Environmental Quality Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK February 21, 2013 Chairman Jeremy Reynolds called the EQC meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Terrace Room of the Northbrook Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane. The following Members were in attendance: Chairman Jeremy Reynolds, Michael Beeftink, Brian Bruce, Scott Robson, Linda Masters and Fred Paul. A full quorum was met. Also Present: Liaison Andrew Letson, Jackie Clausen. Members absent: None. Minutes The minutes of the January 17, 2013 meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made and seconded. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. Chairman’s Report Chairman Reynolds said that the EQC/Stormwater subcommittee has still not met. The Commission discussed some of the upcoming stormwater projects and how best management practices (BMPs) can be incorporated. Chairman Reynolds introduced Jackie Clausen as a resident who is interested in the vacant seat. Ms. Clausen stated that she is interested in working to create a positive change in the community. Ms. Clausen has a background in architecture and has worked to design buildings to LEED standards. Citizen Concerns Hear from the Audience There were no members of the public who wished to speak. Village Member Paul informed the group that he attended the recent CONSEC meeting where lake front development was discussed. The Go Green Wilmette event will be held on March 10 and everyone was encouraged to attend. Chairman Reynolds presented a draft brochure describing the 50/50 drainage program with the goal of promoting the installation of rain gardens. He stated that he is currently working on gathering information about the location of rain gardens throughout the Village that can be incorporated into a GIS layer. Commissioners expressed interest in encouraging residents to retrofit existing storm drains into BMPs. Member Bruce provided an update on the Northbrook Community Garden’s recent meeting. He stated that the meeting had a positive turn out and elections were held. There are currently 23 people on the waiting list and as such, the group is starting the process of seeking out a third location. Member Bruce requested that an agenda item regarding the issue be included for the next meeting. Member Bruce also discussed the group’s ideas to promote the gardens at the Village’s Earth/Arbor Day celebration. The Commission discussed possible ideas for the Techny/Willow Festival area including construction of a walking/bike trail. Moving forward, a meeting needs to be held with the property owners to discuss the ideas and a funding source needs to be identified. MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION February 21, 2013 Page 2 of 2 The group discussed the Commission’s presence at the upcoming Earth/Arbor Day event. Discussion took place regarding the Commission’s display. It was decided that information regarding the proper installation of a rain barrel would be provided. In addition, the Commission will request that the Village donate a rain barrel to be raffled. New Business The Commission discussed the Village’s ice control operations with the goal of developing a procedure for cleaning up excessive salt. It was requested that staff look into how the existing procedures can be modified to minimize the amount of salt used. Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the EQC will be held on March 21, 2013. Adjourn A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. On voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Andrew Letson Liaison