Environmental Commission

Regular Meeting

Glen Ellyn, IL · May 20, 2025

Minutes

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES May 20, 2025 Board or Environmental Date: May 20, 2025 Commission: Meeting: Regular Called to 7:00 p.m. Order: Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 9:09 p.m. MEMBER ATTENDANCE: Christy Truitt Chairperson Present Jeff D. Abeln Commissioner Absent Jacquelyn Casazza Commissioner Present John Day Commissioner Present Chris English Commissioner Present Mark Frigo Commissioner Present Barbara Kwiatkowsky Commissioner Present Karen Lilly Commissioner Absent Maggie Frigo Student Commissioner Present Also Present: Kristina Christie Management Analyst – Public Works Elisa Pollina Recording Secretary Sonya Desai Bhagwakar Village Trustee-Elect Chris Gutmann Park District Liaison Monica Miller Commissioner Candidate Steve Heller Commissioner Candidate Public Nathan Lamkey 600 Euclid Avenue I. CALL TO ORDER The May 20, 2025 meeting of the Environmental Commission was called to order by Chairperson Truitt at 7:00 PM at Glen Ellyn Civic Center. Chairperson Truitt introduced Environmental Commission (EC) commissioner candidates Monica Miller and Steve Heller. Miller has been a Glen Ellyn resident since 1987 and recently retired after 16 years in academic support at the College of DuPage. Heller, a Glen Ellyn resident for the past nine years, is also recently retired from his role as a high school English teacher and currently volunteers at the Morton Arboretum. II. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – Glen Ellyn resident Nathan Lamke shared concerns about the visible algae buildup around Lake Ellyn and inquired whether any plans are in place to address the issue. Chris Gutmann from the Park District responded Environmental Commission 2 May 20, 2025 that Lake Ellyn is an open system lake, and its location creates ideal conditions for algae growth. While there is no long-term remedy currently in place, the Park District began physical removal efforts yesterday, with the initial focus on cleaning up the shoreline. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRIL 15, 2025 Commissioner Day motioned to approve the April 15, 2025 meeting minutes as amended and Commissioner Kwiatkowsky seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. IV. LIAISON REPORTS A. Trustee Liaison Report: No report B. Staff Liaison Report – Staff Liaison Christie reported that the minutes from the May 5 meeting will be included in next month’s meeting packet for commission approval. She also noted that if the commission moves forward with hosting two recycling events, only one certificate of insurance will be needed to cover both events. C. Park District Liaison Report – Park District Liaison Gutmann shared several updates, noting that the Park District, in partnership with Go Green and the Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), recently planted 33 trees at Churchill Park. A total of 31 volunteers, including children, participated in the planting effort. Long-term care for the trees has begun, and they will be caged this fall to ensure protection. Additionally, the Park District has welcomed two new team members: Hannah, a tree care specialist, and Ryan, a forestry assistant. The Park District has also officially assumed management and restoration responsibilities for Panfish Park and Manor Woods. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Strategic Planning Priorities Recycling Extravaganza Update – Commissioner Kwiatkowsky provided a recap of the recent recycling event, reporting a turnout of 533 cars—approximately 100 fewer than last year. Despite the lower vehicle count, many collection numbers increased: 673 pounds of food were donated to the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry (up from 597 lbs. last year), and 491 eyeglasses were collected compared to 210 last year. Paint collection was lower than average, with 463 cans collected versus the typical 1,000. Eco Ship, the packaging materials vendor, collected 2,667 gallons of materials, including enough bubble wrap to fill two vans—some of which was donated in advance. Electronics collection totaled 14,874 pounds, and 65 bikes were donated. Commissioner Kwiatkowsky noted the event’s overall success and emphasized the need for more mini recycling events. She is still waiting for final data from a few vendors. Environmental Commission 3 May 20, 2025 Commissioner Casazza shared that many attendees praised the event’s organization and extended thanks to Barbara for her hard work. Kwiatkowsky added that Eco Ship’s total cost was $250, with no additional expenses incurred by the Environmental Commission. Looking ahead, she suggested diversifying future vendor participation, potentially adding sneaker recycling, light bulb collection, and textile vendors. She will follow up with Wheaton to learn about any vendors Glen Ellyn may be missing. Barbara noted that the commission hosts its large annual event in April, with mini events in June/July and October/November. Commissioner Casazza suggested promoting the DuPage County website’s “Recycling Coach” tool as a resource for residents to find year-round recycling options. The commission discussed holding the November mini event on either the 1st or 8th to coincide with the Pumpkin Smash. Commissioner Kwiatkowsky will check with vendors regarding their availability for those dates. Sustainability Baseline Assessment - Chairperson Truitt provided a recap of recent discussions, noting the Environmental Commission was asked to identify top priorities from the baseline assessment—specifically, which goals have the greatest impact and which may be less relevant. She emphasized that while the assessment is broad in scope, narrowing it too much could undermine its purpose. The Sustainability Baseline Assessment document is designed to set a high-level direction for the Village and serve as an ongoing reference point. Clarity in presenting the data is essential. The next phase will involve identifying actionable steps tied to each goal, but ultimately, it is the Village Board that will determine the priorities and allocate funding. Truitt shared that she spoke with Ted, the consultant, and clarified that the intent of the May 5 meeting was for the EC to review and align on the high-level goals ahead of the June 3 workshop. Actionable items will follow later in the process. Commissioner Frigo supported keeping the numeric goals as presented by Ted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the high-level approach. Staff Liaison Christie added that after the workshop, Ted will refine the goals and document based on feedback before it is presented to the Village Board. Commissioner Casazza noted the importance of including percentages for each goal to quantify impact and guide decision-making. Truitt asked the commission if they were comfortable with the percentages currently included in the draft. Casazza further emphasized that the overarching goal should be reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the EC should determine if that should remain the central objective for the Village. The commission discussed how best to present the goals, which will require both Village and resident engagement. Commissioner Kwiatkowsky reminded the group Environmental Commission 4 May 20, 2025 that the purpose of the baseline assessment was to understand where Glen Ellyn stands today in order to plan effectively for the future. Commissioner English expressed support for the plan as presented, reiterating that its primary aim is emissions reduction. He acknowledged that while the Village may ultimately pursue a different overarching goal due to other strategic priorities, the baseline provides clear, actionable targets for achieving net-zero emissions. He stated that even if not all numbers are fully understood, he supports the direction and framework outlined in the assessment. Commissioner Kwiatkowsky concluded by noting that the Sustainability Baseline Assessment should be treated as a living document—one that is revisited annually and adjusted as needed. Phase one will be considered complete once Ted issues his final report following the upcoming June 3 workshop. Sustainable Landscapes Update – Chairperson Truitt shared that the Conservation Foundation has agreed to promote the residential initiative and has offered to host a “Yard Certification Blitz Day,” providing free consultations to residents. The proposed date for the event is June 18. Truitt is currently waiting to hear if the Conservation Foundation would like the commission to manage the sign-up process. The event will be promoted through the Village newsletter, and Truitt will also reach out to Go Green to see if they’d like to assist with promotion. Additionally, Volunteer Park is scheduled to be planted next week, with plant deliveries expected between May 27–29. Truitt will notify the Environmental Commission once a planting date is confirmed. Waste Stewardship – Recognition of restaurants that reduce distribution of plastic silverware - Commissioner Kwiatkowsky shared an update on her research into local restaurants. She found that Glen Ellyn has a total of 66 restaurants, with 27 affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce and 23 with the Downtown Alliance. Of the 66, 23 are classified as fast food, meaning approximately two-thirds are not. This insight will help guide efforts to recognize and support restaurants that actively reduce or limit the distribution of single-use plastic silverware. VII Next Meeting & Adjournment A. Commissioner Frigo motioned and Commissioner English seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:09 pm. The next EC meeting – June 17, 2025 Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary Reviewed by Staff Liaison, Kristina Christie

Agenda

Packet

Agenda Village of Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission Meeting Tuesday, May 20, 2025 7:00 PM Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Room 306 Members of the public are welcome to speak to any item not specifically listed on tonight's Agenda. For those items which are on tonight's Agenda, the public will have the opportunity to comment at the time the item is discussed. Individuals wishing to address the Commission shall exercise proper decorum and respect for the proceedings and the business of the Environmental Commission, and shall refrain from abusive demeanor and language. Commissioners are not obligated to respond to questions. A. Call to Order B. Public Comment C. Approval of Minutes 1) Environmental Commission April 15, 2025 Meeting Minutes D. Reports 1) Park District Liaison Report 2) Trustee Liaison Report 3) Staff Liaison Report 4) Chair Report E. Old Business 1) Strategic Planning Priorities F. New Business G. Adjourn 1) Next meeting June 17, 2025 Village of Glen Ellyn Page 1 of 8 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES April 15, 2025 Board or Environmental Date: April 15, 2025 Commission: Meeting: Regular Called to 7:00 p.m. Order: Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 9:35 p.m. MEMBER ATTENDANCE: Christy Truitt Chairperson Present Jeff D. Abeln Commissioner Present Jacquelyn Casazza Commissioner Present John Day Commissioner Present Chris English Commissioner Present Mark Frigo Commissioner Present Barbara Kwiatkowsky Commissioner Present Karen Lilly Commissioner Absent Maggie Frigo Student Commissioner Present Also Present: Kristina Christie Management Analyst – Public Works Elisa Pollina Recording Secretary Donna Jean Simon Acting Village President Sonya Desai Bhagwakar Village Trustee-Elect Steve Szymanski Village Trustee-Elect Students from Glenbard West I. CALL TO ORDER The April 15, 2025 meeting of the Environmental Commission was called to order by Commissioner Frigo at 7:00 PM at Glen Ellyn Civic Center. Staff Liaison Christie announced that tonight's meeting would begin with a presentation by Ted from Pale Blue Dot. She explained that Ted would help guide the Environmental Commission (EC) through the Sustainability Assessment proposal and provide an additional presentation. Given the number of questions raised by the EC regarding the proposal, Christie felt this approach would be the most effective. Ted began by presenting an overview of the foundational documents, which included the Vulnerability Assessment, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory and Forecast, the Ground Cover Study, and the Renewable Energy Potential Study. He explained that all of this research was used to develop the summary and the Sustainability Baseline Assessment, providing a basis for goal development and implementation strategies. Page 2 of 8 Environmental Commission 2 April 15, 2025 Ted noted that Pale Blue Dot (PBD) applied the baseline assessment across all categories, testing examples of how certain strategies and goals could be implemented, supported by potential illustrated solutions. Each section of the assessment concludes with suggested starter goals. He reviewed the distinction between sustainable strategies and actions, explaining that strategies are broad, clear statement goals that reflect the community’s future vision, while actions are detailed steps supporting the strategies. When reviewing the baseline assessment, Ted asked the EC to consider the following key questions: 1. How well do the goals fit the Village’s needs? 2. Are there any changes you would suggest? 3. Are there any goals that should be eliminated? 4. Are there additional goals that should be added? Ted explained that the next steps would include holding a workshop to refine the goals. Staff Liaison Christie added that she is awaiting confirmation from the Village on what staff is responsible for and which EC members will participate in the workshop process. Once the goals are refined during the workshop, a presentation will be made to the Village Board during a future Board workshop. Ted then opened the floor for questions from the EC. Commissioner Frigo had previously submitted a list of questions, to which Ted will respond at a later date. Christie will also compile and send the additional questions received from the EC to Ted. A special workshop date will be scheduled to meet with Ted, during which all the proposed goals will be reviewed and finalized based on the EC's feedback. Following the workshop, the Sustainability Baseline Assessment will be finalized, and the EC will determine their formal recommendations to present to the Village Board. The Environmental Commission (EC) further discussed the next steps and agreed it would be beneficial to meet prior to the workshop to review each category and develop preliminary recommendations. This meeting will be scheduled for early May. II. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – None III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 11, 2025 & MARCH 18, 2025 MEETING Commissioner Day motioned to approve the February 11, 2025 meeting minutes and Commissioner Frigo seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Commissioner English motioned to approve the March 18, 2025 meeting minutes as amended and Commissioner Kwiatkowsky seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. Page 3 of 8 Environmental Commission 3 April 15, 2025 IV. LIAISON REPORTS A. Trustee Liaison Report: Trustee Simon provided several Village updates. She noted that two new trustees, Steve Szymanski and Sonya Desai Bhagwakar, have been elected to the Village Board. The Akerman Park Community Gardens project has been approved by the Board; the site, originally zoned for residential use, required a zoning change to allow for non-residential use. Simon also shared that the Village has a new Assistant Village Manager, Sabrina Irizarry, who was sworn in during last night’s meeting. Additionally, a swearing-in ceremony was held for five new police officers. The newly elected Village Board will be officially sworn in on May 12. B. Staff Liaison Report – Staff Liaison Christie announced that a proclamation recognizing Bike Month for Bike Glen Ellyn will be issued. C. Park District Liaison Report – Park District Liaison Gutmann provided updates that Kristina Christie presented: Interviews are currently underway for the open tree care position. A bird migration walk is scheduled for Thursday. Invasive tree and shrub removal has been completed for the season and will resume in the fall if needed. In total, three acres of buckthorn, honeysuckle, and multiflora rose were removed. D. Chair Report – Chairperson Truitt provided several updates, noting that Volunteer Park has been cleared and will become the fourth location in town to feature a sustainable garden. Max is currently in the process of ordering plants for the site. Truitt expressed gratitude to all the volunteers who generously donated their time to the project. Additionally, 50 trees were planted during the recent community tree planting event. Truitt also thanked the Village staff for helping make the Environmental Commission’s content more visible in the Village newsletter. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Strategic Planning Priorities Chairperson Truitt reviewed the EC's upcoming priorities: Sustainable Yard Certification Blitz days – Commissioner Day proposed setting a goal of certifying 200 yards. This summer, the Conservation Foundation will conduct a yard certification blitz, and the Environmental Commission will help promote the effort. Chairperson Truitt will work with the Conservation Foundation to select three dates for the blitz, which will then be publicized. Currently, there are 60 certified sustainable yards in Glen Ellyn. Recycling Extravaganza Update – Commissioner Kwiatkowsky provided an update, noting that reminder emails have been sent to all vendors, with no cancellations to date. She observed that posters promoting the event have not yet been placed in the Civic Center. Volunteers are confirmed and ready for the event, and all vendors will handle their own cash transactions and staffing. Kwiatkowsky stated that preparations are on track and thanked the Village for doing a great job promoting the event. She asked all volunteers to arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. Page 4 of 8 Environmental Commission 4 April 15, 2025 Commissioner Casazza inquired about promoting new vendors participating in this year’s event. Staff Liaison Christie will follow up with Grant, and Casazza will provide the new vendor information to share with him. The Environmental Commission also discussed creating a QR code that attendees can scan at the event to learn more about upcoming EC activities and volunteer opportunities, such as the Sustainable Garden Walk and future tree plantings. Staff Liaison Christie will coordinate and create the QR code materials. VI. NEW BUSINESS Municipal Sustainability Certifications - Commissioner English provided an update, noting that last month the EC identified several certifications the Village is either already participating in or could easily pursue. • Monarch Pledge: The Village is already participating at the second tier of this certification. We need to submit the required paperwork and fee to maintain our status. • Bird City: This certification requires a one-time application fee of $200, with an annual renewal fee of $100 for up to three years. Public Works is already completing much of the necessary work and can confirm compliance. A resolution would need to be passed by the Village Board. The EC would be responsible for preparing the supporting documentation, which would then be reviewed and signed off by Public Works. A proclamation recognizing bird migration (scheduled for May 10) and a migration-related event (which the Park District is already hosting) would satisfy additional requirements. • Bee City: This certification is more policy-driven, focusing heavily on pesticide use. Achieving it would require broader conversations with the Village, Park District, and schools regarding pesticide ordinances. It would involve significantly more work and coordination. • Dark Skies: Also largely policy-based, the Village is already meeting some criteria. We can apply for a temporary two-year membership, during which we must work toward full compliance. Board approval would be needed to move forward. • Wildlife Habitat Community: This certification would take considerable time to achieve. It is based on a point system tied to the number of properties certified as wildlife habitats. Strong documentation and a narrative outlining our efforts would be required. Commissioner English recommended that the EC move forward with the Monarch Pledge and Bird City certifications, and offered to prepare the necessary documentation. The EC agreed with the recommendation. Chairperson Truitt volunteered to conduct additional research on the Wildlife Habitat Community certification. Commissioner Kwiatkowsky commended Commissioner English for his outstanding research and for providing a clear roadmap for pursuing these sustainability certifications. Page 5 of 8 Environmental Commission 5 April 15, 2025 Tree Ordinance – Chairperson Truitt reported that she reviewed the ordinance with Trustee Christiansen, and Trustee Christiansen then forwarded it to the Village Attorney for review. Waste Stewardship – Recognition of restaurants that reduce distribution of plastic silverware - Commissioner Kwiatkowsky reported that she received feedback from Mount Prospect regarding their approach to reducing plastic utensil waste. In Mount Prospect, businesses ask customers if they would like plastic utensils, making it optional rather than automatic. To support this effort, they created a decal, and a representative visited local restaurants to see if they were participating. If they were, the decal was provided for display. Commissioner Kwiatkowsky suggested this could be a good initiative to implement in Glen Ellyn. Commissioner Casazza added that related legislation recently passed at the state level, and noted that many restaurants support the change because it saves them money. The EC agreed to move forward with exploring this initiative. Trustee Simon will reach out to Meredith Hannah to discuss this program. VII Next Meeting & Adjournment A. Commissioner Frigo motioned and Commissioner English seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 pm. The next EC meeting – May 20, 2025 Submitted by Elisa Pollina, Recording Secretary Reviewed by Staff Liaison, Kristina Christie Page 6 of 8 Glen Ellyn Environmental Meeting 5/20/2025 7:00 PM Commission Department: Public Works - Internal Services 535 Duane Street Department Head: Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Category: Discussion Item Prepared By: AGENDA ITEM (ID # 2025- DOC ID: 2025-460 460) Strategic Planning Priorities Statement of the Issue: a. LAND Stewardship - Cultivate Green Infrastructure and Resilient Landscapes i. Sustainable Landscapes 1. Residential Initiative - Yard Certification Blitz Days – discuss Summer Promotions 2. Community Initiative * Pershing Ave / Bridge Communities Landscaping Project (status update) 3. Municipal Initiative – Sustainable Transformation of Volunteer Park (status update) ii. Tree Planting and Preservation 1. Residential Initiative - Ordinance Discussion (status update) 2. Community Initiative - Preserving Babcock’s Grove (status update) 3. Municipal Initiative * Arbor Day Tree Planting at Volunteer Park (event update) * 50 Trees for EC’s 50th Year (event update) iii. Municipal Sustainability Certifications – recommendations for near term and long- term goals 1. Mayor’s Monarch Pledge, Bird City, Bee City, Dark Skies Community, NWF Wildlife Habitat Community b. WASTE Stewardship - Reduce Landfill Waste i. Recycling 1. Recycling Extravaganza – Event Recap ii. Composting Page 7 of 8 1. Compost Give-back (event update) iii. Reduce – discussion of municipal or commercial recognition of restaurants that reduce distribution of plastic silverware c. ENGAGE - Educate & Motivate i. Communications 1. STROLL Articles – Series recommendations (update) 2. Website Resources - Green Initiatives Status (status update) 3. Digital Newsletters – Solar, Babcock’s Grove Preservation (update) ii. Events and Education 1. 2025 – 50 Year Anniversary of GEEC * Planting 50 Trees with CRTI (event updates) * Celebration – Monarch Migration (September) or Oaktoberfest (defer) iii. Plans and Publications 1. Sustainability Baseline Assessment – Next Steps Analysis: Budget Impact: Contribution to Strategic Plan Action Requested: Attachments: Page 8 of 8