Environmental Improvement Commission

Tuesday, October 27, 2020 7:30 I. Call to Order: Chairman Ted Witte called the meeting to order at 7:35. Present were Bill Cavanaugh, Cathy Coleman, Nancy Flynn, Kay McKeen, Tony Pope, and Bob Young. Attending on Zoom were Shamili Ajgaonkar, Brian McKee, David Popham, and Allison Torrence. Absent were Khizar Jafri, Tony Majszak, and Christine Richardson. Also attending on Zoom were William Clark, a Wheaton North grad and freshman journalism major at Northwestern University, and Anna Claire Kowert, a student attending Michigan State University virtually and an intern at SCARCE. II. Approval of Minutes: Bob moved that the minutes from the September meeting be approved. Kay seconded. The minutes were approved. III. Budget Report: Bob reported that expenses to date totaled $4405.87, so $17,094.13 remains open to spend. IV. Public Comment: Will Clark explained that he was attending the meeting to report for his journalism class. He was wondering how food scrap composting could be provided to eating establishments. V. Reports: 1. Electronic Recycling (October 10): Kay reported that she, her intern Anna, Bob, Tony P., Nancy, and Jim Truesdale handled 301 cars from 18 towns. There was a large number of dumped electronics at the site. 1600 cars have attended since June, when the event reopened. 2. Adopt a Highway (October 24): Nancy reported that she and her husband Brent, Tony P. and his wife Annette, Bob, Tony M., Brian, and David, his son Zach, and another scout conducted the 5th clean up of the year. 10 bags were collected. VI. Upcoming Projects: 1. Electronics Recycling (November 14 and December 12): Bob and Tony P. will work this event. 2. Paper Shredding (October 31): Volunteers 7:30-12:30 3. Pumpkin Smash (November 7): 9-12 Kay, Bob, Tony P., and David will attend. 38 locations in 34 towns this year. 4. Cooking Oil Recycling (November 28): 9-12 in the storage yard 5. Arbor Day: Wiesbrook and Sandburg Schools –to be determined. VII. Unfinished Business: 1. Nurses’ Closet: Nancy was notified by city staff that this project is on hold due to COVID. 2. Honorary Ideas (Myrt, Howard, Phil): Bob ordered engraved stones to be placed around the tree that was previously planted. 3. New Green Plan/Strategic Plan: Allison reported that we need to evaluate which plans will be low budget and not too complicated due to current circumstances.  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES October 27, 2020 4. Battery Recycling: Kay has been investigating, but there are many issues unresolved. VIII. New Business: 1. Funding for EIC Events: ●Nancy moved that we spend up to $100 on Adopt a Highway supplies. Bob seconded. The motion carried. ●Kay moved that we allocate up to $600 for an extra half hour of the shredding trucks if needed. Cathy seconded. The motion carried. 2. No Idling Signs: to be determined at a later date. 3. Native Plant Sale Planning: Target date for the plant sale is April 24. Tony P. brought up some questions and concerns before they schedule a planning meeting. When would be the latest the plants can be ordered? (not spring like he hoped) Can credit cards be added as a payment method? (Yes) Plans for social distancing and preordering were discussed. 4. Environmental Film: Shamili explained how COD had organized this due to COVID concerns. She and Kay will work on the feasibility of providing this activity. IX. Adjournment: Cathy moved that the meeting be adjourned. Bob seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45. The next regular EIC meeting is scheduled for November 24, 2020, at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Coleman 2