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Green Committee Packet 2009 05-18-09 ,c�° ctr` o, United City of Yorkville 800 Game Fann Road �EST. �` ���` '836 mYorkville, Illinois 60560 o �. � Telephone: 630-553-4350 Fax: 630-553-7575 AGENDA YORKVILLE GREEN COMMITTEE May 18,2009 7:00 P.M. Yorkville Public Library First Floor Meeting Room 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. Call to Order: Welcome Members and Guests: Approval of Minutes: April 27, 2009 New Business: 1. Create a business, community organization and non-profit environmental recognition program 2. Brief discussion on short and long-term goals Committee Reports: a. Education Committee—volunteers for articles? b. Cutting CO2 series of articles progress rept 2. Water Conservation Committee—Recommendations progress report 3. Plastic Bag Reduction 4. Environmental Fair Committee —any additional update 5. Share& Care Recycling Event Committee—proposed for Oct 24, 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 6. Recycling in Parks, Athletic Fields,etc Old Business: 1. 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. 2. Zoning Ordinance Committee Update 3. Kendall County Solid Waste Committee 4. Wind Turbine Ordinance Progress 5. Downtown Yorkville Merchants Association River Clean up on May 2 -report Additional Business: Adjournment: 2009 Meeting Schedule May Changed June 22 September 28 May 18 (due to holiday) July 27 October 26 August 24 November 23 MINUTES D AFT YORKVILLE GREEN COMMITTEE April 27, 2009 Yorkville Public Library First Floor Meeting Room Mission Statentent: To advise the City Council of the United City of Yorkville, Illinois oil ways to enhance the conwitinity environment and grays to equip and encourage citizens and businesses to participate in sustainable ecological practices. Call to Order: Keane called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Welcome Members and Guests: Members: Al Green, Anne Engelhardt, Marta Keane, Cheryl Lee, Mariann Manthei, Richard Scheffrahn; City: Stephanie Boettcher, Guests: Alderman Bob Allen, Kathy Reeder(westie94 @yahoo.com), Susan Carlson (carlson5221 a comcast.net) , Bobby Carlson, Larry Cooper. Approval of Minutes: Boettcher stated that the minutes should have the following corrections. Under the section "Recommendation Progress Reports." fl, Add "Interns will be hired subject to receiving a Full Circle grant from Illinois. #2. Delete the period between "the" and "Mayor". Under the section "New Business" #3 delete the first six words. Engelhardt motioned to approve the minutes for meeting of March 23, 2009, with the corrections as stated by Boettcher. Scheffrahn seconded. Vote: all "yes". New Business: 1. Downtown Yorkville Merchants Association (DYMA) seeking volunteers for a River Clean up on May 2. Engelhardt will contact Jeanne Morell, of the DYMA and suggest the availability of bug spray for the volunteers, and request a follow-up report from them regarding the cleanup. 2. Recycling in Parks, Athletic Fields, etc. Boettcher will forward this agenda item to Bart Olson; No recycling containers or service has been done to staff knowledge. Engelhardt motioned to recommend the City of Yorkville pursue recycling containers at the City's parks and athletic fields along with the proper disposal of the recycling items. The recommendation will include a suggestion that the City review the contract with Veolia, and ask if Veolia can place dumpsters at high volume parks. Scheffrahn seconded. All yes. Engelhardt and Keane will write the recommendation. 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. Scheffrahn motioned to table this agenda item. The commitment of the Green Committee is partially related to when the fall Care and Share day will be held. Lee seconded. Vote: All "yes." Committee Reports (written reports sent out by Sunday): I. Education Committee—volunteers for articles? (Marta & Anne) a. Cutting CO2 series of articles progress report 2. Water Conservation Committee—Recommendations progress report (Al & Phil) Comment added to the written report: Scheffrahn stated that the Building Dept is currently reviewing the 2009 building code. 3. Plastic Bag Reduction (Mariann) Comments added to the written report: Ace gave out 100 re-usable bags last Sunday. Manthei has a DVD recording of Oprah's Earth Day show. The DVD is available to be loaned to anyone on the Green Committee interested. Keane added that the Recycling Bank will soon be coming to Illinois. Manthei motioned to recommend the City to pursue a hot link to Oprah's Earth Day show on the City's web site. Lee amended the motion to include adding a hot link to www.freeeycle.com. Lee seconded. Engelhardt and Keane will write the recommendation to go to the Mayor. 4. Environmental Fair Committee— any additional update (Cheryl & Phil). 5. Share & Care Recycling Event Committee—update for 2009 (Anne & Marta) Engelhardt asked the Green Committee members for input regarding the possible sites. Lee stated that we can and should partner with other organizations; Scheffrahn will ask Marlin Hartman if the county will be hosting any this year. Engelhardt commented that no City-owned building will accommodate the size and scope of this event. Boettcher stated the Public Works Director said that tarps or tents will be the way to go. Suggestions for possible sites include visitation of all possible City locations and large parking lots, Kendall County Department of Solid Waste, and checking with Oswego's ECO group, Goodwill parking lot, and the Kendall County Fair Grounds. It might be possible if the City partnered with the County to get a discount on the Fair Grounds. Engelhardt will also check the City's event calendar and School Dist 115 calendar. The committee will keep Mayor Burd informed of any progress in the investigation. Keane talked about changing the mindset of society to change environmental behavior to become more conservative and less wasteful. Jewel in Downers Grove had a reminder prompt at their front door to remind people to bring in re-usable bags. Keane motioned to recommend that the Green Committee request a letter making several different suggestions as to how to increase the use of re-usable shopping bags; the letter will be sent to retailers. Manthei seconded. Vote: All "yes." Keane will write the recommendation. Scheffrahn recommended that Green Committee write a letter to the editor from the Green Committee congratulating Aldi's on their aggressive approach to encouraging the use of re- usable shopping bags and recognizing Target and Ace for handing out re-usable bags. Mayor needs to approve the letter, and Glory Spies will review it. Engelhardt seconded. Vote: All "yes." Keane will write the letter. Recommendation Progress Reports (written reports sent out by Sunday): Scheffrahn made motion to accept reports I and 3. Keane seconded. Vote: All "yes" 1. Tree Survey Recommendation— (Mayor Burd & Cheryl) 2. Tree City Recommendation (Richard) Boettcher reported that a grant from CEMAP was received and work will begin on the project this summer. The standard for the grant is $2.00 per person. Based on the recent census, the population of Yorkville is16,813, which means the city will be required to spend $33,626. The City met the funding requirement last year; it is necessary to see if the city will meet the requirement for 2009. The recommendation to apply for the Tree City designation needs to go to a City committee. All the work will be done by City staff with GPS systems and with the help of interns (college students). 3. Franchise Agreement Recommendation 4. Electronic Recycling Perm Program progress (Stephanie) -- Manthei requested that the Green Committee have a progress report in May. 5. Budget Line Item for Environmental Education that allows Fundraising (Richard) Boettcher explained that the procedure will involve approval from Mayor and approval by City Council for all fundraising for all fundraising efforts and for all expenditures of the money raised. Boettcher requested that the Green Committee at the May meeting have a discussion with the Mayor as to handle fundraising efforts. Lee asked for a list of guidelines for raising funds and for spending the funds raised before discussion with the mayor. Boettcher suggested waiting until after talking with the Mayor before drafting a list of guidelines. Old Business: 1. Zoning Ordinance Committee Update(Al) 2. Kendall County Solid Waste Committee (Marta) 3. Wind Turbine Ordinance Progress Scheffrahn summarized the discussion at the Public Works Committee. A small system produces .4 kilowatts at its maximum. The roof top systems are available for purchase at Menards. The ordinance, which is highly restrictive for roof top systems, is being handled similarly to the regulations for satellite dishes. One roof-top will be allowed by the ordinance with a regular permit. Additional rooftop turbines will be required with a special permit. Large systems are intended to be used for generating power to be sold back to the electric utility grid. All the ordinances will be reviewed in more depth; developing the codes for the purpose of control . Lee motioned that the Green Committee write a letter to the City council stating that the Green Committee supports the concept of an ordinance for wind turbines to generate alternative energy. Keane seconded. Vote: All "yes." Keane will write the letter. Additional Business: May 4th is the next Economic Development committee. Lee requested Green Committee add "events" to the Yorkville Green Events Calendar. These should be sent to Glory Spies. Next meeting of the Yorkville Green Committee is Monday, May 18. Public input meeting will be on May 14, 4- 7 p.m.; presentation at 5:30, at Parks and Recreation Administration building (Old post office), 201 W. Hydraulic Street. The purpose of the informational meeting is to address to a comprehensive plan for bike paths and for a downtown streetscape plan. Adjournment: Keane adjourned the meeting at 9:28 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 May 18, 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 continue to request more articles (500-600 words) on a wide array of topics. It was agreed that each member of the Green Committee would complete at least one article. Editing will be done after submission, so please submit something by June 15`h to Marta or Anne. Cutting CO2 Articles — Last month each member of the Committee was additionally asked to 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 all families might find personally useful. Please submit by July 15`h to Marta or Anne. A recommendation was submitted requesting two new "green related" links be added to the City of Yorkville's website and Glory responded that these links would be added. Submitted by Marta Keane Water Conservation Committee — The three recommendations calling for specific changes to existing ordinances were forwarded to the Mayor on Sunday, March 22, 2009. They have not made any apparent progress as yet, still waiting for them to be referred to a subcommittee (expect it to be Public Works). Submitted by Al Green Plastic Bag Reduction— Three recommendations based on Committee action at the April meeting were sent to the Mayor on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 related to the Plastic Bag Reduction issue. One called for recognition letters to be sent to the newspapers regarding Ace and Target's "free" distribution of reusable bags in honor of Earth Day. Another proposed a special recognition for Aldi when they reopen for their fee based bag program that reduces the number of disposable bags customers use. The third recommendation was for an open letter to be sent to local retailers and newspapers calling for retailers to do more to encourage customers to use reusable bags. Submitted by Marta Keane Environmental Fair Committee—No information provided this month Share & Care Recycling Event Committee — After researching the possible sites, City-owned buildings, and various parking lots, and rental costs for either frame tents or canopies, it truly does appear that the best possible site for this event will be Smith Hall on the Kendall County Fairgrounds. The City buildings are either not available (used for storage) or not large enough. The parking lot in the in the vacated commercial area in Countryside Center is in extreme disrepair, with many large and deep potholes. Other large parking lots are owned by the school district or businesses, which would require a contract for use. In addition, the main disadvantage in using a parking lot is that the event will be exposed to the weather, which is unpredictable. Given the type of event this is intended to be, many of the materials accepted must be protected and therefore, if the event were to be held outdoors, tents or canopies would be required. Checking with three different rental companies that service the Yorkville area, we learned that the rental cost of a frame tent to cover 20' x 100' will range from $1,056 to $1,400; the canopy tents would cost $635, plus set-up costs; and the pole-style tents would cost $1,095 plus set up costs. Conversely, if we consider the rental of Smith Hall(as was done in 2008), there are great benefits beyond cost. 1. No delivery; no set-up, no take down 2. Completely under cover--will be very valuable to both volunteers and the citizens who participate. Plus, if we add the "share" feature-there needs to be space to browse the items. 3. Drive through convenience 4. Location is designed for car traffic 5. Vendor parking is convenient to large doors (especially large trucks, like Goodwill's semi) 6. Ground space for E-waste 7. Restrooms available 8. Electricity available- if needed 9. 200'x 60' is the estimated covered space, larger than tent space. 10. COST: $600.00 without any reductions or waiver In addition, the Yorkville Green Committee may be able to work with the County to develop a partnership that can reduce costs and share the responsibilities. This event is publicized in local papers and the school district. By the nature of such advertising, we bring in participants from outside the municipal boundaries. It is in our best interest to partner with the County to offset our costs for this event if possible regardless of the location selected. Anne has made a contact with Mike Drendle, President of the Kendall County Fair Association, and learned that Smith Hall is available on October 24`h,but NOT on Oct. 17`h Based on discussion at the May Green Committee meeting and consent of the Mayor, Marta shall submit a recommendation that the City Council give its approval for the Green Committee to move forward on the next Care & Share event to be held at Smith Hall on the date of Oct. 24, and that we begin to work with the Kendall County Department of Solid Waste for funding and publicity assistance. Reference Information: Grand Rental,Yorkville Frame tents-Pinnacle Series- can be placed on any surface,anchored with water barrels;optional gutter between tents(to direct rain water off);one rope per corner used as an extra anchor Rental place supplies labor. $225.00 --- one 20'x20',includes set-up $40.00 --- delivery and pick up $200.00 --- each additional tent(They have four total) Summary --- $856.00 to cover 20'x 80' Canopy Tents -requires multiple poles and stakes-can be put through asphalt;our organization supplies the labor to set up $95.00 --- one 20'x 20' (They have 3) $190.00 --- one 20'x40' (They have 1) $40.00 --- Delivery and pick up Summary -- $635 to cover 20'x 100' First Place Rental,Oswego $210.00 --- 20'x40' One pole-type tent;does NOT incl set-up They have 5 available. $45.00 --- Delivery and pick-up Summary --- $1,095 to cover 20'x100' Wilson Tent Rental,Mokeena(Homewood-central office) $560.00 --- One 20'x40'frame-type tent;includes set up $75.00 --- Delivery and pick up $1400.00 --- one 20'x100' Summary --- $1475.00 to cover 20'x100' Recommendation Progress Reports: Tree Survey Recommendation—Nothing New to Report. Submitted by Stephanie Boettcher Tree City Recommendation - A recommendation supporting the pursuit of a "Tree City" designation for the City of Yorkville was submitted to the Mayor in November, 2008. It was dependent on the City's funding for tree preservation and planting. It was hoped that based on the success of the grant for the Tree Survey to be done, that this efforts would move forward. As of now, we are still waiting for it to be referred to a subcommittee(expect it to be Public Works). Submitted by Marta Keane Franchise Agreement Recommendation—A recommendation supporting the pursuit of a Commercial Franchise Agreement was submitted to the Mayor on February 4, 2009. They have not made any apparent progress as yet, still waiting for them to be referred to a subcommittee(expect it to be Public Works). Submitted by Marta Keane Electronic Recycling Permanent Program progress - The program is up and running at the Public Works Building(610 Tower Lane). The public works department reported that the service has been going well and there have already been three pick-ups of the contents of the Gaylord box, so about every 2—3 weeks. There are daily drop-offs by residents and overall they seem to be pleased with the service. Currently, Saturday drop-off times are not possible due to the budget. Submitted by Stephanie Boettcher Budget Line Item for Environmental Education that allows Fundraising—No action has been taken as yet to pursue revenue or expenses related to this new budget recognition. Recycling in Parks, Athletic Fields, etc. — A recommendation was sent to the Mayor on May 12, 2009 requesting information on the City's contract and ability to provide recycling collection service to highly utilized parks and athletic fields, as well as all City facilities. To date, no information has been provided on this request. Submitted by Marta Keane Old Business: Zoning Ordinance Commission— The second meeting was held April 29. The Zoning Ordinance Assessment Report was reviewed in some detail. Various additional issues were raised by commission members for more discussions later. In addition to the Wind Energy Systems chapter, there may also be a chapter added for Solar Energy Systems. Submitted by Al Green Kendall County Solid Waste Committee—As reported previously; the Solid Waste Committee will be meeting in June (to discuss transfer stations & landfill) and in August (to finalize the entire document). Following the August meeting, the Kendall County Board will be reviewing and discussing the document. It is anticipated that there will be a public meeting with hopes of passing the Updated Kendall County Solid Waste Plan by the end of 2009. Wind Turbine Ordinance—This effort was broken down into 3 separate proposed ordinances, for rooftop, small and large systems. Small & Large system ordinances are still under development. The"mid-size"rooftop system ordinance was forwarded by the EDC for consideration at the May 12 Council meeting for first reading. A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for the May 26 City Council Meeting. The City Council can vote on the ordinance at this meeting, or can table the vote to another meeting. The small wind energy systems ordinance is planned to be discussed that the June Economic Development Committee meeting on June 2. If committee members are interested in attending the EDC meeting, staff suggests looking that the EDC agenda online prior to the meeting to ensure it is an agenda item. http://www.yorkville.il.us/ og v mtgs minutes.php Submitted by Al Green and Stephanie Boettcher Additional Reports: LEED Building Principals becoming part of Building Code - ASHRAE Std 189.1 — The latest revision has been issued for it's 3rd(& possible final) public review. Comments are due by June 15. I'll get another update at the June 20-24 ASHRAE meeting in Louisville. Submitted by Al Green Green Your Home for Your Health: Emissions and Indoor Air Quality Quality Submitted by Cheryl Lee While sustainability and energy efficiency often dominate the green building conversation, the issue that can have the most immediate impact on your family's health is indoor air quality. Green building programs seek to limit your family's exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, that exist in some building materials and furniture. Continued exposure to these VOCs has caused health problems ranging from headaches and nausea to cancer. Green building programs like the US Green Building Council's LEED for Homes and LEED for New Construction encourage builders to eliminate these emissions whenever possible, If building green comes at a slightly higher cost it is because many of these harmful chemicals are so widespread that finding products without them can be a challenge. In fact, it is the presence of these chemicals in some products that makes them cheaper, as in wood products containing urea-formaldehyde. Those looking to improve the indoor air quality of their current house can make several changes that will significantly reduce VOCs. The following are some sources of harmful emissions in the home: Composite Wood Products Urea-formaldehyde is used to expedite the gluing process of composite wood like plywood and particle board, allowing more to be produced. Unfortunately, urea- formaldehyde is a health risk and a known carcinogen. When purchasing wood building material, cabinets, and wood furniture, seek those with no added urea-formaldehyde. Several particle board manufacturers use no urea-formaldehyde in their process. There are cabinet companies that offer cabinetry with no added urea-formaldehyde. Carpets Carpets can be a double whammy when it comes to VOCs. Synthetic carpets, as well as the padding and adhesives, are loaded with VOCs and the American Lung Association reports that some people experience eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, skin irritation, and cough as a result. Carpets also act as a "sink" for such pollutants as pesticides, dust mites, and fungi. Alternatives include carpets certified as no VOC, hard wood (as long as its formaldehyde free,) and linoleum, which is hypoallergenic and is made from renewable resources. Paints, Caulks, and Adhesives Building products that require drying, like paints, caulks, and adhesives, use a solvent that evaporates into the air (and possibly into our lungs.) If the solvent is synthetic, those chemicals used in the creation of the product become airborne. Many companies have moved away from synthetic solvents toward a water based product. Older homes should be checked for lead paint. Proximity of Carbon Monoxide Sources The two primary causes of carbon monoxide are cars and cigarettes. If the garage is attached or located under the house, carbon monoxide can make its way up into the house if the car is left on. Cigarette smoke in the house or near windows can contribute the levels of carbon monoxide in a home. Sensitivities vary but the most common early symptoms include headache and dizziness. Prolonged exposure can lead to death. Other Sources of VOCs: • Mattresses with synthetic or chemical based foam • Nylon furnishings, which may contain the carcinogen benzene • Rubber or leather products that contain xylene • Household cleansers high in chemicals • Stored gasoline and solvents VOC Warning and Removal Several indoor air quality tests are available, including carbon monoxide detectors. Efficient ventilation systems can mitigate the amount of VOCs in the home. Check out the EPA's site on indoor air quality (http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html#Sources) for more info. If you are interested in making a difference at the local level or becoming a member of the Green Committee for the Citv of Yorkville, come to the Green Committee meetings that are held at the Yorkville Library at 7.00 p.m. on the 4"' Monday of every month or call (G 30) 551-4350 for nitre information. How To Lower Your Energy Bills Submitted by Cheryl Lee 2008 was the year that saw elements of green building become mainstream and increased interest in green technologies. But for those who are not building a new house or who don't keep up with all the new technologies, there are many simple, inexpensive (or free) ways to green your life that you can do right now. The result will be a more energy efficient, healthier and more sustainable environment for you and your children. Take your recent energy bills and spend the next 30 days tweaking your habits to lower your energy bills. Compare the February bills to the January bills. There are several ways to buy your way into lower electric bills, like replacing old refrigerators or getting a tankless water heater, but if the point is to save money now, here are some instant energy and money saving ideas: • Close doors and vents in rooms you don't use • Turn off electronics when not in use and unplug appliances with phantom loads • Replace incandescent lights with CFLs - and keep lights off when you don't need them • Make sure furnace filters are clean - and keep dryer filters clean • Program the thermostat to run cooler at night when you are snug in your bed • When possible, wash clothes in cold water • Shorten showers • Check for drafts around doors and windows • Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes • Replace old shower head with an inexpensive low-flow fixture • Install an aerator (less than $15) in bathroom faucets to lower water usage Find out if your energy company will perform a free energy audit in your house. It will help isolate which areas of the house are losing the most energy and help you with strategies to conserve energy. If you arc interested in making a difference at the local level or becoming a member of the Green Committee for the City of Yorkville, come to the Green Committee meetings that are held at the Yorkville Library at 7:00 p.m. on the 4"' Monday of every month or call (630) 553-4350 for more information. What is a "Carbon Footprint"? Submitted by Cheryl Lee A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc. This measurement has units of tones (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent. The impact on the environment in terms of the arnount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide. Available soon from the Green Committee of the City of' Yorkville is a program to calculate your family's Carbon Footprint in order to shove areas that can yield the greatest reductions in your-`carbon lbotprint". Carbon Footprint Clothes & personal effects,4% Financial Services, 3% Food& drink,5%� Car-manufacturing& �. 4 HOME-gas &oil, 15% delivery, 7% ~ HOME-electricity, 12% House-buildings&---------- Furnishings, 9% Private Transport, 10% �i Share of Public Services, Holiday Flights,6% 12% Recreation&Leisure, Public Transport,3% 14% A carbon footprint is made up of the sum of two parts, the primary footprint (shown by the dark grey slices of the pie chart) and the secondary footprint (shown as the light grey slices). 1. The primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels including domestic energy consumption and transportation (e.g. car and plane). We have direct control of these. 2. The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. To put it very simply — the more we buy the more emissions will be caused on our behalf. If you are interested in making a difference at the local level or becoming a member of the Green Committee for the City of Yorkville, come to the Green Committee meetings that are held at the Yorkville Library at 7:00 p.m. on the 4"' Monday of every month or call (630) 5534350 for more information. What is Global `Farming? Submitted by Cheryl Lee Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its projected continuation. However, the phrase 'cliinate change' is becoming the preferred phrase instead of'global wanning' because it helps convey there are climate changes in addition to rising temperatures. The science of global warming is well understood. Certain gases, especially CO2, absorb solar radiation that would otherwise be dissipated back into space. Like a down comforter on your winter bed, these gases then radiate heat back to the earth. The more of these gases in the atmosphere, the more energy radiated back to earth. The higher the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the greater the amount of the sun's energy}' that is trapped on earth. While rising sea levels threaten our shorelines, increased storm surges and extreme wind events become matters of concern. Declining soil moisture will mean lost agricultural productivity and more frequent droughts, pests and forest fires. FACT: The levels of('02 have risen from 280 parts per million in pre-industrial times to 382 ppin today. FACT: The earth's surface temperature increased 1,33 f 0.32 °F between 1905 and 2005. If you are interested in making a difference at the Iocal level or becoming a member of the Green Committee for the City of Yorkville, come to the Green Committee meetings that are held at the Yorkville Library at 7:00 p.m. on the 4"' Monday of every month or call (630) 553-4350 for more information.