Sustainability Commission

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION March 21, 2013 The Sustainability Commission met in Community Conference Room of the Village at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2013. In attendance were: Present: Don Anderson, Chairman Laurie Leibowitz Brian Wolkenberg Jerry Witkovsky Absent: Mike Loeffl Glen Schwartz Amy Parker Stephanie Chambers, Deerfield High School Teacher Alex Behn, Earthworks Representative Alexis Lavalliere, Earthworks Representative Also Present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant to the Village Manager Gloria Threats, Walgreens Sustainability Coordinator Alex Schwartz, Student - College of Lake County Matt Gluckman, Resident Approval of Minutes The minutes were not approved due to a lack of quorum. Public Comment Gloria Threats, Sustainability Coordinator at Walgreens was present and participated throughout the discussion. She noted she is interested in participating in the Commission as an appointed business commissioner. Matt Gluckman, 817 Woodward, Deerfield was present and participated throughout the discussion. He noted that he has completed an application to join the Commission and is hopeful he will receive an appointment soon. He reported that he works at the Water Shed Division Chief at the U.S. EPA. Alex Schwartz reported that she is a student at College of Lake County and would like to observe the meeting as part of her local government class. Goal Setting Chairman Anderson presented a list of goals and objectives that he developed since that last meeting. He asked the Commission to review these goals and expand/edit them as appropriate. The group conducted a review of the list and refined the goals and objectives. Chairman Anderson recommended that the Commission select 2 goals to complete in a 12 month period and an additional 2 goals to complete in a 24 month period. He noted the Commission should focus on practical goals that will move the mission and vision of the Commission forward. He recommended focusing on recycling, advocacy and recognition. Commissioner Leibowitz recommended educational initiatives for residents and businesses. Commissioner Wolkenberg emphasized the importance of differentiating between goals, objectives and tactics. He would like to keep goals broad and use tactics to achieve measurable output. Chairman Anderson noted that the Commission should remain flexible, respond to Village initiatives, and be opportunistic. Commissioner Witkovsky reported that Coromandel has implemented many different sustainable initiatives that focus on helping the homeowners achieve efficiencies and these could potentially be initiatives the Village would like to reproduce for a larger audience. He noted that Coromandel implemented a water leak program and saved the association $1700. The Commission expressed interest in growing the electricity “Green Power Program”. Commissioner Leibowitz recommended encouraging the program at public events such as the Farmer’s Market and Community Services Day. Commissioner Wolkenberg suggested also focusing on “green” building practices and initiatives in general. Ms. Threats reported that Walgreens could also help disseminate information to business residents via the Walgreens newsletter. Chairman Anderson summarized that he would work with Andrew to finalize objectives from the brainstorming list. He noted he would send the list to the group and asked that commissioners suggest 2 goals with possible tactics for the next meeting. He suggested considering both a 12 and 24 month time period. Commercial Franchising Update Chairman Anderson requested Mr. Lichterman to provide an update on the commercial franchising initiative. Mr. Lichterman reported the second business meeting will be held on April 3. He summarized that the intent of the meeting is for businesses to provide input and feedback on the draft RFP and contract. He noted the business community has expressed concerns with commercial franchising. He noted that the business participants were sent a survey of the Highland Park businesses, post commercial franchise. The survey found that 86% of businesses in Highland Park saved money due to the commercial franchise and a vast majority of the businesses were satisfied with the contract. Staff will finalize the RFP and contract after the second business meeting and the Village anticipates holding a public hearing in June. Mr. Lichterman also noted there is a possibility that the Village will partner with Bannockburn and issue the RFP jointly if economies of scale can be achieved and timing permits. Electric Vehicle Car Forum Commissioner Wolkenberg reported an update on the electric vehicle car forum. He noted the forum will include an academic, educational, and infrastructure panel. He noted speakers are confirmed for the academic panel. Tentatively, the forum is scheduled for May 18th at Deerfield High School. Mr. Lichterman asked Ms. Threats if someone from Walgreens would be able to speak at the event about their experience with charging stations since they have several installed on their campus. Ms. Threats reported she would inquire with her staff and anticipates being able to participate. Mr. Lichterman noted that there is a possibility the event will be postponed or cancelled if the planning committee is unable to secure enough commitments in the upcoming weeks. Commission Comments Chairman Anderson asked if the Village was exploring opportunities to aggregate the purchase of gas for residents. Mr. Lichterman reported the State legislature has yet to deregulate the gas utility, as it has done for the electricity market, and at this time it would not be permitted. Next Meeting Date and Time The next meeting date will be April 11 at 7PM in the Community Conference Room. Adjournment Commissioner Witkovsky made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Commissioner Leibowitz. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant to the Village Manager