Green Committee Minutes 2011 06-27-11
APPROVED 7/25/11
Meeting Minutes
YORKVILLE GREEN COMMITTEE
June 27, 2011
7:00 P.M. -
Yorkville Library
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 7:22.
Welcome Members and Guests:
Marta Keane, Chairperson; Anne Engelhardt,
Secretary, Cheryl Lee, Becca Cherwin, Seaver Tarulis. No guests. No liaison from the
City of Yorkville.
Approval of Minutes:
May Minutes. Tarulis motioned to approve the minutes.
Cherwin seconded. All yes.
New Business:
1.Update on Bicycle Path Funding Efforts. Prior to the meeting, Keane talked to
Diane Teeling who gave information on the Bicycle Path activities. Teeling
requested support from the City of Yorkville Green Committee in regard to their
position on funding the bicycle path, which is to accept any money that is donated
by citizens. Mayor Golinski commented at River Night last Friday and was
quoted on WSPY that the City will move forward with the State of Illinois for the
bicycle path Phase I ($116,000), otherwise the entire highway project will be
delayed.
2.Update on Rain Barrel Project. Lee reported that 30 barrels are retrofitted and
ready to go. The Chamber has received $750 from sales; the City has collected
fees for 10 more rain barrels ($750.00). Jackie, whose job was terminated by the
City last week, was previously the liaison between the Chamber and the City for
this project; therefore, some delay in communication with the City may be
expected. The Chamber is planning to have at least 3 businesses show their rain
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barrels in the July 4 parade. At Hometown Days in September the Yorkville
Junior Women’s Club will give a free booth space for the rain barrels where they
will be auctioned. WSPY ‘s “Fox Valley Today Show” is planning to have
Cheryl Lee do a segment to talk about the rain barrel project.
3.Illinois Electronic Legislation SB2106 Update - Summary, January 1, 2012, bans
17 items from landfills; legislation is sitting on the Mayor’s desk. Keane will
bring the list of 17 items to next month’s meeting and will request that it be put on
the City’s web site.
4.Illinois Medication Take-Back Legislation Update.
Committee Reports:
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1.Environmental Fair Committee - March 5 Final Summary
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2.Green Music Under the Stars - July 8
Cherwin confirmed with Tim Evans that the Green Committee is not paying any
money for the cost of the band. Cherwin has two vendors lined up -- Chamber
of Commerce rain barrels, the Push for the Path committee, and the Yorkville
Congregational Church’s Green Committee will be demonstrating lasagna
composting.
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3.Share & Care Recycling Event – Oct 16 Planning Update. Engelhardt will
begin in August contacting participants. Lee suggested that Keane and
Engelhardt meet with Jackie Dearborn and write a list of the notes detailing the
tasks that she previously helped with for this event. The detailed list can then be
communicated to the appropriate City staff.
4.Water Conservation Committee – Recommendations progress report
a.Stormwater Management Program Plan
5.Chamber Green Committee – Update. Lee reported that Speckman Therapeutic
recently earned a Green Business Designation award.
Recommendation Progress Reports:
1.Tree Survey Recommendation - progress report
2.Tree City Recommendation - progress report
3.Electronic Recycling Perm Program progress – monthly totals, tour on June 27.
4.Recycling in Parks, Athletic Fields, etc – grant update
5.Budget Line Items – Deposits, Expenses
Old Business:
1.Clean Air Counts – Gold Level
2.Yorkville School Green Efforts Update
3.Building Code Update Committee
a.Update on ASHRAE Std 189.1
b.June 30, 5 -6:30 p.m., at City Hall, the committee members are invited to
meet informally with the City Staff and Code Officials at an Open House
to preview the proposed amendments to the building code. There will be
an open forum, quest speakers, and time for questions and answers.
4.Zoning Ordinance Committee Update
5.Cool City Challenge Action Plan
6.Community Garden Project
Additional Business:
1.Report from City, Green Committee Staff Liaison. NA – No liaison has been
assigned to the Green Committee.
2.The status of the Green Committee was discussed. Keane has requested that the
Mayor attend a Green Committee meeting and clarify the role and responsibilities
of the committee in regard to regular and ongoing commitments.
3.Lee asked about the ECO in Oswego and their relationship with the Village of
Oswego. Engelhardt volunteered to contact the person in charge of that
organization.
4.The Green Committee needs at least 3 new members. After a discussion with the
Mayor, the Committee can proceed with invitations to people who have expressed
interest in this committee.
5.Keane and Engelhardt reported on their observations at Com2, where they toured
with seven other people on Monday, June 27.
6.Engelhardt brought up the City‘s renewal of the contract with waste hauler Veolia.
Keane explained a “Modified Volume based program” – initial fee covers
recycling and trash, with additional fees (paid tags) for additional items. City
should get some revenue for recycled materials. Another organization is called
Recycle Bank, where coupons are given for amount of recycling. The new
contract for the City of Yorkville could include a franchise with businesses and
/or multi-family residences. Another option could be to consider charging for yard
waste bags. Engelhardt and Keane will attend the Public Works Committee
meeting on Tuesday, July 19, at 6:00 p.m. and will prepare a written list of items
for discussion.
Adjournment:
Keane adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p. m.