Environmental Quality Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK January 15, 2014 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, Linda Masters, Michael Beeftink, and Brian Bruce. A full quorum was met. Also Present: Liaison Andrew Letson Members absent: Fred Paul, Scott Robson, and Sandra Garber Minutes The minutes of the November 21, 2013 meeting were reviewed. Member Bruce made a motion to approve the minutes as presented and was seconded by Member Masters. 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. Staff Liaison Letson stated that the plan is posted to the website and he would send a link to the group. Information on the plan may be presented at a joint booth with the Park District at the Earth/Arbor Day Celebration. A question was asked regarding the implementation of the plan. Staff Liaison Letson stated that the plan would be used to guide Village operations; however, a point person has yet to be identified due to staffing changes. Citizen Concerns Hear from the Audience There were no comments from the audience. Village Chairman Reynolds stated that he and Staff Liaison Letson plan to have a meeting with the Village Engineer regarding developing a grant application for converting detention basins to native plantings. It is anticipated that a meeting will be held by the end of February. The Commission discussed the stormwater projects programmed in the Capital Improvement Plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The group is interested in providing input on projects where green elements can be added. Member Masters stated that she would like to see green elements incorporated into the concept plans. Staff Liaison Letson stated that this might be possible as the Stormwater Commission considers new projects and plan addendums. The Commission expressed interest in reviewing the projects that are currently programmed for FY 15/16, so that they may suggest green elements prior to the design phase. Staff Liaison Letson will provide copies of the project sheets for the FY 15/16 stormwater projects for the next meeting. The Commission discussed an idea to perform a green infrastructure vendor event at some point after the Earth/Arbor Day Celebration. The event would showcase improvements homeowners could make to their homes to conserve energy and manage stormwater (e.g. bioswales, permeable pavers, etc.). The Commission was generally in agreement regarding the program and decided to discuss the project further at the next meeting. New Business Member Bruce stated that the Community Garden will be holding a kick off meeting for 2014 before the next Commission meeting and he would like to give an update at the February meeting. Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the EQC will be held on February 20, 2014. Adjourn Member Bruce made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. The motion was seconded by Member Beeftink. On a voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Andrew Letson Liaison