ESC_2026_01_20 MINUTES
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 – 1:30 P.M.
Lake Forest City Hall – 220 E Deerpath
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chairman Novit called the meeting to order at 1:30 P.M. Aldermen Bothfeld
and Alderman LeVert were present. Staff in attendance included Keri
Kaup, Assistant to the City Manager, and Zahra Tait, Office of the City
Manager Intern. Three members of the public were present.
II. ACTION ITEMS
a. APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 14, 2025, MEETING MINUTES
Alderman LeVert moved to approve the November 14, 2025, meeting
minutes. Alderman Bothfeld seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously by voice vote.
b. PURCHASE OF EIGHT BOTTLE-FILL STATIONS
Assistant to the City Manager Kaup stated the cost of replacing eight
bottle-fill locations would be $3,915 per unit and in sum, $33,720 with freight
costs. The location of these bottle-fill stations are: 1 in Elawa Farm, 1 in
Everett Park, 2 in Waveland Park, 1 in Kinderhaven, 2 in South Park, and 1 in
Northcroft Park. Alderman Bothfeld made a motion to recommend the
purchase of eight bottle-fill stations to City Council for approval. Alderman
LeVert seconded the motion. The following voted “Aye”: Chairman Novit,
Alderman LeVert, Alderman Bothfeld. The following voted “Nay”: none. 3-
Ayes, 0-Nays, motion carried.
III. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. STATUS OF SUSTAINABILITY FUNDS
Assistant to the City Manager Kaup reviewed the annual civic contribution
from the electric aggregation program and the current balance of the
Sustainability Funds. The Committee had no further questions.
b. PARTNERSHIP UPDATES
Assistant to the City Manager Kaup presented updates on various
partnerships. She noted the Parks & Recreation Committee was supportive
of the purchase of the bike repair stations, and the Environmental
Sustainability Committee requested staff obtain quotes for two stations.
Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Page 2 of 2
c. Coal-Tar Sealant
Assistant to the City Manager Kaup presented the draft ordinance to ban
the use of coal-tar sealant. The Committee discussed and requested an
amendment to the draft to identify who would be responsible for a violation
of the ban. The Committee requested a special meeting to review the
amended draft and recommend it for consideration by the City Council.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT
Three members of the public were present and asked clarifying questions
regarding the coal tar sealant and the policies.
V. NEXT MEETING DATE(S)
The Committee agreed the special meeting should be held on February 17,
2026 at 7:30 A.M.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Bothfeld moved to adjourn the meeting of the Environmental
Sustainability Committee at 2:11 P.M. seconded by Alderman LeVert. The
motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Keri Kaup
Assistant to the City Manager