Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission

Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes May 26, 2026 | 7:00 PM Village Hall | 5127 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60077 | Conference Room D/E Call to Order Meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM in Conference Room D/E at Skokie Village Hall Roll Call / Declaration of Quorum In Attendance: Chairperson Jennifer Grossman, Vice Chair Jim McNelis, Commissioners Christopher Buccola, Michael Gershbein, Lisa Gotkin, Robert Render, Charles Saxe, Ryan Tappel, Assistant Public Works Director / Sta Liaison Elizabeth Zimmerman Not in Attendance: Commissioners Andrew DeCanniere, Emily Okallau, Trudy Turner Guest: Lee Hansen, Skokie Park District Approval of Meeting Minutes from March 24, 2026 A motion was made by Vice Chair McNelis to approve the minutes from the March 24, 2026 meeting of the Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission, seconded by Commissioner Gotkin. The minutes were approved as presented. Old Business Residential Sustainability Awards Vice Chair McNelis discussed the program and shared an interview regarding the Residential Sustainability Awards that was conducted by Commissioner DeCanniere. A form of the interview is to appear in the Summer 2026 edition of NewSkokie. Page 1 of 3 ff Event Recap — Home & Energy Resource Fair Chairperson Grossman inquired how else the funds could be used, other than for the incentive. Event itself was the draw. Library did not have signage. In future, it was suggested that signs could be purchased. Food not necessary. Commissioners reviewed the slideshow that was provided to them by Sustainability Coordinator / Sta Liaison Lisa Sanzenbacher prior to the meeting. Only 3.3 percent of attendees heard about program from the direct mailer. Most read about the event in the Village’s electronic newsletter, The Scoop. Event Recap — River Clean Up Weather was good, event was well attended. Mayor Tennes was in attendance and delivered the opening remarks. CMAP Steering Committee Meeting The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is working with the Village’s Steering Committee. There was a presentation, and they provided a link and a survey to identify areas of concern. Commissioner Saxe recommended that a Bike Audit be conducted. Commissioner Render suggested such an audit be conducted by the SEAC. International Compost Awareness Week Discussion of video that could be sent to Homeowners Associations (HOA’s) ensued. Additionally, there was some discussion of contamination. New Business Adoption of Code of Conduct and Public Comment Rules Farmers’ Market Tabling (Call for Volunteers) Commission wanted clari cation on the potential extension of the Yellow Line (a.k.a. Skokie Swift). Sta Liaison Zimmerman stated that bike path talks regarding the Skokie Valley Trail were happening to propose workaround. Additionally, it was noted that the Church Street bike lanes are in. Farmers’ Market and Hefty ReNew program was discussed, including the potential for a Hefty bag giveaway. Alternatively, a sample could be made available. Additional questions Page 2 of 3 ff fi ff ensued, including whether a compost bin could be added or moved from back of Village Hall, as well as whether there are any freebies left. 2025 Greenhouse Gas Update Greenhouse Gas (GHG) update was tabled. Public Comment — 3 minutes per person, not to exceed 15 minute total No public comments were received. Announcements Commissioner Render wanted to know if the SEAC wants to meet with City of Evanston. Can tackle ideas for regional cooperation. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:03 PM with a motion from Commissioner Gershbein, seconded by Commissioner Buccola. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM Respectfully Submitted, ___________________________________________________ Elizabeth Zimmerman, Assistant Public Works Director Page 3 of 3