Sustainability Commission

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION March 13, 2014 The Sustainability Commission met in Community Conference Room of the Village at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2014. In attendance were: Present: Don Anderson, Chairman Richard Heller Laurie Leibowitz Michael Shalen Gloria Threats Jerry Witkovsky Absent: Brian Wolkenberg Also Present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant to the Village Manager Approval of Minutes Commissioner Shalen motioned and Commissioner Witkovsky seconded to approve the minutes from the November 14, 2013 meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved. Public Comment Deerfield resident Jackie Waterhouse and her father Mr. Waterhouse were in attendance. Ms. Waterhouse reported that she is a student at University of Wisconsin-Madison and is pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies and Business. She expressed interest in volunteering with the Commission throughout the summer. Introductions Chairman Anderson reported the Mr. Richard Heller is a newly appointed member to the Commission. The Mayor and Village Board formally appointed Mr. Heller to the Sustainability Commission during the March 3, 2014, Board meeting. Energy Assessment Chairman Anderson reported that on February 11 he hosted an energy assessment “house party” at his home so the Commission could better understand the energy assessment program offered by Energy Impact Illinois. He noted the contractor completed a 2 hour assessment of his home and then the “house party” was held afterwards to summarize the work. He noted that they performed a Blower Door Test to measure the flow of air volume through the home, which indicates the amount of air sealing required. Chairman Anderson presented the results of his home energy audit to the Commission. In summary, the audit recommends that approximately $6,000 of air sealing and insulation work be completed to achieve a 20% energy savings or $606 annual savings on gas and electric bills. Commissioner Threats noted that she was in attendance at the “house party” and thought the process was interesting and informative. She learned a lot about the home and thought it was a great learning experience that can bring value to Deerfield residents. Commissioner Leibowitz noted that she was also in attendance at the “house party” and thought the presenter needed to be more concise and that this needed to be addressed before the program is rolled out to the Village. She noted the contractor was very strong but she wanted to hear more about “average” improvements and results. Chairman Anderson stated that every home that has undergone improvements has achieved at least a 15% energy savings and therefore, received a home Energy Star Certification. Mr. Lichterman observed that the process was scientific and measurable. Commissioner Threats recommended that future energy “house parties” be signed in some way so that the homes are easier to find. Chairman Anderson was surprised by the cost of the recommended improvements and noted it is approximately a 10 year return on investment. Commissioner Heller noted that most of the cost is related to insulation and possibly residents could complete the work themselves at a lower cost. Chairman Anderson responded that this is possible but believes the homeowner will then forego the Energy Star Certification. Commissioner Witkovsky questioned if the program can be conducted year round. Chairman Anderson noted that the seasons do not affect the ability to conduct the tests. Chairman Anderson requested that the group think about whether or not this is a program that the Commission wants to support and promote to the community. Commissioner Leibowitz stated that she would not feel comfortable promoting this to her Homeowners Association yet. She is concerned about the cost of the improvements and wants to know more about the “average” savings. Commissioner Threats noted that in comparison to other home improvements, such as windows, which may cost nearly $20,000, the $6,000 to complete air sealing and insulation is reasonable. Chairman Anderson proposed that the group think about the program and come prepared to make a decision about the Commission supporting the program at the next meeting. In the meantime, he will follow-up with Energy Impact Illinois and share any new information with the group, prior to then. ZipCar Mr. Lichterman reported that ZipCar has proposed two locations for the Village to consider. The first is in the Farmer’s Market Parking lot and the second is just east of the Farmer’s Market Parking lot on Robert York Road. Mr. Lichterman noted that his last correspondence with ZipCar stated that the Village, at a minimum, would require ZipCar to pay for the permit revenue associated with the parking spaces. Chairman Anderson requested that ZipCar provide usage data for other nearby suburban markets so that demand for their product can be evaluated. The group consensus was that parking in the Farmers Market parking lot would not be possible due to the conflicts around special events that take place in the commuter lot. Mr. Lichterman stated that he would summarize the ZipCar proposal in a report to be presented at the next meeting. Water Assessment Mr. Lichterman reported that Ravinia Plumbing has proposed pricing for the water assessment program based on the number of bathrooms in a home. Ravinia Plumbing proposed 3 bathrooms or less - $99.00; 4 to 6 bathrooms - $149.00; and 7 to 9 bathrooms - $198.00. Mr. Lichterman also reviewed the items that would be included in a full home water assessment as provided by Ravinia Plumbing. He requested that the Commission provide the subcommittee direction on how to proceed. The consensus from the group was that the proposed pricing was too expensive and that the subcommittee should seek a lower rate, possibly by limiting the scope of work to bathrooms only. Commissioner Leibowitz expressed interest in joining the subcommittee. The subcommittee will meet prior to the April 10 Sustainability Commission meeting. Other Items for Discussion Arbor Day The Commission agreed to participate in Arbor Day, as they did last year. The Commission will reach out to the Earthworks Club to collaborate and assist with planting a Swamp White Oak tree in the parkway of the High School on April 25 at 3:30PM. Anit-Idle Campaign The Commission will prepare and send anti-idle materials to DHS for the Earthworks Club to handout to parents on Earth Day. Energy Open House The Commission contemplated hosting an energy open house in the upcoming months to promote the numerous energy efficiency programs available to residents. Mr. Lichterman reported that North Shore Gas has energy improvements available to residents free of charge. He will report more details at the next meeting. He also noted that the Citizens Utility Board is also available to meet with residents, by appointment only, to review utility bills and help reduce unnecessary costs. Commission Anderson recommended that the Commission members meet with the Citizens Utility Board first to evaluate the program, and if it is determined to be valuable then the Commission can consider opening this up to the community. Electronic Collections Commissioner Threats reported that Walgreens will once again be hosting an electronics waste event in cooperation with the Village and SWALCO. This year’s event will be at 1435 Lake Cook Road on April 25 from 7AM – 1PM. Adjournment Commissioner Shalen motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Leibowitz seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant to the Village Manager