Sustainability Commission

MEETING NOTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION September 25, 2013 The Sustainability Commission met in Community Conference Room of the Village at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2013. In attendance were: Present: Don Anderson, Chairman Jerry Witkovsky Brian Wolkenberg Gloria Threats, Sustainability Coordinator, Walgreens Absent: Laurie Leibowitz Michael Shalen Also Present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant to the Village Manager Joe Pighetti, Earthworks Co-Sponsor Approval of Minutes A quorum was not present and the August 22, 2013 minutes were not approved. Public Comment There was no Public Comment. Earthworks Club Earthworks Co-Sponsor Joe Pighetti reported that he and Lisa Johnson are co-sponsors of the Earthworks club and will be liaisons to the Sustainability Commission this year. This is Joe’s and Lisa’s first year. Earthworks club is painting a pumpking on Sunday for the pumpkin invasion. Columbus weekend will be participating in the rummage sale at the high school. Over 150 students volunteers and hundreds of people are expected to attend. Don encouraged 2 students to regularly attend. 40 kids in the club of all years. Review of Energy Impact Illinios Chairman Anderson asked me to report on follow-up items we requested. Verify that the program is valuable and then promote. Part of our mission to facilitate. Don is interested in hosting the commission for a assessment. Asked Andrew to followup in October when they reallocate their resources and begin their new year. Goals and Objectives – postponed conversation and asked me to send laurie an email regading water conservation and plumbers that can do some audits to help homeowners. Chairman Anderson asked the Commission to review the two goals from the last meeting minutes related to water and energy efficiency. The Commission revised the water consumption goal to state: “Over the next 24 months the Sustainability Commission will undertake initiatives to reduce residential water consumption in the Village by 10%, relative to the 10 year mean through.” Chairman Anderson noted that the Commission will have a large advocacy and support role. Chairman Anderson asked the Commission to suggest tactics to accomplish this goal. The Commission noted several tactics that included:  Water Audits  Possible escalator in the water rate for high volume customers  Home Owner Association presentations (Coromandel can serve as a case study)   Work with local businesses such as Home Depot and local plumbers for ideas to reduce water consumption  Publicizing tips on the website to promote changes in behavior  Promoting rain barrel sales Commissioner Leibowitz volunteered to inquire with a few local plumbers about ways to partner around this initiative. The Commission reviewed the proposed energy conservation goal: “Over the next 24 months the Sustainability Commission will achieve a certain # of home energy audits in order to achieve a benchmark of energy savings” The Commission will continue to refine both of these goals as more information is gathered. Chairman Anderson noted that gaining credibility for the Energy Impact Illinois energy audits is a key advocacy component but that the Commission will need to receive some of the follow-up actions from Mr. Fuller first. Commercial Franchising Update Mr. Lichterman reported that the Request for Proposals were received Monday September 9th . WM, Republic, Lk Shore, Groot, Advanced Disposal Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Mr. Lichterman reported that 6 bids were received and they are being reviewed collectively by the consortium 2013 Earth Hour City Challenge Don – noted the request from a resident to the Mayor. Reviewed his email. October 13 deadline, not practical. Better to focus on our local community objectives rather than a small contributor on a global effort. Other Items for Discussion The next meeting date will be September 19 at 7 p.m. 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 9:55p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant to the Village Manager