DuPage County Environmental Committee Met April 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
1. CALL TO ORDER
8:30 AM meeting was called to order by Chair Sheila Rutledge at 8:32 AM.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Puchalski (8:53 AM), Chaplin (8:52 AM), Hart (Remote), LaPlante, Chavez (Remote), Rutledge
ABSENT:
3. CHAIR REMARKS
Chair Rutledge suggested "No Mow May" wherein lawns are not mowed until late May so the bees can use the dandelions to pollinate. The other issue the Chair brought up is the problem with disposal of wipes ending up in the sewer lines.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Environmental Committee - Regular Meeting - Mar 2, 2021 8:30 AM
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Amy Chavez, District 5 SECONDER: Greg Hart, District 3 AYES: Hart, LaPlante, Chavez, Rutledge ABSENT: Puchalski, Chaplin |
A. EN-R-0215-21 RESOLUTION -- Promote Sustainable Outdoor Lighting Practices Within County Operations
Mr. Adam Kreuzer thanked the committee for the resolution on behalf of the International Dark Skies Association, as their local delegate, and offered assistance to the County if needed to provide additional information, auditing or programs that might be designed to inform residents of the County.
| RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Lynn LaPlante, District 4 SECONDER: Greg Hart, District 3 AYES: Hart, LaPlante, Chavez, Rutledge ABSENT: Puchalski, Chaplin |
A. Discussion -- Senate Bill 170 & House Bill 633 Vegetable Garden Protection Act
Chair Rutledge opened by saying she spoke with the Mayor of Elmhurst regarding this issue, she supports the right to garden but understands the rights of home rule.
Member Chavez although in favor of gardening, mentioned that there may be an impact on our municipalities and communities. Member Hart, agreeing with those statements would like to know the input from the municipalities' point of view.
Member LaPlante suggested coming up with a list of specific concerns. Ms. Joy Hinz, DuPage County Environmental Specialist, offered to reach out to the DuPage Mayors and Managers.
8. STAFF REPORTS
A. Staff Reports -- DuPage County 2020 Annual Waste and Recycling Report
Ms. Andi Dierich, DuPage County Environmental Coordinator, summarized the 2020 DuPage County Waste & Recycling Report with an average recycling rate of 32%. Food scrap recycling for 2020 was eight communities in 2021 it will be up to nine communities. This year the survey asked communities what will be their focus for the year. Contamination in curbside recycling is at the top, followed by plastics, household hazardous waste disposal and food scraps.
Member LaPlante asked how we compare to other counties of our size. Ms. Dierich and Ms. Hinz explained that other counties do not collect or report data in the same way, however, the County is above the national average.
Member Chavez offered the idea of coming up with initiatives or programs to address how we can reduce our [curbside] trash. She acknowledged the electronic recycling information, commenting on Naperville's vast amount collected. Ms. Hinz explained Naperville is operated daily, some of the other locations are 3 times a year, quarterly or monthly. Member Chavez suggested perhaps more access may help.
The report is attached and made a part of these minutes.
Vice-Chair Chaplin arrived at 8:52 AM, remotely.
Member Pulchalski arrived at 8:53 AM, in person.
B. Staff Reports -- Recycling Event Toolkit
Ms. Hinz offered this document to help those hosting a recycling event. The basis of the information was provided by SCARCE and the County. There will be some corrections and changes yet to be made. The goal being to reach out to groups with information to host their own event.
Member Chavez commented that this was detailed and well done.
The draft version is attached and made a part of these minutes.
9. PRESENTATIONS
A. Educational Partners - SCARCE DuPage County Projects
Ms. Kay McKeen of SCARCE gave a presentation highlighting workshops given in January, February and March. This presentation is attached and a part of these minutes.
B. SCARCE PowerPoint Presentation 4-6-2021
10. OLD BUSINESS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
None.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:11 AM.
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