Citizens' Environmental Commission
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · December 3, 2015
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
CITIZEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
December 3, 2015
The Citizen Environmental Commission held a meeting on December 3, 2015 at the DeKalb
Municipal Building, Glidden Conference Room, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115.
Chair Oleckno called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.
A. ROLL CALL
Jennifer Diedrich called the roll and the following members of the Citizen Environmental
Commission were present: Bill Oleckno, Linda Yates, Sharon Skala, Dan Kenney, Ken Koch,
Clare Kron.
Members Absent: Hein
Also present were: Jennifer Diedrich, City of DeKalb, Jared Heyn, City of DeKalb, Melissa
Burlingame, NIU, Mike Holland, DeKalb Sanitary District, Michelle Gibson, DeKalb County Health
Department, and Nancy Proesel.
B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS
MOTION
Ms. Skala moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. Koch. Motion carried by voice vote 6-0-
1. Chair Oleckno declared the motion passed.
C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION
Mr. Kenney moved to approve the November 5, 2015 minutes, seconded by Ms. Yates.
Several language changes were requested which Ms. Diedrich made.
VOTE:
Motion carried by voice vote 6-0-1. Chair Oleckno declared the motion passed.
E. OLD BUSINESS
1. Progress on CEC Webpage
Ms. Diedrich shared the modifications to the CEC website.
Ms. Skala advised that she would like to remain the commission member responsible for
website changes/additions.
2. Proposed Green Living Festival
Chair Oleckno advised that he wanted to keep this item on the forefront to make sure the planning
for the event doesn’t fall behind. Discussion continued regarding the formation of a subcommittee
to plan the event.
Mr. Kenney reviewed possible presentations and workshops that could take place at the event,
noting that community education was a large component of the sustainability plan.
Ms. Burlingame noted that the event would provide an opportunity for other environmental
organizations to work together and learn about one another. This could be a good opportunity to
network with other organizations.
Ms. Kron suggested the Commission staff a booth that would provide info on the small, easy things
that people could do to improve the environment.
Discussion regarding the event continued between all present.
Chair Oleckno suggested that a steering committee be created. Ms. Kron, Ms. Gibson, Ms. Skala,
and Mr. Kenney agreed to participate.
Ms. Proesel inquired about the date for the festival. Mr. Kenney advised April 23, 2016.
Discussion continued between all present concerning the DeKalb Farmer’s Market. It was
suggested that the Chamber consider holding the market on Thursday or Friday nights (e.g.,
Rockford’s Friday Night Market).
Mr. Kenney reported on the green leaf initiative discussion he had with the Chamber restaurant
group, noting that those present were very receptive.
F. New Business
1. Commission Reports
a. City Liaison: Jennifer Diedrich
Ms. Diedrich introduced Jared Heyn, Management Analyst, to discuss Waste Management’s
Recycle Bank Program which was now available in DeKalb. He advised that residents can
track and report their recycling amounts and receive points to purchase merchandise. Mr. Heyn
continued by reviewing the link to the program on the City’s website.
Ms. Burlingame asked if Mr. Heyn had heard about the next door program. Mr. Heyn advised
that he had not. Ms. Burlingame shared how the program works and discussion continued
between all present. Ms. Burlingame noted that the program was a great way to share local
neighborhood info with residents.
Chair Oleckno asked if Waste Management or recycle bank track details. Mr. Heyn advised
that he would check on it and report back.
Ms. Diedrich reviewed and reported on the list of items Chair Oleckno had sent to her prior to
the meeting:
1. The proposed internship(s) for the Commission – Ms. Diedrich advised that the status of
this item had not changed from the November 2015 meeting where this was discussed with
Management Analyst Lauren Stott. She advised at the November 2015 meeting that the
City’s Internship Program was put on hold until the new Human Resources Director was
hired.
2. Potential access to members' emails under FOIA – Ms. Diedrich reviewed the contents of
the email from City Attorney Dean Frieders which was previously distributed to the
Commission.
3. Status of the proposal to change residency requirements for the Commission – Ms. Diedrich
advised that this item would move forward with other changes to Chapter 50 of the City of
DeKalb Municipal Code when ready.
4. Mayoral letter status – Ms. Diedrich had no updated information to share.
5. Date and time of P.R.I.D.E. Award presentations – Ms. Diedrich advised that the
presentation of the awards was scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2016 at 6pm in the
Council Chambers.
6. The CEC Webpage status – Ms. Diedrich advised that this was reviewed earlier in the
meeting.
7. How we get our Commission goals approved – Ms. Diedrich didn’t believe that the
Committee needed to get their goals approved. She noted that she would be happy to share
them with the Mayor once drafted.
8. The status of the Commission name change - Ms. Diedrich advised that this item would
move forward with other changes to Chapter 50 of the City of DeKalb Municipal Code
when ready.
9. Status of funds for Commission use - Ms. Diedrich advised that $2,200 was approved in the
FY16 budget for the Commission’s use. Estimates for expenses would need to be reviewed
prior to being spent.
b. Cooperative Effort: Melissa Burlingame
Ms. Burlingame advised that the Green Team is reevaluating its position on campus. The idea
is to eliminate redundancy by reducing the number of committees who participate in this
initiative. The Green Team has extended an invite to have a member of the CEC attend their
upcoming meetings. She advised that a Geography class worked on service learning projects;
final presentations were today and they did a great job. Focused on sustainability standards,
composting, exporting grease waste to water treatment plan, prairie restoration, and green
office initiatives.
Chair Oleckno agreed to serve as the CEC member on the Green Team.
c. DeKalb Co. Health Department: Michelle Gibson
Ms. Gibson reported that the Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee shared concerns
with Waste Management about residents being charged a fee to participate in the compost
recycling pilot program.
Chair Oleckno agreed that paying seemed to defeat the purpose.
Ms. Gibson noted that waste management didn’t give a good reason to charge residents to
participate. Discussion continued between all present.
Ms. Gibson shared that she and Ms. Kron met to discuss the share a bag program and are
working on putting more information together.
d. DeKalb Park District: Jason Mangum
No report.
2. Comments on the Draft DeKalb Strategic Plan
Ms. Kron shared that she felt the plan as presented was a laundry list of what people would like and
wasn’t sure if it met the definition of a strategic plan.
Ms. Burlingame inquired as to what is the intention of the plan was.
Chair Oleckno felt the commission’s goal was to determine if environmental items were adequately
represented in the plan.
Mr. Koch pointed out that the mission statement didn’t mention anything about the sustainability
plan.
Discussion continued between all present. The following changes were recommended by Chair
Oleckno:
A. Reword the Mission Statement (p. 9) to include a commitment to environmental
sustainability. We suggest the following revision:
a. Collaboratively deliver high quality municipal services in an
environmentally sustainable manner to those who live, work, learn in or
visit our community through fiscal responsibility, transparency, innovation,
and leadership that continuously improve the quality of life.
B. Under Core Values (pp. 9-10), add the following value:
a. Sustainability -- Seeking to preserve future resources by conscientious
attention to the use of current resources.
C. Under A.Vision of a Sense of Place, Commentary (p. 11), include the following item:
a. Commitment to environmental sustainability
D. Under B. Vision of Community Vitality and a Vibrant Downtown,Goals,Strategies,
and Actions (pp. 15-18), include an item 5 on p. 18 as follows:
a. Facilitate communication between stakeholders to
discuss the status, goals, and available resources for a
local food market, cafe, and community hub in keeping
with the America's Best Community's application and
the City of DeKalb Sustainability Plan as adopted by the
DeKalb City Council.
b. Implement the other elements of the DeKalb Sustainability Plan.
c. Encourage a continuing assessment of the Plan's implementation,
progress, and effectiveness by collaboration with the Citizen
Environmental Commission.
MOTION
Mr. Koch moved to approve the suggested changes to the Strategic Plan and to forward
those changes to the City Council; seconded by Ms. Skala. Motion carried 6-0-1 on
voice vote. Chair Oleckno declared the motion passed.
3. Changes in the P.R.I.D.E. Award Nomination/Press Release Forms
Chair Oleckno advised that he added a sentence to the pride award nomination form that
provides details about Grosklags nominations for individuals. Discussion continued
between all present.
4. Announcements
Mr. Kenney thanked Ms. Proesel for her support of bringing “this changes everything”
film to the Egyptian.
Ms. Proesel shared information about a fire hydrant at the south corner of Lincoln and
Second street that gushed water nonstop for 8 days.
Mr. Kenney advised that the UUFD winter farmer’s market was on December 12th.
Citizen Environmental Commission
December 3, 2015
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G. Adjournment
Ms. Kron moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:20 p.m.; seconded by Ms. Skala. Motion
carried by voice vote 6-0-01. Chair Oleckno declared the motion passed.
Respectfully Submitted:
Jennifer Diedrich, Economic Development Coordinator
Minutes approved at the April 7, 2016 Regular Meeting
Agenda
DeKalb Municipal Building
Haish Conference Room - Second Floor
200 South Fourth Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
AGENDA
Citizen Environmental Commission
December 3, 2015
4:30 p.m.
A. Roll Call
B. Approval of Agenda -- Additions / Deletions
C. Public Participation
D. Approval of Minutes – November 5, 2015
E. Old Business
1. Progress on CEC Webpage
2. Proposed Green Living Festival
F. New Business
1. Commission Reports
a. City Liaison: Jennifer Diedrich
b. Cooperative Effort: Melissa Burlingame
c. DeKalb Co. Health Department: Michelle Gibson
d. DeKalb Park District: Jason Mangum
2. Comments on the Draft DeKalb Strategic Plan
3. Changes in the P.R.I.D.E. Award Nomination/Press Release Forms
4. Announcements
G. Adjournment
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
CITIZEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
November 5, 2015
The Citizen Environmental Commission held a meeting on of November 5, 2015 at the DeKalb
Municipal Building, Haish Conference Room, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115.
Chair Oleckno called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m.
A. ROLL CALL
Jennifer Diedrich called the roll and the following members of the Citizen Environmental
Commission were present: Bill Oleckno, Dan Kenney, Sharon Skala, Ken Koch, and Clare Kron.
Members Absent: Linda Yates and Mark Hein
Also present were: Jennifer Diedrich, City of DeKalb, Lauren Stott, City of DeKalb, Melissa
Burlingame, NIU, and Michelle Gibson, DeKalb County Health Department.
B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS
MOTION
Dan Kenney moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Ken Koch.
Ms. Kron asked to add the item “Letter to the Mayor” to the agenda. Chair Oleckno advised that
it was already on the agenda.
VOTE
Motion approved by voice vote 5-0-2.
C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION
Mr. Koch moved to approve the October 1, 2015 minutes, seconded by Ms. Kron.
Chair Oleckno suggested several changes to the minutes which Ms. Diedrich made.
VOTE
Motion approved by voice vote 5-0-2.
E. OLD BUSINESS
1. UPDATE: CEC Webpage and Intern Status - Guest Lauren Stott
Citizen Environmental Commission
November 5, 2015
Page 2 of 6
Ms. Stott reviewed the status of the Commission’s intern, noting that the intern program was
currently transitioning to HR and hoped to kick off after the 1st of the year (2016). Ms. Stott
continued by reviewing the items that the commission was requesting be posted on their webpage.
Chair Oleckno asked to add descriptions of the commission members backgrounds to the site. Ms.
Stott requested that info could be sent to her in Word form, and asked if the members contact info
should be added as well. Chair Oleckno wanted to think about that and get back to her. Ms. Stott
advised that she would move forward with what she had to date. Discussion about contact info
continued by all present.
Ms. Diedrich asked that members who want to be contacted directly should let her know, otherwise
they would have city contact info.
Mr. Kenney asked if a green/recycling info/link could be added to the website’s front page. Ms. Stott
asked if it should link to the commission’s page. Discussion continued. Mr. Kenney asked that the
sustainability plan be added to the commission’s page as well.
Chair Oleckno asked that the PRIDE award info be added to the website. History, current winners
and detail about the Grosklags award. Ms. Diedrich will put list together and send to Ms. Stott.
2. APPROVAL OF P.R.I.D.E. AWARD NOMINATIONS
Chair Oleckno suggested that the group review the pride award nominations. He continued by listing
the nominations.
Ms. Gibson asked if there was a limit to the number of winners. Chair Oleckno advised there was
not.
MOTION
Mr. Kenney moved to approve the Sanitary District pride award nomination, seconded by Mr. Koch.
Dan Kenney nominated the district. Mike Holland noted he was thankful for the recognition
VOTE
Motion carried 5-0-2 by voice vote. Chair Oleckno declared the motion passed.
Chair Oleckno asked for a motion to approve the Dekalb Community Gardens nomination.
MOTION
Mr. Kenney moved to approve the Community Gardens pride award nomination, seconded by Mr.
Koch.
Ms. Skala advised that she had nominated the Community Gardens
VOTE
Motion carried 4-0-2-1 by voice vote. Mr. Kenney abstained. Chair Oleckno declared the motion
passed.
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November 5, 2015
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MOTION
Mr. Kenney moved to approve Melissa Burlingame’s pride award nomination, seconded by Mr.
Koch.
Ms. Gibson advised that she nominated Ms. Burlingame. Ms. Burlingame was thankful for the
recognition.
Chair Oleckno suggested this nomination be considered as a Grosklags award, and in the future, all
individual awards be considered as such.
VOTE
Motion carried 5-0-2 by voice vote. Chair Oleckno declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Mr. Koch moved to approve the Goodwill nomination, seconded by Ms. Kron.
Ms. Burlingame advised that she nominated Goodwill. She continued by reporting on her recent tour
of the goodwill facility in Rockford and reviewed their different types of recycling efforts.
Discussion continued between all present.
VOTE
Motion carried 5-0-2 by voice vote. Chair Oleckno declared the motion passed.
3. SUSTAINABILITY PLAN PROGRESS REPORTS
Ms. Kron advised that she was interested in establishing the Share a Bag program in DeKalb. She
shared info she learned about the Evanston, IL model, noting the City provided bins with reusable
bags which are monitored by sustainability fellows. These fellows check bags for cleanliness and
remove bags that are no longer useable. Ms. Kron asked if there were funds to available for a
program such as this and wondered how the program would work in DeKalb. Discussion about the
program continued by all present.
Ms. Skala suggested the Commission look at a program operating in Canada which uses compostable
bags. Discussion continued between all present.
Ms. Kron asked if the Commission was interested in trying to implement this program.
Chair Oleckno advised that if this program was implemented, it should be done on a pilot basis, with
a designated sponsor (i.e. the Health Department) who could track use and compile stats. Discussion
continued between all present.
Ms. Gibson asked where in DeKalb the bags should be placed. Suggestions included Connexcion
Communidad, Health Department, Senior Center.
Chair Oleckno suggested a few members get together to see what kind of project they could put
together and report back to the group. Ms. Gibson and Ms. Kron agreed to work on it and come back
to the group at the next meeting.
Dan Kenney distributed a status report on the food security and healthy living areas of the
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November 5, 2015
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sustainability plan and discussed its contents. Specifically covered goals 6 and 8. Mr. Kenney
shared a proposal to host DeKalb County’s First Green Living Festival, which would be focused on
educating the general public on green living and different aspects of the sustainability plan through
music, local food presentations, speakers and workshops.
Ms. Gibson advised that the Health Department and U of I extension offices may be interested in
participating as well and noted that the dates coincide with the compost pilot program kickoff.
Discussion continued between all present.
4. APPROVAL OF GREEN LEAF INITIATIVE DISCUSSION WITH DEKALB RESTAURANT
GROUP
Mr. Kenney advised that the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce was hosting restaurant group meeting
November 17. He was interested in presenting the Sustainability Plan’s Green Leaf Initiative.
Ms. Kron and Ms. Gibson agreed is was a great idea. Ms. Gibson advised that she would love to join
him in giving presentation.
MOTION
Mr. Koch moved to send a representative to share the sustainability plan’s Green Leaf Initiative to
the chamber restaurant group meeting on November 17; seconded by Ms. Kron. Motion carried 5-0-
2 by voice vote. Chair Oleckno declared the motion passed.
F. New Business
1. Commission Reports
a. City Liaison: Ms. Diedrich reported on the status of the Public Works Director position and
the recent ABC grant submission.
b. Cooperative Effort: Melissa Burlingame provided a brief update on things going on at NIU,
noting that the Student Association had approved a Director of Environmental Affairs
position and will be holding student interviews next week. Beginning in 2016, students will
no longer be provided a dollar allotment for printing services. Working with staff to require
less printing and students on using electronics versus printing. Green Team is determining
their mission as a task force and the potential of drafting a sustainability plan for campus.
c. DeKalb Co. Health Department: Michelle Gibson reported on the holiday lights collection
program and noted that it was active in 10 locations throughout the county. She continued by
discussing America Recycles Day initiatives taking place on November 15 including the
virtual hashtag campaign with Dekalb High School students #amrecycles_dhs. Ms. Gibson
advised that the students will take pics and communicate how they recycle.
Ms. Gibson reported that the Health Department was moving forward on the curbside
compost pilot program and is working with Waste Management, John Laskowski and Mark
Espy on a presentation to city council. She continued to discuss the specifics program noting
that it would cover approximately 300 homes and there would be an extra charge for service.
Ms. Gibson concluded by sharing that Fairdale’s septic project has begun to be implemented
and the DHS Green Group was hosting a park cleanup day November 19th.
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November 5, 2015
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d. DeKalb Park District: Jason Mangum – None.
a. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF COMMUNICATION REGARDING PROPOSED
EX-OFFICIO APPOINTMENTS - STATUS AND ACTION PLAN
Chair Oleckno advised that the Commission had requested the addition of two ex-officio
appointments by the Mayor but to date they have not moved forward. At the October 1, 2015
meeting, the Commission discussed sending a letter to the Mayor to recommend moving them
forward. Chair Oleckno distributed a draft letter for review, noting that he hoped to have
everyone present sign. Discussion continued between all present. The group made various
modifications to Chair Oleckno’s letter.
Ms. Kron suggested the letter be left at the Front Desk of City Hall so members could stop in and
sign at their convenience. The group agreed.
MOTION
Ms. Kron moved to approve sending the modified letter distributed by Chair Oleckno to the
Mayor recommending the ex-officio appointments for the Sanitary District and NIU be moved
forward; seconded by Mr. Kenney. Motion carried by voice vote 5-0-2. Chair Oleckno declared
the motion passed.
2. COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP
a. APPROVAL OF MODIFICATIONS TO THE COMMISSION RESIDENCY
REQUIREMENTS
Chair Oleckno advised at the October 1, 2015 meeting, Ms. Proesel asked if she could be a
member of the committee since she doesn’t live within the City limits of Dekalb, noting that she
was in the township. Discussion continued between all present about the possibility of amending
the Municipal Code Chapter 50 to allow non-residents of DeKalb to serve on the Commission.
MOTION
Mr. Koch moved to modify the DeKalb Municipal Code Chapter 50, Citizen Environmental
Commission, Section 50.02 Membership to add language to allow membership to include not
more than two (2) persons who are not residents of the City, provided that these persons are
business owners or employed on a full-time basis at locations inside the DeKalb corporate
limits. Motion carried by voice vote 5-0-2. Chair Oleckno declared the motion passed.
b. COMMISSIONER EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS
Chair Oleckno asked several questions on the implications of FOIA in relation to commission
membership. Ms. Diedrich advised that she would check with the City Attorney and report back.
c. MEMBERSHIP LIST AND PROFILES
Chair Oleckno distributed membership profiles for review, noting that members could email
changes to him or make changes now.
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November 5, 2015
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3. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Kenney announced a Panera fundraiser for the DeKalb Community Gardens was taking place
this evening and distributed coupons. Also advised on a forum taking place tonight at the County to
discuss the negative impacts on social services.
G. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Kenney moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Koch. Motion carried by
voice vote 5-0-2. Chair Oleckno declared the motion passed.
Respectfully Submitted:
Jennifer Diedrich, Economic Development Coordinator