ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE 2020/07/07 PacketENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, July 7, 2020 – 6:30 P.M.
REMOTE ACCESS MEETING
AGENDA
Please be advised that all of the Environmental Sustainability Committee members will be
remotely attending this Committee meeting by electronic means, in compliance with the recent
amendments to the Open Meetings Act. The Chair of the Committee has determined that it is not
prudent or practical to conduct an in-person meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that it is
not feasible to have the Committee members or members of the public physically present at the
meeting due to the pandemic disaster.
The City will be providing members of the public with various opportunities to watch or attend this
meeting, as well as provide public comment at the meeting. For example, members of the public
can participate remotely in the meeting by following the public audience link which will provide
both video and audio means to attend the meeting.
Public audience link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81532961356
Or dial by phone at: 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 815 3296 1356
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
_____ Ald. Melanie Rummel, Chairman
_____ Ald. Jed Morris
_____ Ald. Jim Preschlack
II. ACTION ITEMS (:05-:10 per item)
a. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF JUNE 10, 2020 MEETING MINUTES
b. APPROVAL TO PARTICIPATE IN THE METROPOLITAN MAYORS CAUCUS
CS2 COMMUNITY SOLAR CLEARINGHOUSE PROGRAM
III. DISCUSSION ITEMS (:30-:45 per item)
a. SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT PRESENTATION – Presented by Mike
Stopka, MIST Environmental
IV. REVIEW OF FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS (:05-:10)
V. PUBLIC COMMENT
VI. NEXT MEETING DATE(S) – AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
VII. ADJOURNMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING 1
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2020 – 6:30 P.M. 2
REMOTE ACCESS MEETING 3
4
DRAFT MINUTES 5
6
ROLL CALL/CALL TO ORDER 7
8
Chairman Melanie Rummel called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. Aldermen 9
Jed Morris and Jim Preschlack were present. 10
11
Staff in attendance included Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager; Dan Martin, 12
Superintendent of Public Works; Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks, Forestry 13
and Special Facilities; Jim Lockefeer, Management Analyst; Joe Gabanski, 14
Assistant Director of IT; Michael Thomas, Director of Public Works and Layla 15
Werner, Administrative Intern. 16
17
Also in attendance was Marcus Norman, Consultant and Mike Stopka, 18
Consultant. 19
20
There were approximately 35 members of the public that attended the meeting 21
remotely. 22
23
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS 24
Chairman Melanie Rummel welcomed everyone to the inaugural meeting of the 25
Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting. She thanked everyone who 26
was in attendance, and stated the commitment that Lake Forest has to 27
environmental sustainability. Alderman Morris and Alderman Preschlack 28
introduced themselves to the Committee. 29
Chairman Rummel gave a brief overview, explaining how Committee meetings 30
would be structured, and discussed the agenda. 31
ACTION ITEMS 32
I. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF COMMITTEE CHARTER 33
Chairman Rummel stated that there were areas of the Charter that were 34
still under review by the Committee and offered time for the Committee 35
to discuss any adjustments. 36
37
The Committee discussed that the first three paragraphs of the charter 38
were redundant and the language could be shortened. Also they 39
discussed adding goals, tasking Mike Strong with presenting the revisions 40
at the next meeting. 41
42
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Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong stated that he had received 43
comments from Committee members and that those suggestions would 44
be incorporated into the document and brought back to the Committee 45
at a later date. 46
47
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions or comments from 48
the public. 49
50
Grant Huebner offered his comments to the Committee in regards to the 51
charter document being edited. 52
53
The Committee recommended sending the Charter back for revisions and 54
approving the document at the next Committee meeting. 55
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 56
I. UPDATE ON CITY’S SUSTAINABILITY PLAN – CHUCK MYERS & JIM LOCKEFEER 57
Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong introduced Chuck Meyers and Jim 58
Lockefeer to give a brief overview of the City’s Sustainability Plan. 59
Superintendent of Parks, Forestry and Special Projects, Chuck Myers 60
provided background on the adoption of the Sustainability Plan stating 61
that input from multiple parties was taken into consideration before being 62
recommended to the Plan Commission by the Lake Forest Collaborative 63
for Environmental Leadership (LFCEL), and then eventually being sent to 64
City Council, which was adopted with an ordinance. He stated that the 65
approvals were completed and that the plan was adopted. 66
67
Management Analyst, Jim Lockefeer provided a brief overview of the five 68
major plan components and the implementation plan. He stated that the 69
group developed an implementation schedule in order to track 70
accomplishments and milestones that would be reached. Mr. Lockefeer 71
added that these action steps were developed at community 72
engagement forums conducted by the City. He also discussed the annual 73
report submitted to Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) that tracks municipal 74
environmental impacts. 75
76
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions or comments from 77
the committee members. 78
79
The Committee had discussion on the Sustainability Plan and members 80
stated their appreciation for the plan and for the accomplishments made 81
so far. 82
83
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions or comments from 84
the public. 85
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86
Casey Murray offered his comments to the Committee in regards to 87
stormwater quality and the usage of salt on the roads. 88
89
Director of Public Works, Michael Thomas stated that the City is required to 90
submit a plan as part of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 91
(NPDES) for projects that impact water quality and its impacts on creeks 92
and ravines. He added that there are standards that need to be met in 93
order to be permitted for this type of work. He also discussed the usage of 94
Beet Heat instead of traditional road salt as well as the fact that only 95
major roadways and intersections are salted after the winter holidays. 96
97
Resident Schabacker-Koppel offered her comments to the Committee in 98
regards to revisions to the City’s Sustainability Plan. 99
100
II. PRESENTATION ON RECYCLING PROGRAM, COSTS AND MARKETING 101
CAMPAIGN – DAN MARTIN & MARCUS NORMAN 102
Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong introduced Superintendent of Public 103
Works, Dan Martin and consultant, Marcus Norman. Superintendent Martin 104
provided a brief update on the curbside recycling program and how it 105
has evolved since its creation. He also provided a brief update, showing 106
the new sticker that outlined what can and cannot be picked up for 107
curbside recycling. He explained the various refuse disposal and recycling 108
processing costs and revenues due to having to filter and clean items that 109
cannot be recycled. He stated that the City still receives some recycling 110
revenue, from Recycling material, scrap metal and electronics. 111
Superintendent Martin explained that 25% of recyclables were 112
contaminated which increases the cost of processing for the City. 113
114
Marcus Norman, Consultant, was recognized by Chairman Rummel. Mr. 115
Norman gave a brief introduction about himself, prior to his presentation. 116
He began his presentation to the Committee by providing background on 117
the Recycling Education Campaign and its relationship with the Lake 118
Forest Garden Club. Marcus went over the goals of the educational 119
campaign and stated how the goals established would be achieved. 120
Marcus shared a brief video of Bart the Cart and how the campaign is 121
communicating the four guidelines for recycling. 122
123
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions on this agenda item 124
from the Committee members. 125
126
The Committee had discussion on enrolling the school system in promoting 127
this educational campaign. Marcus Norman stated that there have been 128
discussions on how to involve the school in promoting this educational 129
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tool. There was additional discussion on promoting reducing and reusing. 130
Marcus stated that they want to keep the current messaging clear and 131
concise to avoid having an excess of messaging, but discussed 132
highlighting those concepts in the future. 133
134
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions or comments from 135
the public. 136
137
Lisa Burton Radsley offered her comments and concerns about using the 138
term curbside recycling because there are other specific items that can 139
be recycled, just not for curbside pickup. 140
141
III. UPDATE ON COMMUNITY SOLAR OPPORTUNITIES – MIKE STRONG 142
Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager presented an update on the 143
community solar initiative. He gave an overview on what community solar 144
is and how it relates to the strategic plan, sustainability plan, and how the 145
City has taken advantage of this renewable energy initiative. Mr. Strong 146
stated that Lake Forest was able to subscribe to one of the first community 147
solar projects to enroll municipal accounts, launched in Elgin, Illinois. He 148
outlined the potential cost savings that the City could see from this type of 149
program and how residents may be able to benefit in the future. 150
151
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions on this agenda item. 152
153
The Committee discussed their interest in this agreement and seeing how 154
this renewable energy project would progress for residential use. 155
156
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions or comments from 157
the public. 158
159
Seeing none, she moved to the next agenda item. 160
161
IV. COMMITTEE WORK PLANNING WITH MIST ENVIRONMENTAL – MIKE STOPKA 162
Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager introduced Mike Stopka from MIST 163
Environmental. Mike Stopka provided the Committee with a brief 164
overview of MIST and the upcoming efforts they would be undertaking 165
with the City. Mr. Stopka gave a brief presentation explaining the steps 166
they will take to understand Lake Forest and how to move forward with 167
sustainability projects in the community including a sustainability 168
assessment, framework development for decision-making, and 169
prioritization process to help the Committee prioritize future goals and 170
initiatives. 171
172
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions on this agenda item. 173
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174
The Committee had discussion on the timeline of the three steps and the 175
evaluation criteria on an economic scale. Mike Stopka stated that the 176
timeline goal is three months for the entire process. He stated that this 177
specific project has a small scope, so there is no cost benefit analysis 178
included. 179
180
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions or comments from 181
the public. 182
183
John Roesenhiem suggested the City work to involve corporations and 184
other organizations within the community. 185
186
REVIEW OF FUTURE AGENDA TOPICS 187
Chairman Rummel asked the committee for their feedback on the initiatives that 188
have been presented as future agenda items. 189
The Committee had discussion on how they would like to move forward with 190
these initiatives and decided to work with MIST prior to exploring future initiatives 191
to ensure they aligned with the Committee’s goals. Chairman Rummel asked the 192
Committee if such discussion on the following items should be delayed until after 193
they begin their engagement with MIST. There was no objection from the 194
Committee. 195
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions or comments from the 196
public. 197
Seeing none, she moved to the next agenda item. 198
PUBLIC COMMENT 199
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any public comments on any non-200
agenda items. 201
Elizabeth Guscott-Mueller offered her comments to the Committee on the 202
stormwater and wastewater evaluation grading system. 203
Laurie Ross, President of the League of Women Voters, offered comments to the 204
Committee expressing support to the Committee and the goals they are working 205
to achieve, noting they aligned with the League’s goals. She also offered her 206
comments about including youth interns to gain younger support for the 207
Committee. 208
Schaback-Kopple offered her comments to the Committee about accelerated 209
solar partnerships that residents could take advantage of. 210
NEXT MEETING DATE(S) – JULY AND AUGUST 211
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There was concurrence among the Committee members to set the next meeting 212
date to Tuesday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m. via remote session. 213
ADJOURNMENT 214
Alderman Morris moved to adjourn the meeting of the Environmental 215
Sustainability Committee at 8:48 P.M. Alderman Preschlack seconded the 216
motion, which carried unanimously. 217
218
Respectfully Submitted, 219
220
Layla Werner 221
Administrative Intern 222
223
224
Reviewed by, 225
226
Mike Strong 227
Assistant City Manager 228
229
1
Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Participation in the Community Solar
Clearinghouse Solution Program Administered by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus
PRESENTED BY: Alderman Melanie Rummel, Chairman
STAFF CONTACT: Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager (810-3680)
PURPOSE AND ACTION REQUESTED: The Environmental Sustainability Committee and
Staff recommend expanding the City’s participation in the Community Solar
Clearinghouse Solution Program (“CS2”) to allow residents and small businesses access
to community solar subscriptions in Lake Forest.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: The passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act (“FEJA”) in
December 2016 included enabling legislation for Community Solar. In short, Community
Solar allows municipalities to offset all or a portion of their electrical consumption with
electricity generated by shared solar resources located in their electric utility’s territory.
Community Solar is a simple alternative to rooftop solar, whereby individuals invest and
install solar panel infrastructure to offset their electricity usage.
Through Community Solar, residential and small business utility customers can subscribe
to a portion of the electricity produced by an off-site solar installation – called a
community solar garden – and in return, ComEd provides credits on their electric bill.
This can result in a net decrease in the customer’s average monthly electricity bill. In
July 2019, the City was able to participate in the State’s first constructed Community
Solar project in Illinois through its participation in a program offered through the
Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (“MMC”). The Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution
Program (“CS2”) provides a simplified procurement process that allows access to
community solar subscriptions to reduce net electric utility bills for qualified municipal
accounts.
Over the past several months, City staff have been investigating opportunities to offer its
residents and small business customers access to community solar subscriptions so that
they may benefit from promoting renewable energy development and lower energy
costs. During a recent meeting of the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium
(“NSEAC”), the City learned of an opportunity offered that expands the CS2 program
affording access to community solar subscriptions for residential and small business
customers.
Background materials including a copy of a letter of engagement with the MMC is
available beginning on page XX.
PROJECT REVIEW/RECOMMENDATIONS:
Reviewed Date Comments
Environmental Sustainability
Committee
June 10, 2020 Introduced and
Recommended Approval
Environmental Sustainability
Committee
July 7, 2020 Reviewed and Approved
2
BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT: While the exact volume of subscriptions available to residents
and small businesses in Lake Forest will depend on how many other communities
participate, the City anticipates that subscriptions will be offered on a first-come-first-
serve basis to those interested
Based on the terms of the Agreement with the MMC, interested customers would
receive a 20% discount on the ComEd retail rate, which includes any monthly
purchased energy adjustment. The Agreement would allow each customer to
terminate at any point with 30 days’ notice, penalty-free and will be allowed to transfer
its subscription upon relocation, so long as, the property remained in the ComEd
territory.
The MMC has committed to providing a website portal where residents and small
business account holders could enroll in this program and will be providing customer
support throughout the subscription enrollment process.
Has City staff obtained competitive pricing for proposed goods/services? No
If no, indicate the specific exception or waiver requested:
Administrative Directive 3-5, Section 9.1B – Sole Source
COUNCIL ACTION: Authorization for the Mayor to enter into an Agreement with the
Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, in substantially the form attached hereto, to authorize the
City’s participation in the Community Solar Solution Program
DRAFT
RESOLUTION No._________
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus provides a forum for the chief
elected officials of the Chicago region to develop consensus and act on common public
policy issues and multi-jurisdictional challenges; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ participating Mayors and their
communities have a history of environmental stewardship, from energy efficiency, water
conservation, urban forestry, and participation in Clean Air Counts; and
WHEREAS, it is important for Mayors and local governments throughout the
United States to take leadership roles to advance sustainability both in their own
communities and in concert with regional, national and global initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus created the Community Solar
Clearinghouse Solution (CS2) Program to allow municipalities to support the
development of new solar generation resources in Illinois by offering competitive and fair
community solar subscriptions contract terms and pricing; and
WHEREAS, the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS2) Program is
consistent with sustainability goals already adopted by leading communities in the
region; and these consensus goals align with common regional, state, national and global
objectives; and
WHEREAS, the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS2) Program will
assist local municipalities in their efforts to provide residents with access to community
solar subscriptions to enhance the quality of life for residents; protection and stewardship
of the environment and sustainable economic vitality.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Lake Forest
endorses the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS2) Program proposed by the
Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and agrees to work to present community solar
subscriptions options to its residents.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the MAYOR and City MANAGER be and
are hereby authorized and directed to execute any AGREEMENTS with the
METROPOLITAN MAYORS CAUCUS and any other such documents related to the
advancement and completion of said program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is hereby directed to
transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the METROPOLITAN MAYORS
CAUCUS and one certified copy to the CITY through the Office of the City Manager.
DRAFT
Enacted and approved this _____ day of _______________, 20___, at the City of
Lake Forest, Illinois, County of Lake, State of Illinois.
__________________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST: __________________________________________
City Clerk
Municipality Sponsored Community Solar Program
DRAFT
Leading solar developers in Illinois are working with the
Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC) to offer an integrated
community solar experience for qualified residential
consumers in the ComEd territory that provides:
Savings. Residential consumers can secure community solar
subscriptions that guaranteed 20% discount from energy
supply price charged by ComEd for up to twenty years.
Sustainability. Community solar allows homeowners and
renters to support the development of new solar resources
in Illinois without the planning, construction coordination
and financial challenges associated with installing solar on
their own homes and buildings.
Competitive. MMC used a competitive bidding process to
negotiated favorable subscription terms that allow for no-
cost early termination; adjust Subscription levels to match
changes in energy use patterns; and Subscription transfers
between accounts.
Scale. MMC has secured community solar subscription
options from multiple developers to ensure that large
corporate energy buyers can achieve statewide scale.
Simplicity. Residents just need to provide their contact
information and ComEd account number to be placed on a
subscription wait list. Once the community solar projects
come online, they will have the option to subscribe and
start saving money on their monthly ComEd bills.
Recognition. MMC will work with sponsoring municipalities
to ensure they receive the recognition they deserve for
their commitment to sustainability by providing support for
public relations and press outreach highlighting their
participation as Subscribers.
SPONSORED COMMUNITY SOLAR IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Community solar capacity in Illinois is limited. Municipalities
interested in securing cost-saving community solar
subscriptions from certified developers can contact Mark
Pruitt for more information at 219/921-3828 or
markjpruitt@thepowerbureau.com.
COMMUNITY SOLAR:
Allows consumers to claim a portion of a large
community solar development located in Illinois – no
solar panels need to be installed at consumer’s
homes.
Subscribers receive monthly on-bill credits for their
share of the energy generated by a shared solar array.
MUNICIPALITY SPONSORED COMMUNITY SOLAR:
Residential consumers can secure a guaranteed 20%
discount off the utility’s energy supply price.
Requires no funding, capital investment, or other costs
f
BEFORE COMMUNITY SOLAR WITH COMMUNITY SOLAR
You save $0
Total Annual Cost $1,300
You save $208
New Lower Total Annual Cost $1,092
Annual Utility Bills
Energy Charges $940
Distribution Charges $240
Taxes and Fees $120
Solar Bill Credit - $,500
Total Energy Charges $1,300
Annual Utility Bills
Energy Charges $940
Distribution Charges $240
Taxes and Fees $100
Solar Bill Credits - $940
Total Energy Charges $340
+
Annual electric bills Same utility bill, but with annual
solar bill credits applied
Pay $0.80 for every $1.00 in
solar bill credits to receive 20%
savings guaranteed
Pay only $0.80 for every $1.00
in solar bill credits you receive.
Annual Subscription Bills
Solar Bill Credits $940
20% Savings for
Subscriber ($188)
Subscription Charges $752
MUNICIPALITY SPONSOR COMMUNITY SOLAR PROGRAM OFFER KEY TERMS
Account Eligibility Residential and Small Commercial accounts that receive service on the ComEd
Fixed Default rate and have more than 400 kWh in annual metered consumption.
Initial Term: Up to twenty (20) years, beginning on the successful enrollment of the Subscription
by Utility.
Subscription Size: The Subscription is sized based on Subscriber’s historical usage to comply with Net
Metering Law. The Subscription may be adjusted up or down upon mutual
agreement of Subscriber and the Community Solar resource Owner in the future
based on Subscriber’s electricity usage. Subscriber will be notified in advance of any
proposed adjustment to the Subscription based on usage and may increase or
decrease its Subscription only upon written agreement.
Monthly Billing: Subscriber will continue to be billed by the Utility and will receive monthly invoices
from the Community Solar Owner’s Billing Administrator for 80% of the Bill Credits
received on the municipal utility bill
Subscription Price
and Fees:
Estimated Discount: Subscriber will receive 20% of the net Bill Credits. Actual
savings—and monthly payments—may vary based on the Net Metering Tariff, the
total production of the Project, and the proportion of the Subscription to the
Nameplate Capacity of the Project.
Fees and Other Charges: Beyond the subscription price payable to Owner above,
there are no other fees payable to Owner.
Security Deposit: $0
Early Termination
and Early
Termination Fees:
Subscriber may cancel the Subscription Agreement at any time by providing at least
ninety (90) calendar days’ notice to Owner.
$0 with ninety (90) calendar days’ advance written notice
No Guarantee: This Agreement does not guarantee a minimum level of performance by the Project
or minimum quantity or value of Bill Credits.
Transferability: If the Utility Account Service Address identified above changes for any reason,
Subscriber must provide written notice to Owner.
Privacy Policy: Owner will not provide customer’s information obtained under this Agreement to
third parties except as necessary to administer this Agreement.
Project
Production:
Actual production will be based on several factors; Owner is not guaranteeing
minimum or maximum production during any time period.
Resource
Availability:
Community solar projects are anticipated to commence operation starting in the
3rd and 4th quarter of calendar year 2020.
How to Sign Up: Consumers interested in community solar subscriptions can receive more
information at ________________________________________.
Program
Agreement
•Municipalities request access community solar subscription volumes available through the
Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS2 Program) by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus
Sourcing
•Municipalities determine the commercial terms they seek for their residents
•CS2 Program suppliers indicate interest in matching the municiality's terms
Mailing
•Municipalities provide direct mailing lists, approve mailer design and contents
•CS2 Program manages and funds the direct mailing
Waitlist
•Interested residents sign up online to waitlist list
•Accounts are reviewed for qualification (size, supply, etc.)
Subscription
•As Community Solar Farms come online, residents are contacted and offered a Subscription
Agreement