Sustainability Commission

AGENDA SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION February 16, 2017 7:00 P.M. COMMUNITY CONFERENCE ROOM 206 1. Consideration of Minutes of January 19, 2017 2. Public Comment 3. Water Conservation Program a. Review of Water Goals, Programs and Timeline 4. Energy Conservation Program a. Review of District 109 activities and Communication Plan b. Walgreens Movie Night 5. Other Items for Discussion a. Earth Hour – Saturday, March 25, 8:30-9:30 PM 6. Next Meeting Date and Time – March 16  MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION January 19, 2017 A meeting of the Sustainability Commission was held on Thursday, January 19, 2017 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 Laurie Leibowitz Brian Wolkenberg Richard Heller Gloria Threats Absent was: Daniel Dorfman Michael Shalen Chenlin Zhao Also present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant Village Manager Approval of Minutes Commissioner Heller made of motion, seconded by Commissioner Leibowtiz to approve minutes of the December 1, 2016 Sustainability Commission meeting. The minutes were approved unanimously. Public Comment There was no public comment. Water Conservation Chairman Anderson requested the Water Subcommittee review the draft program timeline and areas of concentration document. Mr. Lichterman reported that this document is in draft form and the Subcommittee will meet in the coming weeks to refine the document. However, he noted that conceptually the document reflects the three areas of concentration that the Subcommittee and Commission agreed to pursue including: (1) water consumption/usage, (2) storm water management, and (3) toxins, chemicals and obstructions. Chairman Anderson recommended that the Household Chemical Waste collection events also be included under item #3. The Water Subcommittee will review the document in detail and report back to the Commission at the next meeting. Mr. Lichterman reported that he recently met with DHS Assistant Principal, Joe Taylor, regarding the school’s water harvesting project. At that meeting, Mr. Taylor noted that installation of the water harvesting system is estimated to cost $15,000 and inquired about possible fundraising efforts. Mr. Lichterman noted that the Sustainability Commission has a budget of $2,000 and could consider making a cash contribution, if it was the pleasure of the Commission. The Commission deliberated on the merits of a cash contribution and decided not to make a cash contribution at this time. The Commission would like to see greater momentum around this project from DHS prior to making a cash contribution. The Sustainability Commission January 19 2017 Page 2 of 3 Commission did agree however to allow DHS to sell the reusable “Green Up Deerfield” water bottles on campus and use funds raised from the sales of the water bottles to help fund the water harvesting project. Mr. Lichterman noted that during their meeting, Mr. Taylor indicated that he expects a DHS student to attend future Sustainability Commission meetings but he was unable to attend today due to his finals schedule. Commissioner Heller encouraged the group to think of ways to ensure the meetings are interesting and productive for the student. He offered to meet with the student to discuss his interests in advance of the next meeting. Commissioner Heller reported that the Water Subcommittee confirmed plans to host the Water Taste Test Challenge in the lobby of the Library on Earth Day, April 22 from 10 AM – 1PM. Energy Conservation District 109 Activities Commissioner Wolkenberg reported that the Energy Conservation Subcommittee met on 2 occasions. They held a conference call with several principles, teacher and parents to align and finalize programs across the different schools. He noted it was very positive, especially since the stakeholders at the different schools were able to share past successes and experiences. Also, Commissioner Wolkenberg and Mr. Lichterman met with District 109 Communications Coordinator, Cathy Kedjidjian, which resulted in three important outcomes: (1) Ms. Kedjidjian offered to help us identify a faculty contact at Wilmot that could help initiate energy conservation activities at the school, (2) District 109 agreed to participate in communication efforts around earth week; and, (3) District 109 would include the program topic on their upcoming administrative meeting agenda that includes the Superintendent and principals from all the schools. Commissioner Wolkenberg noted that he and Commissioner Dorfman are in discussions with the schools to refine and clarify the activities each school will undertake during earth week. He also noted that Principal McConnell at Shepard Middle School spoke very highly of last year’s presentation regarding Walgreens’ net zero store since it aligns with their curriculum very well. Commissioner Threats reported that Walgreens is interested in continuing the presentation and will work to finalize a date that works for the school. Mr. Lichterman noted that there are several activities taking place at several of the schools and offered to create a matrix to illustrate the activities for everyone’s reference. Chairman Anderson encouraged the commission to market and promote the activities effectively and then to celebrate the successes. He requested that Mr. Lichterman help create a communications plan that can outline the Village’s and school’s communication efforts. The Commission was in favor of promotional events including bringing students to a Board meeting, writing thank you notes, and presenting trophies to winners of the various classroom competitions. Comed Aggregate Data Mr. Lichterman presented 12 months of ComEd aggregate energy usage data for residents and large and small commercial customers. Commissioner Leibowitz suggesting placing the information on the website along with energy reduction tips. Commissioner Wolkenberg suggested including the information on the landing page used by the schools. Chairman Anderson observed that business use a lot more energy than residents, particularly when large and small businesses are combined. Commissioner Threats advised that Walgreens monitors energy usage at stores very closely and provides reports to the stores to encourage behavior changes that conserve energy. Sustainability Commission January 19 2017 Page 3 of 3 Walgreens Movie Night Commissioner Threats noted that Walgreens would like to plan a movie night with the Village where residents can ride electric bikes that generate electricity to power the movie as people peddle the bikes. The Commission was in favor of supporting the event and noted they would work with the Park District to find a suitable date and location. Other Items for Discussion Mr. Lichterman noted that SWALCO has secured the electronics collection program in Lake County for 2017. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for February 16. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant Village Manager  Activity Matrix Home Energy Home Energy Art & Essay Carbon Hands On Lighting Net Zero Store Game Survey Contest Footprint Demo Discussion Project (Walgreens) (Walgreens) Kipling X X X th Elementary (5 Grade) South Park Elementary Walden X X Elementary Wilmot Elementary Caruso Middle School Shepard X th Middle School (8 Grade)  Energy SubCommittee Communication Plan Purpose How Who Branding Consistent branding on all  Utilize "GreenUpDeerfield" Logo on Village, District 109, digital and print platforms all promotions; and, Classrooms, (i.e. twitter, facebook,  #GreenUpDeerfield, where Walgreens website, press releases) appropriate Leading Promotions Promote events leading up  Cross‐promote and socialize activities Village, District 109 to Earth Day activities amongst schools and classrooms  Press release to newspaper and post on homepage of website  Cable slide on Comcast Ch. 10  D‐Tales article (March/April edition)  Leverage social media accounts at District 109, Village, and Walgreens  Coordinate announcements/messaging with District 109 Recognitions and Highlight successes and  Issue proclamation at Village Board Mayor, Rewards provide positive meeting Chairman, reinforcement  Present Trophy to “winning” Teachers, classroom (s) and/or school (s) Parents  Pizza Party  Letters to the Editor  “Thank You” letters to participants After Action Illustrate measurable  Share survey results amongst schools Village, District 109 Promotions outcomes with data‐driven and classrooms approach  Share survey results in D‐Tales (May/June edition)  Post results on website On‐going Activities Reaffirm value of energy  Film event/activity to replay on Village, District 109 conservation throughout Comcast (Ch. 10 or 13) the year  Build out energy resources on website including aggregate energy data and energy conservation resources and materials  Measure website traffic  WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM 1. WATER USAGE 2. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT 3. TOXINS/CHEMICALS/OBSTRUCTIONS Encourage water conserva on Educate about impacts of storm water Raise awareness re: impacts of toxins and obstruc ons 1A. IRRIGATION SYSTEM 2A. ILLEGAL CROSS‐CONNECTIONS 3A. DON’T BE A SWIFFER FLUSHER Smart irriga on sensors Iden fy storm vs. sanitary water; unnecessary Remind residents TP only in the toilet and associated costs treatment $ to ou it facili es with chopper pumps 2A. FAUCETS/FIXTURES 2B. RAIN GARDENS/ NATIVE PLANTS 3B. PESTICIDES/HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS & PROD. Low flow faucets, watersense labels, toilet leak How to DIY and associated benefits of rain gardens Natural gardening solu ons vs. fer lizers/pes cides and detec on tablets. Keyword: Reduce alterna ves to harsh household cleaning chemicals 3A. WATERFOOTPRINT 2C. RAINBARRELS 3C. ELECTRONIC/CHEMICAL WASTE RECYCLING Do you know how much water you use in a year? Available retailers/sales. Keywords: Storage, reuse, Keep material out of landfill and thus out of waterways recycle TIMELINE January – D‐Tales Ar cle: “Don’t be a Swiffer flusher” February – D‐Tales Ar cle: Alterna ves to harsh household chemical cleaning supplies March – D‐Tales Ar cle: World Water Day (March 22). Focus a en on on the importance of freshwater and advoca ng for sustainable management of freshwater resources. April – Hands On Ac vi es: (1) Water Taste Test Challenge @ Library ‐ Earth Day Saturday, April 22. (2) Tree Plan ng ‐ Arbor Day April 28. (3) Hand out leak detec on tablets May – D‐Tales Ar cle: (1) SWALCO Rain Barrel Sale. (2) Illegal cross connec on informa on June – D‐Tales Ar cle: Include water conserva on ps in annual water quality report. July – D‐Tales Ar cle: Na ve plants, alterna ves to grass, promote storm water management, monarch bu erflies and migratory birds. (2) Promote HCW Collec on Event August – Hands on Ac vity: (1) Water Taste Test Challenge @ Farmers Market September – D‐Tales Ar cle or Hands On Ac vity: Water Footprint Calculator (personal, business, product) October – Movie: Screen water conserva on film followed by discussion (possibly “Tapped”) November – D‐Tales Ar cle: Promote re‐usable water bo les December ‐ D‐Tales Ar cle: Water and Food. h p://www.unwater.org/topics/water‐and‐food/en/ Short Term Goals: (1) Include gallon conversion on water bills, (2) Research CMAP water conserva on ordinance, (3) Iden fy top 5‐10 water conserva on ps to consistently use in marke ng materials, (4) construct mobile drinking water fountain for use at public events, (5) include leak detec on tablets with new resident packet, (6) verify hotels place water saving ps in mul ‐day guest rooms (7) create water footprint handout that includes some examples. Resources: h p://www.onewater.org/uploads/site_assets/knowater_V10.pdf h p://waterfootprint.org/en/ h p://www.cityofevanston.org/sustainability/water_conserva on/FY12‐0158%20EVANSTON%20PLAN%20lowres%208.1.12.pdf h ps://www.chicagobotanic.org/research