Sustainability Commission

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION June 23, 2016 A meeting of the Sustainability Commission was held on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 7:00 pm at Deerfield Village Hall, 850 Waukegan Road, at 7:00 PM in the Community Conference Room 206. Chairman Don Anderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. In attendance were: Present: Don Anderson, Chairman Daniel Dorfman Richard Heller Laurie Leibowitz Gloria Threats Absent was: Brian Wolkenberg Michael Shalen Also present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant Village Manager Amy Call Jennifer Stadelmann Approval of Minutes Commissioner Heller made of motion, seconded by Commissioner Threats to approve minutes of the April 14, 2016 and May 19, 2016 Sustainability Commission meetings. Public Comment Deerfield resident, Amy Call noted the importance of the native plantings and is concerned about the creek clearing work that was recently completed. She also encouraged the removal of buckthorn in the area. She also inquired about the Village’s position on composting and supporting rain barrels. Commissioner Leibowitz noted that the Commission passed composting regulations a few years ago that were subsequently approved by the Village Board and that we promote SWALCO rain barrel sales annually. Deerfield resident, Jennifer Stadelmann noted that she and Ms. Call are co-leads of the Walden GreenTeam. She works at Siemens and would like to help grow the partnership between the Village and the school. Energy Assessment Program – District 109 Earth Day Activities Commissioner Wolkenberg provided an after action report of the Earth Day activities at District 109. He noted that one of the questions yet to be answered is if the program is appropriate for the various grade levels. The goal is to build excitement around the programs so that students bring the activities home to their parents and increase awareness. He noted the intention is to expand beyond Kipling and include all District 109 schools. Various strategies and tactics will need to be identified to achieve this objective. Sustainability Commission June 23, 2016 Page 2 of 2 Kipling Principal McConnell will also need support in order for these activities to expand to other District school. He noted this year’s activities were a pilot test to ensure appropriateness. Mr. Lichterman noted the website received 10 unique hits from the link that was provided to Kipling. Water Assessment Program – DHS Earth Day Activities The Commission agreed to host a booth at the Farmers Market on August 13 from 9-11AM. The Commission will host a water taste test to see if residents can tell the difference between bottled water and tap water, while also promoting water conservation efforts. The Commission will also provide toilet leak detection tablets, sell re-usable water bottles and give away milkweed seeds. Chairman Anderson requested Mr. Lichterman work with Commissioner Leibowitz to finalize logistics for the event. Other Items for Discussion Mayors Monarch Pledge Mr. Lichterman reported that the Village continues to pursue tasks with respect to the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge. He noted that the Village applied for a milkweed grant and expects to receive 500 milkweed plants this fall. The Village will work to create a milkweed planting event in the coming months. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant Village Manager