Sustainability Advisory Group

Regular Meeting

Highland Park, IL · October 22, 2025

Minutes

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY GROUP OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS MEETING DATE: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 MEETING LOCATION: Pre-Session Conference Room – Highland Park City Hall 1707 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL At 6:31 PM, Chair Futterman called the Sustainability Advisory Group (“SAG”) Special meeting to order and Sustainability Manager Knight called the roll. Advisors Present: Chair Futterman, Foerster, Klee, Hopkins Advisors Absent: Advisors Geelhoed, Fine Staff Present: Assistant to the City Manager Ashley Palbitska, Sustainability Manager Knight Also Present: MINUTES (a) Approval of the September 11, 2025 Sustainability Advisory Group Meeting Minutes Advisor Klee moved to approve the minutes as amended. Advisor Foerster seconded the motion. Voice vote, unanimous. Chair Futterman declared the motion passed. BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC None. NEW BUSINESS a) Action Item & Discussion: 2026 Work Plan Chair Futterman provided information that was discussed at the last meeting and noted that the consensus from the group was that not enough information was provided as to where the City was and what their role was in the sustainability plan to know what actions SAG could assist with. He pointed out a spread sheet that showed where the City was with each project, who was responsible, etc. and that this was what he requested for this meeting. SM Knight said he would look for this document and update it to provide to the group. Advisor Klee asked if the purple highlighted document provided is what SAG is to focus on to which SM Knight confirmed. Advisor Forester noted that it was her understanding that the creation of the work plan was to create actions for SAG to undertake in 2026 to include the items SAG can undertake with help from staff that would be consequential and have measurable impact. SM Knight noted that staff provided the highlighted sustainability plan action sheet to show where SAG could best provide input and the updated work plan that featured more actionable items that were of interest to the advisors. Chair Futterman then discussed the meaning and purpose of the work plan. Advisor Forester explained that she had put together an exercise sheet that contained objectives broken down with actions as to how the group could accomplish the goals that were to be set by the work plan. She noted that this frame of thinking through the goals would assist with determining what is needed to reach each goal. SAG Advisors and Assistant to the City Manager (A2CM) Palbitska discussed how the budget has been used and how much is discretionary. Chair Futterman proceeded to go review the sustainability plan, comparing it to what was highlighted by staff as points of focus. Advisors and staff discussed a lack of focus on policy and the wish to participate in more discussions related to changing or updating current sustainability related policy; upcoming gas powered leaf blower ban; and the importance of reviewing the current sustainability plan to understand actions that have been completed, are currently being worked on and what items are outstanding that could be worked in to the drafting of the 2026 work plan. They discussed the impact Climate Coach has had and how it can be included as a tool as part of the work plan. They discussed renaming methane reduction to Greenhouse Gas Reduction to allow for flexibility in the work to be done for this action; status of community solar; and the difficulties of pursuing green business programs but interest in shifting to more promotions of businesses that are already incorporating sustainable actions within their processes. Advisor Klee recommended outlining the goals for the work plan instead of creating particular actions under each goal to allow for flexibility. Chair Futterman explained that there has to be a balance between specifics and generalities. He recommended having a tracking document that will help with the focus of items/actions they are going to work on. The work plan would be for City Council and the spreadsheet would be for the actions they want to take under those topics. Advisor Foerster recommended that there should be two tools along with focus areas. She noted that one tool could be a communication plan and the other could be Climate Coach. The Advisors and staff continued discussions on the topics to be placed on the work plan. They reviewed the purpose of the work plan, Council’s involvement and the responsibilities of the SAG. They reviewed the need for actionable, smart objectives in order to hold the group accountable and have the ability to demonstrate work completed by the end of the year. The consensus was to include four focus areas of communication, community education, natural areas, and greenhouse gas reduction. Chair Futterman noted that meeting bi-monthly may slow the momentum of the group and asked if the schedule can be changed to meet monthly. A2CM Palbitska explained that the meeting resolution was already approved for 2026 but if special meetings were needed, SAG could schedule a special meeting. She reviewed the requirements for calling a special meeting. The Advisors discussed the purpose of the meeting on November 13th and agreed that the discussion would include the creation of actionable steps for the topics and goals that were generated for the 2026 work plan. They agreed that all members would bring ideas to that meeting, which would assist with the building of meeting agendas for 2026. SM Knight noted that he will work to update the requested spreadsheet and provide that information to the Advisors ahead of the meeting. OTHER BUSINESS a) City Staff Update None b) Chair Update Chair Futterman provided information on the Pumpkin Smash event that is taking place on November 7th. SM Knight said he will send out details to all Advisors after the meeting. c) Advisor Comments None ADJOURNMENT Advisor Hopkins moved to adjourn Advisor Klee seconded the motion. Voice vote, unanimous. Chair Futterman declared the meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Austin Knight, SM

Agenda

Packet

CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY GROUP SPECIAL MEETING Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 6:30 PM Highland Park City Hall, Pre-Session Conference Room , 1707 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with the Statutes of the State of Illinois and the Ordinances of the City of Highland Park, a Meeting of the Sustainability Advisory Group of the City of Highland Park is scheduled to be held at the hour of 6:30 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the City of Highland Park City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois, during which it is anticipated there will be a discussion of the following: Individuals with questions or feedback about an agenda item can address the Advisory Group in the following ways: 1. EMAILS FOR THE RECORD. Email the Sustainability Advisory Group staff liaison, Sustainability Manager, Austin Knight at aknight@cityhpil.com. If you wish to have your comments read into the record, limit your communication to 200 words or less. Public comments received by 3:00 PM the day of the meeting will be read under Business from the Public. Public comments should contain the following information: • In the subject line, identify, “SAG Meeting – Read into the Record • Name, Address, City Phone (optional) • Topic or agenda item number of interest • Organization or agency representing, if applicable 2. EMAILS WITH UNLIMITED INFORMATION. Individuals who do not wish to have their comments read into the record can email Sustainability Manager Austin Knight an unlimited number of words. Emails will be forwarded to the Sustainability Advisory Group if requested. 3. TELEPHONE. Individuals with no access to email may leave a message with Sustainability Manager Austin Knight at 847.926.1037 by 3:00PM day of meeting. 4. LIVE COMMENTS. Individuals are able to address the Commission/Advisory Group during the meeting. Questions/comments are limited to written testimony into the record or spoken comments, not both. Comments should be limited to three minutes or less. MEETING AGENDA Call to Order I. Roll Call II. Approval of Minutes • September 11, 2025 Regular Meeting III. Business from the Public V. New Business (a) Action Item & Discussion: 2026 Work Plan VI. Other Business (a) City Staff Update (b) Chairman Update (c) Advisor Comments VII. Adjournment MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY GROUP OF THE CITY OF HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS MEETING DATE: Thursday, September 11, 2025 MEETING LOCATION: Pre-Session Conference Room – Highland Park City Hall 1707 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park, Illinois CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL At 6:00 PM, Chair Futterman called the Sustainability Advisory Group (“SAG”) regular meeting to order and Sustainability Manager Knight called the roll. Advisors Present: Chair Futterman, Foerster, Klee, Fine Advisors Absent: Advisors Geelhoed, Hopkins Staff Present: Sustainability Manager Knight Also Present: Student Advisor Amelia Griffin MINUTES (a) Approval of the July 10, 2025 Sustainability Advisory Group Meeting Minutes Advisor Klee moved to approve the minutes. Advisor Foerster seconded the motion. Voice vote, unanimous. Chair Futterman declared the motion passed. BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC None. NEW BUSINESS a) Action Item & Discussion: 2026 Work Plan & 2023-2027 Sustainability Plan Chair Futterman asked Sustainability Manager (“SM”) Knight to give an overview of the work plan. SM Knight provided the proposed 2026 work plan compared to 2025. Chair Futterman and SM Knight discussed how the plan would need to be finalized at the November SAG meeting. Chair Futterman noted that the work plan is to focus on broad objectives and the conversation should focus on how topics can be modified or added. Advisor Klee noted the difficulties in addressing methane gas and asked if that topic could be folded into a promotion of resident and commercial sustainability efforts. Advisor Foerster pointed out that feedback for Climate Coach wasn’t meaningful enough to warrant it being an objective. She noted that that the objectives seem vague and requested they should be more specific. Chair Futterman noted that historically they have had one objective be more specific but allowed the other objectives to be broader. Advisor Klee emphasized allowing goals to be more broad allow for flexibility in case there are changes in the future with SAG and it allows the group to adapt better. Advisor Foerster proposed putting bullet points under the focus areas to show some of the actions SAG will take to accomplish them. Advisor Fine agreed that it can focus the group and motivate everyone to accomplish their task. Chair Futterman concurred saying targeted goals allow for measurable actions compared to passive words like monitoring. Advisor Foerster then discussed the group taking on a more active advisory role with more focused topics and under those actions to achieve said topics. Advisor Klee proposed creating 3 pillars: Commercial, Residential, and Municipal, which would allow for overlap and flexibility. SM Knight explained that if the wish of the group was to have more specific objectives, it can be done. He noted that in the past, specifics had been applied to updating Community Development’s Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Ordinance documents. Chair Futterman requested the group review the Sustainability plan to assist with actions that can be added or amended on the work plan. He requested SM Knight provide information as it relates to the Green Alliance SM Knight provided information on the initial meeting and noted that the next meeting is set to take place on November 3, 2025. Chair Futterman continued discussing some of the highlighted actions in the sustainability plan. SM Knight mentioned that the current electric aggregation contract was set to expire this year. He explained that the project went out to bid with several program options being offered and in turn, local community reps ultimately chose to move forward with MC2 for a 2-year term, keeping the same format as the last contract. He noted that he wanted to bring this up as it includes funding to the City’s sustainability fund. He stated that the agreement will be put before City Council on September 25th for approval. Advisor Fine asked SM Knight about working with the Chamber of Commerce. She asked if SM Knight can also discuss barriers within the Sustainability Plan and what is currently being done to help SAG focus their efforts. SM Knight says there has been progress made and that he will meet with them soon to discuss sustainability. Chair Futterman requested a special meeting be called next month to meet in-person to work out the details of the 2026 Work Plan. b) Action Item: 2026 Sustainability Advisory Group Meeting Dates Chair Futterman asked SM Knight about the meeting dates and times for 2026. SAG Advisors were in consensus to keep the meeting time and date as 6pm on the second Thursday of every other month starting in January. c) Discussion: New Members Outreach SM Knight explained that SAG will be down to four members and encouraged advisors reach out to any interested residents. d) Updates from Working Groups • Communications (WP2c) SM Knight discussed the upcoming Speaker Series on the 15th of September. • Residential Methane Gas Reduction (WP2a) Chair Futterman stated that the Library has the induction stove available for loan and that he may try to schedule another demonstration program with the Library. • Discussion: Green Business Program Chair Futterman asked if there were any updates on the Green Business Program. Advisor Fine indicated that there were no updates. OTHER BUSINESS a) City Staff Update SM Knight provided an update on the Illinois Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: Stretch Code Adoption Grant. He explained that the City was awarded the requested amount of $160,230. He provided information on the new textile and clothing collection bin that will be located within the parking facility at The Moraine. He provided information on opportunities for SAG Advisors to volunteer at upcoming events. He noted that Assistant City Manager Jason was appointed to the Executive Board of SWALCO. b) Chair Update Chair Futterman noted there were no updates. c) Advisor Comments Advisor Klee mentioned they had their first 1.5 months of a heat pump and it is very quiet. Advisor Foerster said they have an electric vehicle that they have enjoyed so far. ADJOURNMENT Advisor Foerster moved to adjourn Advisor Klee seconded the motion. Voice vote, unanimous. Chair Futterman declared the meeting adjourned at 7:18 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Austin Knight, SM FY2025 FY2026 SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY GROUP ANNUAL WORK PLAN Jurisdiction and Purpose: The Sustainability Advisory Group (“SAG”) was established by Resolution R166-2018. The Sustainability Advisory Group is a recommending body to City Council and has the following duties and responsibilities:  Provides advisory recommendations on matters related to the preservation, enhancement, management and protection of the City's environment and natural resources;  Provides advisory recommendations pertaining to education, outreach, and communications regarding preservation and enhancement of the City's environment and natural resources;  Provides advisory recommendations regarding proposed amendments and variations to environmental and natural resources-related policies, regulations, ordinances, and plans; and  Provides advisory recommendations regarding implementation of and updates to the City’s Sustainability Plan. FY2025 FY2026 Members:  Julie Campbell  Student Liaisons: Lucas Hoobler, Amelia Griffin  Jay Futterman  Council Liaison: Anthony Blumberg  Jori Fine  Staff Liaison: Austin Knight  Megan Geelhoed  Marissa Hopkins  Michael C. Klee  Stephanie Foerster The Sustainability Advisory Group meets the second Thursday of every other month at 6:00 PM or as posted, as set forth in the SAG’s annually adopted meeting schedule. FY 2025 2026 Objectives 1. Develop Implement pathway(s) for achieving long term goals of the 2023-2027 Sustainability Plan: a. Reduction of GHG emissions by 45% by 2030 b. Reaching net zero carbon as community by 2035 2. Prioritize accomplishing goals laid out in the 2023-2027 Sustainability Plan; 20265 focus areas: a. Residential & Commercial methane gas reduction b. Promotion of Green Business Activities Green Seal business program c. Community education/communications d. Monitor waste, composting, recycling, and Greenhouse Gas output e. Highland Park Environmental Award f. Water conservation 3. Develop and budget for regional Sustainability Advisory Groups to meet together in a meaningful way in 2025 to network, exchange ideas, and identify regional sustainability objectives together. Operating Expense Requests Amount Programming & Events: Arbor Day, Shred Events, Solar Home Tour, Election Sign $7,900 Recycling, Compost Kitchen Pails etc included in the Sustainability Fund Budget. FY2025 FY2026 TOTAL REQUEST: $7,900 Advisory Group FY2025 Chairman: Date: