Citizens' Environmental Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITIZEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION September 3, 2015 The Citizen Environmental Commission held a meeting on of September 3, 2015 at the DeKalb Municipal Building, Haish Conference Room, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115. Chair Oleckno called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m. A. ROLL CALL Linda Yates called the roll and the following members of the Citizen Environmental Commission were present: Bill Oleckno, Linda Yates, Dan Kenney, Mark Hein, Sharon Skala, Ken Koch, and Melissa Burlingame. Members Absent: Nancy Proesel Also present were: Jennifer Diedrich, Economic Development Coordinator; Michelle Gibson, DeKalb County Health Department; Melissa Burlingame, NIU; Mike Holland, Waste Management, Jason Magnum, DeKalb Park District, Matt Duffy, Chamber of Commerce and Clare Kron. B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS Dan Kenney moved to approve the agenda, and Ken Koch seconded the motion. Agenda approved by voice vote 7-0-1. C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Dan Kenney moved to approve the July 9, 2015 minutes, seconded by Mark Hein. Minutes were approved by voice vote 7-0-1. E. OLD BUSINESS None. F. NEW BUSINESS Special Guest: Matt Duffy, Executive Director, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce: Matt Duffy reported that the Chamber of Commerce consists of approximately 550 members. The Chamber drafted the Sustainable Commerce plan about 10 years ago which is now time to revise and Citizen Environmental Commission September 3, 2015 Page 2 of 4 expressed interest in working with the Citizen Environmental Commission. Dan Kenney asked Matt Duffy about the Frontier Grant deadline which is November 6. The grant process is 11 months, for $100,000 and would start April 2016. Matt Duffy advised that the city of DeKalb is a quarter finalist in the Frontier Communication’s “America’s Best Communities” competition and the award amount is 1 to 3 million dollars. The Chamber of Commerce’s Proudly DeKalb program is underway and gaining much attention. Pictures with people holding the sign have been taken around town and at Corn Fest. The Chamber of Commerce has monthly roundtable discussions and plans to discuss composting by businesses and other green economy initiatives. Mr. Duffy also indicated that the Chamber of Commerce is very interested in working with the Commission on the Sustainability Plan, especially as it related to Green Economy Development (Goal 6). The Chamber is open to other cooperative efforts with the Commission, and both our organizations could benefit from this cooperation. Commission Reports City Liaison: Jennifer Diedrich did not have an update on the status of the intern position for the Commission. She reported that Clare Kron is anticipated to be appointed to the Commission at the September 14, 2015 City Council meeting. Jennifer Diedrich reported that Mayor Rey is in the process of reviewing commissions and does not want to increase the number of Ex Officio members. This causes uncertainty as to whether Mike Holland, DeKalb Sanitation District, and Melissa Burlingame, NIU, will be able to be Ex Officio members for the Citizen Environmental Commission. Cooperative Effort: Melissa Burlingame reported on the Contemporary Artists Exploring Relevant Social Issues exhibit at the NIU Art Museum. A public reception is September 10th from 4:30-6 p.m. for the Embarrassment of Riches exhibit. She reported the launch of the Sustainability website at NIU this summer and that the number of ENVS majors has increased from 105 students last year to 130 students. Fall 2015 is the first semester that ENVS 100 course was offered. Melissa reported that the NIU Green Team is in the process of developing a sustainability plan for NIU and that Next Door, the free private network for neighborhood communities, is growing and currently there are over 100 members in the N. 1st Street neighborhood. DeKalb County Health Department: Michelle Gibson reported for Greg Maurice that the community septic in Fairdale will be voted on. She dispersed flyers for the household hazardous waste drive which will be September 26 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau 1350 W. Prairie Dr., Sycamore. It is open to the first 200 cars and you must show proof of DeKalb County residency. Michelle reported that there is a new state law regarding electronic recycling and that the county will not recycle CRTs. Mark Hein asked if the Health Department looked into Secure Recycling in Dixon but Michelle said they do not want to change from New Life as the county’s electronic recycling because other companies would have a different pick up date. Michelle Gibson reported that the Shoe Share drive collected 400 pairs of shoes that were distributed at the Back to School Program.  Citizen Environmental Commission September 3, 2015 Page 3 of 4 DeKalb Park District: Jason Mangum reported on the Dark Skies Initiative which is a 4 year plan to have DeKalb park lights replaced to efficient LED, dark sky compliant lighting. He reported that these lights have the same amount of ground coverage to address safety concerns. The new lighting fixture with a black pole and globe can be seen at Hopkins Park. The Park District will begin river bank stabilization at Prairie Park. Jason Magnum reported that September 26th is National Park and Lands Day. NIU will partner with the Park District for a cleanup of the East Lagoon on the campus of NIU. More information can be found at the DeKalb Park District’s Facebook page. Other Items: Discussion of CMAP Sustainability Indicators Guide and Sustainability Planning White Paper: Chair Oleckno reviewed the contents of the white paper. Discussion continued between all present. Sustainability Plan and Progress Reports: Chair Oleckno asked if anyone had any updates for the Sustainable Master Plan. P.R.I.D.E. Awards: Chair Oleckno made changes to the Pride Award nomination form, including the addition of the name of the nominator. MOTION: Sharon Skala made a motion to approve the Pride Award nomination form and Dan Kenney seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote 7-0 Chair Oleckno asked for nominations for the Pride Award. Update on "Zero Waste" Initiative: Michelle Gibson reported on the Zero Waste Committee and the 20 Year Plan update. She plans to share this information with the Chamber of Commerce for inclusion in their newsletter. Michelle Gibson reported that the food composting pilot program with Waste Management will run from April through November (and coincide with the yard waste pick-up). The test area will include 300 homes in the Hillcrest neighborhood. She reported that a food composting program was tried in this area about 10 years ago. She will distribute surveys to determine interest in the program. Rochelle Municipal Utilities: Dan Kenney reported on the completion of the 312kW Photovoltaic Solar Plant, located at the Water Treatment Facility in Rochelle. Earth Overshoot Day 2015: Bill Oleckno reported that August 13th was Earth Overshoot Day 2015, which indicates the day that humans have exhausted the earth's budget for the year. He also reported that DeKalb received its first request for a permit under the new Solar Energy System regulations. G. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Citizen Environmental Commission September 3, 2015 Page 4 of 4 Ken Koch moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:15 p.m. Sharon Skala seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0 on voice vote. Linda Yates, Secretary Citizen Environmental Commission Jennifer Diedrich, Economic Development Coordinator Minutes approved at the October 1, 2015 Regular Meeting