Citizens' Environmental Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITIZEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION April 7, 2016 The Citizen Environmental Commission held a meeting on April 7, 2016 at the DeKalb Municipal Building, Haish Conference Room, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115. Chair Oleckno called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m. A. ROLL CALL Tim Holdeman called the roll and the following members of the Citizen Environmental Commission were present: Sharon Skala, Mark Hein, Ken Koch, Bill Oleckno, Dan Kenney and Clare Kron. Members Absent: none Also present were: Tim Holdeman, City of DeKalb, Dean Frieders, City of DeKalb, Mike Holland, DeKalb Sanitary District, Michelle Gibson, DeKalb County Health Department and Bessie Chronopoulos (resident). B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS MOTION Ms. Kron moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Mr. Koch. Agenda was approved by voice vote 6-0. C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Ms. Chronopoulos brought up the subject of the DeKalb County Health Department CRT TV Recycling Event that took place the previous Saturday. She suggested better coordination in the future. Chair Oleckno mentioned that the Commission had not been involved in the organization of the CRT TV Recycling. Ms. Gibson added that the County is planning another CRT TV Recycling Event and that traffic control would be enhanced for the next event. Ms. Chronopoulos brought up the subject of the City’s web site; questioning if the member information was correct and suggested that the information be updated and that contact information be added. Chair Oleckno mentioned that the names and contact information of Commission members was submitted to the City’s web site. Citizen Environmental Commission April 7, 2016 Page 2 of 3 D. NEW BUSINESS 1. Guest: Dean M. Frieders, City Attorney. Discussion Topic: Clarification of Legal Requirements Related to Commission Business 2. Proposed Revisions to the Municipal Code, Chapter 50, "Citizen Environmental Commission" 3. Current Membership Status Discussions centered on whether to include or exclude Ex-officio members from determining a quorum and whether they should have voting rights. Mr. Frieders addressed the requirements of various permutations concerning the number of full members, ex-officio members, and sub-committee make-up. The requirements of the Open Meeting Act (OMA) were discussed including the requirements of different types of meetings. The Local Records Act was discussed and Mr. Frieders advised the Commission not to use e-mails as a means for memorializing Commission decisions. He advised that members should not discuss items on which the Commission would be taking action at a later date. The proposed Chapter 50 revisions were discussed at length. It was mentioned that Ex-officio members represent organizations and the City Liaison was not a voting member. The question of could an Ex- officio member count for the quorum by not be a voting member was discussed. Chair Oleckno will tweak the Chapter 50 revisions based on the Commission’s discussions and will send a revised out to members. Chair Oleckno mentioned that there is one open position on the Commission and another pending. He requested members to send any recommendations for candidates to Tim Holdeman. E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – DECEMBER 3, 2015 MOTION Mr. Hein moved to approve the December 3, 2015 minutes, seconded by Mr. Koch. VOTE Motion approved by voice vote 5-0-2. Citizen Environmental Commission April 7, 2016 Page 3 of 3 F. COMMISSION REPORTS 1. City Liaison: Mr. Holdeman reported that an intern could be hired by the Commission and that the budget was $2,500 for the year. 2. DeKalb County Health Department: Mr. Gibson explained the CRT TV drive and that the response was overwhelming; receiving 275 cars in the first 2 hours. 3. DeKalb Park District: Representative not present. G. OLD BUSINESS 1. Proposed Green Living Festival - Ms. Kron reported that the festival is scheduled for August 4. It will be done in combination with Healthy Start program for schools. It will run for 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. 2. Sustainability Plan Progress Reports - None 1. NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Kron gave an update on the Share-A-Bag Program. Ms. Kron brought one of the bins that will be used. She mentioned there is room on the bin to recognize organizations that support the program. Ms. Kron suggested changing the name to Take-A-Bag/Give-A-Bag to make its purpose clearer. There will be a bin placed at the DeKalb Public Library. First National Bank has donated 120 bags. STEM Cafe Presents Renewable Nation, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. How Plug-In Cars and the Smart Grid Will Change America How will renewable energy be linked to vehicles? What fuel sources will be used in the future? Join Dr. Kevin B. Martin from NIU’s Department of Technology G. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Koch moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:53 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Kenney. Motion carried by voice vote 6-0. Chair Oleckno declared the motion passed. Respectfully Submitted: Tim Holdeman, Public Work Director Approved May 5, 2016