Environmental Quality Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK October 16, 2014 Chairman Jeremy Reynolds called the EQC meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Shermer Study of the Northbrook Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane. The following Members were in attendance: Chairman Jeremy Reynolds, Michael Beeftink, Fred Paul, Brian Bruce, Marjorie Satten and Sandra Garber. A full quorum was met. Also Present: Staff Liaison Andrew Letson, Jennifer Linton and Charles Dowding Members absent: Scott Robson Minutes The minutes of the September 18, 2014 meeting were reviewed. A motion was made by Member Bruce and seconded by Member Beeftink to approve the minutes as amended. On a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously. Chairman’s Report Chairman Reynolds stated that he had nothing to include under the Chairman’s report. Citizen Concerns Hear from the Audience Ms. Jennifer Linton introduced herself to the Commission and stated that she was present as a representative of Go Green Northbrook. Village Continued Review of Winnetka Coal Tar Based Pavement Sealant Ban Chairman Reynolds introduced Mr. Dowding, the chair of the Winnetka Environmental and Forestry Commission. Chairman Reynolds stated that the purpose of inviting Mr. Dowding was to gather information about Winnetka’s process for deciding to implement a ban on the use of coal tar based pavement sealants. Chairman Reynolds provided Mr. Dowding with a brief overview of why the Commission was reviewing Winnetka’s ban. He mentioned that he foresaw the discussion with Mr. Dowding as being an open conversation rather than a presentation. Beginning the discussion, Mr. Dowding suggested that the Commission meet with people from the pavement sealant industry to gather information. He noted that members of Winnetka’s Village Board wanted to make sure that everybody had an opportunity to provide input before a decision was made. Mr. Dowding stated that during his research, he visited various local home improvement stores and found that for the most part, products for individual use are difficult to find with coal tar. For example, they cannot be purchased at the large home improvement retailers. As such, focus of Winnetka’s ordinance was on the applicators. The applicators are required to register, sign a pledge stating that they will not use products with coal tar, and provide a list of the locations where they have applied sealant over the past year. The Village will randomly select locations to test to verify compliance. There is no cost to register and the cost of the test is borne by the Village. The Commission asked how Winnetka plans to reach out to the applicators. Mr. Dowding stated that they are still working out the details as the ban was approved earlier this year and the initial focus is on education of the requirements. The Commission asked about the cost difference between coal tar based sealants and other products. Mr. Dowding stated that through their research they found that prices are generally similar, however non-coal tar based sealants can run 10-15% higher in cost. Chairman Reynolds stated that one of his concerns is the burden that a ban would place on staff. Mr. Dowding suggested that the Commission hold off for a year or two before recommending a ban to observe Winnetka’s implementation. Chairman Reynolds suggested that the Commission focus on education during the meantime. Discussion focused on how to gather and disseminate education to the community. Mr. Dowding suggested speaking with someone from the City of Austin, Texas who may have good educational information. He also suggested working with Go Green Northbrook to provide information to the community. Chairman Reynolds suggested that this might tie in well with their healthy yards campaign. Member Bruce mentioned that he agrees that the best first step would be to create an educational program, see how it goes and then request a representative from the industry to come and speak at a meeting. Mr. Dowding offered to provide all of the information that he gathered throughout the research process, including answers to questions that he received during the two Village Board meetings. Chairman Reynolds requested that the information be sent to him. Member Beeftink inquired how to best move forward with regard to receiving further direction from the Village Board. Chairman Reynolds suggested developing an intermittent report that provides a summary of the findings and some possible options for moving forward. Mr. Dowding stated that his commission assigned each member a town to contact and gather further information. They found this to be a good way for everybody to become more knowledgeable on the subject. Staff Liaison Letson stated that he had a list of the towns that Winnetka contacted and would provide it to the group. Mr. Dowding suggested that the Commission decide on a set of questions for each member to ask. Chairman Reynolds asked how community members in Winnetka viewed the ban. Mr. Dowding responded that he believes most of the community is not aware. The Commission agreed to have each member reach out to a community that had considered a ban on coal tar based products. The Commissioners will present that information that they learned at the November meeting and begin drafting the interim report. New Business Member Bruce provided a brief update on the status of the Community Garden. He stated that he is working with the Park District to resurface the pervious walkway at Crestwood, which is starting to fail due to a manufacturer issue. Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the EQC will be held on November 20, 2014. Adjourn Member Bruce made a motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 8:26 p.m. The motion was seconded by Member Paul. On a voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Andrew Letson Liaison