Sustainability Commission

MEETING MINUTES SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION March 16, 2017 A meeting of the Sustainability Commission was held on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 7:00 pm at Deerfield Village Hall, 850 Waukegan Road, 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 Richard Heller Laurie Leibowitz Michael Shalen Chenlin Zhao Absent was: Daniel Dorfman Gloria Threats Brian Wolkenberg Also present: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant Village Manager Approval of Minutes Commissioner Heller made of motion, seconded by Commissioner Leibowtiz to approve minutes of the February 16, 2017 Sustainability Commission meeting. The minutes were approved unanimously. Public Comment None Water Conservation Commissioner Leibowitz reported that the water subcommittee identified three areas of concentration from the Water Conservation Program outline to pursue over a 12-moth timeframe. These initiatives are:  Item # 1B – Faucets/Fixtures as they relate to water usage  Item #2B – Rain Gardens/Native Plants as they relate to storm water management  Item # 3B – Pesticides/Household Chemicals as they relate to toxins in the water system Commissioner Heller noted that some of these items are seasonal. For instance, the rain gardens and fertilizers can be the focus this spring, while low flow faucets and fixtures can be the focus later in the year. Chairman Anderson noted that the Commission needs to have good research as to why we are pursuing these areas and noted that he has concerns about “harsh” household chemicals. Commissioner Zhao offered to research the science behind harmful household products and will report back at the next meeting. Mr. Lichterman noted that phosphorus limits continue to be strictly regulated by EPA, particularly with regards to the Village’s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). Chairman Anderson noted that he believes phosphorus is prohibited in residential fertilizers. Mr. Lichterman noted that he would inquire with the Village’s Wastewater Superintendent to identify the sources of phosphorus and investigate if there are other chemical elements that the Commission should Sustainability Commission March 16, 2017 Page 2 of 2 study. Commissioner Heller suggested that maybe at different times of the year there are different chemicals that show up at the WRF. He noted that it might be appropriate to meet/tour the WRF at a future meeting. Commissioner Leibowitz noted that the water subcommittee will meet later this month to follow-up on these items and report back next month. Mr. Lichterman shared the website MyWaterPledge.com with the group. The Commission decided to research the website/organization this year and then consider activating the pledge next spring. Energy Conservation District 109 Activities Commissioner Wolkenberg was absent but the Commission reviewed the email he had provided in advance of the meeting. It was noted that Walgreens hosted a discussion of the Net Zero store for 8th Graders at Kipling on March 8. Mr. Lichterman noted that pictures from this event are posted on the Village’s website. It was noted that dates for the events at the other District 109 schools are being finalized and there is good engagement and participation from all the schools. Mr. Lichterman noted that he would be meeting with Cathy Kedijian of District 109 before the next meeting to coordinate communication efforts. Other Items for Discussion Earth Hour is Saturday March 25, 8:30-9:30 p.m. The Village will turn off all non-essential lights. Earth Day is April 22. Commission members were asked to participate in the Water Taste Test Challenge that will be held in the lobby of the Library from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Arbor Day is April 28. Commissioner members were asked to participate in the traditional tree planting at Deerfield High School with the Earth Works Club at 3:30 p.m. Mr. Lichterman noted the Village is also collaborating with Walgreens to support an electronic recycling event in the month of April. Chairman Anderson requested that “Farmers Market Ideas” be added as a discussion topic for next month’s agenda. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for April 20. Respectfully submitted, Andrew Lichterman Assistant Village Manager