners and music community have great partnerships that lead to events like the French Quarter Festival. City leaders have capitalized on economic development opportunities by locating the convention center just south of the French Quarter. The community continues to value its cultural heritage as it is reflected in the foods, drinks, and spirits. Local businesses thrive through limiting the number of national chain restaurants and retail establishments. New architecture and signs respect the existing streetscape rather than trying to overwhelm it.  Jazz is everywhere.

We are just about to embark on updating our City’s Comprehensive Plan. My recent adventure will be foremost in my mind as I work with all the City leadership to make the City of Meridian a premier place to live, work, and raise a family.

By now I hope that you will have heard or read about the conversion that is taking place in your trash (waste) collection in Meridian.  I have heard from many in the community about the change and appreciate the comments – both positive and negative – that have been received.  In case you hadn’t seen the flyer in your utility bills, I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that beginning July 5, waste collection in Meridian will become fully automated.  Your trash will soon be picked up by trucks equipped with robotic arms that will collect our wheeled trash and recycling carts and empty them into these new garbage trucks.

In preparation for the conversion, residents are asked to contact Sanitary Services Company (SSC) to ensure they have a cart and that it is the right size cart.  Many of our citizens already have the large 95 gallon wheeled carts which they can continue using, while others will need to order wheeled carts from SSC for the very first time. In fact, pre-orders are currently being accepted from now until May 28^th. 

Switching to automated collection is a more efficient way to handle waste and will help ensure utility rates for this service stay low.  Having been used in communities across the state and nation, it has been a successful solution to rising utility rates, high fuel prices, employee attrition, and rapidly-filling county landfills. 

Under this new system, residents will pay according to the amount of trash they produce.  This brings equity to our system where those who produce the most trash pay the most for its removal and disposal.  There are three cost options for service based upon the cart size you choose; the 95 gallon cart is $16.32, the 65 gallon cart is $14.32, and the 35 gallon cart is $12.32.  This new price structure makes it possible for the rates to decrease for those in our community with little trash, and stay about the same for those who are already using a 95 gallon cart from SSC.  Residents will need to find the rate structure that best meets their needs.

The best way for a household to reduce the amount of trash it sends to the landfill is to recycle more.  Last fall the City launched a free comingled recycling program.  These recycling carts (with red tops) provide an opportunity for our citizens to place aluminum, plastic, cardboard, and other recyclables into one container for easy collection. I began using this system and was amazed at how much “trash” I didn’t think to recycle.  This small, simple change in my family’s life makes a huge reduction on our landfill and the cart size I need at my home.  If you don’t recycle now, I encourage you to talk with SSC about recycling options and how recycling can reduce your family’s trash.  SSC representatives can be reached at 888-3999 or email at supervisor@sscwaste.com. 

Another concern we have heard from the community is about yard waste.  I want you to know that we are looking for cost effective long-term solutions to yard waste for the community.  For now, if you’re worried about your ability to fit all your yard waste and lawn clippings into your wheeled trash carts, especially during the summer months, you might consider mulching your clippings.  This can be good for your lawn and reduce your cost for your trash collection.  You can also take them to SSC’s transfer station located off Franklin Road.  For times of the year when we all have extra yard waste, SSC will offer seasonal special collections, such as in the fall when there are lots of fallen leaves to dispose of. We are also exploring a spring pick-up opportunity and will be looking at that in the coming months.

While I know this conversion will take an adjustment, I am confident in the ability of our community to adapt and do what is best for the long term.  If you have a suggestion for the rest of the community on ways to help ease into the new system to keep Meridian clean and green, I want to hear about it!  Email me at mayortammy@meridiancity.org and together we can celebrate Meridian as the premier community to live, work and raise a family. 

With the current fiscal year half way through, the Finance Department has been working with the department directors and the Mayor in developing the FY2011 Budget.  The Council will formally adopt the FY2011 Budget on August 24, 2010 during its scheduled meeting starting at 7:00pm.  More detailed information about the budgets can be found on our webpage and Council agenda’s can be found at the City Clerks webpage.

The City of Meridian has been reviewing numerous City, County, State and National economic reports to help in preparing the FY2011 Budget.  Many efforts have been made to reduce the overall budget without sacrificing the vision that the City has in striving to be a premier city to live, work, and raise a family. 

The City of Meridian has many of the same financial obstacles that our neighboring cities do.  With the reduction in sales taxes, property taxes and government financing, a balancing act of sorts is needed to continue to provide the citizens the safety and security that they deserve while respecting the tax payers checkbook.  Through special workshops, the City will work with its Mayor, Council and citizens to develop a balanced budget once again for the City of Meridian.  Scheduled workshops can be found on the City Clerks website.

For more information about the Budget for the City of Meridian, please contact the Office of Financial Management and Planning.  Click Here for a link to our Contact Us webpage.

What parent doesn’t want the best for their child? This applies to car safety as well. Even if we think accidents happen to others, we have to admit that from the moment we are inside the car, the accident risk is assumed. Car crashes injure and unfortunately kill numerous children each year. This represents the leading cause of death and injury for children under five. Automobiles are built for adults and children do not fit into the seats or the seatbelt systems built for adults, consequently each child needs to be protected according to the law and to his/her size. This usually means installing a Child Passenger Seat in the vehicle for your child. But before you do, know this, four out of five car seats are used improperly. This estimate by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is derived from the results of numerous checks conducted by safety experts throughout the country.  Most parents at these check-up events believe their children are safe. But they may not be. Why all this misuse? One reason is that not every seat is compatible with every car. There are more than 100 models of car seats, 300 models of passenger vehicles and a variety of seat belt systems!

When is the last time you had your child’s passenger seat checked for safety? The Meridian Fire Department holds monthly Child Passenger Seat Check-up events at one of their fire stations each month.  They have an event scheduled at Fire Station 1 located at 540 E Franklin on May 6^th from 1:00-4:00.  Why not call for an appointment to have your seat inspected during the event?  Call the Fire Department Administration line at 888-1234 to set up your free inspection today. 

Meridian Fire Department is your partner in safety!