Environmental Quality Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK July 18, 2013 Chairman Jeremy Reynolds called the EQC meeting to order at 7:13 p.m. in the Shermer Study of the Northbrook Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane. The following Members were in attendance: Chairman Jeremy Reynolds, Scott Robson, Linda Masters, Fred Paul, and Brian Bruce. A full quorum was met. Also Present: Liaison Andrew Letson, Doug Gerleman, Rob Sulski, and Tom O’Bryan Members absent: Sandra Garber Minutes The minutes of the June 20, 2013 meeting were reviewed. Member Masters 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 Chairman Reynolds introduced Mr. Gerleman and stated that he was present to discuss Go Green Northbrook, a new community organization to promote environmental initiatives. Mr. Gerleman stated that he started the group by presenting the idea to several people during the Village’s Earth and Arbor Day celebration. Currently, there are about a dozen people who are willing to be actively involved. During their first meeting, the members of Go Green Northbrook developed a list of goals that they would like to achieve. The first of which is the development of a recreational facility along the West Fork near the Techny Mission. Ideas for possible improvements including the installation of a bike path and boat landing were discussed. The group conversed about avenues for getting a project going and it was decided that Go Green Northbrook will begin by having conversations with stakeholders such as MWRD and the Society of the Divine Word. Mr. Gerleman mentioned that Go Green Northbrook is interested in working with the EQC to pursue pursuing educational opportunities such as seminars. The commissioners discussed this and agreed it could be a good opportunity to form a partnership. Mr. Gerleman said that his group would like to encourage the use of reusable grocery bags. The Commission discussed ideas of how to promote this through educational programs. The discussion moved to the topic of stormwater management. Chairman Reynolds discussed the Village’s Master Stormwater Management Plan and how green components are being considered with the upcoming projects. Chairman Reynolds also discussed how the Village has moved forward with green stormwater management techniques through including native plantings as a component of the Sunny Acres project and the push for the implementation of best management practices to resolve private property drainage issues. Mr. Sulski stated that he would like to see a greater push for maintenance of the native plantings along the river near downtown. Mr. Gerleman shifted the focus of the discussion to energy consumption and stated that Go Green Northbrook would like to see the Village renew its commitment to the Cool Cities agreement. In addition, Go Green Northbrook would like to see the Village offer 100% green energy as the default choice through the electric aggregation contract. Citizen Concerns Hear from the Audience There were no members of the audience who wished to speak. Village Chairman Reynolds said that he still likes the idea of an adopt-a-river program because it provides an opportunity to have a group of people be responsible for the maintenance of the river banks. He discussed the need to develop a process for oversight and management of the overall program. Chairman Reynolds mentioned that the EQC’s booth at the Farmer’s Market was cancelled due to inclement weather. He said that a future date still needs to be coordinated. The Commission agreed that more time was needed to set goals and this topic should be placed on the next agenda. Staff Liaison Letson stated that the group can provide him with any ideas for goals and he will compile them for the next meeting. New Business No new business was discussed. Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the EQC will be held on August 15, 2013. Adjourn Member Masters made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. The motion was seconded by Member Robson. On a voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Andrew Letson Liaison