Environmental, Forestry, & Sustainability Commission

Regular Meeting

Winnetka, IL · November 12, 2025

Minutes

WINNETKA ENVIRONMENTAL, FORESTRY, AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES November 12, 2025 A record of a legally convened meeting of the Environmental, Forestry and Sustainability Commission of the Village of Winnetka, which was held in the Police Station classroom, 410 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, Illinois, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Call to Order: Chair Eck called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Voting Members present: Chair Peter Eck and Commissioners. A quorum of presently appointed members was present, Liz Kunkle, King Poor, Dave Varca. Voting members absent: Gregory Frezados Brendan Andrew, Tim Ring. Village Council Representative absent: Kim Handler. Student Representative present: Louisa Hernandez. Student Representative absent: Scarlett Harper. Staff Liaison present: Elyse Steiner, Sustainability Coordinator. 1) Introduction & Chair’s Remarks: Chair Eck recognized the work and achievements of the EFSC in 2025. 2) Public Comment: NONE 3) Review and Approval of Minutes a) Approval of the September Regular Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Varca, seconded by Commissioner Kunkle to approve the minutes. AYES: KUNKLE, VARCA, POOR, ECK, NAYS: NONE ABSENT: FREZADOS, ANDREW, RING 4) Old Business: a) Climate Action Plan Emilee O’Neill from Keramida led the CAP engagement session with the EFSC members starting with some background and results of the greenhouse gas inventory. The conversation covered the scope, timing, and expectations of the final deliverable. The plan will set a long- term target and identify the actions, policies, and technologies that will contribute to emission reductions. b) Sustainability special issue of Winnetka Report List of potential topics/ stories in shared folder for review and volunteers to take responsibility for drafting. Suggestion to add education on “leave the leaves” campaign and organize a Clean Up the Park Day. Proposal to finalize draft by May. c) Green Events Reflects research and reviews of other community practices to educate and motivate waste- reduction at large events. Wilmette provides some examples, guidelines. Next step to engage Council members on feasibility and acceptability. 5) New Business 5) Communications: 6) Commission/Staff Reports: 7) Open Forum: None. 8) Adjournment: There being no further business, Chair Eck asked for a motion to adjourn which was moved by Commissioner Kunkle and seconded by Commissioner Poor. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote; the meeting adjourned at 8:18p.m.

Agenda

Packet

Village of Winnetka Environmental, Forestry, & Sustainability Commission Meeting November 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM Police Department 410 Green Bay Road AGENDA 1. Introduction & Chair's Remarks 2. Public Comments 3. Review and Approval of Minutes a. September 10 EFSC Meeting Minutes 4. Old Business Updates a. Climate Action Plan Engagement and Input 5. New Business a. Special sustainability issue of Winnetka Report 6. Communications 7. Committee/Staff Reports 8. Open Forum 9. Adjournment NOTICE All agenda materials are available at villageofwinnetka.org (Government > Council Information > Agenda Packets & Minutes); the Reference Desk at the Winnetka Library; or in the Manager’s Office at Village Hall (2nd floor). The Village of Winnetka, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that all persons with disabilities who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting or have questions about the accessibility of the meeting or facilities, contact the Village ADA Coordinator, at 510 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, Illinois 60093, 847-716-3543; T.D.D. 847-501-6041. Page 1 of 3 WINNETKA ENVIRONMENTAL, FORESTRY, AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 A record of a legally convened meeting of the Environmental, Forestry and Sustainability Commission of the Village of Winnetka, which was held in the Council Chambers at Village Hall, 510 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, Illinois, Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Call to Order: Chair Eck called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Voting Members present: Chair Peter Eck and Commissioners. A quorum of presently appointed members was present Gregory Frezados, Liz Kunkle, King Poor, Dave Varca, Brendan Andrew, Tim Ring. Voting members absent: None. Village Council Representative absent: Kim Handler. Student Representative present: Louisa Hernandez, Scarlett Harper. Student Representative absent: None. Staff Liaison present: Elyse Steiner, Sustainability Coordinator. 1) Introduction & Chair’s Remarks: New student representative, Louisa Hernandez, was introduced and welcomed to the Commission again for the benefit of those who missed the August meeting. 2) Public Comment: NONE 3) Review and Approval of Minutes a) Approval of the August Regular Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Poor, seconded by Commissioner Kunkle to approve the minutes. AYES: FREZADOS, KUNKLE, VARCA, POOR, ECK, ANDREW, RING NAYS: NONE ABSENT: NONE 4) Old Business: NONE 5) New Business a) Winter road salt presentation by Erik Jensen, Winnetka Public Works Department. The Village has evaluated chemical options and adopted new forecasting and monitoring technologies to save time, money, and environmental impact. Next step to identify opportunities for public education and outreach such as Village communications. Page 2 of 3 b) Solar energy and battery storage presentation by Paul Doughty, Certasun. Found over 30 solar projects in Zip Code 60093, below comparable peers. Advantages of battery storage for backup power during an outage. Illinois Shines program compensates owners for their Renewable Energy Credits, helping to lower total project costs along with net metering credits. Opportunity in Winnetka to update fire code to 2018/2021 would make the corridor requirement for rooftop solar panels narrower than older code. 6) Communications: Deferred conversation on opportunity to work with Village Communications on a special Sustainability issue of the Winnetka Report until October meeting. 7) Commission/Staff Reports: Farmers’ market participation on September 13. Peter and Scarlett available to represent EFSC. North Shore Town Hall next Wednesday September 17 in Wilmette Caucus survey results under review. Micromobility (e-scooters and motorbikes) was a top concern. Rob Bahan’s retirement party on Sept 30 is open to all. 8) Open Forum: None. 9) Adjournment: There being no further business, Chair Eck asked for a motion to adjourn which was moved by Commissioner Kunkle and seconded by Commissioner Varca. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote; the meeting adjourned at 8:45p.m. Page 3 of 3