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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-12-2015 MinutesA1 ELGINir Agenda Tuesday, May 12, 2015 6 PM, Robert Gilliam Municipal Complex, City Hall, Second Floor South Conference Room, 150 Dexter Ct. A. Call to order (chairperson) B. Roll Call (staff liaison) Chairman Masterson and Commissioners Frazier, Hernandez, Knoerr & Segel present. C. Approval of previous meeting's minutes Minutes were approved from the April 14, 2015 meeting. D. Discussion Items 1. Gail Borden Public Library recycling event in June. i. Update from Danielle Henson regarding budget items. Danielle did not attend the meeting. Liaison shared the updated budget, provided via email from Danielle Henson. Liaison updated commission about Elgin Recycling's quote to provide electronic recycling at the event, The quote was $2000, which makes it a nearly impossible option. Liaison recommended the library cut this part of the event, as there is a free electronic recycling event with Kane County the morning of the library's event. Liaison also updated commission that Danielle was informed, the commission funds would not pay for food or shredding truck, as discussed at the April meeting. The new budget suggested the commission pay $200 for the DJ at the event. it is assumed she will have us pick up another line item or two, and the commission will still support the event with up to $1000 in funding. 2. Partners for Places & Grand Victoria Foundation L Review materials related to the Request for Proposal, discuss project ideas for Elgin, and have the opportunity to ask Rachel Traficanti (Program officer with the Grand Victoria Foundation) questions. Rachel Traficanti introduced herself and the opportunity with Partners for Places. The new round of funding would open in June, and application would need to be submitted by July. The next round starts in the winter, with the deadline in December. The city would need to develop a plan and proposal for funding. Most projects are awarded between $50,000 and $150,000, and awardee has two years to spend the money on the projects. Chairman Masterson inquired if we would be able to partner with a local company, such as Wanxiang Energy, which manufactures solar panels. Rachel explained that the partnership could only be with a municipality. Commissioner Frazier said she'd like to incorporate a project that could link sustainability with economic growth in Elgin. Chairman Masterson wants to reinstate the home energy audits that allow for rebates related to upgrades on homes like additional installation, ceilings, furnaces, windows and doors. Commissioner Frazier suggested that code inspection could help to verify that installations were done properly after permit was attained. Commissioner Frazier suggested sponsoring an entrepreneurial "shark tank" event to encourage small startup businesses. Liaison stated she will talk to Kyla Jacobsen about potential water projects the city could initiate. Commissioners also mentioned Fox River Country Day School projects, such as turning a building into a nature center. Chairman Masterson suggested converting the police fleet vehicles to using liquid propane. It was also mentioned that it could be beneficial to purchase electric vehicles for code enforcement. Commissioner Hernandez suggested that a community composting project could be beneficial and Rachel confirmed that several composting projects have been supported in the past. Liaison will follow up and send a list of approved community projects related to composting. Commissioner Hernandez suggested each commissioner take on one idea to research and find prices. Chairman Masterson asked the liaison to look into the retrofit program and see what has happened, if its no longer promoted, or where it's funding stands. The commission agreed that this opportunity will need to be an ongoing conversation, and we should try to apply for the winter round. E. Working Group Reports F. Old Business 1. Habitat for Humanity partnership L Discuss partnership and review plans from Kathy Haerr & Judi Brownfield Barbara Beckman, executive director for Habitat for Humanity, was present. Judi and Kathy introduced Barb and presented plans they have created for the Sustainability Resource Development and Collaboration Center. Kathy provided materials related to objectives and projects. Habitat has agreed to allow the Sustainability Commission to hang a sign, create a window display and install an informational kiosk. Monthly gatherings can take place there, in order to provide space for educational workshops and planning meetings. Barb shared that they are a community-based organization and they have been wanting to collaborate with our groups. They felt this idea ties in well. Judi said it's a "home and heart" for the commission to have a vision. Habitat for Humanity in Elgin is its own independent 5016, has its own board of directors, and financing, yet it is still a branch of the national organization. The Northern Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity is turning 25 on July 31. They would like to have some of the display completed by then. Kathy suggested working groups begin meeting the following week, with no more than two commissioners present at a meeting. The liaison suggested created a Google document where commissioners can sign up for meeting dates. On Monday, May 18, from 6-7 p.m., Commissioners Hernandez and Segel will meet with Judi and Kathy at Sunset Books. On Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m., Commissioner Knoerr and staff liaison will meet at Sunset Books. Liaison will put together a list of completed and Sustainability Commission projects to be used in display or kiosk. 2. Gail Borden Public Library partnership L Potential for updates on summer projects There were no updates regarding the Gail Borden Public Library partnership. 3. Sustainability Honor Roll i. Review any new nominations There were no new nominees, however Chairman Masterson plans to write a nomination for Sherman Hospital. Discuss logistics (frequency, recognition, etc.) The commission agreed it would be best to give out two awards per year, one in April on in October, with voting taking place in March & September. It was agreed to invite Mayor Kaptain to a sustainability commission meeting to present the award and take a photo with the awardee. Liaison will contact the Mayor and see if he can attend the June 2015 meeting to present Deb Perryman's award. G. Commissioner comments/announcements 1. Update from Chairman Masterson regarding trip to Freedom Field Chairman Masterson is waiting to hear back from Chet from Freedom Field to set up a date or two for the commission to visit the facility. Commissioner Segel announced that a commission survey is coming from Strategic Plan Advisory Committee. He would like us to track and have follow up with programs and groups that the commission supports financially. Commissioners suggested we try to find what sustainable efforts are happening amongst different city departments so that we can support those efforts and work collaboratively instead of duplicating efforts. H. Adjourn The City of Elgin is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or the facilities, are requested to contact ADA coordinator, at (847) 931-6076, or TTY/TDD (847) 931-5616 promptly to allow the City of Elgin to make reasonable accommodations for those persons.