Sustainability Commission

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION November 14, 2013 The Sustainability Commission met in Community Conference Room of the Village at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013. In attendance were: Present: Don Anderson, Chairman Laurie Leibowitz Gloria Threats Jerry Witkovsky Brian Wolkenberg Absent: Michael Shalen Also Present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant to the Village Manager Approval of Minutes The minutes from the October 24, 2013 meeting were unanimously approved. Public Comment There was no public comment. Energy Assessment Chairman Anderson reported that he spoke with Eric Fuller of Energy Impact Illinois and he advised that program funding is still a concern but that the gas companies are offering rebates. Chairman Anderson noted that Energy Impact Illinois is largely staffed by the Center for Neighborhood Technology. He should know more about the long term funding for the program next month. The goal is to have an assessment scheduled in early 2014 so the Commission members can attend and assess the value of the program. Commissioner Witkovsky questioned whether the Village could provide this assessment service if funding was not available through Energy Impact Illinois. Mr. Lichterman stated that the Village does not have the expert staff available to conduct this type of energy assessment nor would they want to be providing assessments for private property. Commissioner Threats noted that she has seen this program promoted by the City of Highland Park and the City of Evanston. Chairman Anderson will tentatively schedule an assessment and report back at the next meeting. Water Assessment Chairman Anderson reported that three plumbers have expressed interest in participating in the water assessment program. He noted that Ravinia Plumbing, BMW Plumbing and Pasquesi Plumbing have agreed to participate on the subcommittee that will help formulate the program. Mr. Lichterman noted that the Commission should establish the guidelines for the program and the subcommittee will work out the logistics. Commissioner Threats suggested that a nominal fee be charged for the assessment but that residents that proceed with the recommend work receive an incentive or discount. Mr. Lichterman reported that during his preliminary conversations with BMW Plumbing they suggested offering the program two times a year, rather than 365 days. Chairman Anderson stated that the program can be designed to coincide with the plumbers’ slower work periods so that it provides a greater benefit to them. He suggested having the program available for two months in the summer and then again in the winter. Commissiner Witkovsky stated that the assessments need to be standardized so that all residents receive the same service for the same price. Commissioner Wolkenberg stated that the Commission will need to receive feedback from both the plumbers and the residents. He suggested that the plumbers provide the Commission with information anonymously so that the Commission can determine if the program is identifying potential exposure in the resident’s homes. Also, Commissioner Wolkenberg suggested that the residents provide the Commission feedback so that the Commission can evaluate the work of the plumbers and determine if the program is beneficial. Commissioner Leibowitz inquired whether the Village should conduct a minimal reference check of the plumbers and review Better Business Bureau ratings. Mr. Lichterman noted that the Commission is not recommending the plumbers and at least three participating plumbers are needed to allow residents an adequate choice. He noted this does not preclude the Commission from inquiring with plumbers if they seem to have numerous unresolved complaints. Chairman Anderson reported that the subcommittee will schedule a meeting to discuss logistics of the program in December. He noted that the Commission’s role is advocacy and promotion of the water assessment program and he would like to develop an online survey for feedback, if possible. Goals and Objectives Chairman Anderson asked for the Commission to review the draft language articulating the goals of the Commission for the next 24 months. The Commission members provided input and drafted the following two goals: Energy Conservation - “Over the next 24 months the Sustainability Commission will undertake initiatives to reduce residential energy consumption in the Village. The Commission will seek to have 20 residential households conduct energy assessments by participating contractors that result in energy improvements. Similar audits show this could correlate to an average aggregate residential savings of $20,000 on energy bills and reduced emissions of 80 metric tons of CO2.” Water Conservation - “Over the next 24 months the Sustainability Commission will undertake initiatives to reduce residential water consumption in the Village. The Commission will seek to have 20 residential households conduct water assessments by participating plumbers that result in home plumbing improvements. Similar audits show this could correlate with water and sewer bill reductions and a reduction in household water consumption by 10%” The Commission anticipates voting to formally adopt the goals at the next meeting. Commercial Franchising Updates Mr. Lichterman reported that proposals have been reviewed and the recommended hauler is Lakeshore Recycling Systems. He noted that all businesses are encouraged to attend an open house on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. Business will have an opportunity to meet with Lakeshore Recycling Systems and discuss the specifics of their service needs. Other Items for Discussion Chairman Anderson reported that he is still inquiring with DHS to determine if there are staff members, other than Earthworks, available to participate on the Sustainability Commission. Adjournment Commissioner Witkovsky made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Commissioner Leibowitz. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant to the Village Manager