Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission

Memorandum TO: Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commissioners FROM: ________________________________________________________________________ Andrew D. DeCanniere, Commissioner, Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission DATE: March 14, 2025 SUBJECT: March 4, 2025 Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission (SEAC) Meeting Minutes Meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM in Conference Room D/E at Skokie Village Hall Present: Chairperson Jennifer Grossman, Vice Chair Jim McNelis, Commissioners Christopher Buccola, Andrew DeCanniere, Lisa Gotkin, Olivia Mahoney, Rick Moskovitz, Emily Okallau, Robert Render, Charles Saxe, Trustee Liaison Khem Khoeun, Assistant to the Public Works Director / Staff Liaison Elizabeth Zimmerman Also Present: Russ Reitveld, Director of Engineering, Village of Skokie Absent: Commissioners Michael Gershbein, Alma Likic I. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Vice Chair McNelis to approve the minutes from the January 28, 2025 meeting of the Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission, seconded by Commissioner Mahoney. The minutes were approved as presented. II. Old Business Chairperson Grossman inquired whether there are any updates regarding Hefty ReNew. Staff Liaison Zimmerman said that the program should be available in time for Earth Day (April 22nd). III. New Business a. Water Main Break Update Russ Reitveld, Director of Engineering, spoke to Commissioners regarding the recent water main break that occurred on Friday, February 14, 2025. He said that now that the repairs are complete, the Village has transitioned from repair mode to forensic mode. They have hired a consultant to investigate the cause. Lots of work had to be done before the roads could be reopened. Discussion ensued. Page 1 of 3  b. Stormwater Taskforce Recommendations The Village of Skokie has an extensive stormwater runoff system that was installed in the 1980s and 1990s to help prevent properties from being flooded. Additionally, regulations on development reduce site runoff to the Village system. When the stormwater runoff system was completed, it provided protection against a 10-year storm, and has been updated twice since the original system was designed. What used to be protection against a 10-year storm is now protection against a two-year storm. It was also noted that there are currently up to 13 green alleys total throughout the Village. Devonshire Park has a rain garden, and the Skokie Police Department has a stormwater detention pond on the property. The Stormwater Taskforce was created after two significant events occurred in 2020. The purpose of the Taskforce is to review the existing stormwater management system. Mr. Reitveld proceeded to present the Taskforce’s recommendations. Discussion ensued. c. Call for volunteers: Spring Greening on April 6 Staff Liaison Zimmerman noted that volunteers are needed for Spring Greening on April 6th. It will be taking place in the same location. d. Spread the word: Clean Green Skokie Litter Pick-up, March 10 through April 19 Staff Liaison Zimmerman also noted that Skokie’s “Clean Green Skokie” litter pick-up program will take place from March 10 through April 19th this year. More information regarding this program can be found online. For additional information, just log onto http://www.skokie.org/1319/Clean-Green-Skokie-and-Adopt-A-Street. IV. Other Business Vice Chair McNelis mentioned that Friends of the Chicago River’s 33rd Annual Chicago River Day will be coming up in the near future. Commissioner Saxe inquired as to whether there are any updates in terms of the diversion rates of residential waste. Staff Liaison Zimmerman said that she could obtain that information. Staff Liaison Zimmerman informed Commissioners that WasteNot Compost is now providing service within the community, in addition to Collective Resource. Page 2 of 3 V. Public Comment No public comments were received. VI. Next Meeting The date of the next meeting is to be determined. Commissioners discussed putting together an event, which would coincide with Earth Day (April 22nd) and Arbor Day (April 25th), in lieu of the April meeting. Update: On April 9, 2025, it was determined that the April meeting will be canceled. In lieu of the April meeting, Commissioners will be focusing on the launch of the Hefty ReNew program. As a part of the launch of this program in the community, Commissioners will be distributing Hefty ReNew Starter Kits at the Winter Market on Main (located at 4051 Main Street) on Sunday, April 27th. VII. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM with a motion from Commissioner Saxe, seconded by Vice Chair McNelis. Page 3 of 3