Village of La Grange Environmental Quality Commission met Nov. 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
| Commissioner | Present | Absent |
| Joel Baise | X | |
| Laurie Braun | X | |
| David Bryant | X | |
| Linda Christianson | X | |
| Rebecca Davies | X | |
| David May | X | |
| Rose Naseef - Chair | X | |
| Peggy Peterson | X | |
| Bill Robison | X | |
| Tim Sheldon | X | |
| Brandon Simak | X | |
| Bruce Whiteway | X | |
| Stan Zarnowiecki | X |
A meeting of the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) of the Village of La Grange was held on Thursday, November 14, 2019, at the Village Hall and was called to order by Commission Chair Rose Naseef at 7:00 p.m.
9 of 13 members constitutes a quorum.
ALSO PRESENT: Andrianna Peterson, Village Manager; Kevin Noreikis, Village of La Grange Administrative Intern
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Zarnowiecki moved to approve the minutes from the October 10, 2019 meeting and Commissioner Simak seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved by voice vote.
3. BUSINESS AT HAND
A. Edgewood Avenue Reconstruction – Commissioners discussed preferences for future redevelopment of the street. In lieu of choosing one of the specific options presented at the last EQC meeting, Chair Naseef suggested that the EQC make general recommendations. Village Manager Peterson stated that recommendations will be considered when the Village Board does its capital planning at the end of January, so there is still time for Commissioner Baise to draft a letter to the Village Board.
Commissioners expressed the desire for the Village of La Grange to consider long- term planning and bike path connectivity when evaluating the options for a bike path. Village Manager Peterson stated that bike facility planning is a part of the current comprehensive plan and will be reconsidered in conjunction with the upcoming update of the comprehensive plan next year. La Grange is also an active participant in regional bike facility planning initiatives which are updated from time-to-time by Cook County and organizations such as Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). She will keep the EQC apprised of future developments.
B. EarthDayEvents–Commissioners brainstormed ideas for how to celebrate Earth Day 2020. Commissioner Braun stated that she plans to watch the documentary, Anthropocene: The Human Epoch, on November 22nd and will share her thoughts on whether it would be a good film for the EQC to sponsor/co-sponsor a showing. Chair Naseef urged commissioners to research potential movies and provide information about the fees required to host a screening.
Other ideas suggested were hosting a litter pick-up, participating in a park clean-up and handing out tree saplings. The EQC can partner with other agencies such as the Salt Creek Watershed Network, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), and the Park District of La Grange. EQC to revisit in December.
C. Green Business Designation/Award–Commissioners expressed a preference for providing a seal that designates a business or restaurant as earth-friendly versus presenting a one-time award. The seal would require on-going evaluation to ensure the organization continues its green practices. To prevent the process from becoming too time-consuming for the EQC, commissioners suggested that an on-line questionnaire be part of the certification process.
Development of the criteria will be crucial for success of this program. Village Manager Peterson suggested reviewing the criteria used to certify Eco-maniacs, a business previously located in La Grange, as a green business. Commissioners also thought the La Grange Business Association (LGBA) would be a good resource. Commissioners Peterson and Zarnowiecki will continue to work on this project. Commissioner Simak, who has LEED certification, offered assistance in developing the criteria.
D. EQC communication – Chair Naseef reminded commissioners to avoid answering Reply All to messages sent to the entire commission.
4. OLD BUSINESS
A. Waste hauling RFP status – Village Manager Peterson stated that she is finalizing the RFP. She also reported a 13% response rate to the waste hauling survey. 79% of respondents state that they are very satisfied or satisfied with the Village’s current program although 51% state they are very satisfied or satisfied with current program pricing. 49% of respondents are in favor of moving to an all-toter program under a set monthly subscription program but 71% are in favor if residents are only charged with the cart is placed at the curb for collection. Between 40-50% of respondents were interested in adding new optional curbside programs such as composting, electronics recycling and hazardous waste.
Commissioner Whiteway inquired about whether the cost of additional leaf pickups could be offset by reduced costs of cleaning sewer catch-basins and sewer lines. It was pointed out that since leaves will always blow around in the street, the current level of sewer cleaning maintenance is unlikely to be reduced.
B. Business Recycling–Commissioner Christianson reported on the management of waste by several La Grange businesses. Some businesses are recycling cardboard, glass, plastic, and aluminum. Others are not recycling, stating the service was not offered by their hauler or there is not a convenient recycling bin. Commissioner Christianson will continue to work with these businesses as well as with the Village of La Grange to find ways to increase recycling of valuable materials.
C. Quarry tour–Commissioners Bryant, Braun, and Whiteway provided dates they are available so that Village Manager Peterson can arrange for a tour. She will inform them of the date once it is scheduled. She offered to schedule another tour in the future for Commissioner May and any other commissioners interested in a tour.
D. EQC Logo – Commissioner Braun showed a design for a potential EQC logo. Commissioners didn’t feel the design reflected the community and asked Commissioner Braun to ask the volunteer designer for additional logo options.
E. Pumpkin Smash – Chair Naseef stated that over 800 pumpkins were collected at the composting event in La Grange Park on November 2nd.
F. Halloween Walk/Holiday Walk – Commissioner Christianson reported that she and Commissioner Braun met many local residents at the Halloween Walk, where they handed out candy at a table near Anderson’s Bookshop. Many residents were receptive to their presence and took photos of the composting and pumpkin smash flyers displayed at the table.
Chair Naseef reported that she will represent the EQC at a table during the Holiday Walk on Saturday, December 7th. She will advertise holiday light recycling and she invited the commissioners to join her.
G. Holiday Light Recycling – Chair Naseef stated that she is coordinating the collection with the Public Works directors in La Grange and La Grange Park. The collection will run from Sunday, November 24 through Sunday, January 12.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. Drug Take-Back Day – Village Manager Peterson stated that 80 pounds of unwanted medicine were taken to the police department on the take-back day. Over the past few months, local residents brought 384 pounds of unwanted medicines to the police department for proper disposal.
B. MWR Dseminar–Commissioner Bryant provided information he obtained from a recent MWRD seminar. He shared information about how MWRD is composting human waste and how companies are commissioning climate studies to minimize risks to infrastructure from severe weather events.
C. EQC Newsletter–Chair Naseef stated that Commissioners Braun and Christianson are interested in creating an EQC newsletter. Commissioners agreed that a newsletter would facilitate education about environmental issues in our community.
D. Next meeting – At December’s meeting, the Forester for the Village of La Grange will provide information about the trees in our village. Information on the history and the current status of the quarry blasting will also be provided.
6. NEXT MEETING
Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 7:00pm
7. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Bryant moved for adjournment, seconded by Commissioner Whiteway. Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
https://www.villageoflagrange.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2401
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