Environmental Improvement Commission

MINUTES Wheaton Environmental Improvement Commission Tuesday, January 26, 2016 Roll Call: Chairman Ted Witte called the meeting to order at 7:30. Present were Nancy Allured, Kay McKeen, Tony Majszak, Tony Pope, Christine Richardson, Arlan Schattke, Hanna Self, Joseph Wilmarth Tyna, and Bob Young. Cathy Coleman and Nancy Flynn were absent. Also attending were: City of Wheaton Management Intern, Thomas Schubert; residents Allison Torrance, Darren Miller, Wendy Miller; and Prairie Path Cleanup Coordinator Tracy Voight. Minutes: Bob Young moved that we accept the minutes of the November meeting. Tony Pope seconded. The minutes were approved. Public Comment: Wendy and Darren Miller indicated an interest in the Waste Hauling plan for Wheaton encouraging a continuation of emphasis on recycling and adding composting. Budget Report: Bob reported that our expenditures total $429.22, leaving $4070.78 open to spend. Other Reports: 1. Bike Committee: The committee met with and provided input to the City Planner and designer on the new design of the French Market and adjacent plaza incorporating the Prairie Path. The Bike Wheaton Bike Festival has been confirmed for Saturday, August 13. 2. Electronic Recycling event: Tony Pope reported that 11 volunteers helped for the January electronics collection, including five students from Wheaton Warrenville SHS. 222 vehicles came through. Also collected: significant amounts of scrap metal and old Christmas lights, and 10 gallons of cooking oil. 3. Founders Park: Nancy Allured and Kay McKeen reported that the plan for enhancing the park have been put on hold until plans for the downtown Wheaton plan along the Prairie Path are finalized. Upcoming Projects: 1. Electronic Recycling: For February 13 crew chief Joe, Bob and Tony Pope will be there. 2. Recycling Extravaganza (April 16, 2016) : Due to lack of vendors available to participate in a Recycling Extravaganza the Commission will NOT be holding the event in 2016. The monthly electronics recycling event will continue on schedule and a paper shredding vendor will be available to the City residents on April 9. 3. Arbor Day (April 29, 2016): Kay McKeen reported the Arbor Day tree will be planted at Washington School. 4. Native Plant Sale (April 30, 2016): Volunteer signup has begun. This will be the first year that the promotions will all be via email communications by the City staff. Kay McKeen will provide an educational event at Wheaton Public Library promoting the Plant Sale and use of rain barrels. 5. Illinois Prairie Path Clean Up (April 30, 2016): Tracy Voight said she is sending out a save the date for volunteers. The event will again be from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. She will look into an EIC flag. Unfinished Business: 1. Helen Bartlett Memorial: Bob reported that the bricks have been ordered. 2. Street Lamp Banners Design Contest: tabled 3. Sign Investigation at Washington and Prairie Path: tabled New Business: 1. Waste Hauling Contract: Thomas Schubert presented new information about trends and possible options for the new contract. The City has developed a survey for residents to give input on their needs and services used. A new option coming on the market is a chip reader that would bill only when waste is picked up. City staff would like to present the city council with information from four sources: hauler input, community survey results, EIC concerns, and staff research. Adjournment: Nancy moved that the meeting be adjourned. Joe seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00. The next regular EIC meeting is scheduled for February 23, 2016, at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Allured