ESC 2022 06 15 MINUTESENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, June 15 – 4:00 PM
REMOTE ACCESS MEETING
AGENDA
Please be advised that all of the Environmental Sustainability Committee members will be remotely attending this
meeting by electronic means, in compliance with the recent amendments to the Open Meetings Act. The
Chairman 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 below which will provide both video and audio means to attend
the meeting.
Public audience link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88596373608?pwd=ejhjWDlCaFFFRVkyMm42UzBxRmRLdz09
Or dial by phone at: 312-626-6799
Webinar ID: 885 9637 3608
Passcode: 1861
AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER AND OLL CALL
II. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS (:05 – :15 per item)
a. UPDATE ON LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE BUCKTHORN CAMPAIGN – Catherine
Czerniak, Director of Community Development
III. ACTION ITEMS (:10 - :15 per item)
a. APPROVAL OF APRIL 20, 2022 MEETING MINUTES
IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS (:15 - :20 per item)
a. REVIEW OF CITY-WIDE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY – Mike Strong,
Assistant City Manager
b. UPDATE ON ROOFTOP SOLAR PROJECT – Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager
V. ADDITIONAL ITEMS (Packet Material Only)
a. STATUS REPORT ON SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES & PRIORITIES
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
VII. NEXT MEETING DATE(S) – July 13, 2022 (Remote Access Meeting)
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING 1
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 – 5:00 P.M. 2
City Council Conference Room 3
City Hall, 220 E. Deerpath 4
5
ROLL CALL/CALL TO ORDER 6
7
Chairman Melanie Rummel called the meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. Aldermen 8
Jim Preschlack and Eileen Weber were present. 9
10
Staff in attendance included Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager; and Mark 11
Pruitt, Illinois Community Choice Aggregation Network 12
13
14
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 15
16
I. REVIEW OF EARTH MONTH ACTIVITIES – Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager 17
18
Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong, provided a brief update regarding 19
the planned activities for Earth Month. He explained that the City had 20
partnered with various institutions throughout the community to develop 21
and aggregate programs, special events, and challenges throughout the 22
month to help promote the campaign. A brief video was shared at the 23
end of the update. 24
25
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any additional comments or 26
questions from the Committee. 27
28
Alderman Weber asked about any data or metrics that were available 29
regarding e-news articles, or the mobile application. She suggested that 30
future promotion could include push notifications through the mobile 31
application. She also suggested that the order of articles in the e-news be 32
reviewed, that perhaps moving topics around could help encourage 33
engagement. 34
35
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any additional questions or 36
comments from members of the public. 37
38
Seeing none, she moved to the next agenda item. 39
40
II. UPDATE ON RAVINE MAINTENANCE/EDUCATION CAMPAIGN – Mike Strong, 41
Assistant City Manager 42
43
Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong, provided a quick information update 44
to the committee regarding a letter that was sent out to approximately 45
215 properties adjacent to ravines. Mr. Strong explained that the City was 46
working collaboratively with Lake Forest Open Lands to promote property 47
inspections of ravines to help inform residents on how best to care for 48
Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
them. He stated that the database was developed through a three-year 49
process whereby City staff inspected each ravine and categorized them 50
based on current conditions. 51
52
The Committee asked clarifying questions regarding how properties were 53
being targeted, and whether staff could target higher priorities properties 54
based on their condition. Mr. Strong stated he would update the letter 55
and track participation in the program. 56
57
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any comments or questions or 58
comments from the Committee. 59
60
Seeing none, Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions or 61
comments from members of the public. 62
63
Seeing none, she moved to the next agenda item. 64
65
ACTION ITEMS 66
67
I. APPROVAL OF January 19, 2022, MEETING MINUTES 68
Alderman Preschlack moved to approve the January 19, 2022, 69
Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting minutes subject to 70
changes discussed by the Committee. Alderman Weber seconded the 71
motion. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. 72
73
II. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON NEW SOLAR GENERATION FACILITIES 74
PROJECT – Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager 75
76
Assistant City Manger Mike Strong provided background regarding the 77
solar panel investigation that was underway. He reviewed a presentation 78
that included information concerning the procurement process, financial 79
proposal comparisons between respondents, type of financial 80
arrangement proposed, roof replacement schedules, and franchise 81
account information. 82
83
The Committee had a lengthy discussion, focusing on understanding the 84
financial arrangement that would be entered into with the solar 85
developer. Items discussed included contractual provisions that would be 86
included in a future agreement, including service level agreements, risk 87
mitigation, disruption impacts, and costs to the City, both upfront and 88
ongoing. 89
90
In addition, the Committee discussed the roofing conditions at each of 91
the proposed facilities and directed staff to focus on the portion of the 92
Public Safety Building that is planned for replacement this summer. Mr. 93
Strong stated that roofs at the proposed facilities are in the middle of their 94
estimated useful life and stated that most solar installations occur when 95
the roof is replaced. The Committee was supportive in considering only 96
Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
the new portion of the public safety building at this time. The Committee 97
also discussed the City’s franchise account, and how the City would 98
organize the accounts to benefit from the solar installation. The 99
Committee recommended that City staff connect with references for the 100
vendors to understand the conversion and installation of solar panels. 101
102
The Committee directed staff to follow up with the two finalist vendors to 103
request proposals for the public safety building portion that is being 104
replaced for future consideration. 105
106
DISCUSSION ITEMS 107
108
I. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES & PRIORITIES – Mike 109
Strong, Assistant City Manager 110
111
Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong, reviewed an update on the current 112
projects that are underway including an update on the greenhouse gas 113
emissions inventory and stormwater management projects. 114
115
The Committee had lengthy discussion, focusing on the initiatives 116
recommended to be brought forward by City staff. Items discussed 117
included the stormwater projects, green infrastructure incentives, and 118
composting opportunities. Each Committee member provided their 119
thoughts on the initiatives presented. Additionally, the Committee had 120
discussion regarding top initiatives identified to move forward with 121
discussion this summer. The Committee discussed various priorities 122
including anti-idling campaign, community gardening, coal tar 123
monitoring and potential implementation of licensing program, natural 124
area management program. 125
126
The Committee directed staff to focus on investigating community 127
gardening and licensing incentives related to coal tar-based sealants. The 128
Committee also directed staff to continue work on the solar panel 129
investigation. 130
131
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any additional questions or 132
comments from the Committee. 133
134
Seeing none, Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions or 135
comments from members of the public. 136
137
Seeing none, she moved to the next agenda item. 138
139
PUBLIC COMMENT 140
141
Chairman Rummel asked if there were any public comments on any non-142
agenda items. 143
144
Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Seeing none, Chairman Rummel moved to the next agenda item. 145
146
NEXT MEETING DATE(S) 147
148
Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong stated that the next meeting would be 149
scheduled for the week of May 23, 2022. 150
151
ADJOURNMENT 152
153
Alderman Preschlack moved to adjourn the meeting of the Environmental 154
Sustainability Committee at 7:01 P.M. seconded by Weber. The motion carried 155
unanimously by voice vote. 156
157
Respectfully Submitted, 158
159
160
Mike Strong 161
Assistant City Manager 162
Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
Inventory
Overview & Results
Environmental Sustainability Committee
June 15, 2022
1
Agenda
1.Greenhouse Gas and Inventory 101
2.Inventory and Forecasting Importance
3.Inventory Results
4.Reduction Goal Opportunity
5.Key Takeaways & Next Steps
2
What is a greenhouse gas?
•“GHG” for short
•Gases that act like the
glass in a greenhouse,
trapping the sun’s heat
near the earth’s surface
•GHG emissions from human
activities are largely
responsible for our
changing climate
3
What is a Community-wide GHG
Inventory?
•Stationary energy use (e.g.buildings)
•Electricity
•Natural Gas
•Other fuels (propane, kerosene, etc)
•Mobile fuel use (gas and diesel)
•Vehicles
•Off-road equipment
•Industrial processes
•Solid waste decomposition/combustion
•Wastewater treatment (such as digester gas combustion or nitrogen discharge)
•Agriculture, Forestry, and Land use
•Fugitive Emissions
4
Why is a GHG Inventory
Important?
•A foundational element a Climate Action Plan
•Provides a baseline that helps understand baseline
impacts, forecast emissions, and inform mitigation
strategies
•Informs emissions reduction targets –“Science Based
Targets”
•Measurable, actionable, and time-bound climate targets
•Aligned with:
•Earth’s limits (1.5°C)
•The Global need of 50% reduction by 2030 / net zero by 2050
•Societal Sustainability Goals
5
ICLEI Five Milestones for Climate Mitigation
Why is a GHG Forecast
Important?
•Another foundational element of a Climate Action Plan
•Projects future emissions based on a Business-as-Usual Scenario
•“BAU” = “on the books” expected emissions reductions/growth before reduction strategies are put in place
•Examples: fuel efficiency standards for on-road vehicles, ComEd grid decarbonization, household/population growth rates
•GHG reduction strategies (e.g.energy efficiency) are then applied to forecasted emissions
6
ICLEI Five Milestones for Climate Mitigation
Inventory Results
7
Transportation
& Mobile
Sources
42%
Solid Waste
1%
Water &
Wastewater
0%
Commercial
Energy
16%Industrial
Energy
6%
Residential
Energy
35%
Process & Fugitive
Emissions
0%
Inventory Results
8
Sector Fuel or Source 2019 Usage Usage Unit 2019 Emissions
Electricity 120,680,307 kWh 38,016
Natural Gas 17,159,099 Therms 91,263
Residential Energy Total 129,279
Electricity 79,283,595 kWh 24,975
Natural Gas 6,447,085 Therms 34,290
Commercial Energy Total 59,265
Electricity 72,643,438 kWh 22,884
Natural Gas 57,465 Therms 305
Industrial Energy Total 23,189
Diesel 56,774,272 Vehicle Miles Traveled 75,745
Gasoline 185,206,593 Vehicle Miles Traveled 76,081
Other Fuels 1
Transportation & Mobile Sources Total 151,827
Waste Generated 6,918 Waste Generated (wet tons)3,092
Other (Green Waste)116
Solid Waste Total 3,208
Wastewater Energy 205
Fugitive Emissions 7
Water & Wastewater Total 212
Total 2019 Communitywide Emissions 366,980
Water & Wastewater
Residential Energy
Commercial Energy
Industrial Energy
Transportation & Mobile Sources
Solid Waste
Results and Reduction Goals
•Absolute goal = 58.3%
•Per capita goal = 62.8%
•Total emissions reduction
target is 151,694 MT CO2e by
2030
9
Key Takeaways
●Given that stationary combustion (natural gas) is the largest individual source(24.9%)
of emissions, the City has an excellent opportunity to leverage decarbonization and
energy efficiency efforts that are being led by North Shore Gas and Commonwealth
Edison
●Given that mobile combustion (on-road transportation) is the second (20.7%) largest
individual source of emissions, there may be opportunities to leverage electric vehicle
(EV) programs and promote transit-oriented development
●When combining electrification with energy efficiency and renewable energy, The
City of Lake Forest will see enhanced greenhouse gas mitigation
●Another great opportunity to reduce costs is to increase local recycling and
composting programs as well as reduce greenhouse gas emitting waste types (e.g.,
papers, food waste, yard waste) from waste streams
10
Recommendations and Next Steps
•Short Term: Bolster community engagement around emissions results
•Focused on high impact areas (e.g.fuel combustion, transportation, energy efficiency, etc.)
•Leverage communication modalities, social media, newsletter, etc.
•Medium Term: Finalize forecast modeling to help inform Climate Action Planning work
•Long Term: Plan and implement a Climate Action Plan for community
11
Questions
12
Environmental Sustainability Committee
Current/Future Sustainability initiatives & Priorities
Updated June 2022
Project/Initiative
2022 2023
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2
Current Projects/Status:
1. Greenhouse Gas Inventory
o Status: Completed collection of greenhouse gas inventory data from various
sources (CMAP, Waste haulers, utilities)
o On Deck: Prepare initial report with ICLEI (Target is June 2022)
Target ESC Meeting in June to review report and discuss emission
reduction targets (Based on ICLEI recommendations)
Develop list of recommendations/actions for ESC (July-Aug 2022)
o Target June/July ESC meeting for presentation; with follow-up to City Council in
late summer/early fall (No formal action needed – report will inform future
priorities/opportunities)
2. Investigation of Solar Facilities on City Facilities
o Status: Solicitation/Vendor Selection Phase (Final Recommendation Pending)
o On Deck: Prepare Vendor recommendation to ESC, and City Council
Week of 6/13/2022: Meeting with ComEd to discuss Franchise Account
structure and conversion to Infrastructure Maintenance Fee
Late June: City Attorney Review of Power Purchase Agreement with
Finalist Vendor
o Target ESC Meeting for Recommendation and Final Action: 7/13/2022
o City Council Meeting: 7/20/2022 or 8/1/2022
3. Develop Community Gardening Program
o Status: Research and planning underway
o On Deck: Develop internal work committee to discuss program opportunities,
partnerships, and potential locations
o Target Timeline: Target initial meeting and discussion in early September, with
recommendation to ESC in late fall
4. Provide greater access to composting programs or services for residents and
businesses
o Status: Research and planning underway
o On Deck:
Reviewing organic waste impacts in context of emissions inventory
Exploring alternative options to Earth Machines (Foodcycler product)
o Target Timeline: Research services/options in May-June 2022, with
recommendation to ESC in Summer
o Solicitation to follow in fall for winter launch (composting offerings in winter)
Future Projects/Initiatives (As directed by Committee in April 2022)
5. Promote the use of permeable pavers, rain gardens or other “green infrastructure”
implements throughout the community
o Proposed Scope: Marketing/communications on City projects utilizing
infrastructure
o Develop “green infrastructure” permit or reduced permit fees
o Explore cost-share opportunities or grant program for residents to offset
infrastructure investment through (e.g. Overhead sewer cost-share program)
o Target Timeline: Research opportunities between July-September
o Potential recommendations to ESC in October; followed by Finance Committee
(Capital workshop) in November
6. Develop strategies to further reduce the City’s use and collection of single-use plastics
o Proposed Scope: Explore opportunities to reduce the City’s use of single-use
plastics (e.g. City facilities, meetings/events, etc.)
Can we eliminate use of single-use plastics at our community events?
Can we promote/incentivize special event permit holds to not sell bottled
water? What alternatives might exist?
May need to discuss with the City Council further – how far do they want
to go with banning/incentivizing these products
o Target Timeline: First quarter of 2023 for research/further policy decisions
Additional initiatives that have been discussed:
• Discouraging vehicle idling on City Properties – Discussions have commenced with
schools and Lake Forest Open Lands; campaign planning underway. Anticipated for
discussion late summer
• Coal tar sealants – Awaiting monitoring report from NBWW; anticipated in fall 2022
• Conversion of Mowed Areas to Natural Areas – No update/report
• Landscape Equipment recommendations (Leaf Blowers) – No update/report