Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
Superior Refinery Community Advisory Panel
June 6, 2002
Attendees: Robyn Bass, David Conley (for Bob Browne), Scott Campbell, Bobbi Engstrom Germond, Doug Finn, Frank Giesen, Charlie Glazman, Chief Steve Gotelaere, Keith Kesler, Lori Keute, Carol Lindberg, Asst. Chief Tad Matheson, Genevieve Schillo, Tom Strewler, Kaye Tenerelli, Kate Whitby.
Industry Representatives: Liz Lundmark, Corey Mead, Dave Podratz, Murphy Oil USA, Inc.
Guests: Kelly Duffy, Kylie Cochran, Emily Larson, Kristina Connor, Caitlin Kuete, Megan Dalbec, Patteson Elementary; Neal Baudhin, John Robinson, Duane Lahti, Mike Bartz, Mark Stokstad, Bill Smith, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Dave Minor, Superior/Douglas Co. Chamber of Commerce; Kennan Wood, Jim Wood, Wood Communications; Sharon Kotter, Mayor of Superior; Andy Lisak, Superior-Douglas Co. Development Association; Bill McCoshen, representative of Superior, Douglas Co., and Murphy Oil in Madison.
Facilitator: Mary A. Green, Ann Green Communications, Inc.
Minutes: Mary A. Green.
The regular meeting of the Murphy Oil USA, Superior Refinery Community Advisory Panel (CAP) was called to order by facilitator Mary A. Green, beginning at
6:05 p.m., June 6, 2002.
Mary welcomed all guests and thanked Kelly Duffy and her students for attending the meeting. She also extended a special welcome to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Everyone was asked to introduce themselves.
Mary recognized Kate Witby for her contributions to the panel. Kate will graduate this year and attend college out of the area. Mary and the panel wished her well. August will be Kate's last meeting. Mary said she will work with Jay Mitchell to recruit two area students.
[Following the meeting, Mark Diamond resigned. He no longer is with the police department.]
Mary reviewed the handouts for the meeting and said the goal would be to complete the meeting by 7:30 p.m. Following the meeting, everyone was invited to stay for dessert and informal discussion. The agenda and the team agreement were reviewed.
Classroom Presentation
Ms. Duffy introduced the class project entitled "Is Our Water Clean." The presentation focused on how to keep the water clean, the uniqueness of the lake and the health of the lake and the harbor. The students talked about the program, including the watersheds, water cycle and drains. They explained where the water was tested and how the data was reviewed. Since the project, the students have decided they would like to make improvements to Stratten Creek, which runs behind their school.
The panel thanked the students and their teacher for being present. Ms. Duffy said a representative at the University of Wisconsin-Superior would be the contact person to talk to if the panel would like to promote the program. Carol Lindberg said she knows the teacher.
Discussion with the DNR
Mary explained the history of the panel and a little about panels throughout the United States. She encouraged the panel and the DNR visitors to talk about the process in Superior. The panel members spoke about what they believe is the purpose of the panel, its benefit and the changes in communications between the company and the community that have happened since the panel began. The members also talked about the projects it is working on in the community.
Dave Podratz reviewed the plant’s report. [A copy is attached to these minutes for those not present.]
Liz Lundmark noted one air exceedance that was not recorded on the report. It occurred in May when the sulfur plant was down and was properly reported to WDNR. The problem was caused by the heat exchanger, which is being changed out.
Dave said the plant has operated since last year without a lost-time injury. The margins for production are improving; however, throughput is still reduced due to low margins.
Communications – The panel continues to schedule presentations to local organizations. Presentations were given to the Shrine Club and the Lions Club. Bobbi Engstrom Germond will schedule a presentation with the Realtors Association for August. Tom Strewler will talk to Jay Mitchell about a presentation to local educators.
Emergency Preparedness – Keith Kesler said the committee will be meeting this week to work on the details of the First Alert program. Progress is being made. Once completed and in place, the panel will identify ways to promote the system and to educate the public.
Education – The panel will brainstorm ways it can support education in the upcoming school year. The group will talk about this during the August meeting. One possibility is to promote the program the students talked about. Tad Matheson said the grant Peggy Smith is seeking should become a reality. He said it will be used to promote water quality studies at all grade levels and to get it into the curriculum. Tad continues to talk with Peggy. She plans to have a meeting once the grant is awarded. [Committee members include Lori Keute, Tad Matheson, Jay Mitchell, Liz Lundmark, Kate Whitby, Devin Pacheco, and Tom Strewler.]
David Conley asked about plans for remediation work on Newton Creek. It was noted that the DNR and Murphy Oil continue to talk about the creek. Mary recommended the future work be discussed during an upcoming panel meeting.
Mary also noted the refinery representatives talked about inviting the manager of the site's Leak Detection and Repair Program to a meeting. This also should be added to the planning calendar.
The panel will not meet in July. The August meeting be at the plant and include a planning session for an expanded CAP meeting or a community forum. Ideas for educational programs also will be discussed. After the business meeting, a tour of the plant will be available to the panel.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. and was followed by a social time for panel members and WDNR guests to interact.
Next Meeting Date: Thursday, August 1, 2002
Murphy Oil Refinery
5:30 p.m. - Dinner
6 p.m. – Meeting