HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.4 Parent Volunteer Recogti~~ \
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CITY CLERK
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AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: June 2, 2009
SUBJECT: Recognition of Parent Volunteer Cris Gridley for Outstanding
Service to the Community and Environment
Report Prepared by Jordan Figueiredo, Public Service Employee
ATTACHMENTS: None
RECOMMENDATIO Recognize Parent Volunteer Cris Gridley for Her Outstanding
Service to the Community and Environment..
DESCRIPTION: As part of Amador Valley Industries (AVI) services for the City of
Dublin, schools have the option of participating in the food waste collection or "food scrapping" program.
Food scrapping is especially important in attaining the City's goal of 75% diversion, as it is a large portion
of the waste stream. For example, twenty percent (20%) of a school's waste stream consist of food,
according to the Alameda County Waste Characterization Study of 2000. The City of Dublin has
recognized the importance of food scrapping by providing special incentives for participation; as a result,
schools in Dublin are able to save money by food scrapping as the service is offered at a significantly
discounted rate when compared to garbage service.
In addition to the possible cost savings of food scrapping, there are other benefits as well. In general, food
scraps eventually become compost, which can then be used for many soil-enriching and water-conserving
landscaping and gardening practices. Also, food scrapping reduces the amount of harmful greenhouse gas
emissions that are released into the air when they decompose within landfills. For schools, there are even
educational benefits involved with food scrapping. By food scrapping, students gain a wider perspective
by connecting food scraps with recycling and composting, while at the same time learning about waste
reduction, biology and ecology.
Currently, there are food scrapping programs in two Dublin schools, John Green Elementary and St.
Raymond's, and the success of the program at John Green Elementary is due largely to one volunteer
parent, Cris Gridley. Last year, Ms. Gridley started the food waste program herself and with grant funding,
City, AVI and StopWaste.Org assistance, the program has become a model for other schools to follow.
Leadership students at John Green are responsible for monitoring the program success. Specifically, they.
inform other students about which items go in which container and, when necessary, remove diversion
contaminants from the waste stream. The program has been so successful that St. Raymond's has set up its
program based on John Green's, and AVI has presented the school's successful program at this year's
annual Northern California Recycling Association (NCRA) conference.
COPY TO:
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ITEM NO.
In the last year, Ms. Gridley has also worked with AVI to implement a comprehensive recycling program
at John Green for the collection of paper, bottles and cans. This included a recycling fundraising campaign
where students brought in empty bottles and cans from home to contribute to the fundraiser. With Ms.
Gridley's guidance, the students also created an environmental activity board entitled "The Rockin'
Recycling Gators."
Unfortunately, Ms. Gridley will be moving out of the area this month and her exemplary volunteer service
will definitely be missed by John Green Elementary, The Rockin' Recycling Gators and the City of
Dublin. School recycling programs often have trouble getting off the ground without dedicated students,
teachers and parent volunteers such as Ms. Gridley and the City is grateful for her service.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council recognize parent volunteer
Cris Gridley for her outstanding service to the community and environment.
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