Sangamon Sun

City of St. Charles Natural Resources Commission met Nov. 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

Members Present: Chairman Ralph Grathoff, Isabella Bernat, Jon Duerr, Heather Goudreau, Lee Haggas, Ray Hauser, Pam Otto

Members Absent: Valerie Blaine, Kathy Brens, Suzi Myers, Loren Nagy, Caroline Wilfong Others Present: AJ Reineking

Visitors Present: Chloe Fanning, William Koehl

1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance

The meeting was convened by Chair. Grathoff at 7:01 p.m.

2. Introduction of Visitors, Comments and Concerns

Chloe Fanning introduced herself to all present. Ms. Fanning is a senior at St. Charles East High School. She expressed her interest in joining the Natural Resources Commission [NRC] as a student member as her time permits. Ms. Fanning previously submitted a written request to join the NRC along with her academic and volunteer information. This information was provided to the Commission in October.

Motion to nominate Ms. Fanning as a student member of the NRC. Motion by Comm. Otto, second by Comm. Hauser to nominate Ms. Fanning. Voice vote: unanimous; nays – none. Motion carried at 7:03 p.m. Chair. Grathoff welcomed Ms. Fanning to the Commission.

William Koehl of the Central Kane County League of Women Voters [LWV] reintroduced himself to all present [he also attended the October 11, 2018 NRC meeting]. Mr. Koehl discussed an October 2018 report issued by the International Panel on Climate Change [IPCC]; he would like all the environmental-related commissions in the Fox Valley to be aware of the content of the IPCC report. Mr. Koehl will forward copies of the report to City staff for e-mail distribution to the NRC.

3. Minutes Review and Approval

Motion to approve and place into the public record the minutes of the October 11, 2018 Natural Resources Commission meeting. Motion by Comm. Hauser, second by Comm. Duerr to approve the minutes. Voice vote: unanimous; nays – none. Motion carried at 7:07 p.m.

4. Old Business

A. Urban Forestry Management Plan Updates

Mr. Reineking discussed the summary of updates to the Urban Forestry Management Plan [UFMP]. A copy of the summary is attached to and made a part of these minutes. Mr. Reineking noted the most substantive updates are to the lists of Unacceptable and Acceptable Species which will require an ordinance amendment [City Code, Title 12, Chapter 12.20, Section 30.D].

B. Storm Drain Markers Draft Proposal

Chair. Grathoff distributed a draft proposal regarding the NRC’s storm drain marker initiative. The proposal included several marker designs, and Chair. Grathoff asked the Commissioners to select the design they preferred. The proposal is for an initial installation of 75 storm drain markers/medallions at a cost of $432.09. The markers should last 20 – 30 years according to the manufacturer. This initiative will be promoted on social media, and the storm drain locations will be determined by City staff based on need and visibility. Mr. Reineking stated the storm drain locations will generally be between 7th Street and 7th Avenue in the downtown area. Comm. Otto noted the importance of educating residents that the storm drains lead directly to the river, without water treatment. Based on the Commissioners preference, the storm drain marker/medallion design selected was “No Dumping Drains To River” [as represented below]. The proposal will be presented to the City’s Government Services Committee at the next scheduled meeting in January 2019.

C. Retention Ponds Original Plans for Meijer Location

Mr. Reineking reported the plans on file with the City do not include separate landscaping specifications for the Meijer site. However, the plans note shade trees, ornamental trees, evergreen trees, natural areas, planters and permanent and temporary seed mixes at the site. The Commissioners reviewed the plans in connection with the location of the new Wahlburgers restaurant scheduled to be built. Comm. Otto explained the restaurant development at this site may be an opportunity for the NRC to be involved in having stigmite plants removed and the retention pond area cleaned up. Comm. Duerr agreed that the retention pond area could be improved, but was unsure of the NRC’s role in this issue as the area is on private property.

Mr. Reineking stated that he had mentioned the NRC’s discussions on this issue to the City’s Community & Economic Development Department. The Commissioners offered their assistance as a resource for the improvement of the retention pond, and asked if Mr. Reineking could facilitate a meeting for this purpose. Mr. Reineking will speak to the City’s Development Review team to determine if there may be an opportunity for a meeting with the NRC. Mr. Reineking will follow up with Comm. Otto next week.

D. Pumpkin Collection Recap

Comm. Goudreau reported the NRC’s first annual pumpkin collection and recycling event was a success. Approximately 180 cars dropped off multiple pumpkins, including a collection from the St. Charles Underground teen center. A total of 578 pumpkins and gourds were collected and diverted from the landfill, thereby reducing methane gas, which contributes to climate change. There was great volunteer participation including Chair. Grathoff, student Comm. Bernat and other students from St. Charles schools. Signage the City created for the event also helped to make the pumpkin collection a success. A more central location may be considered for next year’s event. An article recapping the pumpkin collection will also be included in the City’s newsletter The Den.

5. New Business

A. Arbor Day 2019 Student Participation

Comm. Otto summarized the different ways St. Charles students have participated in prior Arbor Day celebrations, but due to curriculum changes student participation may be reduced going forward. Comm. Otto asked student Comms. Bernat and Fanning for ideas and ways to

involve students of all grades in the City’s Arbor Day event. Student Comm. Fanning offered to ask her science teacher to announce the event in class and explain how students may get involved; she also suggested the choir and jazz band could also be invited to participate in Arbor Day.

6. Committee Reports

A. Education Committee

None.

B. Langum Woods Clean-Up Committee

Comm. Otto explained that November through March are the best months for volunteers to participate in clean-up activities at Langum Woods. Removing non-native plants and undergrowth is important to allow sunlight to reach young Oak trees. Wildflower rescue work has also been done in Langum Woods. Comm. Otto will coordinate with City staff to determine what work needs to be done, and inform the Commissioners at the next NRC meeting.

7. Public Services Division Tree Activity Reports October 2018

Motion by Comm. Duerr to approve the Public Services Division Tree Activity Reports and place into the public record, second by Comm. Hauser. Voice vote: unanimous; nays – none. Motion carried at 7:55 p.m.

8. Additional Items

A. Commissioners

Comm. Hauser distributed summary information regarding monarch butterflies [previously discussed at the October 2018 NRC meeting]. This topic will be further discussed at the next NRC meeting in December.

Comm. Duerr thanked Mr. Koehl for attending the meeting. The NRC will review the IPCC information, which will be emailed to the Commissioners by City staff.

B. City Staff

Mr. Reineking informed the Commission Fall 2018 planting information will be provided with the November 2018 report at the December meeting.

C. Visitors

None.

9. Adjournment

Motion by Comm. Hauser to adjourn the meeting, second by Comm. Otto. Voice vote: unanimous; nays – none. Motion carried at 7:58 p.m.

https://www.stcharlesil.gov/sites/default/files/event/packet/Combined%20Materials%20December%202018.pdf