Environmental Improvement Commission

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 7:30 I. Call to Order: Chairman Ted Witte called the meeting to order at 7:30. Present were Shamili Ajgaonkar, Cathy Coleman, Nancy Flynn, Khizar Jafri, Tony Pope, Christine Richardson, Allison Torrence, Carlo Treviso, and Bob Young. Absent were Tony Majszak, Kay McKeen, and David Popham. Also in attendance were Abby Alkevicius, Olivija Vasiliauskas, Eva Grein, Sadiya Kherani, and Anna Romanisu for Wheaton North High School Advanced Government class. II. Approval of Minutes: Tony moved that the minutes from the September meeting be approved. Nancy seconded. The minutes were approved. III. Budget Report: Bob reported that our budget remained the same as last month, with expenditures totaling $17,062.75 and leaving $4437.35 open to spend. IV. Public Comment: None V. Reports: 1. Electronic Recycling: Tony Pope had emailed that the October 12 event returned to the Public Works Storage Yard, so they were able to accept cooking oil and fluorescent bulbs. He and Bob represented EIC, with three volunteers, Jim Truesdale, Crissy from SCARCE, Jenna from WWSHS, and six employees from E Works. They estimated about 200 cars came through. VI. Upcoming Projects: 1. Electronics Recycling (November 9): Bob will be crew chief. 2. Adopt a Highway (October 26): Meet this Saturday at 8 am at Chick.Fil.A. 3. Pumpkin Composting (November 2): in commuter parking lot 4. Paper Shredding (April 4): 5. Arbor Day (April 24): 6. Native Plant Sale (April 25): Tony reported that the committee’s recent meeting focused on orders. They plan to order more of items that sold out in the first hour, and less of items which were left. 7. Prairie Path Clean Up (April 25): VII. Unfinished Business: 1. Nurse’s Closet: Nancy will contact communications department to see if a request for an available location can be added to the weekly newsletter. 2. Honorary Ideas(Myrt, Howard, Phil): no report  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES October 22, 2019 3. We Are Still In Resolution: Carlo shared the resolution with the changes suggested by council members and city staff. After discussion the resolution was amended. Carlo moved that the resolution be presented to the mayor, and Allison seconded. The motion carried. 4. Increase awareness about what is accepted for recycling: no report 5. Volunteer hats for the plant sale: Tony reported that 60 hats, which would cover several years of plant sales, would cost $660. Allison moved that we allot $660 for the purchase of hats. Tony seconded. The motion carried. 6. Environmental Improvements in downtown: no report 7. Renewable energy, sustainable ideas, and potential grants: a. Charging stations b. Solar Panel programs: Christine did some research and found that non-profits such as cities and school districts cannot participate in tax incentive programs, because they do not pay taxes. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or bond issues are used to finance these programs. Grants for schools are available for very small installations used mostly for education. There are some programs available for businesses. Christine will contact the Downtown Business Association to see if there is interest in a meeting or fair to present these options. Allison will try to get some information. c. Wind turbines d. Storm water e. EIC role: members should check agendas for planning and zoning boards and try to attend meetings, if possible. We will need to make any environmental suggestions before the Roosevelt Road plan is approved. VIII. New Business: None IX. Adjournment: Cathy moved that the meeting be adjourned. Christine seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40. The next regular EIC meeting is scheduled for November 26, 2019, at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Coleman 2