Loading...
Green Committee Packet 2009 07-27-09 =`,<O,c c rr J ! _ o, United City of Yorkville E57 1836 800 Game Farm Road �, .�� Yorkville, Illinois 60560 �vp � ~ o Telephone: 630-553-4350 Fax: 630-553-7575 <LE AGENDA YORKVILLE GREEN COMMITTEE July 27, 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 May 18, 2009 June 15, 2009 New Business: 1. Clean Air Counts 2. Environmental Recognition Program for Businesses and Community and Non-Profit Organizations Committee Reports: 1. Share& Care Recycling Event Committee 2. Education Committee a. "Cutting CO2" Article Series 3. Water Conservation Committee—Update 4. Plastic Bag Reduction 5. Environmental Fair Committee — Update Recommendation Progress Reports: 1. Tree Survey Recommendation 2. Tree City Recommendation 3. Franchise Agreement Recommendation—September Public Works Committee 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 Waubonsce Community College 2. Zoning Ordinance Committee Update 3. Kendall County Solid Waste Committee 4. Wind Turbine Ordinance Progress 5. Downtown Yorkville Merchants Association River Clean Additional Business: 1. Report from Stephanie Boettcher, Green Committee Staff Liaison Adjournment: 2009 Remaining Meetings August 24 September 28 October 26 November 23 MINUTES V l� YORKVILLE GREEN COMMITTEE April 27, 2009 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: 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, Susan Carlson, Bobby Carlson, Larry Cooper. Approval of Minutes: Boettcher stated that the minutes should have the following corrections. Under the section "Recommendation Progress Reports."#1. 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" 43 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 asked Bart Olson about this agenda item; 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): 1. 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.frecevcle.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 at the new public works building. 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 1 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 CMAP was received and work will begin on the project this summer. All the work will be done by City staff with GPS systems and with the help of interns (college students). The standard for the tree city designation is $2.00 per person. Based on the recent census, the population of Yorkville is]6,813, 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. 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 pen-nit. 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 MINUTES/RECORD OF MEETING YORKVILLE GREEN COMMITTEE May 18, 2009 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: Marta Keane called the meeting to order Welcome Members and Guests: Members: Marta Keane, Anne Engelhardt, Al Green, Richard Scheffrahn; City Staff: Stephanie Boettcher. There was not a quorum. Those present conducted a discussion meeting, but did not take any action. Discussing of April Minutes: Corrections: 1. Remove the email addresses from guests' names. 2. New business #2. Delete: "Boettcher will forward this agenda item to Bart Olson." Add: "Boettcher asked Bart Olson about this agenda item." 3. Committee Reports#5. On the statement by Boettcher (fourth sentence), add to end of sentence "at the new public works building." 4. Recommendation Progress Reports #2. Correct spelling to "CMAP." 5. Recommendation Progress Reports #2. In the second sentence, delete "grant" and replace with "tree city designation." 6. Move last sentence to after first sentence. New Business: 1. Create a business, community organization and non-profit environmental recognition program This idea came from Glory Spies. Green Committee will create a list of criteria for the recognition, which Green Committee can use for recognitions and can be handed out at City events. Engelhardt liked this idea and suggested that the Green Committee vote to give it support and to create a cub-committee to draft criteria for the different categories to receive recognition. Keane read a report from Cheryl Lee that summarized the Yorkville Chamber of Commerce's Green Committee's goals for recognition for Green Businesses and an award for Best Green Business each year. Keane suggested that the sub-committee read the criteria developed by the Chamber's committee and use this as a starting point in developing the criteria for the Green Committee. Keane suggested that the awards from the Green Committee be given out twice a year—Earth Day in April and America Recycles Day in November. She said that nominations may be submitted from any group or individual to recognize the best of each of the categories. 2. Brief discussion on short and long-term goals Short Term Goals 1. Scheffrahn: More people—more hands and heads to share responsibilities. 2. Engelhardt: Expand the voting membership to ten, using the list of guests at recent meetings and the list of people who signed up at the Environmental Fair. 3. Boettcher: Green Committee should talk to the people on the list to find out what environmental topics they are interested and to what extent they are willing to become involved. This task will be another level of communication. 4. Keane: Definitely contact these people by email or phone; Keane volunteered to start the process this month with a questionnaire to be emailed to that group. Long Term Goals 1. Scheffrahn: Green Committee should follow up on some things that have been started. Thin out the agenda as things get completed. 2. Scheffrahn: Continue to support the larger events, such as the Care & Share Day and the Environmental Fair. 3. Keane: Preference to Ieave all the "old business items" on the agenda as a way to remind the Green Committee that these are still in progress. Green stated that this is a good idea, and that these will not always require a lot of discussion,but will need to have follow-up until completed. 4. Keane: Wants to have the reports, as well as any new business, by 6 p.m. on the Thursday before the regular monthly meetings. These reports may be in draft form if necessary in order to meet the earlier deadline. 5. Boettcher: Green Committee could have an exhibit at Home Town Days in the fall; members could staff the booth for part of one day. Collect certain items, such as eye glasses, batteries, cell phones, etc. Engelhardt added that this will be an opportunity to advertise the Care and Share Event. In a communique to Keane, Lee reported that the Chamber of Commerce Green Committee has volunteered to help staff the booth at the Waubonsee College Environmental Fair in the fall. 6. Keane: Address the Cool City Challenge, especially with the City and City Council. Give them a list of suggestions, based on the book, Boettcher suggested that the/Green Committee go to the City Council's Committee meetings; get on their agenda to have a forum for discussion to follow up on the recommendations. The City should set the example by starting the process for the community. Engelhardt volunteered to address this goal by drafting an action plan to be included in the agenda for the next meeting. 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) 3. Plastic Bag Reduction (Marianne) 4. Environmental Fair Committee —any additional update (Cheryl & Phil) 5. Share& Care Recycling Event Committee—proposed for Oct 24, 2009 (Anne &Marta) Engelhardt said that the action plan is outlined, but a meeting with the Mayor is needed before proceeding. Keane and Engelhardt will try to set up a meeting with Mayor Burd. Keane will make the contact. Recommendation Progress Reports (written reports sent out by Sunday): 1. Tree Survey Recommendation--(Mayor Burd & Cheryl) 2. Tree City Recommendation (Richard) 3. Franchise Agreement Recommendation (Marta) 4. Electronic Recycling Perm Program progress (Stephanie) Keane recommended that the one Saturday per month the E-waste drop-off site be opened to the public for a couple of hours. She also suggested that various community volunteer groups, such as Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and school environmental groups, should be asked to help one time per year. Engelhardt supported this idea and asked that this be written as a recommendation to be voted on next meeting. Keane will write the recommendation to be ready for next month. 5. Budget Line Item for Environmental Education that allows Fundraising (Richard) 6. Recycling in Parks, Athletic Fields, etc (Marta) 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 (Al) 3. Kendall County Solid Waste Committee (Stephanie via Travis) 4. Wind Turbine Ordinance Progress (Al & Stephanie) 5. Downtown Yorkville Merchants Association River Clean up on May 2 - report (Cheryl) Additional Business: Adjournment: Keane adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m 2009 Meeting Schedule March 23 May Changed June 22 September 28 April 27 May 18 (due to holiday) July 27 October 26 April 27 August 24 November 23 Minutes YORKVILLE GREEN COMMITTEE June 15, 2009 (early date due to member schedule conflicts) 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: Marta Keane called the meeting to order Marta Keane called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Present: Marta Keane, Anne Engelhardt, Al Green, Mariann Manthei, Committee members; Marlin Hartman, Kendall County Dept of Solid Waste Management; Stephanie Boettcher and Glory Spies, Staff from City of Yorkville; Tom Kowolski, Yorkville Resident. There was not a quorum of members. The meeting was a discussion format; no formal action was taken. Tom Kowolski, resident of Yorkville, gave a presentation on Wind Power--Alternative Energy in our United States. He talked about and had many visuals of both residential systems and larger systems used on farms. A few highlighted points are listed here. • Illinois is behind in this business. •. Mendota has a 171 foot blade, which services energy to 16,000 homes • One or two would be able to service City of Yorkville • Farmers usually receive$1200 - $1500 per month from having one on their farm • Wind power is a converted form of solar energy • One slide had a diagram and explanation of how a wind turbine works. • Wind power systems are guaranteed for 5 —20 years • Size may not be the issue; more concern over appearance • The electric company put up the turbine for Mendota and Paw Paw, Illinois; 13,000 homes are covered there • Sandwich is considering using a wind turbine • It takes about 18 months to get a wind turbine installed for a municipality • One megawatt can come from one machine • An average household uses about 10,000 kilowatts. • All models for sale are larger than 8 feet tall. Yorkville has an ordinance that limits the size to under 8 feet, The Public Works committee is researching the various wind turbines. www.TKOI.US/wid is Tom's website. The ordinance is going to City Council for a second reading on June 23. 1 Individuals can send in comments to City Council. 2. Report from Glory Spies, City of Yorkville Community Relations Green Bags—with slogan "shop local"with a logo from Yorkville Schools need to be judged to determine a winning logo. Next newsletter deadline is June 22; it will be distributed July 27. Glory requested some information on the Share & Care Recycling event as well as other information from the Green Committee. One suggestion was an article explaining Wind Energy. 3. Clean Air Counts Keane explained the "Clean Air Counts"program for cities. Some of the initiatives are to change behaviors on"Ozone Action Days", including reducing the use of chemical cleaners, reducing driving and lawn mowing. There are very few "Ozone Action Days"; these are determined by a number of consecutive high temperature days. The "Clean Air Counts" program is very low-cost. It promotes some of the things that the City already does and asks the City to continue to work on clean air initiatives. Boettcher will look at the Platinum level and check off the punch list of actions the City already does. She will report to Green Committee next month. 4. Create a business, community organization and non-profit environmental recognition program Committee Reports: 1. Share & Care Recycling Event Committee—proposed for Oct. 24, 2009. Keane gave an overview of vision for the recycling day; emphasizing the "sharing" part of the event. Marlin Hartman, from the Kendall County Department of Solid Waste Management, was present and answered questions. Boettcher stated that she talked with Steve Curriati with Kendal County Health Dept. Mayor Burd would like the joining of Citizens Groups on the various Environmental events connected with the City of Yorkville. Keane also talked about the need to generate funding for the recycling event. County has some resources and Hartman has control over the budget for his department. Engelhardt will be meeting with Hartman to coordinate plans for the Recycling Day in order to create a partnership between the Green Committee 1 City of Yorkville and Kendall County for this event. Keane asked Boettcher to check whether or not Com2 be willing to accept televisions with out a charge at the recycling event Oct . 24. Keane requested volunteers for environmental articles Keane requested volunteers for environmental articles Glory Spies will add an email address as a contact for citizens if they have questions or comments or wish to have the Green Committee to address at a meeting. 2 2. Water Conservation Committee—Recommendations progress report Green asked some questions for clarification. Boettcher stated that the City Code book is correct. Green asked that City replace the currently posted water conservation ordinance with the corrected version for downloads. Boettcher is working with the Director of Parks on the sod ordinance with a goal to lower the amount of sod for new homes. Green will go to Public Works Committee on June 21" and will explain the position of the Green Committee on the landscape ordinance. Boettcher explained the Storm Water Storage Basin Landscaping ordinance. Green stated that it is unclear as to whether the recommendation was incorporated into the ordinance. Green asked that the ordinance be written with cross references for clarification. Boettcher stated that the City Staff is supportive of natural basins. Green asked to what extent was the Green Committee's recommendation incorporated into the re-written ordinances? Boettcher read the ordinance for the Park Development Standards Section 5 referencing the water ordinance standards. Keane requested that a City Staff member come to our next meeting to explain the ordinance in relation to the recommendation of the Green Committee. 3. Plastic Bag Reduction Report Those present signed letters to Ace and to Target and to the Record and Beacon recognizing their environmental efforts in handing out re-usable bags this spring. Mariann brought up the article regarding the extremely limited study(25 specimens) that showed that reusable bags may have some bacteria. Engelhardt stated that the news media had a direct commentary that rebutted the findings and specifically indicated that people should use common sense as to what they put in the bags and to wash them if they are dirty.. 4. Environmental Fair Committee Report—any additional updates Recommendation Progress Report 1. Tree Survey Recommendation 2. Tree City Recommendation. Boettcher said this is being worked on; she will keep the Green Committee informed. 3. Franchise Agreement Recommendation. Boettcher will be going to the committee to explain the position and rationale by the Green Committee. 4. Electronic Recycling Permanent Program progress. Boettcher will get a report from Com2 on the amount of E waste that has been generated since it was started in Yorkville. 5. Recycling in Parks, Athletic Fields, etc. Boettcher will give information to the Parks Department for applying for a matching grant from DECO to continue to work on the process of getting recycling containers for Yorkville Parks. Old Business: 1. Third Annual Renewable Energy Fair on October 17, 2009, at Waubonsie Community College. With the Care & Share Recycling Day planned for Oct. 24, it will be possible to participate in this event. 3 2. Zoning Ordinance Committee Update 3. Kendall County Solid Waste Committee 4. Wind Turbine Ordinance Progress Additional Business 1, Staff Liaison Report from Stephanie Boettcher, Green Committee Staff Liaison, reported that Mayor Burd requests that the Green Committee be a voice at Yorkville City Committees as well as at City Council. Example: On Van Emmon, there is to be a home development. Single-family housing has been improved; they want to increase the density, no more open space will be used; in exchange for the density they are willing to make homes more energy efficient. To hear more about this plan, the Green Committee is encouraged to attend the hearing, on July 81h The City is considering the purchase of an Earthen Home. The ultimate goal for the use of the house will be for a nature preserve and educational center for the City. The Green Committee is encouraged to attend the hearing and support this addition to the City's green efforts. 2. Keane has sent an Email letter to 20 people who gave their email addresses to find out if they are interested in assisting with events or attending or our meetings. Keane received no responses. 3. Cool City Challenge Action Plan. Anne suggested that this report be addressed when there is a quorum. Adjournment: Since there wasn't a quorum, no adjournment was required. The meeting ended at 10:19pm. 4 REPORT SUMMARY YORKVILLE GREEN COMMITTEE July 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. New Business: Clean Air Counts—submitted by Stephanie Boettcher and Marta Keane Recently the Beacon News featured an article on the City of Batavia's "green" efforts in relation to the Clean Air Counts program. Clean Air Counts is a northeastern Illinois regional initiative to reduce ozone-causing emissions, thereby improving air quality and enabling economic development. It is a collaborative effort between the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, City of Chicago, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. This multi-year initiative seeks to achieve specific and significant reductions in targeted smog-forming pollutants and major reductions in energy consumption. A community can become Clean Air Counts Certified at Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. Batavia is listed as at the Gold level, Aurora is listed at Platinum while the Village of Oswego and City of Naperville are at the Bronze level. There are specific community related strategies from energy efficient lighting, to lawnmower buy back,to low VOC,to natural landscaping. Full information is available at www.cleanaircounts.org The specific strategies listed on the Clean Air Counts website: • Energy Efficient Lighting—Signs are placed at all light switches of common rooms requesting the lights be turned off when not in use. • Energy Star Buildings—The City has a LEED requirement for all new construction greater than 5,000 sq. ft. and renovation greater than 1,000 sq. ft. • Energy Star Office Equipment • Gas Can Replacement • Lawnmower and Leaf Blower Buyback • Low VOC Building Materials • Low VOC Cleaning Products • Low VOC Paints • Natural Landscaping—The City planted its first rain garden last May at City Hall. A second rain garden will be planted at the REC Center this September. • Diesel Retrofit • Workplace Transportation Options • Idling Reduction—The City does have an anti-idling policy for all City vehicles. Committee Reports: Share& Care Recycling Event—submitted by Marta Keane &Anne Englehart The decision to approach other groups to jointly host this event was approved by the Mayor, as was the location at the Kendall County Fairgrounds on October 24, 2009. Anne and I are seeking a third co-chair for this event. We intend to collect many of the same items as we collected last year, but we also hope to allow participants to take items for part of the day, before giving remaining items to the various collection firms that assist with this event. We need assistance gathering volunteers and covering costs. The Mayor did approve the solicitation of funding and a form is being created for partnering organizations and sponsors that will direct funds to the budget line items created for such Green Committee costs. Water Conservation Committee—Recommendations progress report-submitted by Stephanie Boettcher 1. The revisions to the Park Development Standards were brought to the Park Board on July 23,2009. 2. Revisions to the Landscape Ordinance Section 2.4 are scheduled for the August 18 Public Works meeting. The meeting is at 6:30 pm at the City Hall Conference Room. Confirmed attendance by multiple committee members is a MUST. Plastic Bag Reduction—submitted by Stephanie Boettcher and Marta Keane The committee received the "OK" from Mayor Burd to prepare letters to the editor in regards to plastic bag reduction. Mayor Burd requested that Community Relations Staff be notified prior to the Green Committee sending these letters in order to couple a press release about what the Green Committee is doing. The letter is prepared and will be distributed to members for signature at the meeting, then submitted to the papers and sent to the businesses. The Yorkville Garden Club gave out 250 Eco-Bags at their garden walk. Chamber Green Committee—submitted by Cheryl Lee The YACC Green Committee has been busy working on our Green Business Designation. We have just about wrapped it up and are very anxious to show you what we have created thus far. We are trying to make this rather easy to get the chamber businesses excited about the concept...not wanting to bog them down with too much detail as there may be no participation. The businesses do not have to postively answer 100% (40) of these questions, but must answer yes to a percentage that we have yet to detemine. However, they must have at least one positive answer in each category. We have also given businesses an opportunity to list other Green practices that could add to their total count(as it is virtually impossible/too lengthy to cover everything). 1. We are planning to roll this out with training and the Green Committee will post the criteria with tips on the chamber website for reference. 2. Each business that earns the Green Business Designation will receive a decal that can be used at their location or on their vehicle. 3. 3. Each Green business will also receive an electronic logo file that can be used on their website or printed literature. 4. Annually, each Green Business will have their name placed on a banner that will be displayed at the Environmental Fair at the Chamber's table/booth. 5. Each Green business will have their logo placed on the chamber website on the Green Business webpage. 6. The Green Business awards are next on our agenda and we expect to have the criteria for that evolve out of this designation program. The awards usually take place every January. Recommendation Progress Reports: Tree Survey Recommendation—submitted by Stephanie Boettcher The City just posted the advertisement for the hiring of part time qualified individuals to do a tree survey for all public areas. Hopefully work will be underway on the project by mid—late August. Tree City Recommendation—submitted by Stephanie Boettcher City staff has reviewed the application and is looking into the designation. Applications are due at the end of the calendar year,December 31. Staff is working on developing a tree preservation ordinance,which is one of the four standards of the program. Franchise Agreement Recommendation—submitted by Stephanie Boettcher This recommendation will be at the September 15 Public Works meeting. The meeting is at 6:30 pm at the City Hall Conference Room. Confirmed attendance by multiple committee members is a MUST. Electronic Recycling Perm Program progress—submitted by Marta Keane No report from City staff on usage was available. A discussion at last month's meeting showed an interest in the site being open at least one Saturday a month for a couple of hours. To keep costs to the City low, volunteers should be sought from various community volunteer groups, such as Kiwanis, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and school environmental groups. Each group could volunteer three months a year to spread the workload. It might be possible for the City. If the Committee approves,this recommendation will be made to the Mayor. Recycling in Parks,Athletic Fields, etc—submitted by Stephanie Boettcher A list of DCEO grants was obtained. This information was provided to the Park and Recreation Staff. Old Business Reports: Third Annual Renewable Energy Fair—submitted by Marta Keane On October 17,2009, Waubonsee Community College shall host its third annual Renewable Energy Fair at its main campus in Sugar Grove. The college is requesting that the Yorkville Green Committee participate with an Exhibit/Booth. They have generously offered to waive their $25 fee. We need at least two volunteers to staff the booth at this event and promote the Share & Care Recycling Event scheduled for the following weekend. One volunteer for the first half the day and one volunteer the second half the day. This is a great opportunity for us to support our local college's environmental efforts and increase awareness of our community's efforts. Zoning Ordinance Commission Update—submitted by Stephanie Boettcher The Commission met on July 22 to discuss the administrative sections of the ordinance. The June 24 meeting of the commission centered on included a Conservation Design District to the ordinance. Kendall County Solid Waste Committee—submitted by Stephanie Boettcher No Report. Wind Turbine Ordinance Progress—submitted by Stephanie Boettcher The Wind Turbine Ordinance for Rooftop systems was sent back to committee after the June 23 City Council meeting. It was discussed at the July 23,2009 Public Safety Committee. It will be before the City Council on August 11,2009. Cool City Challenge Action Plan—submitted by Anne Englehardt As a follow-up to the presentation to the Committee last year on the Cool City Challenge, and the United City of Yorkville's commitment to the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus on Climate Change, the Green Committee should move forward with a plan to engage the residents and businesses of Yorkville in methods to reduce their carbon pollution. The proposed Action Plan requires at least two volunteers to co-chair a subcommittee on this subject. The co-chairs will draft a list of specific things that can be done to reduce one's carbon footprint(CO2 waste); then ask the Green Committee to approve this list. The list will then be forwarded to the Mayor in the form of a Recommendation through the Chairman of the Committee and a request will be made to have an item placed on the City Council Agenda. A member of the Committee will explain the Cool City Challenge; Bring two books to loan to Council members; Bring a Green Committee handout (booklet) that was developed and approved; and then request for follow-up 6—8 weeks later at the City Council's Committee meetings. Of course the Green Committee members involved would attend subsequent City Council meetings on the subject and create subsequent action recommendations for the City if necessary. Additionally,the Committee would work with the City to publicize and promote the program. A step-by-step handout is available. Staff Liaison Report—submitted by Stephanie Boettcher The United City of Yorkville was one of 20 communities to receive a$500 Illinois Rain Garden Initiative Grant from the Office of the Lt. Governor. Yorkville's second rain garden will be located on the south side of the REC Center building, and will be approximately 60 feet long to collect the water from the building's roof and create an education opportunity through this natural area for residents,patrons, and other area organizations.A planting date of Thursday, September 24, at 9 am,with a rain date of September 25 has been determined. Anyone is welcome to volunteer.