Environmental Quality Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK January 19, 2012 Chairman Jeremy Reynolds called the EQC meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Terrace Room at the Northbrook Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane. The following members were in attendance: Chairman Jeremy Reynolds, Michael Beeftink, Linda Masters, Aparna Rao, Scott Robson and Fred Paul. A full quorum was met. Also Present: Liaison Dan Kaup and Recorder, Judy Butch Members Absent: Greg Weissman Call to Order Chairman Reynolds called the meeting to order. Minutes The minutes of the November 17, 2011 meeting were reviewed. A motion was made by Member Masters to approve the minutes as amended. This was seconded by Member Beeftink. On voice vote, motion passed. Chairman’s Report Chairman Reynolds briefly spoke about the upcoming Jan Schakowsky event. Although the information received about the event was vague, he felt attending it could be beneficial as there may be funds/grants available which could help the Village. Chairman Reynolds then proceeded to update the Commission on the latest Stormwater Commission Subcommittee meeting. He stated that they will meet on an as needed basis to discuss and recommend if it is cost effective and practical to add Stormwater best management practices to all pertinent projects or added projects to the Stormwater Plan. Chairman Reynolds briefly discussed the coordination of the Willow Festival area with Lake County individuals. He spoke to Andrea Cline who provided him with contacts and links of individuals and information specifically focusing on that area. Citizen Concerns Hear from the Audience No concerns Village Sustainability Plan-Review of RFQs (Request For Qualifications) Chairman Reynolds stated this is a two-step process. The first step is the RFQs (Request For Qualifications). The second step is for the four finalists to submit an RFP (Request For Proposals). The Commission will determine if the information provided is what was originally requested by the Village. Chairman Reynolds stated that it is important that the companies keep in mind that this is not a building analysis project, but an overall community endeavor looking for a sustainability plan concept. Eight proposals were received and each were reviewed and discussed individually. They are as follows: MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION January 19, 2012 Page 2 of 3 ARCH It was noted that this company has experience in real estate development but no sustainability planning experience. The Commission agreed this would not be one of the finalists. Delta Institute It was noted that this company has completed three sustainability plans. They include Oak Park, Highland Park, and Des Plaines. Member Masters inquired if any references were conducted. Liaison Kaup stated he spoke with a representative from Highland Park, and only received favorable comments. The Commission’s concern is they lack purchasing and procurement experience. Hey It was noted that this company had no sustainability experience. The Commission agreed this company would not be a finalist. Primera – It was noted that Primera has outstanding experience with school and park plans, however; that does not necessarily mean they have “community wide” experience. The Commission felt they might be a qualified company that could be a finalist. TerraLocke It was noted that this company has good sustainability credentials, but lacked urban planning and traffic transportation experience. They felt the company did meet the requirements of the request. TESCA The Commission felt this was a top notch company who has urban planning experience. Their proposal met the requirements of the request. Wight This company is currently involved in the Greenbriar School project. They are a great “building landscape architectural firm” and have already worked with the Village Engineer and staff. Although their portfolio was impressive, they lack the necessary sustainability experience. It was unanimously decided not to consider this firm as one of the finalist. YR&G This company has experience in buildings and has a very well qualified team. However, they lack the necessary sustainability experience. It was unanimously decided not to consider this firm as one of the finalist. After reviewing all proposals, the Commission decided that Delta, Tesca, TerraLocke and Primera would be their top choices. New Business Commission Reynolds spoke about the May 12th River Day Cleanup. Member Masters offered to contact Laurel Ross, steward of Somme Prairie Grove to see if she would be interesting in hosting the cleanup on their sight. Commissioner Reynolds thought this was a good idea and stated they would have full support MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION January 19, 2012 Page 3 of 3 from the Commission and would recruit many volunteers. In addition, Member Masters offered to reach out to Rob Sulski, steward of the Glenbrook High School Prairie project. Liaison Kaup recommended a day in April be scheduled for a Rain Garden cleanup. At this time, no specific date was scheduled. In addition, Member Paul suggested that due to the cost of a Rain Garden sign, the purchasing of it be tabled. Liaison Kaup mentioned that Earth Day is scheduled for April 21st. The Green Team has already started to meet with vendors. This year the only food being served will be hotdogs and popcorn. In addition, pony rides will be provided. Also, Northbrook Nine will be responsible for all marketing. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, February 16, 2012 Adjourn At 8:45 p.m., a motion was made by Member Paul to adjourn the meeting; this was seconded by Member Masters. On voice vote, the motion passed.