Sustainability Commission

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION October 24, 2013 The Sustainability Commission met in Community Conference Room of the Village at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2013. In attendance were: Present: Don Anderson, Chairman Laurie Leibowitz Michael Shalen Jerry Witkovsky Brian Wolkenberg Absent: Gloria Threats, Sustainability Coordinator, Walgreens Also Present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant to the Village Manager Approval of Minutes The minutes from the August 22, 2013 meeting were unanimously approved. Public Comment There was no public comment. Earthworks Club Mr. Lichterman reported that the Earthworks Club has advised they will no longer be able to participate on the Commission this year, as they are having difficulty getting students to attend night meetings. They asked to be considered again next year. Commissioner Witkovsky recommended reaching out to DHS to see if facility in other departments would be interested in participating on the Commission. Chairman Anderson volunteered to contact the High School. Goals and Objectives Chairman Anderson asked the Commission to continue brainstorming achievable and measureable goals as they relate to water and energy conservation. He would like to finalize language that precisely articulates the Commission’s goals at the next meeting. Energy Assessment Chairman Anderson reported that he contacted Energy Impact Illinois requesting an energy assessment. He expects to have an appointment scheduled within the next 2 weeks and intends to host a “party” for all Commission members to attend. The assessment will take 2-3 hours to complete and then a representative will provide a 1 hour presentation to the group. Chairman Anderson noted the financial incentives (e.g. State/Federal grants) are key to the promotion of this program. Water Assessment Chairman Anderson reported that he contacted Ravinia Plumbing and they have expressed interest in the program. Mr. Lichterman reported that BMW Plumbing has also expressed interest. Commissioner Leibowitz asked what would be included in the residential water assessment. Commissioner Witkovsky noted that in Coromandel large leaks were found in the toilets and showers. Commissioner Anderson stated that it is important that the assessments are standardized so the same service is provided to all residents regardless of the contractor. He recommended that a subcommittee be formed to discuss the particulars and logistics of the program. He asked that Commissioner members, Village staff and plumbers participate on the subcommittee. Chairman Anderson, Commissioner Witkovsky and Mr. Lichterman volunteered to participate on the subcommittee. Chairman Anderson requested that Mr. Lichterman secure at least 1 more plumber to participate in the program so there are a total of 3 plumbers. Commissioner Leibowitz noted that information regarding harmful chemicals and materials that should not be flushed also be included in the program. She also reported that she spoke with Deerfield Plumbing but was advised that they might be too small to participate in the program at the current time. The Commission discussed promotional tactics that included, e-blasts, newsletters, press releases, presenting to service clubs, home-owner associations, and the Patty Turner Center. Commissioner Wolkenberg stated that it is essential that the participating plumbers and residents are able to provide the Village with feedback and metrics. Mr. Lichterman stated that once 3 plumbers have been secured he will reach out to the subcommittee to schedule a meeting. ZipCar Mr. Lichterman reported that he has been contacted by ZipCar and they would like to place two cars at the Deerfield Metra station. He presented a quick slideshow summarizing ZipCar’s proposal and noted that they are a car sharing company that generally places cars in high-density urban areas. They are pursuing a new model of placing cars at Metra stations in the north shore. Chairman Anderson understood the benefits of the ZipCar, if in fact it was utilized, and how that would reduce emissions and benefit the environment; however, since the proposal does not include a cost-sharing for the Village, he would want to be sure this is not a sweet-heart deal or perceived as giving favoritism to one company over another. Mr. Lichterman noted the Village currently receives permit fees for the two spots ZipCar is requesting. Commissioner Wolkenberg stated that the Commission should pursue this initiative if they believe in this idea and not for compensation. Chairman Anderson asked Mr. Lichterman to check ZipCar references and find out particulars about how the rental process works. He also wanted to ensure that the Commission would be able to receive usage data and evaluate the affect these cars have on taxi and bus companies in other suburban locations. Commercial Franchisng Updates Mr. Lichterman reported that the proposals are being reviewed and Bannockburn, Deerfield and SWALCO are meeting to discuss next steps on October 31. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Mr. Lichterman reported that at their Monday, October 7 meeting the Village Board accepted the Commission’s report and recommendation to not proceed with the installation of an electric vehicle charging station at this time. Other Items for Discussion The next meeting date will be November 14 at 7 p.m. in the Community Conference Room. Adjournment Commissioner Witkovsky made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Commissioner Wolkenberg. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant to the Village Manager