Steering Committee Meeting
October 11, 2005
Hamilton County Environmental Services
8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Meeting Minutes

Those present:

Michael Brown, Metro
Don Chapman, Kenton County Airport Board (KCAB)
Ken Edgell, Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services
Steve Krebs, Lykins Oil
Kim Lahman, Tri-State Clean Fuels Network
Greg Mendell, UC
Hart Moore, Griffin Industries
Steve Proffitt, Mid-Valley Supply
Jim Schwab, City of Cincinnati
Amanda Trice, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

I. Introductions/Announcements:
Kim announced that Ohio House Bill 245 had passed and is one more step closer to becoming a law. This bill would provide grants to help support development of E85 and biodiesel facilities. It includes funding for pumps and other equipment at retail gas stations as well as blending and storage facilities. The National Clean School Bus Grant Program was signed into law to increase allocations from $7 million to $55 million for retrofit and replacement equipment.

II. Membership Update:
Peter Cremer, Kenton County Airport Board and Lykins were welcomed as new members.

III. Projects:
a. Marine Diesel Collaboration
In a recent conference call including EPA, HCDOES and TSCFN, it was determined that Ken Edgell, Cory Chadwick and Kim Lahman would tour at least three port sites varying in size and level of activity to evaluate interest and needs for biodiesel. They will report back to EPA by the third week of November.
The suggestion was made to contact McGinnis Towing, a company, which provides towing services for barges

b. Highland Heights
In a recent conference call including EPA, HCDOES and TSCFN, it was determined that Ken Edgell, Cory Chadwick and Kim Lahman would tour at least three port sites varying in size and level of activity to evaluate interest and needs for biodiesel. They will report back to EPA by the third week of November.
The suggestion was made to contact McGinnis Towing, a company, which provides towing services for barges

c. E85 Site
Using the GIS program, the numbers indicated there wouldn’t be a strong market using E85 at the Marathon station at Wooster Pike and Route 50. Lykins and TSCFN are exploring the possibility of a Springdale location (Exxon) on Route 4. The numbers look promising for a strong market. Equipment estimates for a conversion of a 10,000 gallon tank have been submitted. Lykins is following up with the retailer.

d. Paul’s Bus Service
The owner of a fleet of 55 charter buses expressed interest in using biodiesel. The drivers use retail locations to fuel. He gave Kim a list of Marathon stations that are used most frequently. Paul’s Bus Service will send a letter to stations requesting they provide B20. A suggestion was made to offer wet-filling as an alternative. Kim will provide contact information to Steve K for follow up.

e. Skurrow’s Oil Company
Steve P. and Kim are scheduled to meet with the owner of Skurrow’s Oil Company to discuss conversion of biodiesel. The owner expressed concerning his customers reaction to the change. Steve and the owner discussed the idea of using B5 without informing his customers. A suggestion was made to have the owner conduct market research to learn his customers’ opinions.

f. City of Cincinnati Fueling Site
The bids are in for the Gest Street and Evans site. According to Jim, the purchase order still needs to be issued. Steve P. stated that the job could be completed in this year. It would take six weeks for the equipment to come in and three weeks to install.

IV. GM Chevy Drive:
The event will be held at the Clermont County Fairgrounds at the Agriculture Center. The presenters are confirmed and the agenda is set. Promotional efforts have been initiated. TSCFN steering committee members will be able to waive the $75 exhibitor’s fee. Mid-Valley Supply, Lykins, Griffin Industries, HCDOES and the Kenton County Airport confirmed plans to bring displays. Metro will follow up with Kim. It was decided that there will be a special section of parking designated for clean fuel vehicles as a way of honoring them without offending our sponsor.

V. Beyond a Billion Celebration
Congresswoman Jean Schmidt committed to giving remarks for our press event scheduled for Friday, Oct. 14, from 11:30 to 12:30 at Ault Park. The program order was reviewed. Members’ participation was clarified and confirmed.
Steve P. agreed to check with Mid-Valley on their sponsorship of refreshments. Everyone was encouraged to be prepared to speak with the press.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2005, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., at the Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services.