Sustainability Commission

Regular Meeting

Deerfield, IL · September 15, 2016

Minutes

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION September 15, 2016 A meeting of the Sustainability Commission was held on Thursday, September 15, 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 Brian Wolkenberg Michael Shalen Absent was: Gloria Threats Also present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant Village Manager Approval of Minutes Commissioner Heller made of motion, seconded by Commissioner Shalen to approve minutes of the June 23, 2016 Sustainability Commission meetings. Public Comment Deerfield resident Bill Mertes was present and observed the meeting. Energy Assessment Program Commissioner Wolkenberg reported that a goal is to expand the energy conservation curriculum to all the District 109 schools next year. From our experience last year, we learned that we need direct relationships in each of the schools and place less of a burden on Principal McConnell to spread the message. The program was successful in the middles school classrooms were we worked with science teachers. Commissioner Wolkenberg noted that we have contacts at most of the District 109 schools already but need to form a relationship with someone at Wilmot. This fall, the energy subcommittee will build on our relationships with the schools and try to strengthen the partnerships while also expanding the content of the curriculum. In particular, the energy subcommittee will work towards evolving the curriculum content so that it is more appropriate for middle schools. Commissioner Dorfman noted that the educational programs with Walgreens were successful but could be improved upon if we started even earlier next year. Commissioner Wolkenberg noted that District 109 also has plans to begin measuring their energy footprint. Chairman Anderson suggested inviting Superintendent Lubelfeld to an upcoming meeting. Sustainability Commission September 15, 2016 Page 2 of 3 Commissioner Dorfman suggested the energy subcommittee meet with District 109 in the coming weeks to form a consensus around their approach and report back to the Commission. Water Assessment Program Commissioner Leibowitz reported that there was great attendance at the water taste test at the Farmers Market with 82 taste test participants. Commissioner Heller noted this was a successfully observational study and the results were not statistically significant. Commissioner Leibowitz noted it is unknown whether this event caused people to purchase less bottled water, but we do know that it raised awareness about water consumption and safety. She requested guidance from the Commissioner regarding whether or not raising awareness and promotion water education is enough to continue these type of activities or if we need to have measurable results. Chairman Anderson noted the object was to conduct a taste test to drive awareness and demonstrate there is less of a need to buy disposable water bottles. He inquired if there were questions about lead and water safety from the participants. Commissioner Leibowitz confirmed that several inquiries about water testing were received and participants were comfortable with the Village’s safety measures and guided people to the annual water quality reports. Commissioner Leibowitz reported that a majority of participants claimed that they don’t use bottled water often and prefer to filter their tap water. Nearly none of the participants could tell the difference between bottled water and tap water during the taste test. Commissioner Heller believed it was a worthwhile event and the discussions that occurred were meaningful in raising people’s awareness and education around water conservation. He noted that it is important to keep the message going and show the Village is putting resources into this the topic of water safety and conservation. Chairman Anderson suggested that the water subcommittee convene prior to the next Commission meeting to present different options to further the objective of education and advocacy around water conservation. Mr. Lichterman reported that in addition to the water taste test the Commissioners also provided attendees with toilet leak detection tablets and monarch milkweed seeds. Other Items for Discussion Mayors Monarch Pledge Mr. Lichterman reported that a Monarch butterfly educational seminar will be held at the Patty Turner Center on October 1 Business Electronics Mr. Lichterman reported that a business electronics collection event was held at Deerbrook Mall on Sept 13. Walk Audit Mr. Lichterman reported that the Village has been offered the opportunity to have a complimentary walk audit conducted in an area of the Village. Commissioner Leibowitz suggested that due to the construction in the downtown area that a walk audit be conducted in vicinity of the Lake Cook Road business parks, shopping centers and Metra station. Commissioner Dorfman requested additional information regarding the motivation for this offering since it is being conducted by the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute. Sustainability Commission September 15, 2016 Page 3 of 3 Chairman Anderson requested that Mr. Lichterman report back on whether this offering is for commercial or public purposes. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 27. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant Village Manager

Agenda

AGENDA SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION September 15, 2016 7:00 P.M. COMMUNITY CONFERENCE ROOM 206 1. Consideration of Minutes of June 23, 2016 2. Public Comment 3. Energy Assessment Program 4. Water Assessment Program a. Farmers Market Booth Recap 5. Other Items for Discussion a. Caron Wenzel Monarch Presentation at PTC – Oct. 1 b. Business Electronics Collection – Sept. 13 c. Walk Audit – Oct. 3 6. Next Meeting Date and Time – Oct. 13 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 2107Edgewood Drive Phone 815.338.4716 Woodstock IL 60098 E-mail cwenzel@blazing- star.com Caron Wenzel Education 1972 - 1975 Illinois State University Bloomington Il BA, Columbia College of Missouri -2002 General Studies/Psychology :Graduated with Honors Endorsements in Earth Partnership for Schools University of Wisconsin Madison Professional Present- Work with many organizations and businesses in experience environmental education and training and adjunct faculty at the College of Lake County Horticulture and Permaculture 1996 – 2009 :McHenry County Schools Environmental Education Program Woodstock, IL  Teach K-12 Environmental Education classes and Teacher recertification classes in partnership with other public institutions. Environmental writer and speaker for various publications.  Author/writer. Feature writer Garden and Greenhouse and co-author Eco-yards  Registered Environmental Educator Garden Clubs of Illinois Additional Owner of Blazing Star Inc. A native plant nursery and environmental restoration consulting company founded in 1990. professional Various educational consulting and restoration plans for many activities school districts, and other public and private clients. Curriculum development/ teacher certification for clients since 2000. References on upon request Professional Chair, Bioneers at MCC Conference; Transportation memberships Commission, City of Woodstock; Since 2000. Past: Wild Ones National Education Committee; McHenry County Defenders Board member five years Objective Connect people with the environment through education “The World Should be a Garden” The Monarch Butterfly Because Beauty is Important National Geographic report on Monarchs: • Monarch butterflies are known for the incredible mass migration that brings millions of them to California and Mexico each winter. North American monarchs are the only butterflies that make such a massive journey—up to 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers). The insects must begin this journey each fall ahead of cold weather, which will kill them if they tarry too long. Monarch stats Fast Facts Type: Bug Diet: Herbivore Average life span in the wild: Up to 6 to 8 months Size: Wingspan 3.7 to 4.1 in (9.4 to 10.5 cm) Weight: .0095 to .026 oz (.27 to .75 g) Group name: Flutter Range yellow on the map Monarch Migration Monarchs in America • From the World Wildlife Fund website: Monarch butterflies embark on a marvelous migratory phenomenon. They travel between 1,200 and 2,800 miles or more from the United States and Canada to central Mexican forests! Diet • In their larval stage monarch caterpillars feed almost exclusively on milkweed and as adults get their nutrients from the nectar of flowers. The monarch will always return to areas rich in milkweed to lay their eggs upon the plant. The milkweed they feed on as a caterpillar is actually a poisonous toxin and is stored in their bodies. This is what makes the monarch butterfly taste so terrible to predators Did You Know? Monarchs can travel between 50 - 100 miles a day; it can take up to two months to complete their journey to winter habitats. • Behavior • Monarchs can produce four generations during one summer. The first three generations will have life spans from 2 - 6 weeks and will continue moving north. • The fourth generation is different and can live up to nine months. These are the butterflies that will migrate south for winter to either Mexico or southern California. Threats to Monarch Butterflies • Climate Change – Storms and longer migrations needed • Habitat Loss- No food plants for the larva or adult monarchs. • The forest in Mexico is cut down. Monarch Caterpillar Changes to Butterfly What we can do to help • Plant Milkweeds and native plants to increase habitat where Monarchs live. • Collecting Milkweed Seeds for Monarch Watch in support of our Bring Back the Monarchs conservation campaign? Use this link to go to the "Seed Collecting & Processing" page to find out how to send them to us or click on the graphic below to learn more about Monarch Watch's Bring Back the Monarchs conservation campaign. Thank you for your interest and support!other native plants to increase habitat Some good news! • IUCN has designated the monarch migration a threatened phenomenon. In 1986, the Mexican government created the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve which protects 62 square miles of forests in the Sierra Madres where hundreds of million of monarchs spend each winter. The Biosphere Reserve was expanded to include 217 square miles in 2000. Local organizations are also working to stop the illegal harvesting of trees on the reserve to protect wintering habitat. Who to Contact • Defenders of Wildlife: www.defenders.org • Monarch Watch: www.Monarchwatch.org • Xerces Society: www.xerces.org • Follow National Geographic news and information From: Kent Street To: Anne Nagle Cc: Andrew Lichterman; Mayor Harriet Rosenthal Subject: RE: Deerfield Contact Staff - CONSEG/IBJI Program with Mark Fenton Date: Thursday, August 25, 2016 4:28:09 PM Dr. Nagle- Thank you for the information. We will discuss the opportunity and contact you. Thanks again, Kent -----Original Message----- From: Anne Nagle [mailto:annemnagle@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2016 3:58 PM To: Kent Street <kstreet@deerfield.il.us> Subject: Deerfield Contact Staff - CONSEG/IBJI Program with Mark Fenton First Name: Anne Last Name: Nagle Address: 1139 Manor Drive City: Wilmette State: IL Zip: 60091 Phone: 312-560-7212 Comment: Dear Mr. Street I am writing to you on behalf of the North Shore Consortium of Environmental Groups (CONSEG) and the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute (IBJI). CONSEG represents nineteen north and northwest suburbs, including Deerfield. (Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Mount Prospect, Mundelein, Northbrook, Northfield, Park Ridge, Riverwoods, Skokie, Wilmette, and Winnetka) This October, CONSEG and IBJI are hosting an Active by Design Summit with Mark Fenton. The keynote address and summit is being held at the Chicago Botanic Garden on Tuesday, October 4, 12:30-3:30pm. Mr. Fenton is a leading national public health, planning and transportation consultant, an adjunct associate professor at Tuft's University, and the former host of the "America's Walking" series on PBS television. Mr. Fenton's expertise is working with communities across the United States to evaluate and build environments, programs, and policies that support opportunities for walking and bicycling as part of one's daily lifestyle. The Active by Design Summit is intended for community stakeholders, including village managers, planners, engineers, elected officials, public works, public health and safety, chamber of commerce and business leaders, park districts and schools. On Monday October 3rd and Tuesday morning, Mr. Fenton will be available to host walk-audits in some of our CONSEG communities. The audit usually encompasses an area about 1-1.5 miles in your community where there might be an interest in improving safe opportunities for walking/bicycling. The audit would last approximately an hour and a half. IBJI is funding the summit and walk audits, so this would come at no cost to Deerfield. I sent a letter introducing the summit to Mayor Rosenthal. I will follow-up with registration information. If you would be interested in scheduling or learning more about a walk audit for Deerfield, please contact me. I look forward to welcoming you and others from Deerfield to our summit on October 4. Thank you. Sincerely, Anne Nagle, MD Go Green Wilmette, Board Member annemnagle@gmail.com Cell: 312-560-7212