Environmental Commission

Regular Meeting

Glen Ellyn, IL · March 18, 2025

Minutes

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES March 18, 2025 Board or Environmental Date: March 18, 2025 Commission: Meeting: Regular Called to 7:04 p.m. Order: Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 9:24 p.m. MEMBER ATTENDANCE: Christy Truitt Chairperson Present Jeff D. Abeln Commissioner Absent Jacquelyn Casazza Commissioner Absent John Day Commissioner Present Chris English Commissioner Present Mark Frigo Commissioner Present Barbara Kwiatkowsky Commissioner Present Karen Lilly Commissioner Absent Maggie Frigo Student Commissioner Absent Also Present: Kristina Christie Management Analyst – Public Works Chris Gutmann Park District Liaison Elisa Pollina Recording Secretary PUBLIC I. CALL TO ORDER The March 18, 2025 meeting of the Environmental Commission was called to order by Chairperson Truitt at 7:04 PM at Glen Ellyn Civic Center. II. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – None III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 11, 2025 MEETING – Deferred to next month’s meeting. IV. LIAISON REPORTS A. Trustee Liaison Report: No report. B. Staff Liaison Report – Staff Liaison Christie provided several updates: Discussions are ongoing regarding the possible rescheduling of Village and commission meetings. Environmental Commission 2 March 18, 2025 On February 28, Groot submitted new recycling flyers, which are currently under review, with some changes requested. Commissioner Kwiatkowsky emphasized the importance of including a clear statement in the flyer advising residents not to place recyclables in plastic bags, as these items will not be recycled. Recycle Coach Update: An app or widget will be added to the Village website to provide recycling information. Discussions about its placement and data integration are still underway. The Village has received inquiries about whether floppy disks will be accepted at the upcoming recycling event or where they might be recycled. Commissioner Kwiatkowsky suggested that SCARCE may be a possible option for accepting them. C. Park District Liaison Report – Park District Liaison Gutmann provided several updates: The Park District is replacing the car chargers at Sunset Park, Ackerman, and Mary Knoll, with 90% of the cost covered by a ComEd grant. The new chargers will operate on a pay-per-use system. The holiday lights recycling program was a success, with 3,283 pounds of lights collected and recycled. The Park District has posted the open tree care position to replace the forester. This individual will be responsible for the care and maintenance of all trees. Chairperson Truitt inquired about the tree planting event scheduled for May 9 at Churchill Park, where CRTI will provide the trees and Go Green Glen Ellyn will offer funding. She asked whether both entities should be acknowledged at the event or if separate tree planting days should be planned for each organization. Commissioner Kwiatkowsky mentioned that Go Green is leaning toward having a combined event. CRTI will have a volunteer sign-up available on their website and will provide the necessary tools and the first year of mulch. The Park District will need to commit to ongoing care, including weekly watering and mulching. Regarding curbside composting, Truitt added that compost will be provided for Village Green on May 9. Gutmann will confirm with Lori at the Park District to ensure that date works. D. Chair Report – Chairperson Truitt provided an update on the meeting she attended regarding the high school referendum. The presentation included an overview of the tree plan, identifying which trees would be removed and which ones would be preserved. They also plan to replace displaced trees on a one-to-one basis within the designated area. Environmental Commission 3 March 18, 2025 During the meeting, Ron Aubrey and Chairperson Truitt inquired whether growth inhibitors would be used during construction and if growth promoters would be applied afterward. The representatives agreed to follow up on this request. Truitt then asked the Environmental Commission (EC) for input on the commission's role in this project. Commissioner Frigo suggested that the EC should remain engaged by attending meetings, providing feedback, and ensuring that when the tree preservation plan is released; all necessary elements are included in the special use permitting process. She provided feedback from the tree ordinance workshop held at the Morton Arboretum hosted by CRTI. Wilmette representatives attended and provided a detailed overview of their ordinance, which includes a tree replacement fee. The funds collected from this fee are allocated to a grant program that allows residents to receive financial assistance if they wish to plant a tree. This information was shared with Trustee Christiansen. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Strategic Planning Priorities Chairperson Truitt reviewed the EC's upcoming priorities: 50th Anniversary of Glen Ellyn Initiatives – Chairperson Truitt provided an update on plans for the 50th Anniversary celebration, which includes certifying 50 yards and planting 50 trees. She is also exploring additional opportunities for sustainable plantings in the downtown area, including renovating Volunteer Park, which serves as the gateway to Glen Ellyn. Max has expressed interest in designing the landscape for Volunteer Park, with support from The Conservation Foundation. Additionally, Max is interested in transforming the Monte Clare parking lot into a Monarch pollinator habitat, aligning with the Mayor’s Caucus initiative to promote monarch migration. Truitt also suggested inviting former EC commission members to participate in all EC planting events. Chairperson Truitt proposed including the Bridge Communities Project as part of the 50th Anniversary initiatives. She provided an update on a recent meeting where she discussed the potential for renovating the landscape along Pershing Avenue. A landscape designer has volunteered to enhance the landscaping around the building; the Conservation Foundation will also take part in this project as well as the CRTI in providing tree planting near the site. The project is partially funded, and the EC may explore additional funding opportunities. The CEO of Bridge Communities expressed support and noted that if the EC could raise $10,000, they would match the amount. Truitt suggested involving volunteers for planting days, emphasizing the positive impact this project could have on the area. The next steps include raising awareness about the project and exploring potential fundraising efforts. Commissioner Kwiatkowsky raised questions about the logistics of fundraising for private entities. Commissioner English added that the EC could contribute by promoting sustainable landscaping and supporting the fundraising event through volunteer efforts. Environmental Commission 4 March 18, 2025 Recycling Extravaganza Update – Commissioner Kwiatkowsky reported that flyers for the event are ready to be posted. She will send a reminder to all participating vendors on March 26. Kwiatkowsky also asked Staff Liaison Christie to ensure that vests are included for the event. She then asked the EC members to confirm who will be volunteering, with Chairperson Truitt and Commissioners Frigo, Day, English, Truitt, and Student Commissioner Frigo confirming their attendance. Greenest Region Compact Initiatives – Chairperson Truitt highlighted several initiatives under the Greenest Region Compact, including community certifications, Dark Skies, and the Monarch Pledge. She suggested that the EC could pursue certifications for Bees and Birds City as part of these initiatives. Commissioner English shared a write-up on protecting local pollinators, outlining alternatives to pesticide use. He volunteered to research the certification criteria for Bee City and Bird City designations and will present his findings at the next meeting. English also committed to sending the criteria to Staff Liaison Christie by April 7 to share with the commission. Sustainability Assessment – Staff Liaison Christie provided an update, noting that initial feedback on the assessment is being sought. Ted has proposed holding a workshop to review the assessment and help establish realistic and achievable goals. Once these goals are finalized, he will present them to the Village Board. The EC is encouraged to review the document and provide feedback to Staff Liaison Christie by March 31. After receiving input, Christie will work with Ted to schedule the workshop. Commissioner Kwiatkowsky mentioned that the Chamber of Commerce recently held its awards ceremony, where, for the first time, a Green Business Award was presented. Nominations were submitted, and the Chamber conducted reviews and interviews with the nominated businesses. The award was ultimately given to À La Main. Commissioner Day informed the EC that the State of Illinois has proposed legislation, which would allow for the composting of human remains to be used as fertilizer. If passed, this legislation could become law in 2027. VII Next Meeting & Adjournment A. Commissioner Day motioned and Commissioner Kwiatkowsky seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:24 pm. The next EC meeting – April 15, 2025 Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary Reviewed by Staff Liaison, Kristina Christie

Agenda

Packet

Agenda Village of Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission Meeting Tuesday, March 18, 2025 7:00 PM Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Room 306 Members of the public are welcome to speak to any item not specifically listed on tonight's Agenda. For those items which are on tonight's Agenda, the public will have the opportunity to comment at the time the item is discussed. Individuals wishing to address the Commission shall exercise proper decorum and respect for the proceedings and the business of the Environmental Commission, and shall refrain from abusive demeanor and language. Commissioners are not obligated to respond to questions. A. Call to Order B. Public Comment C. Approval of Minutes 1) Environmental Commission February 11, 2025 Meeting Minutes D. Reports 1) Park District Liaison Report 2) Trustee Liaison Report 3) Staff Liaison Report 4) Chair Report E. Old Business 1) Strategic Planning Priorities F. New Business G. Adjourn 1) Next Meeting April 15, 2025 Village of Glen Ellyn Page 1 of 6 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES February 11, 2025 Board or Environmental Date: February 11, 2025 Commission: Meeting: Regular/Special Called to 7:08 p.m. Order: Quorum: Yes/No Adjourned: 9:17 p.m. MEMBER ATTENDANCE: Present/Absent Christy Truitt Chairman Present Jeff Abeln Commissioner Absent Jacquelyn Casazza Commissioner Present Karen Lilly Commissioner Absent Mark Frigo Commissioner Present Barbara Kwiatkowsky Commissioner Absent John Day Commissioner Present Chris English Commissioner Present Maggie Frigo Student Commissioner Present Also Present: Kristina Christie Management Analyst – Public Works Present Elisa Pollina Recording Secretary Absent Kelli Christiansen Village Trustee Absent Chris Gutman Glen Ellyn Park District Absent PUBLIC Ron Aubrey Present I. CALL TO ORDER The February 11th, 2025 regular meeting of the Environmental Commission was called to order by Chair Truitt at 7:08 PM at Glen Ellyn Civic Center. II. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – -Tree preservation – targeted Burr Oak trees at Lake Ellyn Park have pathogen which has stressed tree’s canopy’s, -Bartlett Tree Service offer soil and tree evaluation to create a report to target certain residents that have tree’s with 200-year old or older Oak trees with the potential pathogen – present to village in April to help educate and spread awareness. Page 2 of 6 Environmental Commission 2 Date III. ANNOUNCEMENTS – -Commissioner Mark Frigo wrote up a two-page community solar resources that could be potentially sent out to “Stroll” Magazine. -“Monarch project” for pollinator planting being recognized in five current locations – looking to see if there are other pollinator friendly areas within Glen Ellyn that could further attract pollinators. -Recycling Extravaganza in progress – permit from College of DuPage has been granted and flyers have been printed. -Shredding event with Go Green the following week in Lombard. -Welcoming new commissioners: John Day and Chris English. They provided the Commission with their emails. -60 pollinator yards have been certified in 2024 through a partnership with the Conservation Foundation – Commissioner John proposes that putting peoples consented address to help commemorate and celebrate these yards helps to get community engaged. Conservation Foundation sets 2025 goals for an additional 15- 25 yards – Commissioner John proposes idea to have 200 more yards certified by 2034 as Glen Ellyn will be 200 years old, goals of about 15/16 a year. -Commissioner Chris English to possibly write up educational article regarding the harms of residential summer insect spraying towards native pollinators, specifically Monarch butterflies. - Chair Truitt mentioned a Workshop at the Morton Arboretum on Municipal Tree Ordinance Writing would be useful to give EC varying inputs from several other municipalities. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JANUARY 14, 2025 MEETING – 1. Commissioner Mark Frigo motions and Commissioner Chris English seconds the motion to approve the minutes from January 14, 2025. MOVE TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM 1/14/2025 RESULT: Motion unanimously carried MOVER: Commissioner _Mark Frigo_ SECONDER: Commissioner _Chris English___ AYES: # 5 V. TRUSTEE LIAISON REPORT – - VI. STAFF LIAISON REPORT – - Staff Christie mentioned working with EC for the Upcoming Spring Quarterly Newsletter (printed items). - The basic GE Recycle Coach widget is working, and can be accessed through DuPage County. DuPage County Recycling Page has posted “Recycling Coach” App. We are awaiting training, access and final approval from the Village before we can Page 3 of 6 Environmental Commission 3 Date make the Glen Ellyn Recycle Coach Widget live on our website. Then Staff Christie will be adding further information for general information, drop off locations, special events, etc. - GROOT will be providing a Flyer for the EC review. - On 1/31/25, Village Staff and EC Members attended a virtual meeting with Ted to discuss key learnings and conduct a pre-baseline assessment. The Foundational Research Documents were reviewed, with time for question and answer, along with a discussion of the next steps. The Draft of the Sustainability Baseline Assessment Document is expected at the end of February. In March, the final phase will take place, including the Review of the Baseline Assessment Documents, Goal Setting and Presentations. VII. PARK DISTRICT LIAISON’S REPORT -May 10th, Curbside Composting for village green gardens. - They have conducted extensive clearing of mature European buckthorn at Churchill Park. The area has been seeded with 38 species of native plants, and we will be back- planting native trees in spring. - The holiday light recycling program has concluded for another season. We don’t have a final weight yet from the recycling company, but we estimate it will be around 3,000 lbs. - The Park District received four eastern screech-owl nest boxes from an eagle scout project. The boxes will be installed in natural areas where this species has been documented. Eastern screech-owls, while still abundant in some areas, are declining. VIII. NEW BUSINESSNG TOPICS -Proposed Idea: CRTE willing to bring 50 trees for Environmental Commissions planting 50 trees to commemorate 50 year anniversary. -Proposed Idea: Affordable housing community, Bridge Communities non-profit owns 4 buildings that could partner with the Environmental Commission to help plant trees for communities to have greater green spaces. IX. Next Meeting & Adjournment A. The next EC meeting – March 18, 2025. Chairman B. Commissioner John Day motions and Commissioner Chris English seconds the motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:17 pm. Submitted by Maggie Frigo, Student Commissioner Reviewed by Kristina Christie, Staff Liaison Page 4 of 6 Glen Ellyn Environmental Meeting 3/18/2025 7:00 PM Commission Department: Public Works - Internal Services 535 Duane Street Department Head: Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Category: Discussion Item Prepared By: AGENDA ITEM (ID # 2025- DOC ID: 2025-245 245) Strategic Planning Priorities Statement of the Issue: a. LAND Stewardship - Cultivate Green Infrastructure and Resilient Landscapes i. Sustainable Landscapes 1. Residential Initiative - Yard Certification Blitz Days, TCF’s Sustainable Yard Tour, and 200 Yards Goal 2. Community Initiative – Mayor’s Monarch Pledge: Habitat Development (Montclair Lot) & Preservation 3. Municipal Initiative – Sustainable Transformation of Volunteer Park ii. Tree Planting and Preservation 1. Residential Initiative - Ordinance Discussion - Construction Permit 2. Community Initiative - Preserving Babcock’s Grove 3. Municipal Initiative – Arbor Day Tree Planting at Volunteer Park b. WASTE Stewardship - Reduce Landfill Waste i. Recycling 1. Recycle Coach - Status 2. Recycling Extravaganza - Checkpoint ii. Composting 1. Compost Give-back – May Event c. ENGAGE - Educate & Motivate i. Communications 1. STROLL Articles – May/June/July Series 2. Website Resources - Green Initiatives Status 3. Digital Newsletters – Solar, Babcock’s Grove Preservation Page 5 of 6 ii. Events and Education 1. 2025 – 50 Year Anniversary of GEEC * Planting 50 Trees with CRTI and GEPD @ Churchill or Ackerman * Bridge Communities Landscaping Project * Celebration – Monarch Migration (September) or Oaktoberfest iii. Plans and Publications 1. Sustainability Assessment Discussion Analysis: Budget Impact: Contribution to Strategic Plan Action Requested: Attachments: Page 6 of 6