Environmental Quality Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK October 18, 2012 Chairman Jeremy Reynolds called the EQC meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Terrace Room of the Northbrook Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane. The following Members were in attendance: Chairman Jeremy Reynolds, Michael Beeftink, Brian Bruce, and Scott Robson. A full quorum was met. Also Present: Liaison Andrew Letson. Members absent: Linda Masters and Fred Paul. Minutes The minutes of the July 19, 2012 meeting were reviewed. Chairman Reynolds had two minor edits. A motion was made by Member Robson to approve the minutes as amended. This was seconded by Member Beeftink. On a voice vote, motion passed. The minutes of the September 20, 2012 meeting were reviewed. Chairman Reynolds made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. This was seconded by Member Robson. On a voice vote, motion passed. Chairman’s Report Chairman Reynolds welcomed Staff Liaison Letson. The two had a meeting about the Commission and the goals of the group. Chairman Reynolds stated that he was comfortable with the transition. Chairman Reynolds welcomed Member Bruce back to the Commission. Member Bruce said that he was excited to be back. Chairman Reynolds stated that the Stormwater/EQC subcommittee meeting has been pushed back to November. It is anticipated that the Shermerville Commons project will be one of the first to be discussed. Chairman Reynolds said that he attended the Sustainability Plan public meeting and felt that it went well. He stated that he was part of the water group and felt that a good discussion was had. Member Bruce also attended the public meeting and was a part of the community development group. He reported that the group talked about the green building ordinance and the community garden group. Reynolds said that he is excited about the process, but would like to see more people attend the next meeting on October 30. Citizen Concerns Hear from the Audience No audience members made comment. Village Chairman Reynolds said that he would like to facilitate a conversation between the Village’s Sustainability Plan consultants and someone from Crate & Barrel to talk about the company’s community garden. Chairman Reynolds reported that the CONSEC meeting went well. He briefly explained the purpose of CONSEC. Chairman Reynolds stated that he feels Northbrook’s EQC is fortunate to have such a good relationship with the Village Board and staff as this is not the case with every community. CONSEC discussed projects that are ongoing in the various communities. MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION October 22, 2012 Page 2 of 2 Chairman Reynolds gave a brief overview of the status of the Techny Basin/Willow Festival initiative. He stated that the goal is to include some sort of a recreation use to the area. It seems that it is going to be a long term project, but the goals are possible to be achieved if a project champion can be identified. Member Bruce reported that the Community Garden group recently held their fall meeting. In addition, they have recently filed the necessary paperwork with the state and federal governments. Currently, there are a total of 65 gardening members. Member Bruce said that the group would like to start looking for a third garden site, possibly working with the Park District. Member Bruce also reported that the group has donated over 800 pounds of fresh organic produce to the Northfield food pantry. Staff Liaison Letson gave an update on the Private Property Drainage and Flood Reduction Cost Participation Program. He stated that currently nobody has received funding for a rain garden; however this may be due to the lack of rain over the summer. The group briefly discussed promotion of the program. Staff Liaison Letson also gave a report on the Techny Storm Relief Sewer Project and stated that it is expected that the project will be completed a full year early. New Business No new business. Next Meeting Thursday, November 15, 2012 Adjourn Member Bruce motioned, seconded by Member Robson to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m. On voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Andrew Letson Liaison