Citizens' Environmental Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITIZENS’ ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION September 1, 2016 The Citizens’ Environmental Commission held a meeting on September 1, 2016, at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115. Chairman Oleckno called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. A. ROLL CALL Tim Holdeman called the roll and the following members of the Citizens' Environmental Commission were present: Dan Kenney, Ann Shult, Ken Koch, Bill Oleckno, Clare Kron, Michael Lundgren, Amy Doll (ex-officio), and Michelle Gibson (ex-officio). Mark Hein arrived late. Members Absent: Sharon Skala. Also present were: Tim Holdeman, City of DeKalb; Melissa Burlingame, Chair of the NIU Green Team; and other guests: Jessica Hyink and John Laskowski, representing the DeKalb Sycamore Area Transportation Study. B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS MOTION Mr. Koch 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. GUESTS: Jessica Hyink, Planner, and John Laskowski, City Engineer. The guests represented the DeKalb Sycamore Area Transportation Study and spoke on "Complete Streets". Mr. Laskowski and Ms. Hyink presented information regarding the Complete Streets policy that will be presented to the City Council with a recommendation to adopt the policy in the coming weeks. Ms. Hyink and Mr. Laskowski stressed that the policy is context sensitive, meaning that implementation of ideas set forth in the policy are considered on a project-by-project basis. They emphasized that safety for all the traveling public is a major component of Complete Streets. The group discussed Complete Streets as a way to increase pedestrian and bike traffic, thereby reducing air pollution from vehicular traffic. Mr. Koch expressed a concern that the City would try to accommodate all modes of transportation on all City streets. Ms. Hyink confirmed that it is not the goal of the policy to Citizen Environmental Commission September 1, 2016 Page 2 of 4 accommodate all modes of transportation on all City streets but only as appropriate. Ms. Shult asked if Complete Streets can aid economic growth. Ms. Hyink answered affirmatively and talked about "Place Making," the idea of making public spaces attractive and desirable to visit. Other discussion included a question about the County’s position on Complete Streets. Ms. Hyink explained that the City is taking the lead in approving the policy and that the City would work with the County and Sycamore on specific projects. MOTION Mr. Koch made a motion for the Commission to present a Statement of Support for the City of DeKalb Complete Streets Policy, seconded by Mr. Kenney. The motion was passed by voice vote 7-0. Chairman Oleckno will write a letter of support as directed and submit it to Mr. Laskowski in a few days following the meeting. E. APPROVAL of MINUTES for AUGUST 4, 2016 MOTION Mr. Kenney moved to approve, seconded by Ms. Kron. Minutes were approved by voice vote 7-0. F. NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairman Oleckno mentioned that the Second Reading of the Chapter 50 revisions passed at City Council. Ms. Kron mentioned she had attended the County Solid Waste Committee meeting. She recommended that other Commission members attend if they are able. She informed the group that one thing she learned was that zip strips and plastic bags are not recyclable. She commented that many good ideas about alternatives to disposing consumable items were presented. G. COMMISION REPORTS 1. City Liaison: Tim Holdeman Mr. Holdeman reported that the Commission can have an intern but that there are no City funds budgeted to support an intern. He also told the group that making a logo for the Commission was acceptable. He also reported that the City has a litter ordinance but does not have a no idling policy. Mr. Kenney inquired as to whether the Commission could apply for a grant from Waste Management. Mr. Holdeman indicated he would research that question and respond at the next meeting. 2. DeKalb County Health Department: Michelle Gibson 2 Citizen Environmental Commission September 1, 2016 Page 3 of 4 Ms. Gibson reported the County has 6 new Share-A-Bag containers in the budget for 2017. She also mentioned the electronic recycling program in DeKalb is running and will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2016. TVs and computer monitors will be taken for a small fee depending on the size. The County will collect pumpkins for composting this year at landscaping drop-off sites and at the landfill. Also, residents can add pumpkins to their landscaping waste bags. 3. DeKalb Park District: Amy Doll Ms. Doll mentioned that National Public Lands Day is September 24. There will be a river clean-up that day from 10 a.m. to noon. Interested participants should meet at the Lions Park Shelter at 10:00 a.m. H. NEW BUSINESS 1. Report on Sustainability Plan for Air quality, Goal 5: Ken Koch Mr. Koch talked about the 2014 Air Quality Report for the State of Illinois. A discussion followed about no-idling policies. An example of an ordinance from Park City, Utah was discussed. The point was made that good transportation planning can reduce air pollution by promoting other means of transportation than just cars. Mr. Kenney asked if there are any Illinois cities that had no-idling ordinances. Mr. Holdeman will research and report back to the Commission. 2. P.R.I.D.E. Awards: Summary of Criteria and Potential Nominees A press release requesting nominations was prepared by Chairman Oleckno to be sent out after September 1. The nomination form will be put on the City's web site and on Facebook. 3. Implications of Revised Chapter 50, “Citizens’ Environmental Commission” Chairman Oleckno went over a fact sheet he prepared on the Chapter 50 revisions. He noted that the Commission is now supposed to consist of eight (8) regular members and four (4) ex-officio members, representing the DeKalb County Health Department, the DeKalb Park District, the DeKalb Sanitary District, and Northern Illinois University, respectively. I. OLD BUSINESS 1. Sustainability Plan: Progress and Monitoring No updates. 2. Update on Share-A-Bag Program: Clare Kron Ms. Kron talked about using old Daily Chronicle newspaper dispensers, which was suggested by Chairman Oleckno at the last meeting. They each weigh about 100 pounds and will need to be refurbished, but they could be very useful. She also mentioned that the Salvation Army needs more bags for its container. 3 Citizen Environmental Commission September 1, 2016 Page 4 of 4 J. NEXT MEETING: October 6, 2016 at 4:00 PM K. ADJOURMENT Mr. Koch moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:42 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Kenney. Motion carried by voice vote 7-0. Chair Oleckno declared the meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted: Tim Holdeman, Public Works Director Approved by the Citizens’ Environmental Commission on October 6, 2016. 4