Kendall Co. Plan Consortium Minutes 2008 11-20-08 APPROVED
Kendall County Planning Consortium
November 20, 2008
Attendees:
Jim Eckert, Sugar Grove Linda Cole, Aurora
Judy Sollinger, Oswego Richard Young, Sugar Grove
Joe Wisniewski, Joe Wise Construction Dina Wisniewski, Sugar Grove
Joe Plocher, Yorkville City Council Don Marrone, Oswego
Robyn Sutcliff, Yorkville City Council Judy Heim, Millbrook
Matt Brolley, Montgomery Richard Scheffrahn, Yorkville
Anne Lucietto, Yorkville Scott Gryder, Oswego
Mildred McNeal-James, Montgomery Sandy Bell, Big Rock
George Stenitzer, Oswego Philip Siedlecki, Oswego
Lisa Welz, Ledger-Sentinel Charles Wunder, Yorkville
Stephanie Boettcher, Yorkville Travis Miller, Yorkville
Alison Giangrasse, Oswego Rod Zenner, Oswego
Robyn Meek, Greenview in Oswego
Guest speakers:
Jeremy Meek, Schoppe Design Trish Beckjord, CDF
The meeting began at 7 PM. Mr. Scott Gryder, Oswego's Plan Commission chairman,
welcomed the guests, thanked all for coming, and introduced Yorkville's Plan Commission
chairman. Ms. Anne Lucietto introduced Mr. Jeremy Meek, ASLA, with Schoppe Design &
Associates and Ms. Trish Beckjord, RLA, an associate with Conservation Design Forum, guest
speakers for the evening.
Mr. Meeks stated that the first green roofs were used at early as 600 AD. Chicago is the fastest
growing green roof city in America. Millennium Park and Calamos Investments in Naperville
are just two of the businesses that have green roofs.
Green roofs use plants and soils instead of shingles. The layer closest to the roof is a waterproof
layer, then there are drainage layers, and growing media atop this. Oftentimes, advantages are a
function of the budget. Runoff can potentially be reduced by over 60 %. The roof will detain up
to 85 % of the first flush of rainfall, and water quality is improved because the plants act as
cleansing mechanisms. The roofs are cooler; reducing the amount of energy used through the
HVAC systems. They restore habitats for birds and bees.
It is estimated that 3 % of landfill waste comes from asphalt shingles, so green roofs are
advantageous for those who oppose landfills as means of disposing of waste. Also, the roofs act
as barriers for noise reduction. They can also be used as play areas, and give a positive image
for the residential or commercial user. If one chooses too, vegetables, fruits and herbs can be
grown on a roof. LEED points can be given for certification with green roofs also.
There are three types of roofs, depending on the depth and weight of material used. Mr. Meeks
suggested starting with a small project, to learn more about the care of the roof. The roofs are
extensive, semi intensive and intensive (which can be 6—48") in soil depth.
Municipalities can have flexibility in their ordinances, encouraging sustainability with this
product, offer tax credits for those using green roofs and density bonuses, and in addition, offer
financial incentives for building, as a way of lessening the long term effects of storm waters'
infrastructure costs.
Ms. Beckjord explained the ecosystem and development of prairie grasses over time, through
evaporation, shallow ground water flow, and aquifer recharge of the wetlands. The process
enhances the habitat's quality and it is often suggested, depending on the types of prairie grass
and plugs selected, to bum annually. If a system is intensive (deep), it is easier for weeds to take
control.
The preserves and projects selected by Mr. Beckjord for viewing offered a vast variety of plants
and vegetation, integrating as much as 600 acres of mixed use development. Some goals for
prairie designs include restoring ground water hydrology, retaining native landscaping, offering
relaxation to employees who are offered walking paths and reading-meditation areas, extending
the life of roofs without need to reroof as frequently with shingles, providing education about
endangered species of animals and plants, and initiating pilot projects, such as the Urban Heat
Initiative on the Chicago City Hall.
The guests were able to ask questions of each presenter. Both presenters were given additional
opportunities after adjournment at 8:40 PM.
Minutes submitted by Annette Williams