Citizens' Environmental Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITIZENS’ ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION March 5, 2020 The Citizens’ Environmental Commission (CEC) held a regular business meeting on March 5, 2020, in the Executive Conference Room at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115. Vice-Chair Steve Honeywell called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. A. ROLL CALL Roll call was recorded by Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal and the following members of the CEC were present: Rachel Farrell, Steve Honeywell, Dan Kenney, Ken Koch, William Oleckno, Sharon Skala, and Virginia Wilcox. Members absent Dan Kenney and Virginia Wilcox. Chair Clare Kron arrived at 4:23 p.m. and assumed the role of chair. Also present were Ex-Officio Member Mike Holland, Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal and City Manager Bill Nicklas. B. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Vice-Chair Honeywell asked for a motion to approve the agenda. MOTION Mr. Oleckno moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Ms. Skala. VOTE Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present. C. PUBLIC COMMENT Vice-Chair Honeywell asked for public comment. Manager Nicklas spoke and gave an update about project Ventus. He stated that talks are going well, and he hopes an announcement will be coming in the next few months. He did find out that this company is very environmentally friendly. They have a 1:1 program for energy use and production. It should be a net to our grid which is a big positive for the environment. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Vice-Chair Honeywell asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting held on February 6, 2020. MOTION Ms. Farrell moved to approve the monthly minutes; seconded by Ms. Skala. MOTION Mr. Oleckno moved to approve the monthly minutes with minor changes; seconded by Ms. Farrell. VOTE Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present to allow minor changes. VOTE Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present for the monthly minutes as amended. E. COMMISSION REPORTS 1. DeKalb County Health Department- Management Analyst Blumenthal is talking with the Health Department to see this position filled. 2. DeKalb Park District- Amy Doll: Not present. 3. Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District- Mike Holland: Mr. Holland stated that the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District has begun using their biodegradable power generator. This will continue to help cut operating costs. 4. Northern Illinois University- Sarah Fox: Apologized for not being able to attend but will be available for the next meeting. 5. City Staff Liaison: Jason Blumenthal: Management Analyst Blumenthal stated he had a great presentation from Volta Charging to discuss Electric Vehicle charging station. Will continue to look up pricing and find what is best for our community. F. NEW BUSINESS 1. Report on presentation: Solar Power: Is It Right for Me? Chair Kron said that the event went very well. There were approximately fifty people at the event, which had three presenters. Commission members said it would be nice to partner with 350Kishwaukee again on other events like this. 2. Upcoming Presentations Chair Kron spoke to various presentations that will be occurring in the next few months. MOTION Mr. Honeywell moved to co-sponsor more events; seconded by Ms. Farrell. VOTE Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present. 3. Disposable Plastic Shopping Bags Discussion Discussion commenced about how to cut down on single bag usage throughout the City. MOTION Mr. Koch moved to pursue the idea of putting limitations on the use of single use bags; seconded by Mr. Honeywell. VOTE Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present. G. OLD BUSINESS 1. Sustainability Plan Updates Management Analyst Blumenthal stated that there is no update at this time. He was able to convert the old file into a word document so he may make edits. 2. Monthly Daily Chronicle Articles Vice-Chair Honeywell indicated that the process is set up. Please send articles to Mr. Honeywell. 3. Update on Monarch City Registration Management Analyst Blumenthal stated the letter was not sent yet. The commission had minor edits to the letter. Ms. Farrell will make the edits and then send to Management Analyst Blumenthal to send to the Mayor. 4. Update on Beekeeping Ordinance Management Analyst Blumenthal stated he would send the ordinance to legal counsel for review. Mr. Oleckno restated there are classes available and it should be added as a requirement for a license. Mr. Honeywell stated we should also add a lot size requirement. 5. Other updates on previously discussed items Chair Kron asked what the process is for press releases. Management Analyst Blumenthal stated that he would release them upon review of the City Manager. H. ANNOUCEMENTS 1. New announcements. Chair Kron asked if the Director of Streets and Facilities could come and present on the amount of salt usage from this past year. Management Analyst Blumenthal said he would contact Director Raih and have him come present his information. 2. Next Meeting: April 2, 4:00 pm. I. ADJOURMENT Chair Kron called for a motion to adjourn.  MOTION Mr. Koch moved to adjourn; seconded by Mr. Honeywell. VOTE Motion was approved by unanimous voice vote. Chair Kron adjourned the meeting at 6:04 PM. Respectfully Submitted: Jason Blumenthal, Management Analyst.