DuPage County Environmental Committee met Jan. 6
Here is the agenda provided by the committee:
1. CALL TO ORDER
8:30 AM meeting was called to order by Chair Saba Haider at 8:30 AM.
2. ROLL CALL
Other members present: Paula Deacon Garcia, Yeena Yoo, Dawn Desart
Staff Present: Steve Travia, Cathie Figlewski, Joy Hinz, Geoffrey Matteson, Myles Barnes, Jennifer Boyer, Ian Johnstone, and Nicholas Alfonso.
PRESENT Haider, Evans, Honig, Cronin Cahill, and Martinez
LATE LaPlante
3. CHAIRWOMAN’S REMARKS – CHAIR HAIDER
Chair Haider welcomed everyone in attendance and she wished everyone a Happy New Year.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Kay McKeen, Executive Director of SCARCE shared public comment highlighting the genesis of the PaintCare program and recycling events that are set to happen this year. Kay spoke about new laws that went into effect this year banning CFL’s and laws requiring the recycling of household batteries. In addition, SCARCE has been actively working to make Christmas tree recycling more accessible at condominiums, apartment complexes, and small business.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5.A. 26-0118
Environmental Committee Minutes – Regular meeting – Tuesday, December 2, 2025
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Cynthia Cronin Cahill
SECONDER: Lucy Evans
6. PRESENTATIONS
6.A. 26-0205
2026 Switch Together Program – Citizens Utility Board
Grace Concialdi, Solar Outreach Coordinator for the Citizens Utility Board gave a presentation on the 2026 Switch Together Program. Grace shared program results specific to DuPage County and the roles and responsibilities of the program for DuPage County. Grace highlighted iChoosr’s newest Switch Together Heat Pumps campaign and shared the results from their 2025 pilot program. Grace ended her presentation with a timeline for the 2026 calendar year that outlined the Switch Together program and its goals. Member Evans responded to the presentation extending praise for the program based off their personal experience and hoped for additional ways the committee can collaborate with this program further. Member Cahill commented and asked for modification to communications to County residents. Member LaPlante agreed with member Cahill and called for equitable communications.
7. ACTION ITEMS
7.A. EN-R-0001-26
Memorandum of understanding between the County of DuPage and Midwest Renewable Energy Association to provide a solar group buy program. (No County Cost)
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT TO FINANCE
MOVER: Lynn LaPlante
SECONDER: Lucy Evans
7.B. 26-0175
Recommendation of the approval to support local government hosted document shredding events providing all DuPage County residents access to document shredding services through November 30, 2026, for a total expenditure amount not to exceed $8,500.
RESULT: APPROVED
MOVER: Cynthia Cronin Cahill
SECONDER: Lucy Evans
7.C. EN-R-0002-26
Recommendation for the approval of a grant agreement between the County of DuPage and Choose DuPage for the management of Sustainable DuPage, for the period of January 13, 2026 to November 30, 2026, for a total amount not to exceed $60,000.
Rita Haake, Senior Vice President of Choose DuPage shared about Choose DuPage and their partnership with EnergySense. Rita shared about all the successes of Choose DuPage’s resources for small businesses and the future partnerships that are in the works for the year. Member LaPlante extended praise to Rita and Joy Hinz for their efforts in actionable results of the program. Member Evans agreed with Member LaPlante and expressed how highlighting more information about the Illinois Green Business Association could help more businesses have interest in signing up.
RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT TO FINANCE
MOVER: Cynthia Cronin Cahill
SECONDER: Lynn LaPlante
8. OLD BUSINESS
No old business was discussed.
9. NEW BUSINESS
No new business was discussed.
10. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:57 AM.
https://dupage.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=M&ID=1362534&GUID=3D06870F-7974-42C1-9461-60A7CA976B79
