Green Committee Packet 2009 04-27-09 ,<0,a clr y
Q United City of Yorkville
J � � 800 Game Farm Road
EST. 1836 Yorkville, Illinois 60560
o A� Telephone: 630-553-4350
Fax: 630-553-7575
AGENDA
YORKVILLE GREEN COMMITTEE
April 27, 2009
7:00 P.M.
Yorkville Public Library
I"Floor Meeting Room
Mission Statement. To advise the City Council of the United City of Yorindlle, Illinois on tivays to enhance the community
environment and ways to equip and encourage citizens and businesses to participate in sustainable ecological practices.
Call to Order:
Welcome Members and Guests:
Approval of Minutes: March 23, 2009
New Business:
1. Downtown Yorkville Merchants Association seeking volunteers for a River Clean up on May 2
2. Recycling in Parks, Athletic Fields, etc.
3. Third Annual Renewal Energy Fair on October 17, 2009, at Waubonsee Community College requesting
the Green Committee's participation/Exhibit with offer to waive $25 fee.
Committee Reports:
1. Education Committee— articles still needed
a. Cutting CO2 series of articles -progress report
2. Water Conservation Committee—Recommendations progress report
3. Plastic Bag Reduction
4. Environmental Fair Committee — any additional update
5. Share & Care Recycling Event Committee— update for 2009
Recommendation Progress Reports:
1. Tree Survey Recommendation
2. Tree City Recommendation
3. Franchise Agreement Recommendation
4. Electronic Recycling Perm Program progress
5. Budget Line Item for Environmental Education that allows Fundraising
Old Business:
1. Zoning Ordinance Committee Update
2. Kendall County Solid Waste Committee
3. Wind Turbine Ordinance Progress
Additional Business:
Adjournment:
2009 Meeting Schedule
April 27 June 22 September 28
*May Is July 27 October 26
*(3`d Monday due to holiday) August 24 November 23
DRAFT
MINUTES
YORKVII LE GREEN COMM CI'"I'EF
March 23, 2009
7:00 P.M.
Yorkville Public Library
First Floor Meeting Room
Mission Stareynent. To advise the City Council of the United City of Yorkville, Illinois on ways to enhance the
community environment and ways to equip and encourage citizens and businesses to participate in sustainable
ecological practices.
Call to Order: Keane called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Welcome Members and Guests: Members: Marta Keane, Anne Engelhardt, Mariann Manthei,
Richard Scheffrahn, Cheryl Lee, Al Green; City: Stephanie Boettcher, Guests: Danny DuCharme and
Larry Cooper; Jessica Dexter, representative from Environmental Law and Policy Center
Approval of Minutes: Scheffrahn motioned to approve the minutes for meeting of February 23, 2009.
Engelhardt seconded. Vote: all "yes".
Committee Reports (written reports sent out by Sunday):
1. Education Committee— volunteers for articles. Engelhardt and Lee have articles and will email
these to Keane. Lee reported that the K Co Record will be doing a "Home Improvements"
section;, and the Green Committee is invited to contribute articles. Lee will email information on
this to Keane to pass on to the committee.
2. Environmental Fair Committee--update. Lee reported that it was very successful; There were
approximately 600 attendees; 95 % of vendors responded that they are interested in returning
next year. Suggestions for next Fair include (1) improvement to PA system; (2) may be able to
add 8 — 10 vendors next year; (3) a date in late Feb or earlier in March; (4) reduce the number of
seminars but lengthen the time of each, possibly include discussion time; later sessions had
fewer attendees; (5) schedule for speakers to include an open time slot for just viewing exhibits;
(6) make kids' activities one of the highlighted events; (6) network with other groups in the
community to have monthly presentations, on environmental topics, in the library during the
year; (7) improve signage and circulation; (8) not enough room to walk around to get into the
exhibit area; consider walking straight in or limiting number of lanes for use on the track to give
one lane to fair-goers; (9)cheek into getting megaphone from YPD for announcements; (7) cost
was reasonable, but vendors responded that they would pay double; (8) perhaps do an ad that
features the vendors; (9) a lunch meeting at the Chamber on a relevant or timely
environmental topic.
Lee is working with Chamber's sub-committee for Environmental Issue, which is creating
criteria for awarding Green Business of the Year and is working closely with the City.
There was discussion of possible dates for date for the 2010 Fair. March 6 is the first
choice, Feb 27`h second choice. Lee will ask Sue Swithin for input.
3. Water Conservation Committee—Recommendations progress report (3rd Tues) The
recommendation went to the Mayor today. If this goes to Public Works Committee, Green and
Scheffrahn will be available to attend. Recommendations include taking out the sod
requirement and wording clarifications.
4. Plastic Bag Reduction - Manthei stated that she has been asked, "Where can I take plastic bags
for recycling?" She stated that Jewel in Yorkville is one place to take plastic bags. Lee
mentioned that people can take plastic bags to Food Pantry. Manthei motioned to recommend
that Mayor Burd and a Jewel manager have a photo taken next to the plastic bag recycling
container. Scheffrahn seconded. Vote- All "yes". Keane will write the recommendation.
Recommendation Progress Reports (written reports sent out by Sunday):
1. Tree Survey Recommendation. This recommendation will be tabled until April. GIS will be used
to map the trees. Interns working with the City will have this as one of their projects.
2. Tree City Recommendation. Franchise Agreement Recommendation has been submitted to the
City; the budget for this will be on agenda at City Council tomorrow, March 24. Keane
suggested that Scheffrahn review the budget on-line. If the budget does not adequately meet the
recommendation from the Green Committee, he was asked to send information to Keane who
will then contact the .Mayor.
3. Franchise Agreement. Lee is able to bring this idea to the Chamber; Scheffrahn commented that
the City may be more likely to support a Franchise Agreement if there is support of businesses.
He suggested that the Chamber, at the very least, should lay groundwork for the City; the
Chamber can educate and make suggestions.
4. Electronic Recycling Permanent Program progress report. The E-waste bin was delivered today.
The operation will be worked on this week by City staff. For promotion a press release will be in
the Record and information will be included in April water bill for all City residents. Televisions
have a fee required to be paid for at City Hall, M- Fr 7:30-- 3:30, before dropping it off for
recycling.
Engelhardt would like to see an additional two hours on one Saturday per month to
accommodate people who are working at the time the City facility is opened. Lee suggested that
the Green Committee staff one day per month; Boettcher said that the City would still need to be
paid to be on-site. Public Works crews might be working on Saturdays. Scheffrahn suggested
that the system be allowed to work for a month and that the Green Committee should address
this concern at the next meeting.
5. Budget Line Item for Environmental Education that allows fundraising. All agreed that is
needed. Scheffrahn asked for a financial report on the Environmental Fair.
Old Business:
1. Zoning Ordinance Committee Update. Green agreed to be appointed to Zoning Ordinance
Commission; it is a year commitment.
2. Kendall County Solid Waste Committee—Feedback. After discussion, the Green Committee
recommended that the Kendall County Solid Waste Committee adhere to the Illinois hierarchy
for solid waste management with Iandfills being the last-choice solution, and that they promote
better, alternative solutions for solid waste management. Should a transfer station be allowed in
Kendall County, the Green Committee recommends that it be designed to support recycling
purposes. Green made the motion; Lee seconded. Vote: "Yes" -- Green, Lee, Scheffrahn,
Engelhardt, Keane. "No"—Manthei. Motion passed.
3. Cutting CO2. Create an Educational Outreach Subcommittee. Lee wrote an article on "Carbon
footprint". Lee and Engelhardt will co-write a series of articles on carbon footprint.
4. Share & Care Recycling Event 2009. City's contract with Com2 allows for 2 additional and
separate collection days. Engelhardt and Keane will check on the size and layout of the recently
acquired City public works building.
Manthei reported that the Yorkville Public Library is planning to have book sale on
Hometown Days on a Sunday, with specific guidelines for donated books. Lee asked if the
Library will take old books to "giveaway." The Friends of the Library will have specific
information on this event.
Discussion led to possible dates of October 24 or October 17 for the next Share & Care
Recycling Event.
Keane mentioned the possibility of networking with other groups, such as SWCD (motor oil
recycling every spring) or a group to handle tires. There may be a charge for standard tires (cars
and pickup trucks); also a truck will be needed to haul these. The recycling committee will
investigate. As soon as possible,the venue and the date will need to be set; the "special events
form" will be completed and sent to the Mayor, who will then give the information to City
Council. Engelhardt and Keane agreed to chair this event again.
New Business:
1. Earth Hour is Saturday, March 28 at 8:30pm. Green Committee members are supportive.
2. Wind Turbine Ordinance. The summary is in the report section. Keane stated that the Green
Committee supports the concept of an ordinance for wind turbines to generate alternative energy.
The Public Works committee meeting which will be addressing this issue will be held as a public
meeting on April 7; the draft of the ordinance will be sent to Public Works Committee prior to
April 2-3`d; members of the Green Committee can make comments on this revision to the
committee members prior to the April 7`h committee meeting. Keane motioned to request a copy
of the revised ordinance for Green Committee to review prior to the April 7`h public works
committee meeting. Engelhardt seconded. Vote: all "yes."
3. Recent City Grant Applications of Interest. Keane reported on an Illinois bill that will allow
quarries for landfills. After discussion, Keane motioned that the Green Committee recommends
that any quarry sited for a landfill meet all the current requirements for landfills, and that this
recommendation be forwarded to Kay Hatcher. Lee seconded. Vote: all "yes."
4. Upcoming Events. Presentations on the Emerald Ash Borer 3/31 and Rain Garden 3/31.
Additional Business:
Third Annual Renewal Energy Fair on October 17, 2004, at Waubonsee Community College asked for
the Green Committee's participation (exhibit). Lee commented that participation at such events raises
exposure level. Fee for non-profits this year is $25.00. Engelhardt mentioned the need to have more
volunteers to cover the time of the exhibit. A new list of 47 people who signed up at the Environmental
Fair can be a way to get volunteers to assist the Yorkville Green Committee. This will remain a
discussion item.
Adjournment: 9:45 p.m.
2009 Meeting Schedule
June 22 September 28
April 27 July 27 October 26
May 18 (Monday) August 24 November 23
REPORT SUMMARY
YORKVILLE GREEN COMMITTEE
April 27, 2009 Meeting
Mission Statement: To advise the City Council of the United City of Yorkville, Illinois on ways to enhance the
community environment and ways to equip and encourage citizens and businesses to participate in sustainable
ecological practices.
Committee Reports:
Education Committee Report - We need more articles (500-600 words) on a wide array of
topics. Please send at least one article per person and if you need help with editing, please know that
Anne, Glory and myself are all happy to assist. Submitted by Marta Keane
Cutting CO2 Articles — If each member of the Committee could submit a paragraph to Marta or
Anne on something that they have done to reduce carbon dioxide, the short experiences could be put into
an article that families might find personally useful.
Water Conservation Committee — Three recommendations were created by Al, Phil and Richard,
calling for specific changes to existing ordinances. They were forwarded to the Mayor on Sunday,
March 22, 2009. They did not make it on to Public Works or Administration Subcommittees of City
Council but are expected to shortly. Submitted by Al Green
Plastic Bag Reduction — At our Eco-Fair we gave out 227 Reusable Bags. Studies indicate that one
Eco-bag will save 6 plastic bags per week--that is a savings of 1,362 plastic bags per week--or in one
month 5,448 plastic bags (if Reople remember to use them).
On Sunday, April 18' the Yorkville Target gave out 500 Eco-Bags for anyone who bought food.
If 500 people used the bags they would save 12,000 plastic bags in one month. IT ALL ADDS UP!
Now the question is, how do we remind people to use the Eco-bags? Could the Committee
discuss what "prompts"help them and their families remember to use their Eco-bags consistently?
Submitted by Mariann Manthei
Environmental Fair Committee — Mariann called 12 people that provided their name and number at
the Environmental Fair, indicating an interest in joining the Committee. She left 5 voice
messages, spoke to 7 and told them meeting dates and time.
Given the size and scope of this event, we look forward to learning what actions are being taken
at the Chamber and City to plan for the 2010 event. Submitted by Marta Keane
Financial numbers for the Environmental Fair from the Chamber:
Total Received: $965.00
Total Expenditures thus far: $603.40
Total Remaining in account: $361.60
Also, have called Sue Swithin about possible dates for 2010 (March 6 or February 27) and she said it
would be quite awhile before she would know if the dates will work. Submitted by Cheryl Lee
Chamber Green Committee update:
Established meetings as third Monday of month at noon. Voted on Mission Statement and guidelines of
committee. Chairperson of this committee to be member of City Green Committee. Sub-committee
currently working on criteria and categories for Green business awards and reviewing logo previously
submitted during Env. Fair contest, as well as others. Looking for logo that will best represent green
business. E-blasted Green tips to chamber businesses on Earth Day. Submitted by Cheryl Lee
Share & Care Recycling Event Committee—The date and location of this year's Fall 2009 event were
to be determined but due to several conflicts, Anne and I could not tour locations. There is also interest
in teaming up with the County and soliciting funding support for the Fair Grounds as that location offers
both drive-thru and parking options for participants. Submitted by Marta Keane
Additional Reports -
Emerald Ash Borer Meeting — This meeting was offered by the City and explained the devastating
effect the Emerald Ash Borer poses to Ash Trees. At this time, the Borer is not infecting trees in
Yorkville. If you have questions about your Ash tree call Eric Dhuse, Director of Public Works at 1-
630-553-4370. Submitted by Mariann Manthei
Recommendation Progress Reports:
Tree Survey Recommendation —Yorkville Community Development Staff recently heard that the City
was awarded a grant to inventory all trees within City parkways and City property. The grant is fully
funded by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). The next step is to receive and
approve a contract for the program with CMAP. Following that, the City will be conducting a public
meeting to inform the City about the project. Work is expected to take place this summer. Submitted by
Stephanie Boettcher
Tree City Recommendation - The Tree City recommendations were submitted to the City for
consideration. It is not currently known if this designation is in the budget and we request an update
from the City, however, given that the City received the Tree Survey Grant, it is hoped that the Tree City
Recommendation was or will be approved. Submitted by Marta Keane
Franchise Agreement Recommendation —nothing new to report
Electronic Recycling Permanent Program progress - The program is up and running at the Public
Works Building (610 Tower Lane). Press releases about the program have been printed in the Kendall
County Record.
PRESS RELEASE: The Yorkville City Council approved an E--waste recycling agreement with Com2
Computers and Technologies LLC. Under the agreement, all Yorkville residents will be able to dispose of
electronic products and materials by dropping off items in the plastic box located at the city's Public works
facility located at 610 Tower Lane.
Items accepted at no additional charge to residents include the following: Calculators, cell phones,
portable music players, mp3 players, CD and tape players, radios, boom boxes, speakers, computer laptops,
computer notebooks,desktop computers,printers,copiers,VCRs,DVD players,telephones,microwaves,and other
standard household electronic devices.
A fee of $5 will be charged for CRT monitors and terminals. Residents dropping off televisions will be
charged a rate of$1 per diagonal inch of TV screen,up to a maximum of$50.
For all items that do not require a service charge,residents may simply drop off the materials at the Public
Works facility during the hours of 7 a.m.-3330 p.m. Monday through Friday. For items that require a service
charge,residents must first pay the fee at City Hall,800 Game Fdrm Road,during the hours of 8 am.-4-30 p.m.
Monday through Friday.Residents will receive a paid receipt that must accompany the item prior to drop off at
the Public Works facility.
More infonzzation is available by calling Yorkville's Public Works Department at 630.553.4370.
Submitted by Stephanie Boettcher
Budget Line Item for Environmental Education that allows Fundraising — The 09/10 Fiscal Year
budget was approved on April 14. A revenue line item titled "Green Initiatives" is included in the
budget. No money has been appropriated from the budget to this line item however. The budget is
available for review on the City web site. It is strongly suggested by Staff that the Committee fully
understands their role— what they can and cannot do and how to utilize funds which were raised,
prior to ANY solicitation of donations. Submitted by Stephanie Boettcher
Old Business:
Zoning Ordinance Commission—The initial meeting was held March 25. The Commission's task is to
review and recommend revisions to the existing Zoning Ordinance. The meeting was mostly devoted to
a review of the Comprehensive Plan and City's Zoning Ordinance Assessment Report. A complete set
of meeting minutes is available on the City Website. The next meeting is Weds April 29. Submitted by
Al Green
Kendall County Solid Waste Committee - The Green Committee has provided input on all of the
topics. The Solid Waste Committee will be meeting in April (finalization of combustion technology
language), June (discussion on transfer station/landfill) and August (finalization of entire document).
Following the August meeting, the Kendall County Board will be reviewing and discussing the
document with the hopes of passing the updated solid waste plan by the end of 2009. Submitted by
Stephanie Boettcher
Wind Turbine Ordinance — Richard attended the Public Works subcommittee meeting. The original
ordinance will be considered as three separate ordinances: 1. Roof Top Systems
2. Small systems
3. Large systems
The ordinance regulating roof top systems will be discussed at the May Economic Development
Committee meeting. This meeting will be held on Monday May 4 at 7:00 pm at City Hall.
At the April 14 City Council meeting the Council passed an ordinance (as opposed to a
moratorium) which requires all residential wind energy systems (rooftops) meet the regulations and
limitations used for satellite dishes (obtain a building permit), and that commercial systems be defined
as a "public utility" which invokes the provisions of a special use and location solely in an agricultural
zoning district. This ordinance will be repealed upon adoption of ordinances regulating these systems.
Submitted by Stephanie Boettcher