Citizens' Environmental Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITIZEN ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION August 4, 2016 The Citizen Environmental Commission held a meeting on August 4, 2016, at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115. Chairman Oleckno called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. A. ROLL CALL Tim Holdeman called the roll and the following members of the Citizen Environmental Commission were present: Sharon Skala, Ann Shult, Ken Koch, Bill Oleckno, Clare Kron, Michael Lundgren, Amy Doll (ex-officio), Mike Holland (guest). Members Absent: Dan Kenney, Mark Hein, Michelle Gibson (ex-officio). Also present were: Tim Holdeman, City of DeKalb B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS MOTION Ms. Skala moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Ms. Shult. Agenda was approved by voice vote 6-0. C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There were no public comments. D. NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairman Oleckno welcomed new member Michael Lundgren. Ms. Kron commented on the positive feedback she received from her presentation to City Council on July 11. In addition, the Daily Chronicle wrote an article about the program, and B95 radio station interviewed her regarding the Share-A-Bag program. Chairman Oleckno, Ms. Kron and Ms. Skala all attended the Green Living Festival. All had positive feedback. It was noted that the Citizen Environmental Commission should be mentioned in the festival’s flyer in the future. The 15th Annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair will be on Saturday, August 20, and Sunday, August 21, 2016, at the Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon, IL. Citizen Environmental Commission August 4, 2016 Page 2 of 3 E. APPROVAL of MINUTES for JULY 7, 2016 MOTION Mr. Koch moved to approve, the July 7 minutes, seconded by Ms. Kron. Minutes were approved by voice vote 6-0. F. COMMISION REPORTS 1. City Liaison: Tim Holdeman Mr. Holdeman indicated the Chapter 50 revisions have been approved by City Council. He also recommended City staff make a presentation to the Commission during the September meeting regarding Complete Streets. Mr. Holdeman also indicated there is an effort being made by the City to ensure all City commission members are up to date on their Open Meetings Act training and that Ruth Scott of the City Manager’s office may be contacting members regarding their certification. 2. DeKalb County Health Department: Michelle Gibson No Report 3. DeKalb Park District: Amy Doll The Hopkins Park Pool was closed due to possible fecal contamination. Ms. Doll explained that after the pool is treated the chlorine, levels must return to normal before the pool can reopen. 4. NIU Green Team: Bill Oleckno The NIU Green Team is continuing to discuss its Environmental Sustainability Program. The group is having strategic discussions. The next meeting with focus on developing goals and action plans for specific areas such as water, solid waste, etc. Ms. Kron indicated she had discussion with NIU about discontinuing the use of Round-Up for weed control. G. OLD BUSINESS 1. Sustainability Plan: Progress and Monitoring Chairman Oleckno went through some examples of data reporting based on the Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award and related metrics. Mr. Holdeman will research whether the City has a littering and/or vehicle idling ordinance. 2. Update on Green Living Festival: Clare Kron Several members attended. Some of the programs mentioned were energy efficiency, healthy foods using fresh produce, non-toxic cleaning supplies, and packages of old t-shirts for use as rags instead of paper towels. 3. Update on Share-A-Bag Program: Clare Kron Presentation was made to City Council and a radio interview was given on B95. Ms. Kron received 40 bags from Alderman Jacobson. Barb Food Mart will be promoting the program. The program is working well at the Library. Ms. Kron indicated there is still a need for more bags. Chair Oleckno suggested she contact the Chronicle regarding stored newspaper dispensers no longer in use as possible vehicles for the bags. Some of these dispensers have been used in the past by the City's literacy program for the exchange of books. 2 Citizen Environmental Commission August 4, 2016 Page 3 of 3 4. Update on Proposed Revisions to Chapter 50: Bill Oleckno Chairman Oleckno indicated City Council passed the revisions to Chapter 50 of the City Municipal Code as recommended by the Commission. H. NEW BUSINESS 1. Potential Goals and Objectives for 2017 Chairman Oleckno reminded members that we need to set new goals for 2017. He asked members to consider what goals they would recommend. He gave an example of environmental education and awareness. There was also some discussion about the prospect of the Environmental Commission adopting a logo and whether or not the City would allow that. Mr. Holdeman will explore that possibility. I. NEXT MEETING: September 1, 2016, at 4:00 PM A presentation on Complete Streets will be made Jessica Hyink of the DeKalb Sycamore Area Transportation Study J. ADJOURMENT Ms. Shult moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:38 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Koch. Motion carried by voice vote 6-0. Chair Oleckno declared the meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted: Tim Holdeman, Public Works Director Minutes Approved September 1, 2016 3