Sustainability Commission

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION June 12, 2014 The Sustainability Commission met in Community Conference Room of the Village at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2014. In attendance were: Present: Don Anderson, Chairman Daniel Dorfman Richard Heller Laurie Leibowitz Michael Shalen Jerry Witkovsky Brian Wolkenberg Absent: Gloria Threats Also Present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant to the Village Manager Approval of Minutes Commissioner Shalen motioned and Commissioner Heller seconded to approve the minutes from the April 10, 2014 meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved. Public Comment There was no public comment. Introductions Chairman Anderson introduced Daniel Dorfman to the Commission. Mr. Dorfman was appointed to the Sustainability Commission at the June 2 Board meeting. Mr. Dorman noted that he has been a Deerfield resident for about 1 year and is an attorney at Harris Winick LLP. As an attorney his focus is on construction, specifically “green” and renewable construction law and he is a LEED Green Associate. He is excited to contribute to the Commission and hopes it provides him with a unique opportunity to meaningfully participate in the community. Energy Assessment Program Chairman Anderson reported that the energy subcommittee recently met to discuss the roll out of this initiative. Chairman Anderson asked what promotional options are available. The Commission suggested attending meetings for service club, PTOs, the Patty Turner Center, Board of Trustees and publicizing the program on the government cable channel, newsletter, and e-blasts. Chairman Anderson reported that Eric Keeley of Energy Impact Illinois will provide a FAQ and talking points so that the Commission can develop ambassadors to promote the energy efficiency program. He stated the more 1-on-1 interaction the Commission has with residents the more effective the program will be. Commissioner Dorfman stated that he had an energy audit completed on his home yesterday and it took about 2.5 hours to complete at a cost of $99.00. He offered to share the results of the energy audit once the results were received. Commissioner Dorfman also offered to research experts that could present to the Commission and talk about the science of home efficiencies. Chairman Anderson reported that so far 16 energy audits have been completed in Deerfield. Of those, 6 did not proceed with the recommended retrofits. Mr. Keeley will attempt to contact those 16 homeowners to offer testimonials. Chairman Anderson requested that Commissioner Wolkenberg lead the energy assessment subcommittee to finalize the program. Commissioner Wolkenberg agreed and noted that he would work to schedule an upcoming subcommittee meeting. Water Assessment Program Mr. Lichterman presented the draft water assessment brochure to the Commission and asked for feedback. The Commission held a constructive feedback session and provide Mr. Lichterman with revisions. The revisions will emphasize this is a residential program with a cost savings benefit to homeowners in an easy to read format. Chairman Anderson requested Commissioner Leibowitz to lead the water conservation subcommittee to finalize the program. Commissioner Leibowitz agreed and noted she would schedule a meeting as well. ZipCar Mr. Lichterman reported that ZipCar was approved at the June 2 Board meeting, as recommended by the Sustainability Commission. He noted that an article promoting ZipCar will be included in the upcoming edition of D-Tales. He noted the two ZipCars are on-site in the Lindemann lot and they have already received their first reservation. Earth Day Mr. Lichterman presented Chairman Anderson with the Earth Day Proclamation that was read at the April 21 Board meeting. Arbor Day Chairman Anderson reported that Arbor Day was held on April 25 and members of the Sustainability Commission accompanied member of the DHS Earthworks Club while they planted a Swamp White Oak tree in honor of the holiday. Village staff was also on-site to oversee the operation. He noted it was a successful event and is a great partnership to continue with the High School. Outdoor Wood Burning Mr. Lichterman noted that staff has been receiving inquiries regarding outdoor wood burning regulations and residents have express concern relating to the potentially harmful effects of outdoor wood burning. The Commission requested that Mr. Lichterman research how this activity would compare with other sources of air pollution and research what other nearby communities have done in this regard. Other Items for Discussion Embassy Suites Recognized as Greenleader Mr. Lichterman shared a press release from Embassy Suites recognizing their hotel as a recipient of the Greenleader Award. Mr. Lichterman suggested the Commission consider developing a “green” business recognition program once the water and energy assessment programs were underway. Adjournment Commissioner Shalen motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Heller seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 PM. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant to the Village Manager