Sustainability Commission

MEETING NOTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION January 9, 2014 The Sustainability Commission met in Community Conference Room of the Village at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2013. In attendance were: Present: Don Anderson, Chairman Michael Shalen Jerry Witkovsky Brian Wolkenberg Absent: Laurie Leibowitz Gloria Threats Also Present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant to the Village Manager Approval of Minutes A quorum was not present so the November 14, 2013 minutes were not considered. Public Comment Richard Heller, 10 year resident of the Village was present and expressed his interest in participating on the Commission. He noted that he has filed an application with the Manpower Commission for consideration of his appointment. Mr. Heller has taught LEED Certification classes and has a strong background in business, chemistry and science. Energy Assessment Chairman Anderson reported that he spoke with representatives from Energy Impact Illinois and he advised that the program focus in on Chicago with selective suburbs. He noted the program was promoted on ABC 7 news last night. He stated that the utility rebates are still available but the State funding has run out. He noted that North Shore Gas will credit homeowners $0.75 per sq. ft. of insulation and Energy Impact Illinois has a list of approved contractors in the area for homeowners to choose from. Chairman Anderson will be hosting an energy assessment party as his home on February 11, and all are invited to attend and observe the program. Water Assessment Chairman Anderson reported on December 5 a subcommittee met with Ravinia Plumbing, BMW Plumbing and Pasquesi Plumbing to discuss the logistics of a water assessment program. The group agreed that the program would provide value to the community. It was proposed to offer the water assessment 2 times a year for 2 or 3 months at a time. The group emphasized the importance of standardizing the assessment and the cost amongst all participating plumbers. Goals and Objectives Chairman Anderson requested that the goals be revised to clarify the water and energy program are in a pilot stage. ZipCar Mr. Lichterman reported that ZipCar responded to the Commissions questions. Customers need to be 21 years or older, their largest competitor is traditional car ownership, cars must be returned to their original location, and ZipCar is complimentary to other modes of transportation such as taxi, bus and train service. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant to the Village Manager