Dupage Policy Journal

Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission met Tuesday, March 15.

Here are the minutes as provided by Glen Ellyn:

MINUTES

COMMISSION: Environmental DATE: 3/15/16

QUORUM: Yes CALLED TO ORDER: 7:30 p.m.

ADJOURNED: 9:32 p.m.

MEMBER ATTENDANCE: PRESENT:

Chairman Adam Kreuzer, Commissioners, Adrianne Gregory, Mike Malone, Thomas Pulver, David Short, Sarah Udelhofen, Jennifer Umlauf, Andrew Van Gorp, John Zelasco; GE Park District Liaison Renae Frigo, Staff Liaisons Brendon Mendoza & Al Stonitsch

EXCUSED:

Trustee Liaison Mark Senak

PUBLIC PRESENT: Katherine Meigel

1. Call Meeting to Order –

Chairman Kreuzer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in Room 301 of the Glen Ellyn Civic Center.

2. Public Participation –

Katherine attended the meeting to try and get the EC to try and help her promote sustainable lawn care. She told the EC about a program she has researched in River Forest. She noticed when she was driving through the town and she saw signs that said “Stay ON The Grass”. River Forest has a sustainable lawn care program that is quite successful. She went on to tell the group what she knew about the program and told them that River Forest generated interest in the program through “green” block parties. Residents who attend these block parties attend a 15-20 talk to educate then on green lawn care and ways to achieve it. She went on to discuss specifics about the program and how it is promoted. Much discussion is had regarding the program, and members thought the idea was a good one. Chairman Kreuzer suggested that Katherine help the EC with possibility starting a program similar in Glen Ellyn.

3. Approval of Meeting Minutes –

There were no minutes to approve.

4. Announcements – NONE

5. New Business –

A. Recycling Extravaganza -

Commissioner Zelasco recapped the group on details regarding the upcoming the Recycling Extravaganza, which is scheduled to be help on April 23, from 8:00am to 1:00pm. He went on to say that he has many organizations already scheduled but discussion was also had about other organizations that might possibly be beneficial as well; such as Family Shelter Services.

Chairman Kreuzer wondered if there should be 2 tests rather than one in case of bad weather. Staff Liaison Mendoza said he would look in to this and get back to the group, Commissioner Udelhofen showed the group the poster she made to promote the event as asked for feedback. Members thought the poster looked great. She will put the finishing touches on it and send to Staff Liaison Mendoza to get copies.

B. Earth Day and Other Initiatives Planned -

Earth Day will be April 22 this year. Park District Liaison Frigo gave the group a quick history of Earth Day and how it came about. This year the Glen Ellyn Event will be held at Maryknoll since the Lake Ellyn Boat House is under construction. She went on to say that there will be a variety of people at the event and three speakers who will educate attendees and take questions after. Members discussed their role at the event and the fact that the Extravaganza was the next day. Promoting the Extravaganza and also the upcoming composting program where things the group wanted to make sure they discussed at the event.

Park District Liaison Frigo told the group about a program the Park District is involved in to help promote pollinators. The Park District is going to produce signs at the cost of $10 each that residents can buy that say “We Support Pollinators”. Much discussion was had regarding the event and members thought the idea was a good one and also one that they would like to be a part of. Members agreed that they would pay half the cost to produce the signs with the Park District.

C. 2016 Events and Party -

Chairman Kreuzer asked the group what they thought about having an EC party. After some discussion members agreed that family members should be invited and it would-be held on Saturday, May 21 at 6:00pm. They will discuss location and who will being what at a future meeting.

Commissioner Gregory gave a brief update on a new art initiative she had in mind. This initiative would use words made out of metal in different fonts in a variety of locations around the Village. The words would have a double meaning and be relevant to the environment. Members liked this idea and Commissioner Gregory said she would look in to it further and get back to the group.

Commissioner Gregory also said she would like to do something with the McChesney & Miller building but has not heard back from the developer. Trustee liaison Senak said he would call and let Commissioner Gregory know what he finds out.

6. Old Business –

A. Curbside Composting Program –

The pilot curbside composting program will go live on Tuesday after Village Board Approval.

B. Strategic Planning Session – NONE

C. Environmental Commission Budgeting and Foundation Initiative -

This plan is moving forward and members find out that Assistant Village Manager Stonitsch will be the Liaison to the DuPage Foundation.

7. Subcommittee Reports

A. Recycling Subcommittee Report – See Above

B. Health, Wellness & Transportation Subcommittee Report –

Commissioner Van Gorp as the group what they thought of putting together a group of representatives from a variety of organizations to work on the North/South corridor. Members thought it was a good idea and Chairman Kreuzer asked Commissioner Van Gorp to put something in writing that could be shared with the group.

C. Sustainable Landscaping Subcommittee Report –

Update was given to the group on the Kids Garden at Village Green.

D. Arts & Outreach Subcommittee Report – NONE

8. Other Business - NONE

9. Chairman Report -

Chairman Kreuzer recognized Commissioner Van Gorp’s work on Sustain DuPage and its most recent successful event held last month. He went on to say the event was quite successful and the Commissioner Van Gorp should be proud of all the hard work he has done. It was an organization Chairman Kreuzer felt the EC would continue working with in the future

10. Trustee Liaison Report –

Gave the group a recap on upcoming expenditures the Village has planned and also some detailsregarding the new Police Station.

11. Staff Liaison Report –

Staff Liaison Mendoza discussed the EC taking over the decorating of the large clay pots in the downtown. The group is still interested in taking on this project and will discuss it in detail at a future meeting. He also informed the group that he has gotten calls from other municipalities regarding the composting program. Members are encouraged that others are looking at them for guidance.

12. Confirmation of Next Meeting Date and Adjournment –

The next scheduled regular meeting will be held on April 19, 2016.

Respectfully submitted by: D’Arcy Greenleaf

Reviewed by: Administrative Intern, Brendon Mendoza