Sustainability Advisory Commission Meeting

CITY OF URBANA, ILLINOIS SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COMMISSION City Council Chambers Tuesday, May 7, 2013 Commissioners Present: Chairperson Marya Ryan, Vice Chair Stephen Wald, Gary Cziko, John Marlin, Amelia Neptune, Todd Rusk, Rachel Vellenga Staff Present: Scott Tess, Kate Brickman Call to Order, Roll Call, and Declaration of Quorum The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Kate Brickman called the roll and a quorum was present. Changes to the Agenda There were no changes to the agenda submitted. Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting A motion was made by Ms. Neptune, second by Ms. Vellenga, to approve the minutes from the April 2 meeting. Motion carried. Public Input There was no public input. Communications Staff Report Scott Tess gave the May Staff Report that included the status of the City Green Team. Tess also provided updates on various Goals and Actions from the Climate Action Plan, information concerning the purchase of renewable energy credits, and the coordination of pharmaceutical waste collection drop boxes. He noted that the June SAC meeting is scheduled for June 4. Sampling for Pharmaceutical Presence Nancy Holm, Assistant Director for Sponsored Research, Public Engagement, and Communications for the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center at the Prairie Research Institute gave a presentation on sampling for pharmaceutical presence in water in the area. Pharmaceutical Waste Collection Laura Kammin, Pollution Prevention Program Specialist with the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, gave a presentation on the collection of pharmaceutical wastes in the community. Continuing Business Discussion of Public Input from Sustainable Water Management Plan Open House Scott Tess reported a good turnout at the pre-meeting open house. He indicated that the survey forms that were filled out will be entered into the public input database. New Business Potential Future Direction for SAC Commission members discussed the drafting of a framework for the future direction of SAC in the 12-18 months before turning attention to drafting Phase II of the Climate Action Plan. Three areas were proposed as follows: • SAC will continue to serve as a forum for sustainable ideas and discussions; • SAC will serve as a forum for action items; • SAC will strategize to collaborate and synergize with other sustainability-related groups, boards, and commissions. Commissioners each chose a Council member to discuss these ideas with and to gather feedback to help in the discussion. Scott Tess added that the Star Community Index, a national, consensus-based rating system for community sustainability can help to provide a framework for comprehensive planning. Announcements Amelia Neptune congratulated the City of Urbana on their Bike to Work Day competition win against the City of Champaign on May 1. Gary Cziko indicated that May was Bike to Work Month and that there were several events ongoing. More information can be found on the C-U Biking Calendar at champaigncountybikes.org. Scott Tess announced a one day compost bin and rain barrel sale on Saturday, May 25, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of S. Vine Street and E. Green Street in Urbana. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m. This meeting was recorded.