Sustainability Commission

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION July 15, 2014 The Sustainability Commission met in Community Conference Room of the Village at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 15, 2014. In attendance were: Present: Daniel Dorfman Richard Heller Laurie Leibowitz Michael Shalen Gloria Threats Brian Wolkenberg Absent: Don Anderson, Chairman Jerry Witkovsky Also Present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant to the Village Manager Commissioner Leibowitz was unanimously appointed as Acting-Chair for the meeting. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Heller motioned and Commissioner Shalen seconded to approve the minutes from the June 12, 2014 meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved. Public Comment There was no public comment. Energy Assessment Program Members of the Energy Subcommittee reported that their next meeting would be held on Tuesday, July 29 from 8- 9PM at the Deerfield Library. Mr. Lichterman noted the agenda would be posted online in accordance with the Open Meetings Act. Commissioner Dorfman reminded the group that at the last meeting he was requested to find a building energy consultant that could provide an objective and expert opinion on home energy audits. Commissioner Dorfman noted that he provided a resume for Kami Farahmandpour to the Commission prior to the meeting. The Commission’s consensus was to have Kami present to the group at the next meeting and for the Energy Subcommittee to develop parameters for Kami’s presentation. Commissioner Dorfman also shared the results of his home energy audit and noted that insulation was identified as the most significant area for improvement at a cost of approximately $7,500. Water Conservation Program Mr. Lichterman presented the water conservation brochure and noted that the Water Subcommittee, including all participating plumbers, had endorsed the brochure. Commissioner Shalen motioned to approve the water conservation brochure as presented. The motion was seconded by Commisser Heller. The motion was approved unanimously. The Commissioner Leibowitz stated the program is set for an August 1 roll-out and requested that Mr. Lichterman promote the program thru regular Village communication methods. Feedback will be received from the plumbers and the program will be re-evaluated after January 1. Mr. Lichterman noted the brochure will be mailed with the water bills beginning in August. Commissioner Leibowitz noted the Water Subcommittee will meet to discuss other promotional ideas and expressed interest in hosting a booth at the September 23, Farmers Market. ZipCar Mr. Lichterman reported that ZipCar is unable to provide utilization data for proprietary reasons. However, ZipCar did advise that the downtown location is starting slow, as expected for any new location, while the Lake Cook Road location is one of the most actively used locations in the North Shore. Other Items for Discussion Smart Irrigation Systems Mr. Lichterman noted that some communities are exploring smart sensor irrigation mandates on newly installed irrigation systems. These systems prevent the irrigation system from wasting water by watering unnecessarily. Commissioner Heller requested Mr. Lichterman to determine the number of residential irrigation systems in Deerfield. Commissioner Dorfman noted that native plantings and underground watering systems are also alternatives to conventional irrigation systems. Recycling Mr. Lichterman reported that based on the latest SWALCO report the Village has increased recycling 4% (measured in tons) from the same quarter last year. Adjournment Commissioner Shalen motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Dorfmam seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant to the Village Manager