Environmental Quality Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK November 21, 2013 Member Linda Masters 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 (arrived at 7:12), Scott Robson, Linda Masters, Sandra Garber, Michael Beeftink, and Brian Bruce. A full quorum was met. Also Present: Liaison Andrew Letson Members absent: Fred Paul Minutes The minutes of the October 17, 2013 meeting were reviewed. Member Garber made a motion to approve the minutes as presented and was seconded by Member Robson. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. Chairman’s Report Staff Liaison Letson provided a brief update on the status of the strategic sustainability plan. He stated that the Village Board accepted the plan on November 12 and the plan will now be used as a guide by the Village Board and staff. Staff Liaison Letson stated that the plan would be posted to the website and an article would be placed in an upcoming newsletter. Citizen Concerns Hear from the Audience Member Robson stated that he attended the most recent Go Green Northbrook meeting and the bike trail project that was mentioned at the Commission’s last meeting was discussed. Go Green Northbrook plans to take the idea to an upcoming meeting of the Bicycle Task Force. Village Chairman Reynolds stated that he met with a contact from the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, who stated that their organization would be applying for a Section 319 grant to cover the entire watershed (of which Northbrook is a part). Chairman Reynolds stated that he was told an application that proposes a program to convert multiple detention basins to native plantings would have a greater chance for success than a single project. Chairman Reynolds and Staff Liaison Letson stated that they would work to schedule a meeting with the Village Engineer after the holidays to discuss this project. Staff Liaison Letson provided an update on the 50/50 Private Property Drainage Program. The Commission generally discussed how the program works including what projects are eligible for the program and how to best promote the use of rain gardens. Staff Liaison Letson stated that the Stormwater Management Commission is in the process of discussing this issue. The Commission discussed the goal ideas presented at the previous meeting. It was decided that the ultimate goal is to develop projects and programs that can become self-sustaining. Staff Liaison Letson agreed to develop a formalized list of goals for consideration at the next meeting. New Business The Commission discussed performing a riverbank cleanup in 2014, including potential locations. It was decided that this project might be an opportunity to collaborate with another group in the community. The Commission also broadly discussed challenges with developing an adopt-a-riverbank program. Member Masters stated that she recently received a notification from the Cook County Forest Preserve stating that they would be monitoring encroachment onto their property. Member Masters’ property abuts the Forest Preserve and all of her neighbors received the same notification. Next Meeting The Commission decided to cancel the December meeting due to the upcoming holiday. The next regular meeting of the EQC will be held on January 16, 2014. Adjourn Member Beeftink made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. The motion was seconded by Member Garber. On a voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Andrew Letson Liaison