Environmental Improvement Commission

Tuesday, January 28, 2020 7:30 I. Call to Order: Chairman Ted Witte called the meeting to order at 7:38. Present were Shamili Ajgaonkar, Nancy Flynn, Kay McKeen, Tony Pope, David Popham, and Bob Young. Absent were Cathy Coleman, Khizar Jafri, Tony Majszak, Christine Richardson, Allison Torrence, and Carlo Treviso. II. Approval of Minutes: Bob moved that the minutes from the November meeting be approved. Kay seconded. The minutes were approved. III. Budget Report: Bob reported that we spent $17,854.98, leaving $3645.02 open to spend. IV. Public Comment: None V. Dark Sky Presentation: Adam Kreuzer from the International Dark-Sky Association gave a presentation about preserving and protecting the natural nighttime environment. Light pollution is increasing at 2% per year. Light pollution can harm wildlife, put our health at risk, and wastes energy and money. The EIC will investigate and may recommend that our city uses 2700K LED lights in exterior city light fixtures. VI. Reports: A. Recycling Reports Tony Pope and Bob were at the January 11th recycling event. Tony reported that traffic was moderate, probably about 200 cars. More than 100 fluorescent bulbs were processed, 20 gallons of cooking oil, scrap metal, and 2 gaylord containers of used clothing and textiles. B. Adopt-a-Highway no dates until the spring VII. Upcoming Projects: A. Monthly Electronic Recycling: Bob and Tony P will be crew chiefs Feb. 8th B. Paper Shredding Event: 4/4/20 We are paying $1400 for 3 shredding trucks. The sheriff will collect syringes. The Lions Club will collect glasses and hearing aids. We will collect mercury and latex paint (for a fee). C. Arbor Day: 4/24/20 2 Wheaton schools D. Native Plant Sale: 4/25/20 Plans going well E. IL Prairie Path Clean-up: 4/25/20 No Report VIII. Unfinished Business:  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Month Date, Year A. “Nurses Closet” Nancy reported that the project has stalled because it is tied up with the city manager and attorney. Nancy will continue to follow up. B. Honorary Ideas (Myrt, Howard & Phil) Plan is on hold because no more plaques are allowed at Adams Park C. New Green Plan/Strategic Plan/Building Code/Zoning Code The commission discussed making a dozen or so “Green” recommendations that would parallel and compliment Climate Change goals. One of these would be suggesting the city change light bulbs to 2700K type. Additional suggestions will be discussed at the next EIC meeting. IX. New Business: A. Solar Work Shop - No report B. Lead ban for garden hoses. Kay said that she is working on the city banning lawn hoses with lead. C. SCARCE may move to route 53 just north of North Avenue around March 1st. D. “Restore” presentation Feb. Meeting Habitat for Humanity, located in Addison, is scheduled to speak about their activities at the next EIC meeting. X. Adjournment Bob moved that the meeting be adjourned. Kay seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:48. The next regular EIC meeting is scheduled for February 25, 2020 at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Flynn 2