Environmental Improvement Commission

Tuesday, November 26, 2019 7:30 PM I. Call to Order: Chairman Ted Witte called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM Present were Kay Mc Keen, Bob Young, Tony Majszak, Allison Torrence, Carlo Trevisoo, and Tony Pope. Absent were Shamili Ajgaonkar, Cathy Coleman, Nancy Flynn, Khizar Jafri, Christine Richardson, and David Popham. II. Approval of Minutes: Bob Young moved that the minutes from the October meeting be approved. Allison Torrence seconded. The minutes were approved. III. Budget Report: Bob reported on our budget. 2019 Expenditures to date totaled $17,171.525 and a balance of $4,228.48 remains. IV. Public Comment: None V. Reports: 1. Electronic Recycling: Bob Young reported that the November 12th recycling event was moved to the commuter lot by EWorks per instruction from the City Public Works. Bob was able to recycle the accumulated containers of used cooking oil. Approximately 200+ fluorescent bulbs were processed as well. The scrap metal container has been moved to a new location within the City Public Works storage yard. A new list of recyclable items was furnished by EWorks. Bob Young and David Popham represented EIC, with volunteer Jim Truesdale, and several students from North Central College, and WWSHS, and employees from E Works. 2. A motion for a $40.00 expenditure for printing of the new recyclable list was proposed by Bob Young and seconded by Kay McKeen. The motion was approved. 3. The new recyclables list will be distributed to residents at the December recyclable event. 4. Adopt A Highway: Nancy Flynn reported via email that the 4th Butterfield Road Cleanup was conducted on Saturday October 26th, and 6 bags of trash were collected. Next cleanup is tentatively scheduled for March/April. 5. Nurses Closet: Nancy Flynn reported via email that the project is moving forward. However, Arin Thrower, City Public information officer indicated that the City attorneys are concerned about liability issues and are reviewing how similar organizations word the sign-out forms. If and when the project is approved, logistics such as purchasing of shelving and cleaning supplies will be needed. An estimated $250.00 expenditure would be needed. A motion for up to $250.00 expenditure for the nurse’s closet setup was proposed Bob Young and seconded by Allison Torrence. The motion was approved.  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES November 26, 2019 6. Pumpkin Recycling: Kay Mc Keen reported the event was a success. Bob Young and several volunteers from WWSHS assisted. There were six pumpkin pies given out to residents. 7. Native Plant Sale: Per Cathy Marino of Wheaton Park District, plants and volunteer hats were ordered for the 2020 Native Plant Sale event. VI. Upcoming Projects 1. Electronics Recycling (December 14): Tony Majszak will be crew chief., and (January 11) Tony Pope will be crew chief 2. Adopt a Highway (Mar/Apr 2020) – No events planned until next spring unless weather is favorable. 3. Paper Shredding (April 4): Kay reports on planning progress. 4. Arbor Day (April 24): This year there will be 2 Arbor Day presentations. A morning event at Sandberg School and an afternoon event at Wiesbrook School. Times to be finalized. 5. Native Plant Sale (April 25): The Native Plant subcommittee plans to meet in February. 6. Prairie Path Clean Up (April 25): No Report VII. Unfinished Business: 1. Honorary Ideas: (Myrt, Howard, Phil): Location being researched. 2. We Are Still In Resolution: The Mayor and City Council decided not to proceed with the resolution. The EIC will focus our interests in these values and contributions for the environment on local actions, here in Wheaton, as we continue to volunteer enthusiastically to improve and develop environmental programs and actions in and for the City of Wheaton and to promote them by working with the city on developing Wheaton’s strategic plan to incorporate Green initiatives such as solar power. As a starting point the EIC will review the successful 2008 “Green Action Plan”. Ted Witte will distribute copies to the EIC members. City Council Member Erica Bray-Parker has recently reached out the EIC to work on strategic plan environmental issues. Carlo Treviso and Allison Torrence will contact Council Member Erica Bray-Parker on behalf of the EIC and coordinate ideas and action items for City Council consideration. 3. Environmental Improvements in downtown: no report 4. Renewable energy, sustainable ideas, and potential grants: a. EIC role: members should check agendas for planning and zoning boards and try to attend meetings, if possible. We will need to make any environmental suggestions before the Roosevelt Road plan is approved. VIII. New Business: 1. Review the Green Action Plan from 2008 for further updates and actions 2. Identifying and emphasize successes from the Green Action Plan to City Council 3. Explore Solar Workshop Seminar at Wheaton Public Library 4. Kay will invite Adam Kreuzer to the January EIC meeting to discuss Dark Skies issues 5. Jim Kozik, Wheaton Director of Planning and Economic Development forwarded an email from Mr. Justin Lucas of ReStore DuPage Habitat for Humanity. Justin would like to explore notification of their willingness to salvaging building materials from demolition projects In Wheaton. They are asking that when demolition permits are applied for the city makes them aware of this free service. Ted will contact Justin and report back. 2  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES November 26, 2019 IX. Adjournment: Bob Young moved that the meeting be adjourned. Tony Majszak seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM The next regular EIC meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2020, at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Tony Pope 3