Citizens' Environmental Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB Citizen’s Environmental Commission August 6, 2020 The Citizens’ Environmental Commission (CEC) held a regular business meeting on August 6, 2020 at the DeKalb Police Department. Chair Clare Kron called the meeting to order at 4:06 p.m. A. Roll Call Roll call was recorded by Management Analyst, Jason Blumenthal, and the following members of the CEC were present: Chair Clare Kron, Rachel Farrell, Ken Koch, Sharon Skala, and Virginia Wilcox. Those absent were Dan Kenney, Bill Oleckno, and Steven Honeywell. Also present were Ex-Officio Member Amy Doll, Ex-Officio Member Mike Holland, Ex-Officio Member Sarah Fox, and Management Analyst, Jason Blumenthal. B. Approval of Agenda Chair Kron asked for a motion to approve the agenda MOTION Ms. Farrell moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Ms. Skala VOTE Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present C. Approval of Minutes a. Regular monthly meeting of March 5, 2020 The minutes from the May 7, 2020 meeting were approved. Motion by Ms. Wilcox, seconded by Ms. Farrell. D. Public Comment Chair Kron asked for public comment. There was no public comment. E. Commission Reports a. DeKalb County Health Department- Veronica Polvi Absent and no report due to COVID-19  b. DeKalb Park District- Amy Doll Ms. Doll talked about different sustainability projects the Park District is offering during the stay at home order for community members which is still in compliance with social distancing. The Park District also continues their natural trail restoration project, which includes planting and maintenance. c. Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District- Mike Holland Mr. Holland mentioned before about starting up their new generator, and how this continues to be an ongoing process which is going well. He also noted that they bought four new electronic dual charging ports for electric vehicles. Two for their public parking lot, and two for their employee parking lot. Landscaping and tree planting is also ongoing. d. Northern Illinois University- Sarah Fox NIU is looking at different ways to handle the COVID-19 situation in relation to teaching students come the Fall semester. e. City Staff Liaison: Jason Blumenthal The City Manager, Director of Public Works and Management Analyst Blumenthal have been talking to a third-party company about Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS). Management Analyst Blumenthal should have a report about which EVCS the City intends on buying, and the quantity by the next meeting. He has also started converting the sustainability plan into a word document, this will continue to be ongoing. Many City Hall employees have been working remotely and city staff are also preparing for the City Hall move. F. New Business 1. Supporting scientifically based government recommendations Chair Kron talked about how the commission wants to show that the City of DeKalb supports the recommendations from Governor Pritzker, Who, CDC, and other organizations through a press release, or some other way. Management Analyst Blumenthal noted that Chair Kron should provide an example so he can review it with the City Manager. Chair Kron said she would do so. 2. Ideas for shelter-in-place sustainability projects for the public. Chair Kron wanted to brainstorm different sustainability projects for the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. One suggestion made by her was establishing a native habitat in resident’s backyards. Ms. Skala mentioned it is a great time for bird watching or establishing a bird house in backyards. Ms. Farrell contributed to the idea of natural habitats by establishing insect habitats and buying plants for residences that do not have yards.  G. Old Business 1. Sustainability Plan Updates Management Analyst Blumenthal has been working on the conversion of the Sustainability Plan. He planned on continuing this process, and to have it completed by the next meeting for everyone to look at for review. 2. Monthly Daily Chronicle articles Chair Kron asked if anyone has forwarded articles to Mr. Honeywell since he is in charge of managing the articles for the Daily Chronicle. No one had at that point, Chair Kron reminded members to begin to look out for environmental articles that relate to our community. She also said the articles are dependent upon the approval of the City Manager. 3. Update on Monarch City registration Management Analyst Blumenthal said Ms. Farrell sent him over the application letter, he will review it, and send it to the Mayor. 4. Update on beekeeping ordinance Chair Kron noted that she was relying on Mr. Honeywell for the beekeeping ordinance, and since he was absent, she moved on. 5. Leaf burning ordinance Mr. Koch said that he had been working on it. He had looked at different ordinances from different communities. He said he would forward the information to Management Analyst Blumenthal 6. Plastic bag ordinance: address major provisions Chair Kron said they were going to look over the plastic bad ordinance and the provisions. She was supposed to contact managers of the local stores to illicit input. She said that she had been unable to do this due to COVID-19. 7. Planned presentations Animals in the City is planned for June 23 which is a cosponsored presentation between NIU’s Stem Cafe and the CEC. If necessary, it will be a virtual presentation. 8. Other updates on previously discussed items Chair Kron wants to invite Streets Superintendent, Andy Raih to the next commission meeting. H. Announcements 1. New Announcements Chair Kron announced that Mr. Oleckno is resigning.  2. Next Meeting: June 4, 4:00 p.m. I. Adjournment Chair Kron called for a motion to adjourn: MOTION Mr. Koch moved to adjourn; seconded by Ms. Farrell VOTE Motion was approved by unanimous voice vote/ Chair Kron Adjourned the meeting at 4:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Adam Grubbs, Management Intern.