Environmental Improvement Commission

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WHEATON CITY HALL, 303 W WESLEY STREET, WHEATON, ILLINOIS 60187 Tuesday, December 3, 2024 7:30 Call to Order: Chairman Ted Witte called the meeting to order at 7:35. Present were Cathy Coleman, Nancy Flynn, Brian Malone, Kay McKeen, Tony Pope, Stephen Siemer, Allison Torrence, Seema Wadia, and Bob Young. Absent were Jim Boak, David Popham, and Jim Wozniak. Approval of Minutes: Bob moved that the minutes from the October meeting be approved. Tony seconded. The minutes were approved by unanimous voice vote. Budget Report: Bob reported that expenditures to date equal $27,763.20, leaving $7986.80 open to spend. Public Comment: NONE Reports: 1. Adopt a Highway: Nancy reported that EIC completed the required four clean ups. 2. Pumpkin Smash (November 2): Allison reported that the event went well, and they filled a dumpster. The estimated weight of the collected pumpkins was 4.75 tons. Cosley Zoo brought four pick—up trucks of pumpkins. The event was manned by Kay, Bob, Tony, Allison, and Allison’s children Willow and Glen. 3. Electronics Recycling (November 9): Tony reported that it was a busy day with a steady flow of traffic. A special collection was held this month, and one person from Wheaton Rotary collected medical equipment for Melba’s Closet, two people from Lion’s Club collected eyeglasses and hearing aids. Kay, Bob, Tony, Brian, David, and Jim Wosniak from EIC, volunteerJim Truesdale, and Key Club members from Wheaton Warrenville South High School manned the event. VI. Upcoming Projects: 1. Electronics Recycling (December 14): Bob and Brian will man the event. VII. Unfinished Business: Recycling Extravaganza: (April 12, 2025): Kay reported that the vendors are secured, but locating the event at the DuPage County Fairgrounds is not yet confirmed. Arbor Day (April 25, 2025): Whittier School Native Plant Sale (April 26, 2025): Tony reported that he and Kay attended a meeting in November to discuss what plants to purchase. Kay reported that the plant sale will be advertised on the March water bill. Prairie Path Cleanup (April 26, 2025): Seema reported that she will begin publicizing the event in February. Parkway Maintenance and Landscape ordinance: Allison said there was nothing new to report at this time.  ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES December 3, 2024 VIII. New Business: 1. Funding for EIC Events: none needed 2. Lithium Batteries: Kay reported that these are an issue, because there has been a substantial increase in fires caused by these batteries at recycling facilities, in recycling trucks, and in garbage trucks. The Naperville Hazardous Waste Site, Staples, and Lowes accept these. 3. Kay reported that Burr Ridge is now accepting smoke detectors and Downers Grove is beginning a pilot program. 4. Kay reported that research shows that black plastic utensils, including ones purchased to avoid scratching pans and ones included in carryout meals, and black plastic used to pack food like raw meat and frozen dinners have been shown to contain PFAs (forever chemicals) and should be avoided. IX. Adjournment: Steve moved that the meeting be adjourned. Nancy seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30. The next regular EIC meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2025, at 7:30 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Cathy Coleman 9 Lou's—37> f4l {9r l' ° ‘/ / / /" M W //Z X/Z/ S/