Sustainability Commission

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION December 17, 2015 The Sustainability Commission met at Deerfield Village Hall, 850 Waukegan Road, at 7 PM in Community Conference Room 206 on Thursday, December 17, 2015. In attendance were: Present: Don Anderson, Chairman Daniel Dorfman Richard Heller Laurie Leibowitz Jerry Witkovsky Brian Wolkenberg Absent: Gloria Threats Michael Shalen 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 19, 2015 meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved. Public Comment None Energy Assessment Program Commissioner Wolkenberg summarized that at the last meeting the Commission agreed to build from the success the program enjoyed with Kipling last year and to pursue broader community involvement this year. He noted the Village can provide a platform for connecting people and promoting the energy conservation activities. The subcommittee drafted talking points and a case study based on last year’s experience, which was shared with District 109 in a recent meeting. He noted Principal McConnell was very encouraging. He noted that energy conservation is a district wide initiative this year, and includes a plan for the district to reduce energy consumption over the next 2 years. Commissioner Wolkenberg will share a copy of the plan with the Commission when it is available. A district wide meeting on the subject will be held in January. McConnell noted that he hopes to form a district wide group that includes a representative of the Sustainability Commission with the goal of creating curriculum for the elementary and middle schools. Also, McConnell requested the Village help identify a business/industry partner with successful energy conservation efforts that could come speak at the school. Chairman Anderson requested that Mr. Lichterman reach out to Commissioner Threats directly with this request for Walgreens’ participation. Commisioner Wolkenberg summarized the subcommittee’s ideas regarding communication efforts around this initiative. He noted that the schools and classroom will use social media and it was suggested that #GreenUpDeerfield be used on Twitter. Chairman Anderson summarized 4 action steps moving forward: 1. Identify business partners. Possible partners could include Walgreens, Lake Shore Recycling, Waste Management, Whole Foods, BP gas station. The DBR Chamber of Commerce is also a resource.  2. Have a member of the Sustainability Commission participate in the District 109 team that is formed in January. 3. Help identify resources that can be used for curriculum or classroom activities. Commissioner Dorfman noted that he has gathered some of these resources already. Mr. Lichterman noted the packet includes template curriculum documents that were created as part of the Waste Management “Recycle Often. Reycle Right” campaign 4. Identify ambassadors in the community that can help advocate for these initiatives. Commissioner Witkovsky reported that he works closely with Caruso Middle School and volunteered to make contacts there too. Possible measurements could include # of emails gained and # of hits on the website. Commissioner Dorfman noted the USGBC conference is being held in April with topics around green education. He inquired if the Village would support a commissioner attending such a conference. Mr. Lichterman noted that if the conference itinerary was relevant and the Commission supported sending a representative then funding could be considered. Water Assessment Program Commissioners Leibowitz and Witkovsky summarized the recent tour of the Highland Park water treatment plant. It was noted that Lake Michigan is an ideal source of drinking water. The Highland Park plant was upgraded last year. Commissioner Leibowitz reported that she attempted to contact the author of the article Bottled Water: United States Consumers and Their Perceptions of Water Quality but Iowa State University noted the author is no longer available and was unable to provide any further information. Commissioner Leibowitz noted the subcommittee will meet to refine their recommendation but at this point, they are contemplating a campaign that encourages the use of reusable water bottles as an alternative to purchasing bottled water. This effort will be coupled with an educational campaign citing the benefits associated with municipal water. Commissioner Dorfman noted the conflict with citing the safety of municipal water while also recommending the use of a filter. Mr. Lichterman noted that his understanding is that a filter is recommended due to the water traveling through an underground distribution system. Dorfman also suggested offering filters for home faucets but recognized this may be less economical than a reusable water bottle campaign. Mr. Lichterman reminded the Commission that Sports Authority also tentatively agreed to a coupon campaign for reusable water bottles for the week leading up to Earth Day. Chairman Anderson requested that Commissioner Leibowitz contact the High School to get feedback regarding the water bottle filling stations that were installed in partnership with the Commission a few years ago. Commercial Waste Recycling Mr. Lichterman noted the 3rd quarter commercial waste hauling report indicated an 11% recycling rate for Deerfield commercial businesses. Chairman Anderson requested Mr. Lichterman report back on recycling rates for neighboring communities and verify the Village’s residential recycling rate as well. Other Items for Discussion Mr. Lichterman noted that a subcommittee of the NSEAC will review and evaluate responses to the RFIQ at a meeting tomorrow. Adjournment Commissioner Dorfman motioned to adjourn. Commissioner Witkovsky seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman, Assistant to the Village Manager