Environmental Improvement Commission

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 7:30 I. Call to Order: Chairman Ted Witte called the meeting to order at 7:40. Present were Cathy Coleman, Nancy Flynn, Brian McKee, Kay McKeen, Mike Nicolosi, Tony Pope, Seema Wadia, and Bob Young. Absent were Shamili Ajgaonkar, David Popham, and Allison Torrence. II. Approval of Minutes: Nancy moved that the minutes from the March meeting be approved. Bob seconded. The minutes were approved by unanimous voice vote. III. Budget Report: Bob reported that expenditures to date total $2,241, and $19,759 remains open to spend. IV. Public Comment: None V. Reports: 1. Recycling Extravaganza (April 2): Kay reported 856 cars dropped off more than 37,207 pounds: Paper Shredding 25,700 pounds SCARCE 3750 pounds of books 1800 pounds of records, school supplies, musical instruments, holiday lights, keys, bread tags 12 pounds of mercury thermostats, thermometers, barometer, UV bulbs Working Bikes 44 bikes HazChem 1045.1 pounds of household batteries Interstate Battery 55 car, sump pump and marine batteries - large Lions Club 37 pounds: 425 eye glasses, and 34 hearing aids DPC Sheriff - James Mendrick 270 pounds: 9 bins of medications, syringes, and epi pens AmeriGas Large propane tanks - 24 small propane tanks - 21 Milton Township—Melba’s Closet Medical equipment - 8 walkers, 19pr crutches, 4 wheelchairs, 5 canes Soccer gear –lots of bins of miscellaneous gear Flat Can 93 pounds: 170 aerosol cans of paint, and 13 propane tanks Epaint 4500 pounds Latex paint - 220 useable gallons of paint  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES April 26, 2022 2. Native plant sale (April 23): Tony reported that most plants sold in the first hour. The plant costs totaled $16,770.43, and $19,146.04 was taken in. There were 23 volunteers Friday for set up, 26 volunteers Saturday at sale, and 309 shoppers. 3. Prairie Path Clean Up (April 23): Seema reported that at least 106 volunteers collected at least 60 bags of trash and 30 bags of recycling. Not all groups had reported in yet. 4. Electronic Recycling (April 9): Bob reported that he, Brian, Jim Truesdale, and 3 ladies from SCARCE manned a steady stream of cars dropping off lots of textiles and scrap metal, as well as electronics. VI. Upcoming Projects: 1. Arbor Day (April 29): Emerson School 9:30am 2. Electronics Recycling (May 14): Bob and Nancy will work this event. 3. Adopt a Highway: Nancy scheduled the next clean up of EIC’s area for May 21, 8am, ChickFilA 4. National Night Out (8/2): Kay told the police department we would participate. Brian is able to get native plant seed packets from his company at a discounted price. VII. Unfinished Business: 1. Battery Recycling: The pilot at the Recycling Extravaganza was very well received. 2. Wheaton Sustainability Green Award: Shamili worked with Susan Bishel to develop nomination forms and certificates. EIC members will attend a planning session or Coffee with Council to discuss ideas. 3. Boards and Commissions Ordinance Status Update: Mike watched the April 11 planning session, and Ted watched the April 11 and April 25 session. They summarized what was discussed. Ted reported that Mike Dzugan indicated a final draft will be disturbed to the Commissions for review. 4. Business Composting: a number of Wheaton business owners are hoping to have this available 5. Erosion Control Blankets: Brian has been researching less-permanent options, rather than plastic. 6. Invasive Plants: Illinois has only a portion of the identified invasive species on their list. EIC will investigate possible next steps. VIII. New Business: 1. Funding for EIC events: Kay made a motion that we spend $160 for 200 packets of native seeds to distribute at National Night Out. Bob seconded. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote. 2. Bio-swale program for Wheaton: Several communities have successfully implemented this program to help with storm water management. EIC will investigate possible next ste 3. Don’t Mow Till May: a resident contacted Ted to ask if this could be implemented in Wheaton. The purpose is to protect pollinator eggs until they hatch. Too late for an information campaign this year, but perhaps local Facebook groups could be involved next year. 4. Overcup Oaks: Kay reported that the state gave her 100 bare root overcup oak trees, which are being distributed to local governments and individuals to plant and report on how they do. They, can handle some wetness, grow to 65 feet at maturity, are native to southern Illinois, and should do well as climate warming moves north. IX. Adjournment: Kay moved that the meeting be adjourned. Bob seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:05. The next regular EIC meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2022, at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted Cathy Coleman 2