Environmental Commission

Agenda Village of Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission Meeting Tuesday, June 16, 2026 7:00 PM Glen Ellyn Civic Center, Room 301 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 1) Commissioner Jeff Gahris, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County C. Approval of Minutes 1) Approval of Environmental Commission May 19, 2026 Meeting Minutes 2) Approval of April Chair Report D. Presentation 1) Village Code Updates, Jennifer Henaghan, Community Development Director E. Reports 1) Park District Liaison Report 2) Trustee Liaison Report 3) Staff Liaison Report 4) Chair Report F. Old Business 1) Strategic Planning Priorities G. New Business H. Adjourn Civility Pledge - In the interest of civility, I pledge to promote civility by listening, being respectful of others, acknowledging that we are striving to support and improve our community, and understanding that we each may have different ideas for achieving that objective. Page 1 of 22  ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 19, 2026 Board or Environmental Date: May 19, 2026 Commission: Meeting: Regular Called to Order: 7:00 p.m. Quorum: Yes Adjourned: 8:05p.m. Member Attendance: Present/Absent Christy Truitt Chair Present Jeff Abeln Commissioner Absent Jacquelyn Casazza Commissioner Present John Day Commissioner Present Chris English Commissioner Present Mark Frigo Commissioner Present Barbara Kwiatkowsky Commissioner Absent Monica Miller Commissioner Present Tara Sheily Commissioner Present Also Present: J.D. Barrett Management Analyst Present Sonia Desai Bhagwakar Trustee Liaison Absent Chirs Gutman Park Liaison A. Call to Order The May 19, 2026 regular meeting of the Environmental Commission was called to order by Chair Truitt at 7:00 PM at Glen Ellyn Civic Center. B. Public Participation- None C. Approval of Minutes- a brief recommendation was made to possibly bold the resolutions which are voted on. Move to Approve the Minutes from February 24, 202 and April 21, 2026 Result: Motion to approve Mover: Monica Casazza Seconder: Mark Frigo Ayes: Unanimous Voice Vote Page 2 of 22 Move to Approve the Minutes from April 21, 2026 Result: Motion to approve Mover: Chris English Seconder: John Day Ayes: Unanimous Voice Vote D. Reports 1. Chris Gutman- Park Liaison a. CRTI planting event; planted 27 trees with 30 people, 25 trees at Ackerman for arbor day b. 4-year phase plan at pan fish- phase out the invasive species and restore with providing a visual screen for residents c. Aggressive approach to managing Lake Ellyn with nutrient binding, restoration and min use of chemicals. Trying to address the restoration on shoreline buffers and try to do as much nutrient binding as possible; max depth of 9ft, more than likely not 9ft anymore and how to best deal with the algae. Pollution could be attributed to lawn care that goes into the water, water shed into Lake Ellyn is a big part and there used to be multiple streams that flowed into the lake, some which are now underground or gone. Rain garden has been a success. Working with Glenbard West on broader project i. Commissioner recommended that perhaps the Park District to add some sustainable landscaping and pesticide management info to the newsletter or perhaps hold a community event. ii. Lake Ellyn has springs that feed into Glen Ellyn but not fed by Lake Superior iii. Pan Fish- blind spot that has caused potential accidents d. Earth week 190 people attended during the week e. Glen Ellyn Manor has had some vandalism 2. Trustee Liaison Report- Sonya Desai Bhagwakar- Not Present None 3. Staff Liaison Report- J.D. Barrett a. GWA- received $21,000 grant for pollinator farm on property b. Trees- approach which was favored was the three design models – would like something similar for Aug/ Sept workshop i. Will need budget numbers after the workshop to submit for calendar year 2027 Page 3 of 22  c. Compost Dropoff Project- plan on requesting funds for Calendar Year 2027 budget process; proposal start with pilot and have funds to extend if it goes well. 4. Chair Report- Julie a. Planted over 50 trees in Glen Ellyn with CRTI, 25 at high school, 25 at Park District. Eco club at Glenbard West participated, at Park District the local Glen Ellyn community participated along with some Environmental Commissioner members. Additionally, community members from Naperville, Downers Grove and other towns showed up i. How do we get Glen Ellyn Residents excited about planting trees within our community; perhaps plan with a community corporation to promote the day b. Tree preservation-For June meeting, JD will bring research to discuss more about topic. Maybe look at Westmont Tree Permit program, CRTI recommends chain linked fence around trees, what type of tree fences would be required/ recommended. i. Hidden benefit (value) of trees is being able to reduce storm water issues in town; value of tree canopy that disperses the water when raining ii. Perhaps target construction contractors and hold them accountable- is there a way to tie contractors to police bad contractors/jobs iii. Question was asked about trees causing a problem at burial site; if that were to happen Village would address iv. Another question was asked about what would happen if resident asked to cut down tree but was denied; who would be liable? If that were to happen, case would have to be addressed by Village. c. 50 yards conservation at home program- Village will sponsor certification fees for the first 50 certifications for community residents- sign up via website d. Summer of the Monarch- May 12th great event with residents speaking with other residents- June 9th next event, website is on glen Ellyn page; also using website to promote plant sales e. Pesticide management with sustainable landscaping, what to plant and what not to use- has an effect on Lake Ellyn f. Glen Ellyn Recycle website- Tara working on promoting the program via website providing the residents with how to recycle. 3 points of Recycling: i. Know what to throw away ii. Empty, clean, dry iii. Don’t bag it Page 4 of 22  *When in doubt, throw it out* Add second page to provide information on where to drop off recycling items such as paint suggested. E. Old Business Topics 1. Strategic Planning Priorities- make a digestible presentation, get everything down to 2 pages, what are our priorities, further developed on a 2-pager document 2. Need staffs feedback and make sure that the strategic planning priorities tie with comprehensive plan. Starting with waste and water first followed by the rest so that board members have time to review. 3. Sustainability action planning shooting to complete at tail end of Tree Design Models- shooting for September 1st before budget review F. New Business Commissioner Frigo made a motion to adjourn the meeting and it was seconded by Commissioner English. Adjourn 8:05pm Page 5 of 22 Spring Plant Sale Choose from annuals and perennials(including unusual varieties), as well as herbs, vegetables, 2026 Schedule hanging baskets, mixed containers and succulents. Thursday, May 7 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location College of DuPage Greenhouse Friday, May 8 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Southwest corner of the Technical Education Center (TEC) Credit/Debit Only Information Amy Hull, (630) 942-3806, hullamy@cod.edu Marty Bartz, (630) 942-3807, bartzm@cod.edu cod.edu/horticulture For ADA accommodations, please email access @cod.edu with the event title in the subject line and your accommodation request. Please email two weeks in advance. ©2026 College of DuPage. All rights reserved. AA-26-652455(3/26)250 Page 6 of 22 Glen Ellyn Compost Drop Off Pilot Program proposal for review by EC March 17, 2026 Summary of the issue: According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, food is the single largest category of material placed in our landfills, taking up 30% of landfill space. Composting diverts organic waste that would otherwise be placed in the trash. This process helps to create healthier soil, plants and crops, conserve and filter water, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and suppress plant disease and pests. Glen Ellyn’s residential curbside composting program, while gradually increasing in popularity, still has a less than 10% household participation rate village-wide. EC has discussed ways to increase composting, including making the composting program automatically included in the residential waste hauling contract, lowering the monthly cost, or offering additional one time incentives. Residents of smaller households (empty nesters or 1-2 children) have provided feedback that the cost of composting does not make financial sense as they do not generate enough food waste. Proposal: Commissioners Casazza and Truitt have explored the idea of a community compost drop off program modeled off the Village of Wilmette’s program. Propose to issue an RFP with the goal to create a three to six month pilot community compost drop off program. For the program to be successful, collaboration would be needed between the Village and the Park District, as well as the Village’s Public Works department. Additionally, an individual on Village or GEPD staff would need to be designated to handle resident communication regarding the launch of the program as well as questions during the program. See background and suggestions following related to the Wilmette Compost Drop Off Program. ●​ North: Ackerman ●​ Central: Glenwood Station Parking Lot ●​ SE: Spring Ave or Maryknoll ●​ SW: Village Green or Public Works ●​ South: Willowbrook Wildlife Center and/or COD (as this would be another taxing jurisdiction, would have to confirm program participation). Page 7 of 22 Wilmette Program Structure and Results: Wilmette has ~28,000 residents and ~9,700 households Pilot program ran from August - December 2025 and was recently extended to run through the end of 2026. ●​ 3 drop off locations are on Village property (parking lot, CTA lot, Public Works facility) ●​ 2 drop off locations are on Park District property (public park and rec center) ●​ 5 locations total, all locations began with two 32 gallon totes. Food scraps are the only permitted items for collection Results of program: ●​ Capacity has increased every month, beginning with 1500 lbs of foodscraps collected weekly at the beginning of the program to over 4500 lbs collected weekly by the end of the pilot ●​ Bin size has been doubled at all sites from 32 to 64 gallons ●​ Library has also expressed interest in joining as a partner ●​ Resident feedback is overwhelmingly positive ●​ Waste Not has provided reports on contamination and indicates that the pickup has been 95% foodscraps (remaining is yard waste). Over the lifetime of the program, only 4 instances of dumping (yard waste bags and pumpkins). ●​ Wilmette suggested dumping can be avoided if bins are located in a more confined area (i.e., against a building as opposed to an open lot). ●​ In the rare dumping instances, Wilmette’s Public Works department completed the clean up ●​ Wilmette Sustainability Coordinator Lucy Mellen handled the initial program roll out and communication. Since the roll out, there are very few resident questions; primarily they are directed to the dedicated page on the Village website. Cost and providers ●​ Wilmette issued an RFP to LRS (Village’s waste hauler), Collective Resource/Urban Canopy, Block Bins, and Waste Not. ○​ LRS and Block Bins were ruled out due to “tipping” model which would have emptied but not cleaned bins in between pickups. ○​ Waste Not was selected as they provided the most competitive pricing, the option for larger bins, and the option to have extra bins on hand stored at the public works facility. ●​ Cost is $18 per 32 gal bin per pickup; $35 per 64 gal bin per pickup. Village and Park District split cost accordingly. ●​ Village of Skokie ~67,000 residents / ~25,000 households and Winnetka ~12,000 residents/ ~4,100 households also have community drop off programs Submitted for review March 17, 2026 by Commissioner Casazza Page 8 of 22 MILTON TOWNSHIP/GLEN ELLYN MOSQUITO ABATEMENT DISTRICT Mosquito Control Services provided to Taxpayers within the District HELPFUL TIPS MOSQUITO CONTRACTOR The District has hired Clarke Environmental for mosquito inspection and abatement services. All products used are U.S. EPA approved. Report increased mosquitoes or standing water to Clarke Environmental at 800-942-2555 or wmad@clarke.com. Wear Insect Repellent SURVEILLANCE During the warm weather season, we monitor mosquito populations in the District using traps. The Culex species can spread West Nile virus, while local Aedes species primarily cause annoying bites. Wear Long/ Other Aedes species that could spread diseases like Zika and dengue have not Protective Clothing established here. Mosquito levels and West Nile Virus presence vary monthly, so we work with agencies and researchers to monitor them. This helps us reduce mosquito populations and lessen infection risk. Cut Tall Grasses CONTROL MEASURES Mosquito populations are controlled by treating breeding grounds, especially areas with standing water. Long-lasting larvicide tablets are delivered on bikes and used in catch basins to prevent breeding. Adult mosquitoes are managed during peak threat times, such as before public Don’t Leave events, with nighttime spraying to target annoyance mosquitoes and Standing Water reduce the risk of West Nile virus transmission. Page 9 of 22  MILTON TOWNSHIP/GLEN ELLYN MOSQUITO ABATEMENT DISTRICT WHY WE FIGHT MOSQUITOES Mosquitoes can be a nuisance and a health concern due to their ability to transmit diseases. That’s why the Milton Township/ Glen Ellyn Mosquito Abatement District was established in April 2019. Our mission, established by voter referendum, is to protect public health and improve the quality of life by managing mosquito populations. This summer, we're actively monitoring and controlling various mosquito species. For more information on our efforts and how you can help, please refer to the details on the front of this card. QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CURRENT MOSQUITO PRACTICES? Ask the Mosquito/Environmental Professionals May 6th at 7:00 p.m. miltontownship.net 1492 N. Main St., Wheaton Milton Township Leaders Elizabeth “Buffy” Higgins-Beard: Supervisor Event Questions? (630) 668-1616 Dan Bailey: Clerk Mike Drew: Highway Commissioner Chris LeVan: Assessor Jacqueline McGrath, Paula McGowen, Larry Pitts, Stephen Siemer: Trustees Page 10 of 22  - S ATE ED E TH SAV E - DAT E E TH AV -S TE MILTON TOWNSHIP/GLEN ELLYN MOSQUITO ABATEMENT DISTRICT INVITES YOU TO: Ask the Mosquito/Environmental Professional May 6th at 6:00 p.m. 1492 N. Main St., Wheaton Event Questions? (630) 668-1616 Page 11 of 22 2026 Glen Ellyn Recycling Extravaganza – Event Review & Recommendations Insights and suggestions for improving recycling initiatives Page 12 of 22  EVENT OVERVIEW 2026 Glen Ellyn Recycling Largest Community Recycling Event Extravaganza The 2026 event marked Glen Ellyn's biggest recycling effort, showcasing strong community sustainability interest. Comprehensive Waste Stations Multiple stations offered shredding, electronics, textiles, donations for reuse, and specialty item recycling for convenience. [link to wheaton event - GE had more stations, collected more types of items] Effective Strategic Planning The event layout allowed smooth flow of residents through various recycling stations enhancing efficiency. Community Engagement and Partnerships Strong marketing and partnerships with nonprofits boosted participation and reinforced environmental stewardship. Page 13 of 22 EVENT CONFIGURATION & STAFFING Site Layout and Volunteer Deployment Station Configuration Four primary stations managed different materials to optimize flow and reduce congestion during the event. Volunteer Roles and Support Volunteers directed traffic, assisted residents, and supported vendors with additional help from three floaters. Facilities and Signage Restrooms and volunteer parking were clearly marked; signage enhanced operational clarity and resident experience. Page 14 of 22  POSITIVE OUTCOMES Effective Marketing and Outreach What Worked Well Strong marketing efforts led to record attendance (double past events) and emphasized the need for ongoing resident education. Optimized Parking Lot Usage Using Parking Lot 6 reduced wait times by providing ample space and multiple exits for smooth flow. Signage and Direction Station signage clearly designated stops. Popular Shredding Stop Shredding drew a huge crowd. Estimated 80% of the cars took advantage. Truck filled just after 11am. Strong Collection Volume Broad range of items collected across vendors. Most vendors completely filled their trucks; some were full by 11am; some returned with additional trucks Lunch Lunch was very much welcomed and provided by Christy Truitt, ☺. Page 15 of 22  AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT –Event Setup– Operational Challenges Premature Resident Queuing Early resident arrival before parking lot closure caused setup delays, vendor delays, and staff confusion. Close lot the day before the event and publish a vendor/volunteer-only entrance that avoids the queue. Insufficient Early Staffing Limited staff presence before 8:30 a.m. led volunteers to seek assistance from busy public works staff. Encourage 4 lead volunteers to arrive 1 hour before event start. Vendors should affrive 45 minutes prior to the event start. –Event Day– Traffic Direction Bottlenecks The first traffic fork (not to plan) created a notable delay, backing cars to the street and underutilizing space in the parking lot. Alleviate by using signage rather than discussion with a volunteer. Enlist the help of CERT to establish a better set-up and traffic pattern. Station Bottlenecks • Understaffed payment stations (JunkLuggers). Alleviate by enabling pre-payment or requiring multiple payment lanes. • Station 4 Vendors set up too close. Earlier setup would enable working to plan - placing vendors with longest anticipated lines in locations with most ability to form a queue without impacting other stations. • Misunderstood double-sided drop-off lanes caused delays or missed opportunities for efficiency. Reevaluate double-sided drop off with vendor discussions and education. • Lack of tables at some stations made collections challenging. Add table setup to site plan. Volunteer Challenges • Vendor volunteers did not have latest information provided to their organization and in some cases were abrasive to Commission volunteers. Consider an event day cell contact directly with the vendor organization to smooth communications. • Community volunteers were thoughtful but not effective at collections for other organizations, and some were absentee. In future, invite them to assist with shredding or traffic control but require vendors to train and bring their own staff. Setting event dates now for next year would enable optimal vendor attendance and support. Page 16 of 22  SHRED ONLY RECOMMENDATIONS Lessons Learned on Increase Capacity Secure multiple shred trucks to better handle volume and reduce wait times. Shredding Optimize Traffic Flow Reevaluate site layout and truck placement to improve efficiency and minimize congestion. Expand Volunteer Support Recruit additional volunteers to assist with traffic direction, unloading, and resident guidance. Add Trash Bins: Avoid overflow and eliminate the mess with more trash bins to consolidate the paper prior to shredding. Improve Customer Education: Communicate clear guidelines in advance on how to prepare and bring shred materials (e.g., removing non-paper items, packaging, limits, give boxes back to residents). Plan for Overflow: Establish a contingency plan if capacity is exceeded, including identifying alternative events or nearby locations for participants Page 17 of 22 Looking Ahead Community Commitment The event showcased the community’s strong dedication to sustainability and effective outreach. Operational Improvements Identified operational areas can be improved through better planning, communication, and staffing. Future Event Success Implementing recommendations will make future events safer, more efficient, and impactful. Collaborative Efforts Ongoing collaboration among commissions, vendors, volunteers, and public works is essential for leadership. Page 18 of 22 Page 19 of 22 Page 20 of 22  Glen Ellyn Environmental Meeting 6/16/2026 7:00 PM Commission Department: Administration 535 Duane Street Department Head: Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Category: Discussion Item Prepared By: AGENDA ITEM (ID # 2026- DOC ID: 2026-477 477) Strategic Planning Priorities Statement of the Issue: Strategic Planning Priorities Analysis: - LAND Stewardship – Cultivate Green Infrastructure and Resilient Landscapes - Sustainable Landscape • Summer of the Monarch Update • Mayor’s Monarch Pledge Update • Bird City Update - Tree Planting and Preservation • Tree Preservation Ordinance Update • Oak Ecosystem Recovery Plan WASTE Stewardship – Reduce Landfill Waste - Recycling • Specialty Recycling progress report • Event yard signs ENGAGE – Educate & Motivate - Strategic Planning • Sustainability action planning progress report Budget Impact: Contribution to Strategic Plan Action Requested: Page 21 of 22 Attachments: Page 22 of 22