Environmental Improvement Commission

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WHEATON CITY HALL, 303 W WESLEY STREET, WHEATON, ILLINOIS 60187 Tuesday, December 12, 2023 7:30 I. Call to Order: Chairman Ted Witte called the meeting to order at 7:30. Present were Cathy Coteman, Nancy Flynn, Brian Malone, Tony Pope, Seema Wadia, and Bob Young. Absent were Kay McKeen, David Popham, Stephen Siemer, Allison Torrence, and Jim Wozniak. Also in attendance was Karin Daly, founder of Go Green Glen Ellyn. II. Approval of Minutes: Nancy moved that the minutes from the October meeting be approved. Tony seconded. The minutes were approved by unanimous voice vote. III. Budget Report: Bob reported that there were no new expenditures, leaving a balance of $-877.70. This negative balance does not include the funds recouped by selling leftover ptants from the Native Plant Sale aftertheevent. IV. Public Comment: Karin Daly introduced herself and said she was interested in our agenda items. V. Reports: 1. Adopt a Highway: Nancy reported that we have done our required four clean ups and the area is still in fairly good shape. 2. Electronics Recycling (Nov. II): Tony reported that the weather was mild and sunny, and traffic was heavy all day. The event was manned by Brian Matone, Bob Young and Tony Pope from EIC, volunteers Jim Truesdale, Thuy Le, and high school students Brooks Connelly and Elleson Connelly from St. Francis High School, Lauren Baker, Reagan Pasqualicchio, Vivian Johnson, Charlie Lytle, and Owen Davis from Wheaton North High School Key Club, and seven workers from E-Works. A significant amount of electronics, textiles, clothing, shoes, and scrap metal was collected. Approximatety 200 fluorescent bulbs, 15 gallons of cooking oil, and 12 smoke alarms were recycled. 3. Electronics Recycling (Dec. 9): Tony reported mild weather and moderate traffic. Bob Young, Dave Popham, and Tony Pope represented EIC, helped by volunteers Jim Truesdale, Thuy Le and her daughter Kayla Gunn from York High School, MacKenzie Greaves and Aven Noonan from Wheaton North High School Key Club, and seven workers from E-Works. A significant amount of electronics, textiles, clothing, shoes, scrap metal and Christmas lights were collected. Approximately 150 fluorescent bulbs, 20 + gallons of cooking oit, and 5 smoke alarms were recycled. 4. Pumpkin Smash (Nov. 4): Tony reported that EIC was represented by Kay McKeen, Bob Young, Allison Torrence, Dave Popham, Brian Malone, and Tony Pope. Several members of Wheaton North HS Key Club, Cub Scouts from Pack 73, and Boy Scouts from Troop 35  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Dec 12, 2023 ofWheaton volunteered. Attendance was steady all morning, and the recycling dumpster was completely filled. 5. Sustainabitity Awards: The awards were given out at the November 20 City Council meeting. 6. Cosley Zoo: Allison composed a memo of recommendation which was sent to the Mayor and the City Council via the City Clerk. VI. Upcoming Projects: 1. Electronics Recycling (Jan. 13): Bob and Tony will be there. VII. Unfinished Business: 1. Leaf Blower Noise Issue: Memo forwarded to the City Council. No action will be taken. 2. No Mow Mothers Day/May: The EIC will develop an awareness campaign. We will suggest to the city that the lawn ordinance be temporarily suspended for those participating, ifthey put up a sign. 3. Light Pollution—Energysavings: tabled pending City Council's sustainability list 4. Single use plastic bags: Stephen prepared a memo for the City Council. No action will be taken on this item 5. Business Composting: No action will be taken on this item 6. Bio-swales/Rain Gardens/Composting: City Council would like a public awareness campaign on these topics and permeable pavers to help with flooding. This could be addressed through City Communications Department recycling series. 7. Scented Dryer Sheets and Pollinators: tabled 8. Recycling Extravaganza (Apr. 13, 2024): no report 9. Increase Tree Planting: Seema shared a report on Wheaton's trees from The Chicago Region Trees Initiative VIII. New Business: 1. Funding for EIC Events: Bob moved that we approve an invoice for $1608.50 to pre-order plants from Possibitity Place forthe 2024 Native Plant Sale. Nancy seconded. The motion passed by unanimous voice vote. 2. Native Ptant Sale: Tony reported that all of the suggestions on plants that did not sell well were incorporated into this year's orders. 3. Recycle Series with City Communications Department: Susan Bishel contacted Ted about working together on a series of informational videos. EIC is very interested in working with the Communications Department on this project. 4. Budget Meeting: Ted reported that the City Council is not in favor ofordinances for our initiatives and prefer an informational approach. Ted will revise our Annual Report to reflect their preference. IX. Adjournment: Cathy moved that the meeting be adjourned. Bob seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20. The next regular EIC meeting is scheduled forJanuary 23, 2024, at 7:30 P.M. Respectfulty submitted, Cathy Coteman