ESC_2025_11_14 MINUTESENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING
Friday, November 14, 2025 – 7:30 A.M.
Lake Forest City Hall – 220 E Deerpath
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chairman Novit called the meeting to order at 7:31 A.M. Aldermen
Bothfeld was present. Alderman LeVert was absent. Staff in attendance
included Keri Kaup, Assistant to the City Manager. Two members of the
public were present.
II. ACTION ITEMS
a. APPROVAL OF THE SEPTEMBER 9, 2025, MEETING MINUTES
Alderman Bothfeld moved to approve the September 9, 2025, meeting
minutes. Chairman Novit seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously by voice vote.
b. RECOMMENDATION TO FUND SUSTAINABILITY ELEMENTS OF THE CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Assistant to the City Manager Kaup reviewed the request from Public Works
to use $70,000 from the sustainability fund for elements of the Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP). Public Works was notified of a grant opportunity
to renovate South Park and the parking lot. The grant limits the amount of
impervious surface in the park, so the project must either include a retention
pond or permeable pavers. As stormwater has been a high priority for the
City for many years, Public Works is seeking 50% of the design cost from the
sustainability fund as part of the CIP. Alderman Bothfeld made a motion to
recommend funding the sustainability elements of the CIP. Alderman Novit
seconded the motion. The following voted “Aye”: Chairman Novit,
Alderman Bothfeld. The following voted “Nay”: None. 2-Ayes, 0-Nays,
motion carried.
III. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. BOTTLE-FILL LOCATIONS
Assistant to the City Manager Kaup reviewed the locations for easy
installation of bottle-fill stations: Elawa Farms, Everett Park, and Waveland
Park. The Committee was interested in pursuing all locations and directed
staff to obtain quotes for each location.
b. BIKE REPAIR STATIONS
Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes
Friday, November 14, 2025
Page 2 of 2
The Committee discussed adding bike repair stations along the bike paths.
The Parks and Recreation Committee was in favor of pursuing this project
as well. The Committee is in favor of providing funding for this project and
directed staff to pursue quotes and research the best locations for
installation.
c. COUNCIL PRIORITIES SURVEY
The Committee discussed the results of the Council Sustainability Survey and
prioritized upcoming projects. There was consensus that the highest priority
topic is coal tar sealants. The Committee directed staff to prepare a draft
ordinance banning the sale and use of coal tar sealants.
The Committee agreed that the community garden concept that was
presented is closer aligned with senior center needs rather than
sustainability goals. The Committee agreed to not pursue the garden idea
further.
The Committee is interested in pursuing education efforts for lighting and
single-use plastics.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT
Two members of the public were present and thanked the Committee for
allowing them to participate.
V. NEXT MEETING DATE(S)
The Committee agreed the next meeting should be held in January.
Assistant to the City Manager Kaup stated she will send options for meeting
dates.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Bothfeld moved to adjourn the meeting of the Environmental
Sustainability Committee at 8:31 A.M. seconded by Chairman Novit. The
motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Keri Kaup
Assistant to the City Manager