Water Conservation Committee

City of Joliet 150 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60432 Meeting Minutes - Final Wednesday, April 7, 2021 3:30 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Water Conservation Committee Commission Members Maria Rafac Marc Kaufman Richard Rodriguez Water Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes - Final April 7, 2021 Page 1 of 1 Water Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes - Final April 7, 2021 Pursuant to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity's Guidelines recommend best practices that limit an in-person meeting to 50 people or less (Council Chambers allows for 18 members of the public) while adhering to social distancing guidelines. During meetings, any member of the public physically present in the Council Chambers in excess of the limit will be asked to wait in another room with live feed to the meeting until the Citizens To Be Heard on Agenda Items section or Public Comments section of the meeting has commenced. Speakers will be rotated into Council Chambers to allow everyone an opportunity to speak. Pursuant to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Guidelines, it is recommended that any individual appearing in-person wear a face-covering to cover their nose and mouth. Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov. ROLL CALL Present Maria Rafac and Marc Kaufman Absent Richard Rodriguez ALSO PRESENT: Amy Ferris - Deputy Director of Engineering, Ted Meckes - City of Joliet, and Jeff Freeman - EEI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes 2-3-21 ID-296-20 Attachments: Meeting Minutes 2-3-21 This will be moved to the May meeting. Not enough members to approve the February 3, 2021 Minutes. Minutes 3-3-21 ID-327-20 Attachments: Meeting Minutes 3-3-21 A motion was made by Marc Kaufman, seconded by Maria Rafac, to approve the Minutes of the March 3, 2021 Water Conservation Committee Meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Rafac and Kaufman Absent: Rodriguez CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS No one was in attendance and no one called in. NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page. DISCUSSION: REBATE PROGRAMS UPDATE Amy Ferris, Deputy Director Engineering, discussed rain barrel and toilet rebate amounts. DISCUSSION: WEBSITE UPDATES Page 1 of 3 Water Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes - Final April 7, 2021 Amy Ferris discussed the website updates including the Wyland Mayor's Challenge conservation effort. DISCUSSION: RESTAURANT INITIATIVE UPDATE Amy Ferris discussed that there are no updates at this time for the campaign. The City is actively searching for an intern for summer to work on this initiative. DISCUSSION: COMMUNITY WATER CONSERVATION EFFORTS Maria Anna Rafac discussed that the Diocese had an event during Lent to promote water conservation efforts. The Mayor's challenge was advertised through social media and pace bus signage. Fix a leak week took place in March and dye tablet packets were available at the front desk. DISCUSSION: EDUCATION EFFORTS FOR AREA SCHOOLS - UPDATE Maria Rafac discussed that this initiative is still on hold. Amy Ferris stated that the Public Outreach Committee for the Re-think Water Alternative Water Source Program contacted the City and a discussion of educational videos was discussed. Hopeful for full enrollment in Fall 2021. DISCUSSION: ISTC WATER AUDITS Amy Ferris stated there are no updates at this time. Will invite Troy for May meeting. DISCUSSION: ILLINOIS PLUMBING CODE UPDATE Amy Ferris reached out to Bill McNeeley, Plumbing Inspector, to get his feedback. Maria Rafac and Jeff Freeman discussed reaching out to someone who has expertise in gray water in different states. NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION Jeff Freeman of EEI discussed an update on the Alternative Water Source and conservation efforts associated. Amy Ferris stated there is a meeting with Allison Swisher, Public Utilities Director and Will County Green for a new water conservation event for this summer. There will be more to report at the next meeting. Maria Rafac requested a Sierra Club Update. Amy Ferris will provide for the next meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT No comments at this time. NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Marc Kaufman, seconded by Maria Rafac, to adjourn. The motion carried by the following vote: Page 2 of 3 Water Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes - Final April 7, 2021 Aye: Rafac and Kaufman Absent: Rodriguez This meeting will be held in an accessible location. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Christa M. Desiderio, City Clerk, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 at (815) 724-3780. Page 3 of 3