Environmental Improvement Commission

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 7:30 I. Call to Order: Chairman Ted Witte called the meeting to order at 7:30. Present: were Cathy Coleman, Nancy Flynn, Kay McKeen, Tony Pope, Christine Richardson, Allison Torrence, Carlo Treviso, and Bob Young. Absent were Shamili Ajgaonkar, Tony Majszak, and David Popham. Also in attendance was Erica Bray-Parker, a candidate for City Council. II. Approval of Minutes: Kay moved that the minutes from the February meeting be approved. Bob seconded. The minutes were approved. III. Budget Report: Bob reported that the revised year-to-date expenditures total $9.71, leaving $5490.29 open to spend. IV. Public Comment: Erica Bray-Parker said that she has attended a number of commission meetings this month and is happy to see the level of volunteerism in Wheaton. She thanked the commission for their service. V. Reports: 1. Electronic Recycling: Bob reported that Wheaton resident, JimTruesdale, Tony Majszak and Bob Young from EIC, and 6 Eworks people manned the event on March 9. Attendance was light. The city left 200 bulbs, and 50-60 more were brought to the event. Bob processed the bulbs, and he changed out the florescent tube barrel and cloth filter. 2 gallons of cooking oil were collected. Some confusion and disappointment still exists on what is now being accepted. More handbills are needed. 2. Antennas EMF reports: Bob contacted the Morton Arboretum, and although they are experiencing problems with pine trees, they feel it is due to climate change and clay soil. Christine researched and did not find any reliable studies. Allison found a study from the American Cancer Society that determined that radio waves are long and do not have the energy intensity to damage human DNA. VI. Upcoming Projects: 1. Adopt a Highway: Nancy reported that EIC clean up will be March 30 from 8-9, weather permitting. Meet at Chick-fil-A. 2. Electronics Recycling: Bob will be crew chief April 13. Kay is looking for possible ways to collect batteries that are not labor-intensive or hugely expensive. 3. Recycling/Shredding (April 6): Kay made an amended motion to allocate $1400 for shredding trucks due to a price increase. Allison seconded. The motion carried. Volunteers are needed from 7:30-12:30. 4. Arbor Day, Lowell School (April 26) 5. Native Plant Sale (April 27): Tony reported that set up is Friday from 9-12. Plant quantities will be limited until 9:30 on Saturday.  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES March 26, 2019 6. Prairie Path Clean Up (April 27): Christine reported that most of the path is covered, and she is prioritizing the list of other places in need of clean up. VII. Unfinished Business: 1. Nurses’ Closet: Nancy is still trying to find a location. 2. Honorary Trees (Phil, Myrt, Howard): tabled till August 3. Social Media Channels for EIC: Carlo reported that the city does not allow commissions to have their own social media sites, but the communications department will share information through their sites. Carlo will meet with Arin to share ideas. 4. Medicine Collection: The DuPage County sheriff’s office has a binge for syringes. VIII. New Business: 1. Event Supply Funding: nothing additional 2. We Are Still In resolution: tabled till after Wheaton municipal elections 3. Earth Day Proclamation: This will be presented at the April 1 city council meeting. Carlo, Kay, Allison, and Ted plan to attend at 7. 4. Earth Hour (Saturday, March 30, 8:30-9:30): turn off lights. Carlo is hoping to get info about this out. Erica suggested that this might be something we could coordinate with the Downtown Business Association for next year. 5. Support for restaurants environmental efforts: Kay reported that some Wheaton restaurants have switched to paper straws at considerable expense. Some have discontinued using Styrofoam. Some attempted to institute water and energy savings by providing water only to those who asked, but this was viewed negatively by clientele. How can we help them in their efforts? ●Entrepreneur programs at middle and high schools might have some solutions. Christine will try to contact sponsors. ●Downtown Business Association might highlight local restaurants that are doing these things. ●Perhaps we could develop a survey for restaurants to tell what they are doing and feature this information in our communications. IX. Adjournment Cathy moved that the meeting be adjourned. Bob seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55. The next regular EIC meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2019, at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Coleman 2