Dupage Policy Journal

City of Warrenville Environmental Advisory Commission met Aug. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A. CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.

B. ROLL CALL

Present: Chairperson Cecilia Gerber (CG), Patrick McNulty (PMcN), Kathy Franke (KF), Margaret Votava (MV)

Absent: Jean Marie Kauth (JMK)

Also Present: Staff Liaison David Romero (DR), Council Liaison Kathy Davalos (KD)

C. APPROVAL OF JULY 15, 2025 MINUTES

PMcN moved to approve July 15, 2025 minutes, the motion was seconded by MV, and unanimously approved.

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

There were no citizen comments.

E. OFFICIALS AND STAFF COMMENTS/REPORTS

DR reported that staff and the Mayor attended the EV Readiness Awards Ceremony in Chicago. Warrenville staff was awarded the Bronze level plaque, and two certificates for their efforts in completing the EV Readiness Program. One certificate recognized the efforts (by Warrenville Fire Protection District) on first responder training. The second certificate recognized staff efforts on permitting. The program trains participants on permitting and inspection of EV charging stations, and zoning amendments that would require the installation of EV charging stations for certain types of developments. The City currently has no plans in place to install EV charging stations.

CG started a discussion about how Warrenville could educate local businesses, potential and existing developers, and residents about the positive effects of installing chargers. DR will take up the recommendation with the appropriate department.

F. BUSINESS OF MEETING

1. Review and approve 2026 EAC Regular Meeting Calendar

The suggested 2026 Regular Meeting Calendar was introduced and discussed. CG moved for approval the motion was seconded by PMcN seconded and unanimously approved.

On a separate note, the commission discussed the possibility of rescheduling the October, October 21, 2025 meeting to October 7, 2025. Further discussion and approval will be voted on at the September meeting.

2. Provide update on possible collaboration with the Hozho Project

Tabled until the September meeting.

3. Decide on EAC’s participation in the Library’s Community Resource Fair

CG moved that WEAC participate in the Warrenville Public Library’s September 13th Community Resource Fair, the motion was seconded by KF and unanimously approved. KF will prepare a display of eco-friendly household items. CG asked commissioners to make offline recommendations to DR about possible giveaways during the Fair.

4. Provide update on September Library Series presentation

DR opened discussion about the Warrenville Library Presentation Guidelines. Presenters are not responding to Warrenville’s requests to review presentations. CG asked why Warrenville insisted on enforcing the guidelines if they were ineffective? The presenters are chosen for their expertise and are usually well known to the commissioners. Any problem with a presentation would result in the presenter not being asked to return. DR will take the discussion back to senior staff.

5. Discuss and plan next year’s Library Series possible presentations

CG reported that there were several topics possible for the 2026 Library Presentation Series:

• Pesticides vs Pollinators

• Recycling

• Redo the Trouble with Plastics presentation

• Native Landscaping

The Commission will discuss the dates and presentations at the September WEAC meeting.

6. Discuss memo for Comparable Communities environmental commission research

It was discussed tabling the discussion until the September meeting. PMcN commented that the agenda topic has been tabled for several meetings and that the agenda should be placed higher on the list of the agenda so that progress can be made on the initiative. All acknowledged PMcN’s comments and the need to return to working on the initiative. DR explained that when creating the agenda he arranges the order of the agenda based on items that need to be immediately addressed and approved based on timing, and unfortunately due to various factors the initiative stalled in progress. CG recognized that better efforts could be made to move the meeting along and address all topics listed on the agenda.

7. Discuss possible expansion of EAC commission size

Tabled until the September meeting.

G. COMMISIONER COMMENTS/REPORTS

There were no comments or reports

H. ADJOURN

CG moved for the meeting to adjourn at 8:55 p.m., the motion was seconded by PMcN and unanimously approved.

https://www.warrenville.il.us/DocumentCenter/View/30954/08-19-2025-EAC-Minutes?bidId=