Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County Environmental Committee met July 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 8:30 AM.

2. ROLL CALL

Member Haider arrived at 8:47 A.M.

Additional Board Members: Member Paula Deacon Garcia and Member Yeena Yoo.

Guest Speaker: Kay McKeen

Staff present: Joy Hinz, Geoffrey Matteson, Myles Barnes, Catherine Figlewski, Joan Olson,

Evan Shields.

PRESENT Cronin Cahill, Evans, Honig, LaPlante, and Rutledge

LATE Haider

3. CHAIRWOMAN'S REMARKS - CHAIR RUTLEDGE

Chair Rutledge shared a comment to enjoy our summer and our gardens harvest this year. Chair Rutledge also reminded the committee to not put down any harmful pesticides as you spray for bugs and pests in your yards during this season.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT

None

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

5.A. 25-1613

Environmental Committee Minutes - Regular meeting - Tuesday, May 6, 2025

RESULT: APPROVED

MOVER: Cynthia Cronin Cahill

SECONDER: Lynn LaPlante

6. PRESENTATIONS

6.A. SCARCE - DuPage County Projects

Kay McKeen - Founder and Executive Director of SCARCE highlighted SCARCE's initiatives from April to June 2025, including the 19th Annual Sustainable Design Challenge, where teams from Lake Park and Glenbard East High Schools were recognized for their innovative designs.

She commended the recertification of Forest Glen Elementary's Earth Flag on April 22, emphasizing the dedication of a library aide who spearheaded environmental projects at the school. The 'Growin' Green Garden Market' held on May 3 offered organic seedlings and native plants to promote sustainable gardening practices. SCARCE also conducted compost workshops on May 8 and June 26, educating 49 participants on composting techniques, with volunteer John crafting wooden compost bin covers from scrap lumber. Additional efforts included hosting 35 municipal engineers to discuss litter reduction and recycling initiatives, conducting teacher training on solar energy and STEM education, recycling 39.4 tons of paper, culminating in the service of 226 vehicles and the shredding of 5.4 tons of paper in collaboration with West Chicago. SCARCE also supported recycling initiatives with state senators and partner municipalities and previewed upcoming events, including STEM‐A‐Palooza at the DuPage County Fair. Kay closed by expressing pride in SCARCE’s sustainability accomplishments this year, outlining future goals, and responding to questions from members.

7. STAFF REPORTS

7.A. 25-1610

Campus Tree Planting Event with Chicago Region Tree Initiative

Jennifer Boyer - Campus Natural Resources and Grounds Services Supervisor spoke about the Chicago Region Tree initiative by detailing the results of the planting of 38 trees. A video recap reel of the planting event was on display for all members in attendance. Jennifer concluded that the DuPage County Campus is an accredited level one arboretum through The Morton Arboretum, which sets the County apart from other arboretums, and that most of our new trees planted within the last 10 years are native trees.

7.B. 25-1611

Illinois Battery Recycling

Joy Hinz - DuPage Environmental & Sustainability Programs Manager shared about new legislation titled the 'Illinois Battery Stewardship Act' that goes into effect January 1, 2026. This legislation will soon add more primary battery locations to the already existing rechargeable drop-off locations. Joy mentioned further that the State of Illinois has grant funding available that the county will be talking with the local communities about and how they're working on finding more drop-off points this fall.

7.C. 25-1612

Switch Together Summer 2025 Campaign

Joy Hinz - DuPage Environmental & Sustainability Programs Manager spoke on the success the County has seen since partnering with iChoosr's - Switch Together Solar Group Buy Summer Campaign. 93 households accepted their solar offers and since the start of the program there have been 111 installations which equals 1,107 kilowatts that were added solar capacity. In closing, Joy reminded the committee of the upcoming iChoosr campaign 

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 A.M.

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