Environmental Quality Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK February 16, 2012 Chairman Jeremy Reynolds called the EQC meeting to order at 7:04 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, Fred Paul. A full quorum was met. Also Present: Liaison Dan Kaup. Members absent: Greg Weissman Minutes The minutes of the January 19, 2012 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 gave a brief overview of his attendance at the February 4th CONSEC meeting. The primary topic was Electrical Aggregation. Chairman Reynolds received a copy of the presentation which he will distribute to each Commission Member. He stated that many communities are already involved with electrical aggregation. He believes the attendance of these meetings are very important and beneficial, and that a lot can be learned from surrounding communities. He recommends that in the future, the Commission Members alternate in attending these meetings. Chairman Reynolds also attended the February 8th North Branch Watershed meeting. He stated it was a well-attended and interesting meeting. He had an opportunity to meet John Quail, a member of the “Friends of Chicago River” organization, and spoke briefly to him about the Willow Festival project. Mr. Quail appeared to be very interested in working with the Commission and in helping to bring the major stakeholders together. Chairman Reynolds stated how important it is to get individuals “onboard” who can help bring coalition and funding together. Chairman Masters suggested that a subcommittee be formed for this project. Chairman Reynolds also stated that a meeting was held with President Frum and all other Commission Chairpersons. It was a very positive meeting and gave everyone an opportunity to meet each other. Citizen Concerns Hear from the Audience No concerns Village Liaison Kaup updated the Commission on the following items: Electrical Aggregation – A referendum for Electrical Aggregation will be placed on the ballot for the upcoming election. Liaison Kaup stated that whether or not Northbrook participates in the program, this would open the door for free market competition for electrical use. Chairman Reynolds questioned if Northbrook was to choose to join the program, if the “greenest” provider would be the supplier? Liaison Kaup stated not necessarily so, and that the lowest price provider would probably be chosen. MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING Page 2 of 3 OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION February 16, 2012 Solid Waste Contract Issues Liaison Kaup stated that an RFP (Request for Proposal) has been completed and is now waiting for staff input. He believes this would be a good opportunity to make changes to our existing contract (which expires in March) and encouraged Commission Members to make suggestions. Liaison Kaup recommends standardizing things for the purpose of cost, and to decrease weekly pick up to just once a week. IGIG (Illinois Green Infrastructure Grants) Liaison Kaup stated that these types of grants pertain to any existing Storm Water projects which would have “green” ties to it. He recommended that the Commission review the existing projects and identify portions of the twenty two projects listed in the Storm Water Plan and try to conceptualize incorporating green infrastructure into them. By doing so, this may qualify some of the projects for funding. He also mentioned that there is another type of funding which is the State Revolving Loan Fund, which is a 1% loan. Sustainability Plan with Park District Chairman Reynolds, Liaison Kaup, Village Planner Michaela Kohlstedt, along with the Director and Assistant Director of the Park District will be meeting with the four selected finalist. At that time, the finalist will be submitting an RFP, and a decision will be made and presented at next month’s meeting. Member Masters questioned about the inclusion of a Natural Resource Plan. After discussion, it was suggested that a Natural Resource Plan be an item of recommendation to include in the Sustainability Plan. Earth Day 2012 Event Planning Liaison Kaup is looking for a speaker to provide a twenty minute informational speech which would have some connection to Earth Day. He suggested contacting Assistant Village Manager, Phil Kiraly to speak regarding Electrical Aggregation. It was also recommended by Member Paul to have an Energy Audit speaker from either Nicor or ComEd. Chairman Reynolds recommended that the Green Fire movie, suggested for viewing by Village Forrester, Terry Cichocki, be incorporated in Earth Day. Liaison Kaup recommended that the showing be held either at the library or in the “tile room” at the park. In addition, it was noted that the Park District suffered the loss of two tents due to last year’s storms. As a result, they will only have two available for use and may need to rent an additional tent. New Business Chairman Reynolds inquired about the status of the River Clean Up project. Member Masters stated she spoke to Rob Sulski, steward of the Glenbrook High School prairie project, but is still waiting to speak with Laurel Ross, steward of Somme Prairie Grove. An update will be made at a future meeting. Next Meeting Thursday, March 15, 2012 Adjourn Chairman Reynolds motioned, seconded by Member Aparno to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. On voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Judy Butch Recorder