Citizens' Environmental Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITIZENS’ ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION June 6, 2019 The Citizens’ Environmental Commission (CEC) held a regular business meeting on June 6, 2019, in the Executive Conference Room at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois, 60115. Chair Dan Kenney called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. A. ROLL CALL Roll call was recorded by Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal and the following members of the CEC were present: Chair Dan Kenney, Vice-Chair Clare Kron, Sharon Skala, Ken Koch, Bill Oleckno, Ann Shult, Rachel Farrell, and Steve Honeywell. Ex-officio members in attendance: Christine Lagattolla. Also present were City Manager Bill Nicklas and Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal. B. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Kenney asked for a motion to approve the agenda. MOTION Ms. Kron moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Ms. Shult. VOTE Motion was carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present. C. PUBLIC COMMENT Chair Kenney asked for public comment. No public comment was given. D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Kenney asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Monthly Meeting held on May 2, 2019. MOTION Mr. Oleckno moved to approve the minutes for the Regular Monthly Meeting held on May 2, 2019; seconded by Ms. Farrell. Citizen Environmental Commission June 6, 2019 Page 2 of 4 VOTE Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present. E. COMMISSION REPORTS 1. DeKalb County Health Department: Veronica Polvi Not Present 2. DeKalb Park District: Amy Doll Not Present 3. Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District: Michael Holland Not Present 4. Northern Illinois University: Christine Lagattolla Ms. Lagattolla indicated that a gear sale was had and over 600 items were sold. They will be looking into additional sales and hopefully doing such on a more annual basis. In addition, there have been three meetings about the Children’s Nature Coalition in which they are helping with engagement of youth with environmental and outdoor topics. More information is to come. 5. City of DeKalb: Jason Blumenthal Management Analyst Blumenthal introduced himself to the Commission advising he would be the staff liaison to the Commission. Ms. Kron asked for an update on ComEd and the installation of the new LED lights. Management Analyst Blumenthal indicated the remainder were being installed this year in the second half of the City. Ms. Kron asked if there could be a joint press release about ways of shielding the LED lights and how to contact ComEd. Management Analyst Blumenthal will reach out to the Mayor and ComEd for feedback. F. NEW BUSINESS 1. Bike Friendly Designation Management Analyst Blumenthal stated that the City’s designation does not expire until 2020; however, the City would like to begin the process of renewal. A discussion commenced regarding different bicycle safety topics, along with the CEC’s desire to work with the YMCA on these topics. Management Analyst Blumenthal advised he will forward a grading criteria document to CEC members for their review and comment. Citizen Environmental Commission June 6, 2019 Page 3 of 4 G. OLD BUSINESS 1. Sustainability Plan Updates Ms. Kron states that an additional goal should be added to the plan as 11-A. Chair Kenney asked if it would make sense to have a complete discussion on the Sustainability Plan as the five-year anniversary is approaching. After discussion, the consensus was that one of the upcoming meetings should be dedicated to the Sustainability Plan. Chair Kenney will determine when that will be on the agenda. Members requested this item occur prior to October. 2. Vehicle Charging Stations Update Management Analyst Blumenthal indicated that he will be obtaining status information on this topic and will provide members with a full status report at the next meeting. 3. 5 G Coming Ms. Kron indicated that 5G wireless technology may be installed in DeKalb and there will be little opportunity for citizen comment. Ms. Kron will provide updates on future developments. 4. Updates on Other Items Discussed Previously Chair Kenney provided attendees a copy of correspondence he wanted to forward to the Police Chief as well as the Mayor and City Council. MOTION Ms. Shult moved to send the letter as presented; seconded by Mr. Oleckno. VOTE Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Management Analyst Blumenthal will produce the letter on City of DeKalb letterhead and forward to the appropriate parties. Commission members indicated they would like some jobs on how to stay active and involved with the Commission. H. ANNOUNCEMENTS Next Regular Meeting: Thursday, August 1, 2019, 4:00 p.m. Please note that the July 5, 2019 regularly scheduled meeting is to be cancelled. Citizen Environmental Commission June 6, 2019 Page 4 of 4 Ms. Shult announced this was her last meeting. She is resigning her post on the Commission to begin her second career. A special presentation will follow this meeting on Air Quality Inside Out by William Oleckno at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers. ADJOURNMENT Chair Kenney asked for a motion to adjourn. MOTION Ms. Kron moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ms. Shult. VOTE Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present. Chair Kenney declared the meeting adjourned at 5:03 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Jason Blumenthal, Management Analyst