Citizens' Environmental Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITIZENS’ ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION August 9, 2018 The Citizens’ Environmental Commission held a regular business meeting on August 9, 2018, in Council Chambers at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115. Chair Kenney called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. A. ROLL CALL The following members of the Citizens' Environmental Commission were present (indicated by x): X Dan Kenney (Chair) X Ken Koch X Mary McGinn X Clare Kron (Vice-Chair) X Bill Oleckno X Sharon Skala X Ann Shult The following ex-officio members were present (indicated by x): X Amy Doll, DeKalb Park District X Mike Holland, Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District Melissa Burlingame, Northern Illinois University X Lacey Carlson, DeKalb County Health Department Chair Kenney welcomed new member Mary McGinn. B. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION - Ms. Kron moved to approve the agenda with the addition of item 5. Other, under Old Business. Agenda was approved unanimously by voice vote. C. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Smith mentioned that he had some comments and would give those comments during the relevant agenda item. D. APPROVAL of MINUTES MOTION – To approve minutes. Ms. McGinn moved to approve the minutes of June 7, 2018. Mr. Oleckno pointed out minor corrections to minutes. Minutes were approved with corrections by voice vote. E. COMMISSION REPORTS 1. DeKalb County Health Department: Lacey Carlson Ms. Carlson discussed the County Paint and Textile Collection held on July 14. Over 5000 paint cans were taken during the event. Also, the Shoe Share Program has collected over 500 pairs of shoes and the Health Department will host a back-to-school event on August 1. The County is preparing for their annual Holiday Lights Recycling Program and will host another Electronic Recycling Collection event on September 22 from 9 am to noon at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport. Citizen Environmental Commission August 9, 2018 Page 2 of 5 The County has collected 3 mosquitos with West Nile so far this season. That is a normal number of positive samples for this time of year. Mr. Oleckno asked if there are any Styrofoam recycling centers in the area. Ms. Carlson will check. 2. DeKalb Park District: Amy Doll Nature Trail Restoration Project – restoration to start in the fall. - August 6-10: Herbicide treatment of woody invasive/undesirable plant material - August 13-17: Herbicide treatment of herbaceous invasive/undesirable plant material The Park District will be repaving several of trails in the coming weeks. Sept. 30 the Park District will coordinate a clean-up of portions of the S. Branch of the Kishwaukee River. Meet on the north side of NIU's East Lagoon along College Ave. Oct. 24 will be a Full Moon hike. Meet at Prairie Park 615 Ellwood Drive, DeKalb. Ms. Kron asked about native plantings at the Elwood House. 3. Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District: Michael Holland Wildflowers are coming up along the bike path in the areas newly planted this year. Electric vehicle charging stations will be installed. 4. Northern Illinois University: Melissa Burlingame (via e-mail) The Green Team will be working with the Environmental Management class (GEOG 453) this fall semester to write a management plan for stabilizing the shores of the creek and lagoon on campus. We may also be working with the same class to do a cost comparison for disposable dinner service versus reusable dish service. As for the advancement of sustainability on campus, we have selected two students to help write strategies to improve NIU’s performance on the AASHE STARS index (https://stars.aashe.org/). Our goal is to present an update about sustainability to the shared governance bodies in the spring semester. 5. City of Dekalb: Tim Holdeman The Refuse, Recycling and Yard Waste vendor, Lakeshore Recycling Systems, will be delivering new carts the week of August 17. Waste Management will pick up their carts after the last pick-up day in August. The 2018 Street Maintenance Program is progressing nicely. The Elwood Neighborhood resurfacing work will be completed by August 24, move-in day. There will be a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the new Kishwaukee-Kiwanis Mutltiuse Path on Sept.4 at 5:15 pm. New transit services will take effect August 20. Weekend service will begin September 1. Mr. Oleckno asked if 35-gallon refuse carts are available. Mr. Holdeman replied in the affirmative, stating that LRS is taking special requests now and will be taking special requests for several weeks after the initial delivery is complete. F. NEW BUSINESS 1. Solar Garden for Dresser Road 2 Citizen Environmental Commission August 9, 2018 Page 3 of 5 The Commission discussed a letter regarding “Potential for Energy Savings through Solar” (Attached) from Joel Maurer. The proposed area for the solar garden is just east of Fire Station 3 and north of the water tower. After discussion by the Commission, it was agreed that the Commission is not prepared to recommend a solar garden at this time and that continued use of the land for farming would be preferable. 2. New Member Policy Discussion Chair Kenney explained past practice has been for the prospective new member to meet with the chair of the commission, then attend a commission meeting, then at an open meeting the commission decides together whether to recommend to the Mayor for the appointment. Mr. Oleckno said he wondered why the commission was not made aware of the member being sworn in. Mayor Smith explained that he believes it is his responsibility to appoint new commission members, and that in previous conversation with Chair Kenney a sense of urgency about seating a new member was expressed. Mayor Smith also explained that he did discuss the appointment with Chair Kenney. Ms. Kron asked is the Mayor would be opposed to the Commission meeting candidates before appointing them. The Mayor indicated he is not opposed to that. After some more discussion, the Mayor thanked the Commission for their work and commitment to the community. He said the courtesy of having the Commission meet with his appointment would be extended in the future, when possible. Discussions are continuing regarding another Commission candidate. 3. 350 Kishwaukee Co-Sponsorship Dave Davis presented an idea for co-sponsorship with the Commission. The idea is to invite solar vendors to present their ideas and products for implementing solar technology at schools. The Commission discussed this idea and concluded that it may be a conflict of interest to co- sponsor such an event without an open solicitation. G. OLD BUSINESS 1. Food Security Chicken Ordinance Amendment Update & Discussion Ms. Kron reviewed the Naperville Backyard Chicken Ordinance. Mr. Oleckno presented his opposition to the idea. (Attached) Ms. Kron mentioned that the Planning and Zoning Commission would have to hear arguments for backyard chickens and vote in the affirmative in order to make changes to the Zoning Ordinance to allow backyard chickens. MOTION - Mr. Koch moved to draft an Urban Chicken Ordinance for further discussion. Motion was approved by voice vote with Mr. Oleckno voting no. MOTION – Ms. Kron moved to add this topic to the August 23 Special Meeting. Motion was approved by voice vote with Mr. Oleckno voting no. 2. LED Update and Press Release Mayor Smith addressed the Commission and explained that he requested ComEd to increase the number of LED streetlights they were planning to install this year in the interest of improving Public Safety in the Annie Glidden North Neighborhood, as recommended by the Annie Glidden North Neighborhood Revitalization Committee. 3 Citizen Environmental Commission August 9, 2018 Page 4 of 5 The Mayor also stated that he is comfortable with ComEd’s approach of responding to requests by residents that experience issues with the installation of a particular streetlight. For example, adding shields to focus the light away from a particular area or home. Ms. Kron stated that she did not believe ComEd had responded to the concerns regarding glare or health impacts brought forward to ComEd during previous meetings with ComEd. Ms. Kron pointed out that ComEd did agree to reduce the Color Temperature Range from 4000K to 3000K, the minimum recommended by the American Medical Association (AMA). But, that other AMA recommendations such as shielding and dimming were not implemented. Ms. Kron stated that in her opinion, ComEd was not being responsive to her requests and that the risks of LED lighting to human health are uncertain. MOTION – It was moved by Ms. Kron to approach the press with concerns about LED streetlights. FAILED for lack of a SECOND. Discussion followed about whether or not ComEd could be stopped from installing the LED lights or be required to install shields on all the streetlights. Mr. Oleckno suggested that the Commission take this as an opportunity to educate the community about the impacts of blue light on human health. Not only streetlights but, all blue light sources. Mr. Koch stated that informing residents that they can request shielding would be valuable service to the community. Mr. Holland reminded the Commission that LED lights are more energy efficient. He wondered why the Commission would be against them. Ms. Shult suggested that the approval of ComEd installing the streetlights was a done deal and that the Commission should focus on education the community about the availability of shielding. Ms. Skala agreed that the Commission should focus on education. Mr. Oleckno also agreed that the Commission should focus on education. MOTION – Chair Kenney moved to have Ms. Kron draft a press release announcing a public hearing on LED lighting for the Commission to consider. Motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. MOTION - Chair Kenney moved to schedule a Special Meeting to consider the press release on August 23, 2018. Motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. 3. Fundraising Update Ms. Kron mentioned that she and Mr. Koch were meeting about charging stations. Ms. Kron asked the group to think about fundraising ideas. One idea would be to involve the Community Foundation. 4. Other Sustainability Plan Updates Elgin is updating their sustainability plan. 5. Other Mr. Koch will research Coal Tar Sealant Ordinances and send to Mr. Holdeman for distribution. H. ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Shult will approach High School Graphics Department for help on Logo. Ms. Shult announce the Back to School Bash where volunteers will be assembling backpacks. Mr. Oleckno mentioned a Daily chronicle article about using milkweed as insulation and that it may be a cash crop for Illinois farmers. 4 Citizen Environmental Commission August 9, 2018 Page 5 of 5 Chair Kenney announced the Symphony of Soil at the Farm Bureau on august 15. Next Regular Meeting: Thursday, September 9, 2018, 4:00 pm Special Meeting: August 23, 2018, 4:00 pm I. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Shult moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Chair Kenney declared the meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Tim Holdeman, Staff Liaison Approved by Voice Vote on September 6, 2018 5 June 28, 2018 Dan Kenney 303 Birchwood Lane DeKalb, IL.60115 Re: City potential for energy savings through solar Dan: The Citizen Environmental Committee may be interested to promote the development of solar projects and promote the City of DeKalb to actually be a solar system owner. The Illinois Future Jobs Act provides incentives for solar development through an Adjustable Block Grant program providing Community Solar Renewable Energy Credits that make starting and benefiting from a solar project very inviting. A 15 year solar energy agreement is possible through this program based on kilowatts (KW) produced and the timing of the application to the state block program. Galesburg has submitted five projects. In fact, the City’s property that is farmed just east of Fire Station 3 and the north water tower is a perfect size for solar installation, with 8 or more useable acres (not flooding) that could have solar panels installed for generation of electric use to power the pumps for the well and north storage tank, Fire Station 3, Dresser Court apartments, and possibly the DeKalb County Health Campus. Or the City could just connect the solar energy generation to the grid and receive funding credit from Com Ed. Even if the City does not participate in the adjustable block grant program of the state and does not receive renewable energy credits, I believe the City could go ahead and install solar for energy generation that will pay back very quickly the installed first cost. Or, the City could proceed without up-front installed cost and just provide the land by partnering with a group that does public agency community solar projects like Sunpower. I have found out that Sunpower could lease the land and be a turn-key partner with the City. Sunpower has over 600 awarded community solar projects with over 350 MW of electric generation that they have helped develop, some by turn-key design, including procurement, connection to the grid, and operation and maintenance through long term agreements. You may note DeKalb County has a large number of solar projects interested for development throughout the county. Community solar Renewable Energy Credits (REC) from $45- $98 per REC based on the size of the project’s energy generation are what is spurring this surge for solar development. A 4 to 5 acre solar generation site equals about one megawatt (MW) of electrical generation, powering energy for 200-300 homes per MW. The Adjustable Block Grant Program rules are for 2 MW or smaller projects with application fees of $1000 per KW and proof of land ownership or lease, proof of interconnection agreement and evidence of strong progress for a solar development permit. As I say, the City could choose to develop solar on their own and receive slightly less financial benefit without the REC. On their own, the City would still find energy savings and be a leader in sustainability, reduce climate impact, and develop jobs and economic development. All these benefits are high value 10 year goals the City set recently! Please have the Citizens Environmental Committee pursue this advocacy. Very truly yours, Joel Maurer 618 Hanna Court DeKalb, IL. 60115 Cell 815 901-8651  Some Reflections on Allowing Backyard Chickens in DeKalb By William A. Oleckno* August 3, 2018 Background For some time now, a number of residents in DeKalb have been promoting the notion that keeping and raising "backyard chickens" (also known as "urban chickens") is a good idea and should be supported by the City. They often cite perceived advantages of backyard chickens, such as a steady and nutritious source of "free range" eggs, natural pest control due to the eating habits of chickens, and a plentiful supply of organic fertilizer from chicken wastes. Other perceived benefits cited in the literature include companionship and stress reduction (https://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/the-benefits-of-backyard-chickens). What generally isn't stated is that there are readily available and viable alternatives for these things that do not require backyard chickens. These alternatives also preserve the familiar urban-rural divide that has defined our landscape very well now for many centuries. The advocates of backyard chickens are quick to point out a number of alleged myths associated with raising chickens in urban areas. They do this by attempting to minimize any potential risks of things like disease transmission, nuisances, pest or predator attraction, lowered property values, and the like. The arguments against these potential risks are often predicated on the fact that any problems associated with urban chickens are "not as bad as" other existing problems. For example, the fact that backyard chickens may attract rodents and other pests is summarily dismissed due to the fact that these pests are already present in the urban environment, and things like bird feeders can also attract pests. This logic, of course, is inherently flawed. What it means is, if we allow backyard chickens, we are only going to exacerbate existing problems. Thus, if our woodpile out back is attracting mice we can expect even more mice when our neighbor adds chickens to the equation. There may be ways to mitigate some of these problems, but inevitably, any solutions will have to depend on strict code enforcement, which could be costly given the City's already limited resources and other priorities. Proponents of urban chickens also frequently note that many other cities have adopted ordinances allowing backyard chickens in an attempt to validate their position. It does indeed appear that in recent years there has been an increasing trend toward allowing backyard chickens in the United States. What is less likely to be mentioned, however, is that there are also several cities that either disallow the practice or have considered revoking urban chicken ordinances after having experienced negative consequences. Some of the cities in northern Illinois that do not allow backyard chickens include Woodstock, Wheaton, Lake in the Hills, Arlington Heights, and Rock Island. There are, of course, many others, but unfortunately there doesn't appear to be a master list available at this time. 1 Furthermore, I believe it would be a mistake for DeKalb to allow urban chickens based primarily on the fact that other cities have done so. A decision in this regard should be based on what is best for DeKalb. Many questions still need to be answered. For example: � Will allowing backyard chickens make DeKalb a better or more attractive place to live? � Will it change the character or nature of the City in positive or negative ways? � Will it help us attract the kinds of businesses and enterprises we really want? � Do the residents of DeKalb really need urban chickens? Are they even interested? � Is this a worthy goal, given the City's many other priorities? Getting definitive answers to these and other pertinent questions will require more City staff time and perhaps significant fiscal and other resources. Before we try to answer the questions, we should at least acknowledge that the supposed benefits of backyard chickens can easily be achieved by other existing means (some of these are discussed below). If that's the case, why seriously consider urban chickens at all? That's what the City decided six years ago. The City also needs to be aware that there are many things that can go wrong if backyard chickens are allowed (e.g., problems of neglect, abandonment, contamination, disease transmission, etc.). These could have serious ramifications for the City. Furthermore, allowing urban chickens in DeKalb will set a precedent that will almost certainly assure us it won't be long before we are also considering allowing backyard geese, goats, pigs, sheep, llamas, and who knows what else. And then why should they be restricted to the backyard? It is important to consider future ramifications however outlandish they may now appear. Who would have thought 15 or 20 years ago that residents in urban areas would want to raise backyard chickens or other livestock that have been traditionally raised on farms? This certainly was not a reason for the rise in migration from rural to urban areas in the U.S. and elsewhere. While some might debate that with strict, comprehensive regulations backyard chickens in DeKalb could produce some marginal benefits for a select group of residents, I would argue that there are at least equally good, if not better reasons, for not allowing them. Some of these reasons are briefly summarized below. This list is far from comprehensive but should at least provide a basis for a rational discussion of this controversial issue. Some Reasons for Not Allowing Backyard Chickens in DeKalb 1. We Already Have Reasonable Access to Fresh Eggs in DeKalb. Where obtaining fresh eggs (or meat) is the primary goal of raising backyard chickens, it is worth noting that it is only a few short miles at most from any given point in DeKalb to farms that are either currently selling or might be interested in selling "free range" eggs to city dwellers. If the demand is sufficient, perhaps a delivery service could be set up to one or more of the local grocery stores and other venues, such as the DeKalb Farmers' Market, assuming these venues for fresh eggs don't already exist. From one perspective, it might make more sense to allow backyard chickens in cities like Chicago or New York since access to rural markets is much less convenient than it is for the residents of DeKalb, which is already situated in a largely rural county with many farmers raising chickens responsibly 2 and collecting their eggs daily. With just a little ingenuity and community spirit we could easily find ways to get these fresh eggs to those who desire them. Through existing channels of cooperation, this could be done in a cost-effective and efficient manner. This way we could easily serve those with limited access or resources. 2. There is a Real Potential for Disease Transmission. Despite the claims of some that the risk of disease transmission from backyard chickens is insignificant, the facts appear otherwise. While the spread of avian-borne influenza may not be a serious threat from urban chickens, salmonellosis is another case. Chickens, especially young chicks, can carry Salmonella pathogens, which can cause sometimes serious illness in humans. According the the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): "Live poultry might have Salmonella germs in their droppings and on their bodies (feathers, feet, and beaks), even when they appear healthy and clean. The germs can get on cages, coops, feed and water dishes, hay, plants, and soil in the area where the birds live and roam. Germs also can get on the hands, shoes, and clothes of people who handle or care for the birds." "People become infected with Salmonella germs when they put their hands or equipment that has been in contact with live poultry in or around their mouth. Young children are more likely to get sick because their immune systems are still developing and they are more likely to put their fingers or pacifiers and other items into their mouths." "People who have contact with items, like coops or water dishes, in the area where poultry live can get sick without actually touching one of the birds. Germs on your hands can spread easily to other people or surfaces...." (see https://www.cdc.gov/features/salmonellapoultry/index.html). During 1990 to 2014, there were 53 documented outbreaks of salmonellosis from backyard flocks resulting in 2,630 illnesses, 387 hospitalizations, and 5 deaths. The median age of the patients was 9 years but included a wide age range from infants to the elderly (see https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/22/10/15-0765_article). In 2017, the CDC reported the largest number of human cases ever recorded due to contact with live poultry in backyard flocks. Advisories are still in effect (https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/backyard-flocks-06-18/index.html). There is also the potential for various types of disease outbreaks among chickens themselves. Without detailed records of all backyard chicken owners and the condition of their flocks (e.g., vaccination status, recent medical treatments, purchase dates and locations, etc.), it could be difficult for local health professionals to stem an outbreak regardless of its type or origin. 3. Raising Backyard Chickens is Expensive, Especially for Those in Need. Sometimes urban chickens are promoted as a way for families in need to sustain their nutritional needs by harvesting the fresh eggs their backyard chickens produce. What is often glossed over, however, is how expensive it can be to raise backyard chickens properly, especially for those on limited budgets. Costs of raising chickens can include the initial purchase of the chickens, suitable chicken coops and accessories, as well as the ongoing costs of providing daily food, heating for coops in the winter, regularly maintaining facilities and grounds, as well as other needs. There are also the expenses required to maintain chicken health and viability as chickens tend to be prone to diseases and parasites. Since a 3 hen produces eggs for only a few years during her lifespan, it will be necessary to retire and replace chickens in order to keep producing eggs for the host family. To illustrate the issue, The Happy Chicken Coop, a website that discusses issues related to raising backyard chickens, provides some interesting perspectives related to costs. In July, 2017, an article on the site stated: "A brand new, secure and well-made coop will set you back anywhere from $500, to several thousand dollars depending on what you want. There are cheaper coops out there, but ‘buyer beware’. Many of those cheaper coops are badly made and the wood is of poor quality, flimsy and chemically treated. Folks who have bought them report that the wood starts to warp within a few months and the coop is almost un-usable by the second year. Another problem with many readymade [sic] coops is the optimism of the advertiser. They will often say ‘big enough for x number of hens, when it plainly isn’t." (https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/how-much-do-chickens-cost/). 4. Backyard Chicken Flocks Require Significant Maintenance Time. It may just be human nature, but whenever tedious or messy tasks require a lot of time or effort, they are more likely to be put off or ignored. According to one experienced at raising chickens: "You never get a day off. Every single day you have to take care to feed and water your chickens, to let them out of their coop, and to pick up their eggs, and to shut them back into their coop at night." (http://vomitingchicken.com/pros-cons-keeping-chickens/). While this might not differ too much from the responsibilities of owning dogs or other domestic pets, poor maintenance can cause some unique problems and nuisances for neighbors (see below). Owning healthy backyard chickens requires carrying out several daily chores. Thus, one must plan accordingly for vacations, sick times, extended work hours, etc. Maintenance may also involve dealing with chicken behavioral problems such as feather picking, bullying other chickens, and brooding as well as with health problems chickens are prone to develop. Coops must be kept clean and dry, well ventilated, and in good repair. One must ensure that the chickens always have sufficient food, water, and grit, which helps them digest their food. Good owners will take the time to perform these and related tasks, but unfortunately, not all urban chicken owners will be responsible owners, and, therefore, problems will develop that even the best regulations cannot prevent or adequately control. 5. Backyard Chickens Can Cause Nuisances for Neighbors. Some of the problems created by backyard chickens include messy droppings that produce odors, and in confined areas, a buildup of ammonia that can be dangerous to the health of those cleaning their chicken coops; noise and excessive dust, especially in coops; rodent and predator attraction, including coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc., which can be especially dangerous to unsuspecting children or pets. These and other nuisances are often minimized by proponents of backyard chickens, but they can be a contentious problem for some neighbors. For example, it's been said that the noise created by a few chickens is at about the same decibel level as human conversation. I know, however, from experience that the backyard conversations of my neighbors in the early morning can wake me and make it very difficult to get back to sleep as long as the conversations continue. This seems 4 especially true on relatively calm days where noise can travel long distances. The effects of urban chickens on property values is not well documented in the literature, but it is safe to say that there is no evidence that the presence of backyard chickens will not affect the values of adjacent properties. Thus, proponents of urban chickens who claim property values are not decreased by raising chickens do not have a ("chicken") leg to stand on. Closing Thoughts There are many other arguments that could be offered for not allowing backyard chickens in DeKalb, but I will leave these for other individuals to make. The foregoing items are only a small sampling of potential issues that need to be carefully considered. The arguments in favor of backyard chickens have already been well crafted by others and will certainly be presented in any discussion of backyard chickens. Hopefully, this short paper provides, at the very least, another perspective on this controversial issue. Finally, consider this anonymous resident's plight: "The neighbor to my right keeps three loud barking dogs that start about 4:30 every morning and don't stop until late in the afternoon when he gets home from work. Sometimes they get out of the yard and leave their waste products in mine. I have to be careful where I step. I think they've also been chewing on my deck posts, and one post is now almost gone. The neighbor across the street lets her two cats roam freely in the neighborhood, but they have chosen to use my foundation as their preferred litter box. Another neighbor leaves a large spotlight on all night that has attracted skunks, which are now so used to the light that they spray during day and night. Phew! Another neighbor down the block has a cottonwood tree, and this summer it looks like it's snowing around my house. In the fall, my neighbors' leaves cover my yard and fill my eaves but seem to miss theirs. The neighbor to my left likes to discharge his sump pump drainage onto my yard. I guess it's more convenient than getting his lawn soaked. In every other way they are nice neighbors, and I couldn't conceive of calling the police or other authorities on them. I guess they're just too busy to tend to these problems. Well, I can hardly wait now until our city gives the okay to raise backyard chickens. The rear neighbor has a grudge for some unknown reason and thinks chickens will put me over the edge. He's probably right. He already has a duck or two (illegally), so why not some other fowl? It all makes me wonder why I left our farm in Colorado and moved to the city. It just doesn't seem to be that different any more. How sad." (Anonymous) *Dr. William A. Oleckno is a Presidential Teaching Professor Emeritus at Northern Illinois University who specializes in environmental health and epidemiology. He has been a member of the DeKalb Citizens' Environmental Commission since 2009 and served as chair of the Commission for four of those years. 5