DuPage County Environmental Committee met Jan. 4.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. CALL TO ORDER
8:30 AM meeting was called to order by Chair Sheila Rutledge at 8:30 AM.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Puchalski, Chaplin, Hart, LaPlante, Chavez, Rutledge
ABSENT:
Member Paula Deacon Garcia was present.
3. CHAIRWOMAN'S REMARKS - CHAIR RUTLEDGE
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Kay McKeen of SCARCE remarked about smoke detectors. At the Wheaton Electronics Recycling Event 36 detectors were turned in. She was asking for any information about grants to support the purchasing of the bins for collection. January programs will be virtual or hybrid.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Environmental Committee - Regular Meeting - Dec 7, 2021 8:30 AM
RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Elizabeth Chaplin, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Donald Puchalski, District 1
AYES: Puchalski, Chaplin, Hart, LaPlante, Chavez, Rutledge
6. PARENT COMMITTEE APPROVAL
B. EN-R-0027-22 RESOLUTION -- Appropriation of Funding for the Continued Operation of the Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility in the amount of $100,000
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Elizabeth Chaplin, Vice Chair
SECONDER: Amy Chavez, District 5
AYES: Puchalski, Chaplin, Hart, LaPlante, Chavez, Rutledge
7. PRESENTATIONS
A. Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Climate Action Plan for the Chicago Region
The Honorable Kevin Burns, Mayor of Geneva, informed the committee he has been in the environmental space about 5 years now and believes local action together can achieve much more regionally. This is about a plan developed over the last 2 years with over 200 organizations, 150 communities, multiple counties the largest environmental sustainability plan in the United States and hopefully has the most impact.
Ms. Edith Makra, Director of Environmental Initiatives for the Metropolitan
Mayors Caucus (MMC) began the presentation by explaining the geographic boundaries are basically the same as CMAP but is willing to work with any municipality interested in joining these efforts. She stated the European Union chose to mentor MMC along with 3 other US metro areas. The goal of the EU is to demonstrate the power of regional climate planning in America after fostering similar collaborations around the world. NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administation, also gave assistance and co-wrote the plan with MMC.
The Climate Action Plan is for mitigation of CO2 greenhouse gases, adapting to
the impacts of climate disruption and be rooted in equity with the well-being of people at its center. Local government needs to lead by example, encourage residents, citizens and businesses to change behaviors and enact policies that address climate change.
The projection is from 2005 that there will be a reduction of 80% by 2050. Vice
Chair Chaplin brought up Cool DuPage and its initiatives set out in 2012 to reduce GHGs by 20% by 2030 and, although we are on track for this, perhaps the goal needs to be adjusted. Ms. Chaplin also asked if the projects the County does could be tracked for its environmental impact. Mr. Nick Kottmeyer, Director of Public Works & Operations, explained score cards are produced since 2005 for every project.
Ms. Makra went into more detail about mitigation objectives, adaptation for
building resilience such as engaging/educating the community, making climate-smart policies, creating equitable opportunities and benefits in the process. Member LaPlante inquired if this plan addresses inland migration due to climate change noting these concerns will affect housing, schools, resources, and protecting natural resources and what will be the impact. Ms. Makra and Mayor Kevin Burns responded that the plan does touch on this and these are issues to look at going into the future but this is what local governments need to address in an equitable way.
They are asking for supporting a resolution endorsing the goals of the Climate
Action Plan. Member Chavez and Chair Rutledge asked for direction on how the County can participate specifically.
This PowerPoint presentation is attached and now a part of these minutes.
8. OLD BUSINESS
9. NEW BUSINESS
Member Donald Pulchalski announced the County has purchased 2 electric grass mowing machines.
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 AM.
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