Environmental Improvement Commission

MINUTES Wheaton Environmental Improvement Commission Tuesday, April 26, 2016 Roll Call: Chairman Ted Witte called the meeting to order at 7:30. Present were Nancy Allured, Cathy Coleman, Kay McKeen, Tony Pope, Arlan Schattke, Hanna Self, Allison Torrence, and Bob Young. Tracy Vought, chairman of Wheaton's Illinois Prairie Path Clean Up also attended. Absent were Nancy Flynn, Tony Majszak, Christine Richarson, and Joseph Wilmarth Tyna. Minutes: Bob moved that we accept the minutes of the March meeting. Tony seconded. The minutes were approved. Public Comment: none Budget Report: Bob reported that expenditures to date total $1498.05, leaving $4001.95 open to spend. Other Reports: 1. Bike Committee Report: Nancy reported that the bike banners are up on light poles in various locations around town. 2. Paper Shredding Report: A total of 29,200 pounds was shred; that is 16,140 pounds more than last year. Suggestions for next year include • a staging area where people are asked to remove rubber bands, plastic bags and tabs, checkbook covers, negatives • reminder in announcements that this is to shred personal documents for identity protection--no magazines or newspapers will be accepted • continue to use city workers for the events, and share them between electronics and paper shredding • signs about what is being accepted in each area. 3. Electronics Recycling Report: Bob reported that about 15 gallons of cooking oil was collected. There was lots of help, and the electronics collection was probably a 25% increase over an ordinary month. 4. Adopt a Highway Report: Nancy Allured, Nancy Flynn, Bob, and Ted collected four bags. 5. Earth Day Proclamation Report: Hanna attended the city council meeting to accept the proclamation and shared it with the commission. Upcoming Projects: 1. Electronic Recycling (May 14): Bob, Tony Pope, and Arlan will be there. 2. Arbor Day (April 29): The program is at Washington School at 10. A white oak will be planted, and students will do readings and a song. 3. Native Plant Sale (April 30, 2016): Hanna reported that they are ready. 4. Illinois Prairie Path Clean Up (April 30, 2016): Tracy reported that 140 people are signed up, and two groups cleaned their areas last weekend. The path will all be covered if the weather cooperates. 6. Bike Fest (August 13): Plans are being firmed up. The parade will start and end at Memorial Park. The Police Department has tentatively agreed to hold a bike rodeo and register bikes. Kay said Working Bikes has penciled in the date to hold a bike collection. 5. Adopt a Highway: TBD Unfinished Business: 1. Street Lamp Banners-Design Contest: no report. Since we previously discussed branding by using a single logo for all events, feather signage design will be combined with this item. 2. IPP Carlton Street: Businesses are complying. 3. Waste Hauling Contract Update: The request for proposal will include sticker program and many residents asked that it include food composting. 4. EIC Mission Statement: no report 5. River Sweep (May 21) New Business: 1. Feather Signage Design: This item was combined with Street Lamp Banner Design Contest. 2. Appreciation Gifts: Limits on gifts to city staff were discussed. 3. Kay reported that the Wheaton Public Library has done seven weeks of programming focused on water conservation called Connect the Drops including speakers, movies, and rain barrel displays. Adjournment: Nancy moved that the meeting be adjourned. Tony seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35. The next regular EIC meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2016, at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Coleman