Green Committee Minutes 2008 01-28-08 APPROVED
Environmental Ad-Hoc Committee Meeting
Fourth Meeting—January 28, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 pm.
Present:
Jill Fleishman, Chair
Ann Engelhardt, Member
Marta Keane, Secretary
Mariann Manthei, Member
Debbie Horaz, Member
Chuck Roberts, Member
Phil Stuephert, New Member
Stephanie Boettcher, City of Yorkville liaison
Travis Miller, Community Development Director
Bill Dettmer, City of Yorkville
Robyn Sutcliff, Alderman
Mike Skinner, visitor
Todd Milliron, visitor
Jerry Dieter, visitor
Richard Scheffrahn, visitor
Anne Lucietto, Chair of Yorkville Planning Commission
Absent: Alan Green, Ralph Pfister, Tony Graff
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Correction needed- Mr. Travis to Mr. Miller(same person but used first name as last
name in error). Approved as corrected.
MISSION STATEMENT
To advise the City Council of the United City of Yorkville, Illinois on ways to preserve
and enhance the community environment and ways to equip and encourage citizens and
businesses to participate in sustainable ecological practices.
Ms, Fleishman asked everyone to revisit the mission statement and determine if we were
comfortable, Suggestion was made by Ms. Engelhardt to remove "preserve and" so it
would read:
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.
The committee will consider the change and revisit it the next meeting.
CFLs
Ms. Horaz stated that disposal of CFLs is a problem due to the mercury content. They
require double bagging and many are ending up in landfills. Ms. Engelhardt stated that
Ace Hardware store in Yorkville is taking back burnt out bulbs. Ms, Horaz expressed
concern that the residents are told the proper disposal method if the City gives out CFLs
as part of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, In 2006 150 million bulbs were sold in the
United States according to the research done by Ms. Horaz. Ms, Fleishman asked Ms.
Sutcliff to research the City distribution plan for CFLs
COUNTRYSIDE PLAN
Mr. Miller told the Committee that the planners for the Countryside Center had not
submitted a plan as yet, but the response to the Committee's request for them to pursue
the Gold LEED standard was favorable. The petitioner responded to the Committee
request at the meeting, pointing out several elements of the plan that would contribute to
such a rating which was entered into the public record at the meeting as well. Mr. Miller
Expects to see a plan by the end of February.
BUILDING CODES
Ms. Fleishman asked Mr. Dettmer to distribute some information on Green Building
Codes. The Committee needs to determine if we want to go to specific specifications. Mr.
Dettmer stated that the building codes are already"green friendly." Mr. Dettmer is
meeting with a group of homebuilders that have produced a guideline on green homes.
He will report back to the Committee on what he learns from this local group. Mr.
Dettmer will continue to research this through other communities throughout the United
States.
Mr, Mike Skinner stated that Frisco, Colorado,just adopted some green building
standards based on Boulder, Colorado's codes. Boulder is leading the United States on
codes. An article in Summit County News, noted that it may be anywhere from cost
neutral to 5% more to build but most of the homes are large and higher cost already.
Ms. Keane asked that as Building Codes are e-mailed to the Committee by Mr. Dettmer,
if a summary could be kept that depicted the differences in the codes. Mr. Dettmer
believed this could be done.
Ms. Engelhardt asked about a minimum square footage shown in the Aspen codes as it
appeared they did not apply to smaller size homes. Ms. Fleishman stated that some of the
requirements seemed very low. Ms. Engelhardt suggested that homes in our area tend to
be smaller then the ones covered in this code and Mr. Dettmer stated that we would
certainly want to adapt a code to the typical home sizes in our area.
WATER CONSERVATION
Ms. Fleishman began a discussion on a Water Conservation Plan from the Village of
Algonquin and the City of Everett. Ms. Fleishman met with the Environmental Law &
Policy Center and an employee from the City of Yorkville. The City is doing education
in the schools and offers testing tablets for toilet leaks and summer watering standards.
However, if we developed a written plan, it would be more consistent and make it easier
to improve upon as new water conservation methods become available.
Ms. Fleishman found that the City of Everett created indoor water conservation kits that
saved over 34 gallons of water in a typical home, Saving water can save people money
on utility bills. The issue of raising funds for distribution might be surmountable since
people will save money on their water bills.
Mr. Sebeffrahn suggested that the City"flag" accounts of homes that purchased the kit to
see if people really begin to reduce their water usage.
Ms. Fleishman stated that the Environmental Law & Policy Center offered to do a
seminar for the community and it would be great if we could offer water conservation
kits to those that attend. Ms. Fleishman would like to have them present information on
rain barrels, rain gardens and other water conservation methods. March is when most
people begin yard work while April is Earth Day but the end of April will be too late for
some of the early fertilizer treatments that should be discouraged.
Ms. Fleishman asked Alderman Sutcliff about when to approach the City for funding of
such a program. Aldenman Sutcliff stated that finding businesses to sponsor such an
event might be advantageous. Mr.. Miller suggested approaching the Public Works
Department to learn if there is any funding or kit information at their fingertips. Mr.
Miller and Stephanie will coordinate with Eric. Alderman Sutcliff reminded the
Committee that setting a meeting time and place takes time and publicity needs to be
done.
Ms. Fleishman would like to coordinate the distribution of CFLs, water conservation kits
and rain barrels at the same time. Ms. Keane suggested distribution of compost bins at
the same event, Mr. Skinner reminded everyone that the rain barrel has to have a direct
overflow away from the house to meet City ordinances..
Ms. Manthei reported that her research on rain barrels revealed that these are expensive.
A typical barrel can run $100, If you order in large quantity, you can purchase them at a
lower cost but shipping costs may bring the cost back to $100. Rain barrels also require
some handyman skills and some additional seasonal care. Residents should also be
encouraged to plant perennials rather than annuals because annuals require more water.
Ms. Fleishman suggested at the least, we could invite the Conservation Foundation to
present information and a provide sample rain barrel for people to see.
Mr. Roberts suggested finding a scout troop or other organization to make these items
available rather than the City. Ms. Fleishman and Mr. Roberts agreed that City has the
ability to educate and inform residents. Ms, Horaz also stated that the last City newsletter
really had many environmental tips, which was a great improvement.
The Environmental Law & Policy Center will coordinate the event, but they need the
Committee to set-up the date and location. Gloria at the City will work with Ms.
Fleishman to promote the event, Weekday evenings verses Saturday or Sundays were
discussed. A limit on the number of hours for the presentation was suggested so it
wouldn't take the entire day. The Committee agreed that Sunday afternoon from 2pm-
5pm maximum as best.
Mr. Roberts suggested that the Farmer's Market have an environmental theme at least
one time each year. Ms. Horaz suggested that we hold a recycling event in conjunction
with the presentation. Ms. Engelhardt suggested that holding a collection event can be
cumbersome but both agreed that giving out educational material on recycling, such as
the Kendall County Green Pages, at the seminar might be best.
Marta Keane motioned that the Committee make a presentation to the City requesting the
City offer a seminar on water conservation. Chuck Roberts seconded
UPCOMING EVENT
Ms Engelhardt presented information on the Yorkville Congregational Church's Green
Group latest undertaking. They are hosting a Geothermal Heating and Cooling program
on Monday February 11"' at 7:00 pm. This is being done for the public at no charge.
Ms. Sutcliff e-mailed a list of items of interest to Anne Engelhardt.
UPDATE ON E-SCRAP
Ms. Engelhardt reported that she contacted the City of Oswego's planner about the
Oswego E-Scrap Collection program, open two Saturdays a month. They received a
$5,000 grant from DCEO to pay for a storage shed, pallets, Gaylord boxes and heater.
Mr. Milliron suggested that Vintage Tech has an agreement with Kendall County to take
all electronic items at no charge anytime and that Yorkville should be able to piggyback
on this agreement to establish a permanent drop-off. Ms. Engelhardt and Ms. Keane
expressed concern that Vintage Tech of Plainfield is no longer accepting computer
monitors and televisions without charge and any agreement with Kendall may be verbal
rather than contractual, making it difficult to piggyback..
Mr. Roberts stated that a company called e-scrap currently takes school electronic waste
at no charge..
Ms. Engelhardt and Ms. Keane will put together cost information and Ms. Keane will
write the grant for the City should it be agreed to be pursued.
RECYCLING DAY
Ms. Engelhardt suggested hosting a Yorkville Recycling Extravaganza. The last
Recycling Extravaganza event held by Oswego had over 1,000 vehicles come through
dropping off dozens of different items from Tyvek envelopes to tires, gym shoes, motor
oil, eyeglasses, flags, Styrofoam, etc.
Ms. Engelhardt asked the Committee put this on a future agenda to decide if we could
pursue such an event.
TREE CANOPY
Mr. Roberts asked what information the City needed. Mr. Miller stated that there is a list
of preferred trees, replacement trees required when trees are removed. However this only
addresses properties of over 5 acres. He is interested on the Committee's input on a Tree
Canopy ordinance. Such a change will require a full tree inventory to be done, which
requires staff time. At the least, the current ordinance could be altered to address smaller
lots, Ms, Fleishman asked about existing properties with parkway trees in poor
condition. Mr. Miller stated that there is a warranty of 3-5 yrs on developer's trees, but
once the tree survives the warranty period, the tree replacement is done at the home
owner's or homeowner association's cost. Ms. Fleishman suggested a shared cost
situation. Mr. Milliron suggested purchasing trees from Soil & Water. Ms Horaz
recommended purchase of smaller trees to allow establishment of the tree. Alderman
Sutcliff suggested checking the ordinances in Lake Forest where they have some of the
strongest tree preservation ordinances. Mr. Miller suggested contacting Laura Hakee of
the City's Planning Department,
NEW MEMBER
Phil Stuephert, a local professional landscape planner, agreed to.join the committee and
lend his expertise.
Motion to adjourn made by Ms. Horaz seconded by Ms. Engelhardt, approved
unanimously at 9:04pm
NEXT MEETING
Monday, February 25, 2008 at 7pm at the Yorkville Library