DuPage County Environmental Committee met March 1.
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 8:31 AM.
2. ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Chaplin, Hart (Remote), LaPlante (Remote), Chavez, Rutledge
ABSENT: Puchalski
Prior to moving on with the agenda, Chair Rutledge accepted a motion from Vice-Chair Elizabeth Chaplin and seconded by Chair Rutledge to make Members Paula Deacon Garcia and Julie Renehan members of the Environmental Committee for the purpose of a quorum, was unanimously accepted. Chair Rutledge, according to the Open Meetings Act, may allow for remote attendance of Members Greg Hart and Lynn LaPlante, moved by Vice-Chair Chalplin and seconded by Member Deacon Garcia, was unanimously accepted. Member Amy Chavez arrived at 8:35AM. Member Ashley Selmon was also in attendance.
3. CHAIRWOMAN'S REMARKS - CHAIR RUTLEDGE
Chair Rutledge recognized the article on the front page of the Chicago Tribune yesterday, February 28th regarding road salt. The Chair would like to see a slowing of its use and pointed out the growing importance of this committee.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Environmental Committee - Regular Meeting - Feb 1, 2022 8:30 AM
This was seconded by Member Paula Deacon Garcia, District 2.
| RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Elizabeth Chaplin, Vice Chair AYES: Chaplin, Hart, LaPlante, Rutledge ABSENT: Puchalski ABSENT: Chavez |
A. Campus Projects
Ms. Joy Hinz, Environmental & Sustainability Programs Manager, apprised the committee of the agreement with the County and CDM Smith. The Environmental Division is supporting Facilities Management with some of their efforts. CDM Smith will look into the current energy usage and ways to reduce carbon emissions, and a long term plan for sustainability and energy management. This is phase 1 of the Campus Energy Assessment. The second task is for an electric vehicle charging station study for various parking lots on the campus. They will also be undertaking a waste diversion study to better understand the current waste stream. Chair Rutledge mentioned she would like to see food scrap composting for the complex.
7. PRESENTATIONS
A. eWorks Electronics Services, Inc - DuPage County Electronics Recycling Program
Jeff Stagg, Director of Midwest Operations eWorks Electronis Services Inc, addressed the committee about their facility in Elk Grove Village. He showed they are R2 and ISO certified. eWorks deals with electronics, textiles and books. They work with residents, business, corporate, and municipalities. Since 2016, Dupage County and eWorks have collected more than 7.5 million lbs of electronics. Their mission is a path to success program for persons with disabilities to obtain successful work experience and employment. Mr. Stagg showed several school districts in DuPage County that are partnered with eWorks, stating Jill Wood, who is also present today can answer questions if needed. Chair Rutledge had some questions regarding the ISO certification. It was explained the life cycle is completely followed and tracked for the recycled item. Member Garcia inquired as to where the textiles end up. They are sorted and disbursed based on its usability.
B. SCARCE DuPage County Projects
Ms. Kay McKeen, from SCARCE, passed 2 handouts with the upcoming dates for recycling events and locations. These are included as a part of these minutes. One of February's events was a virtual visit with Sandburg Elementary School in Wheaton. Students from Naperville North High School National Honor Society learned from SCARCE at their location. There are usually two newsletters available online 'Ripples', for teachers, and the 'Green Bulletin', Ms. McKeen announced there will be one combining all the upcoming event information. She cited an article from the Chicago Tribune regarding the use of road salt and its impact on our environment.
8. OLD BUSINESS
9. NEW BUSINESS
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:03 AM
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