Sustainability Commission

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION February 19, 2015 The Sustainability Commission met in Community Conference Room of the Village at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2015. In attendance were: Present: Don Anderson, Chairman Daniel Dorfman Michael Shalen Gloria Threats Jerry Witkovsky Brian Wolkenberg Absent: Laurie Leibowitz Richard Heller Also Present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant to the Village Manager Approval of Minutes Commissioner Witkovsky motioned and Commissioner Threats seconded to approve the minutes from the January 15, 2015 meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved. Public Comment There was no public comment Energy Assessment Program Chairman Anderson requested Commissioner Wolkenberg summarize the December and January energy subcommittee meetings. Mr. Wolkenberg reported the subcommittee recommends moving forward with a partnership with Elevator Energy for home energy audits and established a partnership with Kipling PTO to promote energy conservation to kids in the classroom. Commissioner Wolkenberg noted that he has had preliminary conversations with Kipling PTO and they are in favor of working together to create a children’s activity sheet, which can be completed in the classroom or at home, as part of the activities leading up to Earth Day. He noted that the Commission would work with the PTO to track metrics and progress. He noted that the subcommittee also thought it would be a good idea to find a way to turn some of these activities into a competition as a way to help drive participation. The winner could get a small prize such as a pizza party or ride in the 4th of July parade. It was suggested that the Village create a landing page related to these activities to highlight the partnership with the Kipling PTO and Elevate Energy. The website can help drive uniformity and measurability. Chairman Anderson noted that preferably the Village would be able to supply a standardized template to help collect data related to the home energy audits. Chairman Anderson requested meeting with Elevate Energy again to notify them of the Commission’s plans, and to design a children’s activity in collaboration with the Kipling PTO, which can then be presented to the school’s Principal and staff for final consideration. He requested that the activity sheet be completed by early March so that it can be ready for Earth Day. Commissioner Dorfman noted the intent is to drive excitement with the kids and get them and their parents interested in energy conservation initiatives, especially during Earth Day. The activity sheet can be completed with parents and include information to the Sustainability Commission’s landing page with additional links to the Elevate Energy home audit. Commissioner Wolkenberg reported that the subcommittee would work with the PTO to receive feedback on the program and noted that privacy is paramount. Commissioner Threats noted that since these programs are having a big push leading up to Earth Day it would be logical to evaluate the program’s impact at the end of April, following Earth Day. Chairman Anderson noted that he would place a call to our contact at Elevate Energy this week and get them in contact with the subcommittee to discuss further details. Mr. Lichterman noted that he would work with Commissioner Dorfman to create an article for D-Tales, after Commissioner Dorfman has had a chance to speak with Elevate Energy next week. Water Assessment Update Mr. Lichterman summarized the feedback received by participating plumbers related to the water conservation program. He reported that all three plumbers noted similar response rates. In the aggregate, the program generated approximately 30 calls to plumbers and resulted in 10 service calls for this particular program. The plumbers noted that most of the work was typically completed as part of a larger plumbing job. Mr. Lichterman asked the Commission to consider if they want to continue the program and how to reinvigorate efforts. Commissioner Shalen stated the program will continue to grow overtime. Chairman Anderson noted that he supports the idea of going out and having presentations at service clubs. Commissioner Witkovsky noted the senior center is a venue to promote the program. Chairman Anderson requested the water subcommittee revisit promotional activities and complement their efforts with live presentations at various different venues. Chairman Anderson suggested that Commissioner Leibowitz possibly coordinate dates for speaking events and possibly draft a short script with the assistance of Mr. Lichterman. Chairman Anderson noted it will also be good to promote the energy conservation initiatives at the same time. Mr. Lichterman reported on questions from the previous meeting noting that the Village purchases approximately $2 million, or roughly 900 million gallons, of water annually. Green Restaurant Workshop Mr. Lichterman noted that the Village in collaboration with the Chicago Green Restaurant Coalition, SWALCO, SWANCC, Lake Shore Recycling Systems, and the DBR Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a restaurant workshop on Monday, March 9 at Venue One. The event is open to the public and the target audience is food establishments. The event will offer the food industry information about utility rebate programs, food scrap composting and the commercial solid waste franchise set to begin May 1. Chairman Anderson and Commissioner Witkovsky noted that they plan to attend the event. Earth Hour Mr. Lichterman noted that Earth Hour is Saturday, March 28 from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. He noted that in recognition of Earth Hour the Village Hall will turn off all non-emergency lights. Earth Day Mr. Lichterman noted that Earth Day is April 22. He noted that the Village Centre Commission has inquired about ways to join efforts to promote Earth Day. Chairman Anderson noted, without a specific request from the VCC, the Sustainability Commission will focus on the energy and water conservation programs that are being promoted throughout the month leading up to Earth Day. Arbor Day Chairman Anderson reported that in previous years the Sustainability Commission has partnered with the DHS Earthworks Club to plant a tree at the high school in celebration of Arbor Day, April 24. He recommended the commission continue this activity and requested Mr. Lichterman to coordinate logistics. Adjournment Commissioner Heller motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Dorfman seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 PM. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant to the Village Manager