Environmental Quality Commission

APPROVED MINUTES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK November 20, 2014 Chairman Jeremy Reynolds called the EQC meeting to order at 7:02 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, Brian Bruce, and Marjorie Satten. A full quorum was met. Also Present: Staff Liaison Andrew Letson, Kathy Buckshield, and Tracy Becker Members absent: Scott Robson and Fred Paul Minutes The minutes of the October 16, 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 announced that Sandra Garber had resigned from the Commission and the group would now need to begin looking for a new member. Citizen Concerns Hear from the Audience Ms. Kathy Buckshield and Ms. Tracy Becker introduced themselves to the Commission and stated that they were present as representatives of Go Green Northbrook. They stated that Go Green Northbrook is interested in having a larger presence at the upcoming Earth and Arbor Day Celebration. Go Green Northbrook is interested in hosting children’s activities and are looking for feedback from the Commission. Staff Liaison Letson stated that he would present the idea to the Village’s staff Green Team who plans the event. Ms. Becker stated that she is interested in getting more anti-idling signage at the schools. After a brief discussion, the Commission recommended that Ms. Becker work with the schools’ Parent/Teacher Organizations to determine the best way to change the habit of leaving cars running while waiting to pick up students. Village Continued Review of Winnetka Coal Tar Based Pavement Sealant Ban Chairman Reynolds provided a brief overview of the topic for the members of the public. He then suggested that they go around the room and share what was learned when contacting other communities that have considered banning coal tar based driveway sealants. Member Satten said that she reached out to South Barrington who provided her with a copy of their ordinance. Chairman Reynolds noted that the ordinance places the burden on the property owner to ensure that their driveway is not being sealed with a coal tar based product. The group was interested in gathering more information from South Barrington about their enforcement of the ordinance. Member Beeftink stated that he reached out to Dane County, Wisconsin and had not yet received a response. However, he was able to find a copy of their ordinance and some educational materials online. The Dane County ordinance also covers phosphate fertilizers and only allows the sale of the products if they are going to be used in another county. Member Bruce said that he is in contact with a staff member at Des Plaines, but has not yet received any information on why they decided to not move forward with a ban. Chairman Reynolds expressed that he reached out to Edina, Minnesota and received a great deal of information as to how Minnesota got to the point of enacting a statewide ban. The intent of the Minnesota ban is to minimize the amount of contamination in the State’s many lakes and stormwater detention facilities. Minnesota’s enforcement works on a complaint basis and there is a firm on hand to do the necessary testing. The focus of the discussion shifted to the next steps. The group decided that there was still interest in finding out the reasons behind why Des Plaines did not move forward with a ban. In addition, the Commissioners agreed to reach out to commercial applicators to gather more information about asphalt based products. New Business There was no new business. Next Meeting The next regular meeting of the EQC will be held on December 18, 2014. Adjourn Member Bruce made a motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 8:03 p.m. The motion was seconded by Member Satten. On a voice vote, the motion passed. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Andrew Letson Liaison