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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-142 Resolution No. 12-142 RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF THE ILLINOIS COOL CITIES LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY PROTECTION AGREEMENT 2015 GOALS BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS,that the City of Elgin, Illinois hereby expresses its support of the provisions of the Illinois Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protection Agreement 2015 Goals, a copy of which is attached hereto. s/David J. Kaptain David J. Kaptain, Mayor Presented: September 26, 2012 Adopted: September 26, 2012 Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 Attest: s/Kimberly Dewis Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk • n y • SII CLU( coo I cities B Solving Global Warming One City at a Time Illinois Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protection Agreement 2015 Goals A. We urge the federal government and state governments to enact policies and programs to reduce the United States' dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel-efficient technologies such as conservation, methane recovery for energy generation,wind and solar energy, fuel cells,and electric and efficient motor vehicles; B. We urge the U.S.Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation that 1) includes clear timetables and emissions limits and 2) a flexible, market based system of tradable allowances among emitting industries; and C. We will strive to meet or exceed the target to reduce climate change pollution by 2%per year from 2009 baseline levels (per capita)by taking actions in our own operations and communities such as: 1.Inventory • Inventory baseline energy metrics in City operations and in the community and set reduction targets. 2.Plan • Create an action plan for city operations and community. 3.Implement In addition to the 2012 goals set forth by the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement,consider the following energy saving measures. • Encourage residents to take advantage of energy efficiency measures in their own homes by using free tools such as the CUB Energy Saver program (www.cubenergysaver.com/teams/sierraclub) or the Energy Impact program (www.energyimpactillinois.org) to identify energy and money saving measures. • Endorse Complete Streets and Bicycle Friendly Community measures to ensure safe environmentally friendly transit options. • Become an EPA designated Green Power Community by sourcing a portion of consumed energy from green sources. • Aggregate the community's energy consumption to provide a green option for residents,often at lower cost than traditional dirty energy. Communities are encouraged to first seek out locally generated renewable energy. • Engage in sustainable waste management practices by prioritizing recycling,composting,and construction/deconstruction diversion programs over traditional landfill waste disposal. • Support policies that make the grid accessible to clean energy. • Implement incentives and policies to encourage electric vehicle infrastructure and use,with an emphasis on renewable source charging. • Encourage local food production and consumption through farmer's markets,co-ops,urban agriculture,community kitchens and community gardens. • Educate residents on energy saving measures available at home and throughout the community through events and outreach. • Issue a resolution to support the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act protections to reduce pollution and protect public health • Support funding mechanisms,like the PACE program (property assessed clean energy),that remove cost barriers for clean energy and energy efficiency installations 4.Monitor and Evaluate • Create a webpage to update city residents on the progress of action plan and encourage engagement in energy saving activities. 2012 goals set forth by the U.S.Mayors Climate Protection Agreement -Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl,preserve open space,and create compact,walkable urban communities; - Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction programs, incentives for car pooling and public transit; - Increase the use of clean,alternative energy by,for example, investing in "green tags",advocating for the development of renewable energy resources, recovering landfill methane for energy production,and supporting the use of waste to energy technology; - Make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements, retrofitting city facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conserve energy and save money; - Purchase only Energy Star equipment and appliances for City use; - Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program or a similar system; - Increase the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles; reduce the number of vehicles; launch an employee education program including anti- idling messages; convert diesel vehicles to bio-diesel; - Evaluate opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water and wastewater systems; recover wastewater treatment methane for energy production; - Increase recycling rates in City operations and in the community; - Maintain healthy urban forests; promote tree planting to increase shading and to absorb CO2; and - Help educate the public,schools,other jurisdictions,professional associations,business and industry about reducing global warming pollution V t c,..,c,.., coo l aties Solving Global Warming One City at a Time The Illinois Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protection Agreement Signature Page You have my support for the Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protection Agreement Date: 9-26-2012 Mayor: David J. . .p ain , Signature: /� • Address: 150 Dexter Court City: Elgin State: IL Zip: 60120 Mayor's e-mail: mayor@cityofelgin.org Staff Contact Assigned to Implement Agreement: Aaron Cosentino Staff Contact Title: Management Analyst Staff Phone: (847) 214-5861 Staff e-mail: cosentino_a@cityofelgin.org Please return completed form at your earliest convenience to: Sierra Club,Illinois Chapter Cool Cities Program By Mail: sarah.gulezian@sierraclub.org 70 E Lake Street,Suite 1500 (312) 251-1680 x 117 Chicago, Illinois 60601 By Fax: (312) 251-1780 For additional information,contact: Sarah Gulezian *EPORT TO MAYOR & MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL E LG I N THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS- AGENDA ITEM: B MEETING DATE: September 12, 2012 ITEM: Proposed Resolution in Support of Renewing the Illinois Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protec- tion Agreement (No Cost to the City) OBJECTIVE: Renew and document Elgin's commitment to environmental protection and stewardship. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the proposed resolution in support of the Illinois Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protec- tion Agreement. BACKGROUND In September 2007, the city council passed a resolution in support of the Sierra Club and United States Conference of Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement. The agreement, informally known as the Cool Cities agreement, charged communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact. The original agreement set goals to be achieved by 2012. The Sierra Club has since developed new goals for 2015 and requests the city renew the commitment made in 2007. On August 14, 2012, Mayor Kaptain received a formal invitation from the Sierra Club to renew the city's climate protection agreement. The request also invited Elgin to share their successes during the Illinois Municipal League Conference, October 18-20 in Chicago. OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS The Illinois Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protection Agreement is attached and is summarized as follows: A. The agreement urges the federal and state governments to enact policies and pro- grams to reduce the United States' dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel efficient technology such as conservation, methane recovery for energy generation, waste to energy, wind and solar energy, fuel cells, efficient motor vehicles, and bio-fuels. B. The agreement urges the U.S. Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation that includes 1) clear timetables and emissions limits, and 2) a flexible, market-based system of tradable allowances among emitting industries; and C. The agreement strives to meet or exceed the target to reduce climate change pollu- tion by two percent per year from 2009 baseline levels (per capita) through several actions. Many of the actions identified in the agreement Elgin has either completed or undertaken, in- cluding: • Encourage residents to take advantage of energy efficiency measure in their own home. • Endorse Complete Streets and bicycle friendly community measures to ensure safe transit options. • Aggregate the city's energy consumption to provide a green option for residents. • Engage in sustainable waste management practices by prioritizing recycling, com- posting and landfill diversion. • Implement incentives and policies to encourage electric vehicle infrastructure and use. • Encourage local food production and consumption through farmers markets, co-ops, urban agriculture, community kitchens and community gardens. • Create a webpage to update the city's residents on the progress of the action plan and encourage engagement in energy saving activities. Of actions taken, the council's choice to provide 100 percent renewable energy through electric aggregation has made the largest environmental impact. Using 2005 greenhouse gas emissions data, the local chapter of the Sierra Club estimates that aggregation will reduce Elgin's green- house gas emissions by 269,713 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. This exceeds the seven percent reduction goal set forth by the original climate protection agreement signed in 2007. For additional information on Elgin's sustainability initiatives, please see the attached Sustaina- bility Action Plan Implementation Report, Fall 2012. INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED The Sustainability Commission reviewed the agreement at its August 14 meeting and unani- mously recommends adopting a supporting resolution. The local chapter of the Sierra Club has also contacted the city requesting a supporting resolution. 2 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS There is no cost to the city to adopt a resolution in support of the Illinois Cool Cities Local Sus- tainability Protection Agreement. The city's Sustainability Commission will continue its mission by finding creative and financially conservative ways to implement the recommendations with the city's Sustainability Action Plan and reduce the city of Elgin's impact on the environment. BUDGET IMPACT FUND(S) ACCOUNT(S) PROJECT#(S) AMOUNT AMOUNT BUDGETED AVAILABLE N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A LEGAL IMPACT None. ALTERNATIVES The city council may choose not to adopt a resolution in support of the agreement. NEXT STEPS Submit resolution and signed agreement to Sierra Club. Originators: Aaron Cosentino, Management Analyst Final Review: Colleen Lavery, Chief Financial Officer William A. Cogley, Corporation Counsel/Chief Development Officer Richard G. Kozal, Assistant City Manager/Chief Operating Officer Sean R. Stegall, City Manager ATTACHMENTS A. Illinois Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protection Agreement B. Proposed Resolution C. Elgin Sustainability Action Plan Implementation Report, Fall 2012 Ji► S RRA coolcaties „ NA0•4-=" Solving Global Warming One City at a Time Illinois Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protection Agreement 2015 Goals A. We urge the federal government and state governments to enact policies and programs to reduce the United States ' dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel-efficient technologies such as conservation, methane recovery for energy generation,wind and solar energy, fuel cells, and electric and efficient motor vehicles; B. We urge the U.S. Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation that 1) includes clear timetables and emissions limits and 2) a flexible, market based system of tradable allowances among emitting industries; and C. We will strive to meet or exceed the target to reduce climate change pollution by 2% per year from 2009 baseline levels (per capita) by taking actions in our own operations and communities such as: 1. Inventory • Inventory baseline energy metrics in City operations and in the community and set reduction targets. 2. Plan • Create an action plan for city operations and community. 3. Implement In addition to the 2012 goals set forth by the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, consider the following energy saving measures. • Encourage residents to take advantage of energy efficiency measures in their own homes by using free tools such as the CUB Energy Saver program (www.cubenergysaver.com/teams/sierraclub) or the Energy Impact program (www.energyimpactillinois.org) to identify energy and money saving measures. • Endorse Complete Streets and Bicycle Friendly Community measures to ensure safe environmentally friendly transit options. • Become an EPA designated Green Power Community by sourcing a portion of consumed energy from green sources. • Aggregate the community's energy consumption to provide a green option for residents, often at lower cost than traditional dirty energy. Communities are encouraged to first seek out locally generated renewable energy. • Engage in sustainable waste management practices by prioritizing recycling, composting, and construction/deconstruction diversion programs over traditional landfill waste disposal. • Support policies that make the grid accessible to clean energy. • Implement incentives and policies to encourage electric vehicle ll."‘ infrastructure and use,with an emphasis on renewable source charging. • Encourage local food production and consumption through farmer's markets, co-ops, urban agriculture, community kitchens and community gardens. • Educate residents on energy saving measures available at home and throughout the community through events and outreach. • Issue a resolution to support the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act protections to reduce pollution and protect public health • Support funding mechanisms, like the PACE program (property assessed clean energy),that remove cost barriers for clean energy and energy efficiency installations 4. Monitor and Evaluate • Create a webpage to update city residents on the progress of action plan and encourage engagement in energy saving activities. 2012 goals set forth by the U.S.Mayors Climate Protection Agreement -Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl,preserve open space, and create compact,walkable urban communities; - Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction programs, incentives for car pooling and public transit; - Increase the use of clean, alternative energy by,for example, investing in "green tags", advocating for the development of renewable energy resources, recovering landfill methane for energy production, and supporting the use of waste to energy technology; - Make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements, retrofitting city facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conserve energy and save money; - Purchase only Energy Star equipment and appliances for City use; - Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program or a similar system; - Increase the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles; reduce the number of vehicles; launch an employee education program including anti- idling messages; convert diesel vehicles to bio-diesel; - Evaluate opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water and wastewater systems; recover wastewater treatment methane for energy production; - Increase recycling rates in City operations and in the community; - Maintain healthy urban forests; promote tree planting to increase shading and to absorb CO2; and - Help educate the public,schools, other jurisdictions, professional associations,business and industry about reducing global warming pollution vow ra) coo l cities The Illinois Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protection Agreement Signature Page You have my support for the Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protection Agreement Date: Mayor: Signature: Address: City: State: Zip: Mayor's e-mail: Staff Contact Assigned to Implement Agreement: Staff Contact Title: Staff Phone: Staff e-mail: Please return completed form at your earliest convenience to: Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter Cool Cities Program By Mail: sarah.gulezian@sierraclub.org 70 E Lake Street, Suite 1500 (312) 251-1680 x 117 Chicago, Illinois 60601 By Fax: (312) 251-1780 For additional information,contact: Sarah Gulezian411) Resolution No. I2-XXX RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR ILLINOIS COOL CITIES LOCAL SUSTAINABILITY PROTECTION AGREEMENT BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that the City of Elgin, Illinois hereby expresses its support of the provisions of the Illinois Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protection Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto. s/David Kaptain David Kaptain,Mayor Presented: September 12,2012 Adopted: September 12,2012 Omnibus Vote: Yeas: Nays: Attest: s/Kim Dewis Kim Dewis,City Clerk C C ity of Elgin tiiit tiPla onp • Developed endwr ten b Elgin Citizens participating n '2‘1cH - participating war kin,' re p k Implementation Report Fall 2012 it iiitti itt 11 4 410, 0 I 4 4 ..4 a i pitmil . '7 a - '4 . n s � a e 4.4 . g ' ,_ , , f 1 D✓ Version 2•1,August 2011_..-' EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The city of Elgin's sustainability initiative has experienced many victories in 2012. With the establishment of the Elgin Sustainability Commission, eight dedicated and motivated members of the community set out on the daunting task of implementing Elgin's Sustainability Action Plan. SAVING ELGIN RESIDENTS MONEY The first quarter of 2012 was dedicated towards preparing two new operational programs as well as seven educational displays for Elgin Green Expo, May 4 and 5. The Expo - an unqualified success with more than 4,000 visitors - saw the launch of Elgin Energy Efficiency Resource Kit and Home Energy Savings Rebate Match programs. These programs not only allowed Elgin residents to weatherize their homes but also were fully funded by left-over Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds. This allowed the commission to implement new initiatives without using their allocated funding. SPREADING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGHOUT ELGIN 2012 marked the first year that the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program was administered by the Sustainability Commission. Seven applications were received and awarded -the most in recent memory. The projects spanned several areas of sustainability from stormwater management, to the history of the wind industry in Elgin. The program saw both long- and short-term projects and offered the Commission the chance to fund worthwhile projects that otherwise could not have happened. LOOKING FORWARD TO PROGRAMS AND POLICIES The Commission continues to look forward and plan for the final quarter of 2012 and 2013. With a focus on education, the commission has begun to plan a partnership with the Conservation Foundation to provide Mighty Acorns programming at the Hawthorne Hill Nature Center. The Commission remains focused on its long-term goals as well, namely pursuing a hydro- electric dam at the Kimball Street Dam; implementing a residential curbside composting program; completing a pedestrian bridge across the Fox River; and passing both a solar and complete streets policy. The Commission looks forward to continuing its mission by finding creative and financially conservative ways to implement the recommendations with the city's Sustainability Action Plan and reduce the city of Elgin's impact on the environment. Sincerely, Gary C. Masterson, Chairman Aaron Cosentino, Sustainability Coordinator E LG I N SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN iMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 20 THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS Addressed Goals and Objectives Jari. — Aug. 2072 3 IALTERNATIVE ENERGY GOAL I, OBJECTIVE 1 Organize a program to educate, citizens and businesses about the benefits of energy audits to identify cosi effective ROI-based improvements that conserve energy. / Home Energy Savings Rebate Match Program ✓ Energy Efficiency Educational Banner ALTERNATIVE ENERGY GOAL IV, OBJECTIVE 4 Continue research on alternative and renewable energies ✓ Renewable Energy Educational Banner GREEN BUILDING TECHNOLOGY GOAL III, OBJECT 1 Offer subsidized energy audits to property owners / Home Energy Savings Rebate Match Program GREEN BUILDING TECHNOLOGY GOAL IV, OBJECTIVE 4 Encourage home energy reduction and efficiency by distributing energy efficiency and resource conservation kits. / Resource Conservation Kits GREEN BUILDING TECHNOLOGY GOAL II, OBJECTIVE 3 s,',':.',','''!,.',-17,4,,,1,,'-".-'F:1.,, ,-;-,...i. 4 :r . » ' °`; ` , Provide Information to the local business and development community to assist them in achieving their sustainable building and energy goals. ✓ Green Building Educational Banner 4 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE GOAL II i Reduce surface runoff ✓ Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant 4 ✓ Fountain Square Public Parking Lot Plantings / Country Brook Subdivision Native Plantings / Establishment of City No-Mow Zones ,-�� �� , ✓ Sustainable Landscapes Educational Banner 4,x „ 7 s � :, HEALTHY LIVING AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION GOAL I, OBJECTIVE `? -'.. Encourage the creation of a clearit:phouse for existing corrrncfnity groups , - %-e---01:--, ✓ Spearheaded by the Sierra Club and Elgin Climate Change Organization =- fy a new group known as Elgin Green Groups was created. - i-',... , -.1 ;, . SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 2012 E LG I N THE CITY IN THE SUBURH5' Addressed Goals and Objectives Jan. - Aug 2012, comp 4 HEALTHY LIVING AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION GOAL I, OBJECTIVE 4 Promote Healthy Eating Habits ✓ Boys and Girls Club Community Garden Lease ✓ Being a Green Kid Educational Banner RECYCLING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT GOAL H. OBJECTIVE 6 Create a recycling booklet that instructs residents on what and where certain materials can be recycled. ✓ Solid Waste Quick Guide (online) RECYCLING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT GOAL Il Encourage increased recycling, composting, source reduction and waste reduction in residential properties ✓ Composting Educational Banner URBAN DESIGN GOAL II, OBJECTIVE 1 Focus on the development of highly interconnected complete street/context sensitive street network ✓ Complete Streets Policy Draft ✓ Bicycle Ease of Use Map ✓Complete Streets Educational Banner E LG I N SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 2012 THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS 5.,,,rfcirtribility C " lzr '>'...« 5 The city of Elgin sustainability commission consists of nine members, six from the community, and three staff members. Meeting monthly at 6 PM at the Centre of Elgin West Conference Room, the commission has several responsibilities: • Oversee the implementation of the Sustainability Action Plan. • Review and award Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program. • Hear presentations from businesses, advocacy groups, and other sustainability related associations regarding opportunities for the city of Elgin. • Recruit and maintain volunteers willing to help implement the recommendations found within the sustainability plan. : 'cs,t1/4,v .it-alk..:..,,. .il,tiljt, ,,we.lilt:4 1,.. ,- .01, „ , Y' .w 7 1 .-- ?r k" mi d a+ ,, a# ,' .._ 4, { F ` • w. • 3 '� « g `; . :1'1' "t �. ,. � � ,_'' r ham .rK ; -•.r' .,.ate- '.+�,** `.- d a 4 �' 9 ,444744 v „w, _ Pictured left to right: Commissioners Laura Knoerr, Toni Frazier, Todd Martin, Dave Segel, Ryan Jacox, Staff Liaison Aaron Cosentino, April Anderson and Gary Masterson (Chairman); nott pictured Mitch Jacobs a , Win ,.4; 1 ,. t tga— -.7,'cs-,.a/ „', r-"-,0-1$ '1 "`4 .'°_ - A _..:.:((..''�� SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 2012ELGIN I`N ., <.. THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS Home Energy Savings RebateMatch 444.,u<YR+i13444 *4,444414,44441,4 owe gMxr ax0,40,4,...^=e Program '.y Nt v4.4 4.4~we Ctsbal¢.Xn,PM'GSSM.Erort+*.'Yt =-Yc �3L rios a•�x jl9e?:9 4:" C�IKrl1'Lr upWr.]K,acII . ,, 4taln tltLMiOtl ve, Mnc rtitlLG's•::] csPrErl xs:ra tc t,tq fJ- Upon approval by the Elgin City Counci4.14""=,,, r4�P,„�.s• x `''�`" ` 4.4 tIlAM111tUs map�tsrvrrsr:s�. rive aa •mt ASusave�sTx 4'EK and launched at the Elgin Green Expo (May . "*""' "ns mk xt s a c aa .uW+ss; 4 and 5, 2012), the city of Elgin Sustainability Benefits include. - rnRtart,�tWlt.+,?f rs'+9�.�^';.f.,.'rSr�F�[xegK41: Commission teamed up with local utilities ., . .tet t � 4. ,�t..itati �� ComEd and Nicor to offer Elgin residents �� •'ExtbAWsxwbpe5 ma6wY 6 6F}yy bxM '�*susrtn Omen rnrt�t.nm�� a(Mt*tW.aO S ttq}wwx+44,4.+.4 s;-.,1444.4•wi 444.4.4444Nav cash incentives to make energy efficiency . .ttM uSst A91lY]C tlf up tPt apSM:'1 »sGYOi[Mi M/'t U.bi. and key weatherization upgrades in their 116. 11 homes. 1r141:4sOe of a 044441e4 44tatste FraPmatat a4104,44,1.>x. eaiequnra;S Alt*:.*"1.17 5: ComEd and Nicor's Home Energy Savings Program entitles residents to a comprehensive energy audit, installation Actual participant results: of energy saving items, discounts on programmable thermostats and 50% (up Combustion Safety Testing to $1,750) towards weatherization Targeted Air Sealing improvements. Bathroom Vent Fan Participants receive installation of 10 Attic Insulation compact fluorescent light bulbs, faucet aerators, shower heads, and hot water Total Project Cost: $2,958.70 pipe wrap. Residential customers can ComEd/Nicor Rebate: $1 ,250 participate in the program for $99. City of Elgin Rebate: $1 ,250 The city's program offered Elgin residents Total Cost to Elgin Homeowner: $458.70 the chance to receive a dollar-for-dollar match on ComEd/Nicor's rebate, providing up to $2,500 in financial A savings of 85% incentives to save energy. Participants in Elgin rebate ro 33 Free ResourCc, program:: C onservotior. Kit-, Ham, El 0-,rgySa Average Rebate Amount: $1,077 R,: t Most common weatherization upgrades: Attic and home insulation Funded by the Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) E LG I N SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 2012 THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS Resource Conservation Kits. 7 Launched at the Green Expo, the Elgin Sustainability CommissionEnergySavers } and local hardware stores teamed up to provide Elgin residents free energy saving items like faucet aerators, power strips and window shrink kits. Local hardware stores Home Depot and Zeigler's Ace Hardware partnered with staff to implement this `. program. Staff has also partnered with ComEd and Nicor so the energy use of each participant can be tracked and energyV-7 . .,' reductions measured. 1 Since launch, seventy-nine kits have been distributed to Elgin homeowners. Each participant was also provided the U.S. R Department of Energy publication Home Energy Savers to learn ,- i t more about energy efficiency at home. AcE i '� � " , � k - hh 1 4 .. . ,N F .._ . . 0, +fir oil ���° � - . ' r i NAOS 01 ,,_ —_- - , . .,, ' ' -' Participants used on average, 20% less water during summer II months than their neighbors 7.' � t Ziegler's Ace Hardware ri Home Depot Kit#1 [W-1, Home Depot Kit#2 Contains: Contains: Contains: (1)EcoFlow Showerhead 'K1)60 W L.E.D Lightbulb (1) Power strip .3 (2) Faucet aerators 6) Light switch insulators (6) Light switch insulators £ (1) Roll of"Fit Foam" insulation K6)Outlet insulators (6)Outlet insulators Z . (6)Window shrink kits )(1)Container of caulk (1) Container of caulk (6) Light switch insulators iLlWeatherstripping roll i (1) Weatherstripping roll (6)Outlet insulators (2) Faucet aerators (2) Faucet aerators (9)Window insulation kits (9) Window insulation kits N Funded by the Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency ._ and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) ii ` `" SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 2012 2 , E LG I NJ > ,.. .wm�i'3.t;- THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS The city of Elgin has been taking steps to create more E ,.a: sustainable landscaping features in public parks and "' '" a open space. For instance, naturalizing detention basins 'i allows deep-rooted, native plants to establish themselves creating habitat, while also providing water quality .. benefits. Elgin has naturalized two detention basins to date, at the corner of Holmes Road and ""` ..--- McLean Boulevard and at Lords Park. ... ----` In April 2012, as a continuation of these .. initiatives, the city established several "no ---- ` -� mow" zones on city-owned land to create .. natural, passive park growth areas. Located throughout the city, the "no-mow" zones represent a first step towards a more -- -« natural, environmentally beneficial landscape for '. .,x,. public property. Allowing turf grass to grow uncut deepens root systems and can help stabilize soil me. as well as create habitat for local fauna. Elgin's "no-mow" zones introduce a new aesthetic to city property, allow natural vegetation to re- `' establish itself and reduce mowing costs for these areas. These "no mow" are also candidate sites for a .3 - ����,�� :kw more comprehensive native prairie restoration. To assist neighborhoods become familiar with the ` See the "no-mow" zones for "no-mow" zones staff erected notification signage yourself! near each area. The higher visibility areas received brochure boxes filled with Elgin's Guide to 'No- Century Oaks Park Mow' Zones publication. Wing Park Lords Park Eagle Heights Park . t n r North of Gail Borden Library - d %43 A ae'$,' ,',3' Yw, gay T ✓- 3 '�f:- '- „ ., Sy aA" . rItk _..t , '� '/> '.s �.. -.:_ . - . & 9x9 ,+6 ddd n t E LG I N SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 2012 THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS ' Sustainability Displays s As part of the annual Green Expo, the � _ Sustainability Commission developed seven educational banners that not only served as a )' aesthetically pleasing entryway to the Expo, ELGIN GREEN but will also allow for travelin indoor displays g ' i --- ' ' - _ ..11,,,, Cor"nposttng for community events. Compost? Why .• .,() tt.., it• ,r „,. .+nz„kte mutate a Out o64a tEs "" $ :prprrs 1. i ,dam s}sQaJ#eyPlantt `- .. z 30 oir . 1,,, v '''' � -is be comp:leveed! r. Municipal Food _�:Irc scrap composting i c»rbtcaatersstAk+t+AFrrcurkssiabi�a�otlscnp 'i g ,.. `- ns cYcex_ ,If <.n+pae004kr*tkraolleatt>bt6estvervt. aod4S�n'aStak isat tanat and fact hOPkeel 'g"r 7 tsare.it raarsta rt qi dwxiendfidis. �.,% 47,4t i,aara ,,tM spinvtitro giNsarsvataTt tas ��, rk k�^z EL ^"°' ,. �w CA a wr< ELG1 .r �� v pyres• �xr How can I get started? iSHD ADRY,SHAFY SPACE YOPUT YOURAL idcad-r,tAu te.•..xs<v�u...<so+l.k*s,iy€Tr«teel:aM"ttiy.,r clan YsnSE•, ,< .. . � & ,.x = , s «< f� ale "aW"1"*. ...".". aeAltalerowsat a an-U essNgi.+artdaertttsarskftnaaA'tixbst+:'"`lrw� p , enatawl,44e lad 0.d.049L ani der,pnalxra s p+s»nf+r M!rY9(•n aet isr4�s ta<Wan;iattlRtstwetsd t "� .i� ...a .tar poaa,dts ro,ch headed r wlw.,ne i r ...,enrr+.oi. What should I compost? �� 41011011 LREEHS > = eRcwris� 4, i Coat*Stoundsk * g'4,� ESKlshets _At 'R Ciraxa abRneMs 4F °f Wars.!1 etater {" Lt .. '4 Rttarf And iters! 1 4ssP��7 n`rvrrvp aaR-� . .. - f � ,werrw.XlNRwee.r.' �•_l r. Nib space to compost'? can,pastlr�g tip! ,�,,,,,a, No problem! 1, a v.,mpusrrsxyrrsst+saia� =,,..._______ a uas wa na f�wxas.rare sr�aain, f ... *t*, no mcgearsirssspice then ru,pla: ,at i.,nez.txaln7ai.xxk}cw tswsa � w _.... ""4 odkort.dItidrdfa:faioore". SMifiC itet,sumiti 041sdkend d N+llw.+srm ! ELGIN t8V ,:� LOIN ik%Utltt$iS tCd+ y3ier;i.ieaeidsJs;7Tlrsr worms sxr �•€�:, � .�.,a. ti.�>� uw. •aaelM� imktlmwwon,.....r..1-4es ors,,,,,,,twaltar owl d." s4 C,it Cd S XAa ti F. 1,,,101* eptrCdot Woos fvylvul,. aa%a.r aat t , Locally Designed by Concept atavoomitMill, Inc. -` rararrrhrA _ LG 11%4 THECITY IN THE SUBURBS" Funded by and the DepartmentConservation of EnergyBlockGrant, Energy(EECBGJ Efficiency ..".� L'�'^4. t YU` - f` $ '✓. aY "S'�r£i . Y SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL2012s,F . ..., E LG I N THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS 10 arra Lana Lease erog Over the last several years, community gardens have been started in Elgin at various schools, parks and churches growing from five gardens in 2010 to a total of over twenty gardens in 2012. Originally funded in part by Kane County's "Fit for Kids" grants, the gardens were built and managed through the Elgin Community Garden Network, a volunteer organization. In 2011, these gardens provided more than 650 pounds of food for area food pantries and soup kettles. As the community garden Community Gardens... movement continued to grow, staff found that other cities implemented programs and • Beautify property, discourage vandalism and policies allowing local loitering organizations to lease empty • Eliminate approx. $1,000 per lot in annual city-owned land for use as maintenance costs productive gardens. Similar to • Demonstrate commitment to sustainability and healthy eating the city of Chicago, Baltimore, • Build a sense of community Madison and Seattle, the city of crafted such a program • Provide apartment dwellers and other residents a allowing community groups to place to grow food convert city-owned parcels into ------------ --- -- — -- — -- community gardens through lease agreements. Elgin's first community garden land lease was enacted in June 2012 with the Boys and Girls Club. The Boys and Girls Club is responsible for all maintenance and equipment. The city is under no obligation to provide water, electricity, staff, equipment or other city services. ro,?$ x'� �i ,t ms. ,i 7•"9Y.;:,Y' . " R ^Yo- w s • °" �► rirn w`cF , A b /✓'e :, te P ; b 3 x v✓ ,4 '+moi• yraa +e{ ;44.V ^i3 v 4 xs _ �`« �` •U•414; ' :� t` .� ! S J? sem" 7i *' r-...A �� .p ,� _ '�a i t,,,. y.'• 8, Baa Y Mme' ±1.1 E LG I N SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 2012 THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS ,.„. 11 2012 Neighborhood improvement Grants New in 2012, the Sustainability Commission reviewed and awarded all Neighborhood Improvement Grant applications. The commission received seven applications in 2012 and was fortunate enough to fund all seven. Bike 'Ease of Use' Map The city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) applied to create a I ) Pp o+►. Klock ter, 4, map that would allow a majority of '{r " R recreational cyclists learn to get around M Elgin in a safe manner. The BPAC recognizes that most cyclists are interested , . in cycling but have concerns about safety. _ This map alleviates those concerns by mapping Elgin and ranking how - ,, comfortable each street is for cyclists. The P`°`"reao Road SA*W°u`.' map also identifies points of interest and t w`t«> taw . cwcaC mate. difficult cycling intersections. T. _ t _. - 01 TFLh tnteri Aon Funding: $7,000 az .. - AtrtOaJ ® �,ttpte _ ; ..s Estimated Completion: Spring 2013 - got `° a C,t>Immur 14 Q r ` ° 0 Fountain Square Public Parking Lot Planters M ub,,,, " Fountain Square Condo homeowners applied to install plants in the 8kxk,..-.9 +aoameteran^--3,--w public parking lot adjacent to their building. The parking lot, located ,, Srr',.rt10tMM"kxnro,Wxark between Grove Avenue and Riverside Drive, offers convenient downtown parking for up to seventy-two hours free of charge. The plants were chosen for their heartiness and salt-tolerance. Funding: $2,378 ". These plants will beautify downtown and help reduce the heat Status: Complete island effect of the parking lot. - ', , / y, Y R k.,k,-.,',:f,,t4 ' - . i#00:: - .�.... � ° e -' .. �`� `4.,... o t:, � yi° _ �: SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 201 ELGIN ... THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS • 12 Elgin Area Historical Society Windmill Educational Signage With the help of more than fifty volunteers, the Elgin Area Historical Society is working to restore and erect an original sixty-five foot windmill in Elgin's Foundry Park. The Elgin Windmill Company operated in Elgin i — from 1882 to 1946 on the site of what is now . ... , Foundry Park. The project has already • • . received positive endorsement from the Elgin • * i . ,.111 -- Heritage Commission, Cultural Arts 40.47 . . Commission and the Planning and Zoning Board. ''''Funding: '.2,880 The Sustainability Commission has granted funds to design and erect educational Estimated Completion: TBA signage for the site, highlighting the history of the site, the Elgin Wind Mill company and Elgin's burgeoning wind industry. Harvest Market Educational Signage The Downtown Neighborhood Association hosts Elgin's downtown summer harvest market. In 2012, the market applied to create educational signage for display at the market. ,.. ,„ 4 ,1",,'''''i''',',^'‘ ' ',,! 41 4,04 i''4 ' Elgin Harvest Market Educational Signage Arw.:- ..''''',:\f'lk 4' .:‘,‘‘ •,, ,,,f,, p '% i , ‘,.., '' '''' ' i tz' \ A;'. ' • Promoting kids reading ,., . ,,, k', - ....., - - 'i 4,..„ ,• • Healthy eating • Market food origin •\4 „.0-' , -- . . , • Seasonal produce diagrams ",,••. • Using the Illinois Link card \'‘ • , , , , -,• ' .s. , , . _ un•ing• . 000 • , • ,,,-,,,, - Status: Complete , ,:il ' ;:7'. :.',.,"'' ' ' ..4 ' ' •,frj'i'.-5,f,:,.",'•,,,p.',,,-.-5-.i,-',NkIl'tif",tzttaki,i124:,,l'I'lidlp4',4*,1,-I5'.4:'iff ,,vi44,-'' ',. v": ',-- '', ,:. - ' • ' ' '-- '' ill, -*-2-,sgtf.,44,, c$, .r,-.0 ,47:-.:4„-.-. .1-$3,:-ffi:',/-$,, "-'‘4.t.'4#-toe".v.:$.2';•2-..,. 7:, ,, ;-.- r - ',.: ' ,,.-$..:,,,,, , ,.,,,,, $,, . ',. ELGIN ir'. SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN ihIPLEMENTATION REPOR1 i'l,AL.L.,20:1,; ,...„' , - l'-'0...:4,«.-e:::.f•. -74%,:t ,'. ---''Vj--,•'--.4.-..,',.. , ' , ,-',..,- ,41;' , ,.., - arm m x �': 5^ 13 Y r ydfe x5`£.__w star - _ x Northeast Neighborhood Association Butterfly Garden Educational Component In 2007 the Northeast Neighborhood Association (NENA) received a Neighborhood Improvement Grant to create a community butterfly garden located at the northeast corner of Douglas Street and Ann Street In 2012, NENA applied to expand the garden 1=unain : .6 70 by adding in an educational component. g. Estimated Completion: Sept. 2012 Their project adds several plants that promote �� �� � � ^����� - butterfly breeding as well as educational signage that identify plants and butterfly developmental stages. NENA partnered with McKinley Elementary School, where students helped plant and create the educational materials. The children researched butterflies habitats and planted several butterfly larval food choices . a. (dill, broccoli, cabbage etc.) The students _ also planted hundreds of annuals to provide butterfly nectar. In just their first season, the students raised and released more than two-dozen monarch butterflies. �• Country Brook Native Plantings The Country Brook Subdivision (located near may. the intersection of Longford Circle and �" '° Bode Road) applied to install native plants . at the entrances of their subdivision, beautifying the area. The HOA already has more than twenty volunteers ready and �� � � �� . willing to plant the landscaping and _ maintain it indefinitely. Estimated Completion: Spring 2013 ' 24,1)1 USTAiNABILBTY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 2 E LV I 1 I THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS 40.. 01 Neighborhood Grants i . 14 Fox River Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge Phase I Engineering This project is a collaborative effort between the city, Northeast Neighborhood Association (NENA), Judson University and other organizations. The grant awarded $15,000 towards phase I engineering for a pedestrian bridge across the Fox River, connecting Judson University to Elgin's east side. The majority of funding for Phase I engineering would be provided by state grant funds. The city utilized one its many grant writing agreements with local engineering firms to submit an application for the Illinois Transportation Enhancements Program (ITEP), which would provide funds for phase one engineering work and construction. Total phase I engineering is estimated at $170,000 while Total project cost is estimated at 2.4 million. The city is still in the early stages of this initiative, and progress will likely be contingent upon other agencies contributing engineering and construction costs as well as securing additional grants funds. - r.Mrrw0 I. ,. t txAW vit. � / )1° iii.` ' i ":11!Illirr: , ', i ' .:*:, ti 4i. , i[ x' t1othr _ae,,,41' , ti, 4 1 .r nv .,wig "<, 'ya ',1 ..:4,' ;.,xaa : „. two,- - � ,,,1„ �,..,.�_- , °,� . Funding:'$15,000 -. 4 � � �_ : Status: In progress E LG I N SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 2012 THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS p 15 asNinoaxGreen reen i trasn UC e Grant s` x The city of Elgin received more than $630,000 to installpgQ stormwater best management practices in an older ElginV. ALI j' neighborhood, served by combined sewers. Funds were � awarded through the Illinois Green Infrastructure Grant 144. Z. (IGIG) program administered by the Illinois Environmental CZ) Protection Agency (TEPA). The funded project, entitled "The Lord Street Basin CSO Green Infrastructure Retrofit Project," entails the installation of approximately thirty rain gardens located on public right-of-way and two permeable paver alleyways. The total project cost is $751 ,900 and divided as follows: $1 17,900 (city share) and $634,000 (state share). Homeowner participation in this project is integral and the long-term maintenance of the rain gardens will be the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. In March, 2012 the projects first kickoff meeting was held in .,, the Southwest Area Neighborhood with --°-a• 1; more than 80 attendees, the neighborhoods • t a«•‘, • ` .� largest meting to date. 4 , 4' ' '" -- „ Since that time staff has conducted more • ';- I , than forty site visits, selected several rain �- 7' garden sites, developed a twenty-five page �s� ...«. a ;._ p Y p g r 3 "Homeowners Guide to Rain Gardens" and -�4 identified candidate permeable paver • .'. % alleyways. w• The first set of rain gardens is to be installed in Fall 2012 with the remaining green ',s ,,,, „riv ; infrastructure installations completed �� "� fir.,. „+}"n , throughout 2013 and 2014. 1 : 1.17-7 anglik SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 2012 E LG I N Policy Initiatives 1 6 Solar Installation Ordinances Members of the Sustainability Commission have collaborated to develop complete drafts of a solar power ordinance that would permit residential, commercial and industrial properties to install rooftop and free-standing solar panels to generate clean, renewable energy. Staff is reviewing the draft and intends to submit it to city council by the end of 2012. Complete Streets Policy The Sustainability Commission has also developed a complete draft of the city's first complete streets policy. The Complete Streets Policy seeks to benefit and improve safety, public health, economic development, and a sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure. This policy will effectively prepare the City of Elgin for the future by helping change social norms and attitudes associated with non-motorized vehicle travel. Staff and other stakeholder groups are reviewing the draft with the intent to submit the policy to city council by the end of 2012. ' Elf oils Increased Educational Programming at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center Recognizing the importance of education, the Sustainability Commission is developing a partnership with the Conservation Foundation. This partnership could bring many school-age classes to Hawthorne Hill Nature Center to learn the importance of environmental stewardship and restoration. Curbside Composting Pilot Program As the city of Elgin nears the end of its current waste-hauling contract, many opportunities to implement new waste programs will present themselves. One program in particular, as identified by the Sustainability Action Plan is curbside composting. This pilot would allow Elgin residents to have food scraps and other compostables picked up curbside and turned into rich compost. Northern Illinois communities such as Highland Park and Oak Park are currently experimenting with curbside composting and will likely serve as models for Elgin. Energy Impact Illinois The Center for Neighborhood Technology, ComEd, Nicor have teamed up to offer Illinois residents incentives to perform energy efficiency and weatherization upgrades to their homes. For$99 homeowners will receive the installation of energy saving items, a comprehensive energy audit and up to $1,750 towards efficiency upgrades. The Sustainability commission is excited to partner with Energy Impact Illinois and help spread the word about these great (and limited!) incentives. n� .SII'► K ELGIN SUSTAINABILITY ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION REPORT FALL 2012 THE CITY IN THE 5U8UREIS ELGIN THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS' DATE: October 18, 2012 TO: Aaron Cosentino, Management Analyst FROM: Jennifer Quinton, Deputy City Clerk SUBJECT: Resolution No. 12-142 Adopted at the September 26, 2012, Council Meeting Enclosed you will find the agreement listed below. Please distribute this agreement to the other party and keep a copy for your records if you wish. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office 847-931-5660 and we will do our best to assist you. Thank you. • Support of the Illinois Cool Cities Local Sustainability Protection Agreement 2015 Goals