Environmental Improvement Commission

MINUTES Wheaton Environmental Improvement Commission Tuesday, August 25, 2015 Roll Call: Chairman Ted Witte called the meeting to order at 7:30. Present were Nancy Allured, Cathy Coleman, Nancy Flynn, Phil Landrum, Tony Majszak, Tony Pope, Piya Salgia, Hanna Self, Joseph Wilmarth Tyna. Absent were Kay McKeen and Bob Young. Minutes: Tony Pope moved that we accept the minutes of the June meeting. Cathy seconded. The minutes were approved. Public Comment: none Budget Report: Bob emailed that we have spent $395 of our $5500 budget, leaving $5105 open to spend. Other Reports: 1. Bike Committee Report: Nancy Allured reported that Karen Saad has agreed to be chairman of the sub- committee, and Nancy will continue as a committee member and will report to EIC. Karen would like to build relationships with city staff and council members. The Bike Festival was a big success. 140 people participated in the parade, 3 council members and Mayor Gresk attended, and activities for children and adults were held in Memorial Park. 2. Adopt a Highway: Nancy Flynn reported that after much investigation she has determined that the Milton Township Democrats and EIC are the only groups cleaning. Milton Township Democrats cleaned on 7/11, and eleven people collected eight bags of trash and five bags of recycling. They are planning another clean up in mid-September. EIC cleaned on 7/18. Nancy is trying to recruit other groups from schools and service organizations. She is going to check if Wheaton has a higher age requirement than the state. Upcoming Projects: 1. Adopt a Highway: EIC will hold a clean up on September 19 at 7 am and will meet at Chick-fil-A. 2. Electronic Recycling (September 12): Joe will be crew chief. Tony Pope reported that residents arrived with CRT TVs, which New Life is not accepting, paint, and paper shredding. Joe will talk to Public Works about having a sign made that says No CRTs, and a picture. He will also talk to communications about including a reminder about what is and is not accepted in the email city newsletter and maybe on the water bill, since not everyone receives the newsletter. He will also have a flyer printed up with information on how to recycle CRTs through Advance Disposal and how to access the DuPage County website and SCARCE website for information how to recycle or dispose of items not accepted. Joe moved that we spend up to $125 for the sign and printing. Cathy seconded. The motion carried. Unfinished Business: 1. Helen Bartlett Memorial: no report 2. Street Lamp Banners--Design: no report New Business: 1. Sign Investigation at Washington and Prairie Path: Tony Majszak contacted Paul Redman, City Engineer, about concerns that drivers are coming over the tracks and accelerating because it is an incline, creating a dangerous situation for pedestrians and bikers. Paul said he would consider posting pedestrian crossing signs. Nancy Allured has seen signs which are posted on a bright rubber pole between the lane markings to alert drivers to a pedestrian crossing and Tony will ask about the possibility of those. 2. Bike Sub-Committee Annual Budget: Nancy Allured presented a proposed budget for this year of $500 for printing, light pole banners, and a banner/sign for tables or parades. Cathy moved that we approve up to $100 for printing expenses at this time. Joe seconded. The motion carried. We will discuss the other items next month. 3. Citizen Concerns about Leaf Blowers and Pesticide Spraying: The EIC discussed three emails submitted by a CJ Truesdale. The Chairman had invited her to attend the meeting to discuss the issues, but she declined. EIC members had several questions regarding the issues and were not sure how to proceed without more information. Members felt that if a citizen has concerns, they should attend a meeting and explain those concerns. The EIC tabled the topics. The Chairman will email a reply. Adjournment: Phil moved that the meeting be adjourned. Tony Pope seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20. The next regular EIC meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2015, at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Coleman