Citizens' Environmental Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITIZENS’ ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION October 6, 2016 The Citizens’ Environmental Commission held a meeting on October 6, 2016, at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115. Chairman Oleckno called the meeting to order at 4:04 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, Sharon Skala, and Michelle Gibson (ex-officio). Mark Hein arrived late. Members Absent: Amy Doll (ex-officio). Also present were: Tim Holdeman, City of DeKalb; Mike Holland, guest; Melissa Burlingame, Chair of the NIU Green Team, and Dale Osterle, resident. B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS MOTION Ms. Skala moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Ms. Kron. Agenda was approved by voice vote 7-0. C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Ms. Dale Osterle, former participant in developing the Sustainability Plan, was in attendance to see the work that the Commission was doing now. D. APPROVAL of MINUTES for September 1, 2016 MOTION Ms. Shult moved to approve, seconded by Mr. Kenney. One minor change. Change “on” to “and” in item F. Ms. Kron moved to accept the minutes as amended, seconded by Mr. Lundgren. Minutes were approved by voice vote 7-0. E. NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairman Oleckno noted that he wrote a letter in support of Complete Streets and mentioned Mike Holland's approval as an ex-officio member will go to City Council on 10/24/16. Citizen Environmental Commission October 6, 2016 Page 2 of 4 It was announced that Ms. Kron will represent the Citizens’ Environmental Commission on the NIU Green Team in place of Chairman Oleckno, who requested a replacement. The City of Sycamore is offering trees at low prices, and Chairman Oleckno asked if this might be possible for DeKalb. It was noted by some Commission members that the species are not native and therefore less desirable. Mr. Holdeman will confirm that the City of DeKalb plants native trees. Mr. Lundgren reported on his participation in Clean-Up the Kishwaukee River Day. He enjoyed the hard work of cleaning the river and noted there is much more to be done. Ms. Gibson commented on the County’s program to encourage residents to compost their pumpkins. Ms. Burlingame spoke about Green Drinks, an environmental networking opportunity. The organization can be found on Facebook. Mr. Holland announced that the DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District has an approved watershed study for the South Branch of the Kishwaukee River. They are going for a 310 non-point source Pollution grant. There will be a watershed work group established in the future. F. COMMISSION REPORTS 1. City Liaison: Tim Holdeman Mr. Holdeman reported no-idling ordinances and laws being used in Illinois. Discussion of no- idling centered on whether the City should adopt no idling as a policy or ordinance. Mr. Holdeman will discuss this with City departments and report back to the Commission. Mr. Holdeman also reported on the City Attorney’s opinion that the Commission could not apply for a grant; however, the City could and then ask the Commission to participate in the activities supported by the grant. 2. DeKalb County Health Department: Michelle Gibson Ms. Gibson reported on the Food Scrap Forum, which focuses on policy. Topics include "pay- as-you-throw" programs. Several State policymakers were in attendance. Ms. Gibson will send out a notice for the next meeting. 3. DeKalb Park District: Amy Doll No Report. G. OLD BUSINESS 1. Updates to Progress on Sustainability Plan Ms.Kron added to Section 12.3 native landscaping. A discussion followed regarding the need to update the City Council on the Sustainability Plan. Chairman Oleckno indicated that there is a requirement in Chapter 50 of the Municipal Code to provide the Council with an annual update and that this was done recently. 2 Citizen Environmental Commission September 1, 2016 Page 3 of 4 2. Update on Share-A-Bag Program: Clare Kron Ms. Kron contacted the Daily Chronicle about using old newspaper dispensers, which she inquired about previously, but has not yet received a reply. A presentation on the program was made at NIU. The Huskie Food Pantry will have a Share-a- Bag dispenser in place next week with 50 bags. Ms. Kron delivered 50 bags to the Salvation Army for their dispenser. The NIU Student Council President is investigating a dispenser at the bookstore. 3. P.R.I.D.E. Awards: Change in Deadlines, Initial Nominees Chairman Oleckno commented that the press release was delayed and therefore that the new deadline for nominations was extended to October 26. 4. Potential Student Interns for CEC Mr. Kenney provided an NIU contact. 5. City Website Chairman Oleckno indicated Mr. Lundgren needs to be added to the list of members on the website. Ms. Skala, who previously monitored the website, will be passing that duty on to Mr. Lundgren and Ms. Shult. She will also share her ideas for additions to the webpage with them. H. NEW BUSINESS 1. Littered Retention Ponds Mr. Lundgren provided a report, including pictures, of the litter in and around the retention ponds on or near Sycamore Road. Mr. Holdeman suggested contacting the landowners to encourage them to clean up their properties. 2. CEC Logo Mr. Lundgren provided several examples of possible logos representing the Commission. The Commission members suggested that one or two of the logos should be refined and re-presented at the next meeting for further discussion and possible adoption. 3. Green Issues: Education and Communication Ms. Kron shared a short video communicating environmental issues and suggested that the Commission adopt or develop their own videos to communicate important environmental issues to the public. The Commissioners were receptive to the idea of developing short videos, and this will be discussed further at the next meeting. Ms. Kron also encouraged members to attend the screening of the documentary film "Before the Flood," which will be presented later this month. I. NEXT MEETING: November 3, 2016, at 4:00 PM 3 Citizen Environmental Commission October 6, 2016 Page 4 of 4 J. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Skala moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:07 p.m.; seconded by Mr. Koch. Motion carried by voice vote 8-0. Chairman Oleckno declared the meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted: Tim Holdeman, Public Works Director Minutes Approved November 3, 2016 4