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July 19, 2011 For more information, contact: Solid Waste District elects officers for 2011-12 fiscal year ST. JAMES— Scott Murrell of Fort Leonard Wood was re-elected chairman of the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District as the group elected officers and selected city representatives for the executive board at its meeting June 28 at the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC). Other executive board officers elected in addition to Murrell were: Brady Wilson of Rolla, vice chairman; Darrell Skiles of Dent County, secretary; and Randy Verkamp of Phelps County, treasurer. Skiles replaced Todd Moyers of Washington County. Board members each serve two-year terms, and officers serve a one-year term with elections held annually in June. In other business, Chairman Murrell informed the council that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) is asking for contributions from solid waste districts across the state to assist Joplin, MO, in its rebuilding effort after the deadly tornado that struck the city. The funds would be used for playground construction and playground equipment, made from recycled materials. Council member Doug Adkins made a motion to donate $5,000 to the effort, which passed unanimously. Secretary Skiles noted if the district has any money left after approval of the 2012 grants in September, the district could consider contributing additional money. The council discussed ideas for 2012 district grants, noting applications are due by noon Sept. 2 to MRPC. There is $250,000 available in funding for 2012. Vice Chairman Wilson and council member Les Murdock both expressed continued support for the special collection events. Wilson said he also supported illegal dump cleanups and stated he would like the district to help make recycling more accessible to rural areas. He is interested in expanding the organics recycling/composting program at the Rolla Recycling Center. The solid waste executive board will meet again at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 20, and the full council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 27 for the annual awards banquet. The Ozark Rivers District includes Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities with populations of 500 or more. The district's strategy for solid waste reduction, which has been individually adopted by all member governments and approved by MDNR, involves intense education and increased recycling efforts in member counties and cities. Those needing more information on recycling can contact Tammy Snodgrass, environmental programs manager, at 573-265-2993 or by email at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org. |