Environmental Quality Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK May 16, 2013 Chairman Jeremy Reynolds called the EQC meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Shermer Study of the Northbrook Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane. The following Members were in attendance: Chairman Jeremy Reynolds, Sandra Garber, Scott Robson, Fred Paul, and Brian Bruce (arrived at 7:45). A full quorum was met. Also Present: Liaison Andrew Letson, Andy Cooke Members absent: Linda Masters and Michael Beeftink. Minutes The minutes of the March 21, 2013 meeting were reviewed. Member Garber made a motion to approve the minutes as presented and was seconded by Member Paul. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. Chairman’s Report Staff Liaison Letson passed around the rain garden brochure that was handed out at the Earth/Arbor Day celebration. Public Works has been handing it out when drainage complaints have been investigated. There has been a number of drainage investigations in recent weeks due to heavy rain, however there have not yet been any applications for the cost share program. Chairman Reynolds provided a brief update on the progress of the sustainability plan. He stated that he had an opportunity to review the most recent draft and while there has been improvement, work still needs to be done. Chairman Reynolds stated that the Earth/Arbor Day Celebration went very well. Staff Liaison Letson passed along a map of markings showing the locations of rain gardens and rain barrels. Staff Liaison Letson will work to put the map on the Village’s website. The group agreed that there was a lot more interest and traffic at the Commission’s table than in previous years. Citizen Concerns Hear from the Audience Andy Cooke, an Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 64 in Northbrook was present and is interested in working to install a rain garden at the Crestwood community garden site as an Eagle Scout project. Member Robson provided background on the project. Staff Liaison Letson stated that there are four major issues that need to be resolved: funding, maintenance, community outreach, and location of the garden. Chairman Reynolds said that each of these issues can be resolved. Maintenance of the garden can be taken on by the Community Garden, the Troop, or maybe others. For installation, assistance could be sought from the Village, or someone within the scouting organization. Chairman Reynolds said that he would be willing to assist with the design. Village Chairman Reynolds discussed the possibility of developing a schedule for maintenance of the rain garden. The other option is to have the group maintain it before the meetings each month. The Commission moved out to the rain garden to perform some maintenance and discuss the plants along with some future plants. It was decided that the Commission would meet prior to the meetings to perform regular maintenance. MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION May 16, 2013 Page 2 of 2 Chairman Reynolds said he was at the North Branch water shed meeting and they were looking for a place for their annual meeting. The group was excited about the idea and thought it would be a good project idea. The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission would be able to help with possibly funding and give the project some traction. Member Robson will work to set up a meeting with the Order of the Divine Word to broach the idea of a project. Member Bruce stated that the Community Garden is up and running for 2013. Unfortunately, there is no space at any Village sites for an additional garden so he will begin broaching the idea with the Park District. However, a new garden site will not be ready for use this year. Chairman Reynolds stated that Member Beeftink had previously said that he would go to the Farmer’s Market on June 26; however he is no longer available to attend. Chairman Reynolds said that the Commission would definitely be part of the event. Member Garber said she would be able to give a couple of hours. Chairman Reynolds said that he may be able to take a day off of work to help out New Business There was no new business discussed. Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the EQC will be held on June 20, 2013. Adjourn Member Bruce made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 p.m. The motion was seconded by Member Garber. On a voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Andrew Letson Liaison