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Green Committee Packet 2009 08-24-09 =`,�'D C/TJ o United City of Yorkville 800 Game Farm Road EST. �-Imo`--�_1836 -�� Yorkville, Illinois 60560 o L� ` Telephone: 630-553-4350 Fax: 630-553-7575 �t E AGENDA YORKVILLE GREEN C01MMITTEE August 24, 2409 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 July 27, 2009 New Business: 1. Presentation on Proposed GE Ecomagination Housing Development 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: I. 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. Clean Air Counts 2. Third Annual Renewable Energy Fair on October 17, 2009 at Waubonsee Community College 3. Zoning Ordinance Committee Update 4. Kendall County Solid Waste Committee 5. Wind Turbine Ordinance Progress Additional Business: 1. Report from Jackie Dearborn, Green Committee Staff Liaison Adjournment: 2009 Remaining Meetings September 28 October 26 November 23 MINUTES 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"#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 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.freecvcle.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 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 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 isl6,813, 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 4`h 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 Citv Council of the United City gf'Yorhvdlle, Illinois on tivays to enhance the community environment and ivays 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 42. 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 leave 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 CounciI'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): 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) 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 Co«ncil of the United City of Yorkville, Illinois oil Ways to enhance the conimztnity 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.TKO1.US/wid is Tom's website. The ordinance is going to City Council for a second reading on June 23. Individuals can send in comments to City Council. 2. Report from Glory Spies, City of Yorkville Community Relations Shop Yorkville campaign is looking to use green bags as part of the marketing effort. A Iogo contest is going to be held to develop a Shop Yorkville 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/ 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 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. 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 down-loads. Boettcher is working with the Director of Parks on the Park Development Standards with a goal to lower the amount of sod for new parks. Green will go to Public Works Committee on June 2150 and will explain the position of the Green Committee on the landscape ordinance. Boettcher explained the Storm Water Storage Basin requirement in the Landscape 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. This will be going to the Public Works committee members should attend 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 inf 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 pair 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. 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 8"' "The ultimate tTual ti,r the use ofthc 110tisc «ill he t'01-:1 nature preser�e and edueatitinai tenter tin•the City,. N�ItLlre trails anti hiking,- tra.tils ulteretltltnec;tiili,,. 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: Keane adjourned the meeting at 10:19. Minutes YORKVILLE GREEN COMMITTEE July 27, 2009 7:00 P.M. - Yorkville City Hall 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 at 7:02 p.m. Present: Valerie Burd, Mayor; Marta Keane, Al Green, Mariann Manthei, Cheryl Lee Committee members; Ed Bell, Belfry Bees & Honey- Beekeeper and Educator for several area environmental organizations; Stephanie Boettcher and Jackie Dearborn, Staff from City of Yorkville; Christopher Sharp, Yorkville Resident. There was not a quorum of members. The meeting became a discussion format; no formal action was taken. Discussed ideas to encourage more resident involvement in committee, more attendance by voting and non- voting members and more attendance or e-mail to City Council on issues of importance to the Committee. The day of the meeting may not be the issue. One idea- to devote the first 30mins of each meeting to a short presentation featuring different speakers addressing specific topics. A brief Q&A to follow, then continue with the meeting, allowing people to stay if they want or leave. A press release about the speaker and topic in the newspapers and on the City website; as well as e-mail to all that provide e-mail addresses. Sources of speakers: Hoover Education Center, Illinois Renewable Energy Association, Illinois Solar Energy Association, Organic Farming, Soil & Water, Forest Preserve, Conservation Foundation, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Veolia, Electronics Recycling, Illinois Recycling Association, Chamber Green Committee, Yorkville Congregation Church Green Group, Cardinal Recycling, USGBC. Someone would be needed to contact and set up 10-11 presentations each year. The Mayor also suggested creating a Commission to review plans to meet City criteria for sustainable development which could be similar to the LEED standards. The current Plan Commission doesn't do this type of review. Such a Commission would have more impact when plans are up for approval than the current Green Committee structure. Discussion centered on the fact that the Green Committee has struggled in its role as a lobbying force for policies it favors as well as projects already in front of the City Council. There has been an increase in people coming to meetings in opposition to environmentally conscious items and a decrease in people attending or contacting Aldermen in support of these items. This has been happening in neighboring towns and seems to be connected to the current economic situation. Although 90% of people voiced support of bike trails, the only voices at the City Council are those in opposition and they are calling on the City not to apply for or accept grant money! A concerted effort needs to be made to show support for all environmental projects the Committee supports or at least contact everyone that has indicated an interest in the Committee to get them to attend Council meetings or contact the Mayor and Council members. The Clean Air Counts program does require some effort from the Committee to get the City to,loin it, but the good news is that this program could be done by members of the Committee with minor staff support time and at low cost to the City. Stephanie identified several items from the list of activities that the City already does and therefore Marta Keane will pull together a memo to present to the Committee to create a recommendation to the Mayor to get the City into this program. The Green Committee doesn't need to create a business, community organization and non-profit environmental recognition program as this could be redundant as the Chamber develops their program. The Chamber requires one of their Chamber Green Committee members to be a member of the Yorkville Green Committee to keep information flowing and make working together easier. A question arose as if the Forest Preserve or Education Center could be eligible for awards. This has not yet been determined. Kendall Education Center doing family days. August 291h and we may want to have a table. Do we have a few volunteers for this event? Who do we need to contact? A contract to perform the public area Tree Survey was awarded. The school cannot do the actual survey due to the proficiency level of the students. Its going to take 3-4 individuals to do the survey. It may be too much for a student to shadow these workers, but in the future, the school students may be able to confirm and/or update data. Laura Haake has been working on a Tree Preservation Ordinance, which is intendcd to also create the Tree Committee, which in turn would fulfill the requirements of the Tree City designation. The Tree City Application is due by Dec 31, 2009. Stephanie announced that she is leaving for a position with a non-profit housing authority in the Indianapolis area. Her last day is July 30 and the new liaison, from the Engineering Dept is Jackie Dearborn. Marta Keane and Cheryl Lee both expressed gratitude for Stephanie's hard work both with the Green Committee, especially as it began, and with Green Committee events, especially the Spring Environmental Fair. Stephanie told the Committee that she was contacted and asked to speak about the United City of Yorkville Green efforts at the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers state conference. She and Travis Miller were members of a panel discussion and called attention to a number of accomplishments that were achieved because of the efforts of the Green Committee; such as public education efforts Marianne suggested that this information be made easily accessible at the City Council meeting. The Mayor suggested that Travis present some of this information to the City Council to increase awareness of the City's green success and the role of the Green Committee. Marta Keane suggested that the presentation, if in power point, be placed on the City Website for prospective members and volunteers to see. Christopher Sharp suggested that Committee members and local residents consider attending the 8th annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair Aug 8th & 9th at the Ogle County Fairgrounds in Oregon. A full weekend of renewable energy and sustainable living ideas. Featured speakers, workshops, booths, displays, tours, children's activities, food and entertainment. There is a small admission fee. http://www,illinoisrenew.org On the topic of wind turbines, Ed Bell spoke of a city in Massachusetts that utilizes wind turbines successfully. The Mendota Wind Farm was also mentioned. It appears that the residential wind turbine ordinance will make it through the City Council this month but the commercial and wind farm turbine ordinances still need to make it through committee and council process. It seems that a few dedicated opponents keep attending meetings and there needs to be some proponents of this program that voice their support. It was suggested that Green Committee consider setting up a meeting for representatives of all the area environmental groups to gather and brainstorm ways to work together and support one another. This might be another way to encourage attendance or contact with Council members on issues of mutual agreement. August 18ffi Public Works Commission--need to have several people at this meeting supporting water conservation amendment. Update on Share & Care Event—Need to find local business partners to take Motor Oil, Tires, CFLs. Discussed issues the sharing portion of event raised with Goodwill and ways to minimize through design of educational materials, flyers, posters, etc. Latex paint recycling may be available for a fee. No word on if the City's Electronic Recycler will be at the Event or if they will waive television recycling fees. The Electronic Recycling Perin contractor has not provided a report to the City. A request has been made. Could we ask the HS Environmental Club to take on some Saturdays at the Drop-Off, they could also be asked to work at the Share and Care Recycling Event The Park Board meeting went too late and members left without learning the fate of the Park Development Standards revision in regards to the water conservation recommendation made by the committee. Mayor spoke of problems with ponds, storm water retention, City staff design, they take 5 yrs to become self sustaining then residents mow to water or plant inappropriate items, such as vegetable gardens. Working on Agreements with the Homeowners Association for infringements. The Green Committee needs to show support for naturalized detention basins Adjournment: Since there wasn't a quorum, no adjournment was required. The meeting ended at 8:45 pm. 2009 Remaining Meetings August 24 September 28 October 26 November 23 REPORT SUMMARY YORKVILLE GREEN COMMITTEE August 24, 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: Request for Speaker at Yorkville Library--submitted by Marta Keane A request for a speaker at a children's program (grades 3-8) on August 5 was received. Marta Keane attended the program with an employee of the Kendall County Soil& Water Conservation District. The activities of the Green Committee and the importance of actions, especially the actions children can take, were covered. Committee Reports: Share & Care Recycling Event—submitted by Anne Englehart&Marta Keane The decision to approach other groups to jointly host this event was approved by the Mayor. The Share & Care Recycling Day is set for October 24, at the Kendall county Fairgrounds, at the corner of Route 71 and Highpoint Road. The Kendall County Health Department is partnering with the Yorkville Green Committee for this event. All of the items that were accepted last year will be included this year, as well as rechargeable batteries and latex paint. More than 20 local businesses and organizations have been contacted, initially by phone, and then by E- mailed letter, to confirm their intent to participate. The various ways of participation include collecting one or more donated item, volunteering time at the event, and making a monetary donation. Glory Spies will be writing press releases, designing and printing fliers and small posters, and ordering two large vinyl signs (if enough money in her budget). The Lion's Club sign has been requested; local radio and television shows have been booked. A new feature of this event, the "share" part will be featured, so that citizens may take up to five items from the designated "sharing area" to include small household items, books, toys, bicycles, etc. The written publicity is targeted to be ready by October I". 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 Boecher&Marta Keane Several recommendations were forwarded onto Mayor Burd. 1.The revisions to the Water Conservation Ordinance were to clean up references as the section numbers are in correct. The references are up to date in the City Code Book on the Sterling Codifiers Website (http://sterling.webiness.coin/codebook/iiidex.piip?book_id�415), so no revisions will be made to this ordinance. 2.The revisions to the Park Development Standards were in regards to why 100 ft. or less of sod is mandatory for park access points. According to staff, this requirement is because of the high traffic at access points by bike and foot. The use of seed with the high foot traffic results in mud being tracked all over the concrete resulting in the need to powerwash the concrete which could cause the use of more water. Also, sometimes seed cannot be used because of the time of year and it cannot establish, resulting in erosion from rain events. Sod is put down to help prevent erosion. Staff would be willing to narrow the standard from 100 ft to 50 ft, but would not support the elimination of this requirement. 3.Revisions to the Landscape Ordinance Section 2.4, Lot Landscaping, which add new construction single family and duplex development to have 1 shade tree per lot, have been prepared by staff and can be brought to City Council Committee. This was discussed at the Aaugust le Public Works Committee meeting and approved to move forward to City Council. Green Committee members are encouraged to attend the City Council meeting and e-mail or telephone aldermen far support on this revision to the Landscape Ordinance. In regards to the revisions to Section 16, Storm Water Storage Basin Landscaping, the native landscape bufferyards are already required to be naturalized according to the park development standards which are part of the Subdivision Control Ordinance. Staff does not recommend the addition of the text because it will contradict the park development standards. The bufferyard is for additional trees and shrubs only in addition to the naturalized basin. 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 positively answer 100% (40) of these questions, but must answer yes to a percentage that we have yet to determine. 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. - The Chamber Green Committee has accepted the criteria for green business that was sent to the members of the City Green Committee in July. We are preparing education/training modules to be rolled out in September. Recommendation Progress Reports: Tree Survey Recommendation—submitted by Stephanie Boettcher No Report. 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 forwarded on to Public Works Committee for discussion. Staff will not bring these recommendations to committee unless the Green Committee can ensure their attendance at the Public Works Committee meeting on July 21" at 6:30 pm. While staff will prepare a report outlining the recommendations it will be the Green Committee's responsibility to speak about them at committee and city council. 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 Some recycling efforts have been tried with mixed success. There is currently recycling in the Town Square Park. Each trash can is paired with a recycling can (5 cans total). Total cost to place just the recycling cans into the park was approximately $2,500. The cost of cans is one of biggest difficulties to overcome. Given that there are 31 existing parks, plus numerous future parks this would be large undertaking. In addition to cost, park and recreation staff has had difficulties with residents mixing garbage in with the recyclable materials. The recycling cans at Town Square Park are designed for just bottles and cans, and there is still trash mixed in. Riverfront Park also used to have recycling cans and those were designed so residents could sort their trash and recycling depending on the material. Staff ran into the issue that there was too much trash mixed into the recycling and removed these cans. Trash pickup occurs (by staff) once a week at mini or neighborhood parks, twice a week at community or regional parks, and almost daily at parks with ball fields (during baseball season). Park and Recreation staff said they would be open to suggestions on how recycling could be included in the parks given the constraints listed above. Old Business Reports: Clean Air Counts—submitted by Stephanie Boecher 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.ore 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 S25 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 May 27 to discuss new zoning districts. One of these included a conservation design district in which houses are clustered together to allow for more open space. This idea will be flushed out in further meetings. 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 at the June 9 City Council Meeting for First Reading. This same ordinance was brought back to the EDC after its second reading at the May 26 City Council meeting. Revisions were made at the June 2nd EDC meeting and brought to City Council on June 9'h. There will be a second reading of this ordinance on Tuesday June 23rd City Council meeting. The City Council can vote on the ordinance at this meeting, can table the vote to another meeting, or send back to committee. 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 There are a couple of exciting, environmentally related projects taking place in the City which Mayor Burd wanted the Green Committee to be aware about. 1. Kendallwood Estates is a residential development between Van Emmon and Route 126. The developer and builder are looking to provide energy efficient options to the homeowner. This would include geothermal heating and cooling, soy based insulation, and energy efficient windows. The development is also looking to be a GE Ecomagination community which would mean that each house would have energy efficient appliances and "dashboard" in each home to track the home greenhouse emissions and have options to include roof mounted solar panels. They are requesting a rezoning to allow for duplex homes in their development. There will be a public hearing for this rezoning at the July 8 Plan Commission Meeting — 7:00 pm at the Library. The Green Committee should consider attending the meeting to hear more about the project and speak about the benefits of green home construction. 2. The City is working to acquire a 7.4 acre piece of property with 250 ft of Fox River frontage. It is located at the north side of the river, east of Bruell Street. This specific property includes an "earth house" built into a hill. City staff is preparing a grant application in which a land match will be used. So no cash is required to acquire the property if the City receives the grant. The grant application will be discussed at the June 23rd City Council Meeting — 7:00 pm at City Hall. The Green Committee should consider attending the meeting to hear more about the project and to speak about open space preservation and streambank enhancement as a benefit to the environment.