Sustainability Committee

MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE August 20, 2025 City Hall, 100 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, IL 1. Call to Order Amy Olson called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Crystal Lake City Hall. 2. Roll Call/Attendance Present were the following Committee members: Dean Farr, Amy Olson, Jen Oliver, Cordell Crane, Steve Platt, Terry Dieckhoff, and Emilie Hoffman. Members of the public in attendance: Community Development Analyst Victoria Wojcik and Assistant to City Manager Ryan Oates. 3. Public Comment Victoria Wojcik explained that due to speaking with City staff and Mayor Haleblian, the Sustainability Committee will now be focusing on litter cleanup initiatives and the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge. 4. Approval of Minutes from the May 21, 2025 Meeting Cordell Crane made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 21, 2025 Sustainability Committee meeting. Steve Platt seconded the motion. Upon voice vote, motion passed. 5. Litter Clean Up Initiatives A. Crystal Lake Adopt-A-Highway Program Victoria Wojcik introduced the Crystal Lake Adopt-A-Highway Program, which has been recently expanded to include more eligible City owned roads. She explained that participating in the Adopt- A-Highway Program would align with the litter collection initiatives that the Sustainability Committee is working to achieve. Amy Olson stated that the Committee was planning on getting various businesses in town to participate in the program, or to organize litter cleanup events open to the public. Amy Olson also said that she will meet with the Chamber of Commerce to get a list of businesses in the area to reach out to. The group agreed that businesses and organizations will most likely be inclined to choose roads closest to their location. A letter can be drafted to encourage businesses and organizations to participate in the Adopt-A-Highway Program. Steve Platt suggested choosing North Walkup Road for the Sustainability Committee, since it is located close to City Hall. This can allow for the Committee to meet at City Hall before or after meetings since it is walking distance. Amy Olson introduced the idea of meeting during lunchtime to pick up litter in that location as well. Victoria Wojcik stated that the City suggested portion of North Walkup Road is between IL Route 176 and Crystal Lake Avenue.  Amy Olson made a motion to vote for North Walkup Road between IL Route 176 and Crystal Lake Avenue as the chosen Adopt-A-Highway road for the Sustainability Committee. Cordell Crane seconded the motion. Upon voice vote, Upon voice vote, all voted aye. Victoria Wojcik said she will apply for the program and keep the group updated. Amy Olson then discussed possible dates for litter pickup with the group, since the requirement for Adopt-A-Highway is at least four cleanup events per year. Jen Oliver suggested doing the events during the Fall and Spring. Steve Platt and Amy Olson agreed that the first cleanup event should be the same date as the next regular scheduled meeting, but starting at 5:30 to still be in daylight. Jen Oliver suggested that the next cleanup event should be on the November 19 th meeting date, but at noon to also be in daylight. All members agreed verbally. 6. Mayor’s Monarch Pledge The Committee reviewed the selected action items for the 2025 Mayor’s Monarch Pledge. Steve Platt announced that he was at the McHenry County Fair with the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County presenting butterflies that were raised in Crystal Lake. He further stated that a future idea would be to get students from the local schools involved with monitoring and tagging butterflies as a community science project, which correlates to one of the action items. Amy Olson stated that there are some grant opportunities for a community art project. Victoria Wojcik said that a wood board upstairs is reserved for the Sustainability Committee for a future art project as well. Amy Olson stated that the art project can be held at the Johnny Appleseed Fest, using the wood board as a canvas. Children can either draw, paint, or stamp on the board art relating to monarch butterflies. Amy further stated that wipes can be used to clean the children’s hands. Steve Platt also said that the children loved the coloring sheets in past events. Native seeds can be bought and given out at the Fest as well. Victoria Wojcik said that if there is enough members to volunteer for the Johnny Appleseed Fest booth, she will apply for this year. Steve Platt also mentioned the WPPC meeting that has been in the works. The demonstration garden would be good to visit in the Fall, and that presentation of the demonstration garden should be scheduled around then. Dean Farr shared the photo of his native garden, and explained how it is possible to create green space in one’s own yard. Dean Farr also mentioned that Three Oaks should be utilized to host demonstration garden walks to address another the action item. Ryan Oates said that once the lake loop trail is finished, the Sustainability Committee is welcome to host native plant demonstration walks. 7. Next Meeting: September 17, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. 8. Adjourn There being no further business, Terry Dieckhoff moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:26 p.m. Emily Hoffman seconded the motion. Upon voice vote, all voted aye. Meeting adjourned.