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ESC_2024_04_08 MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, April 8, 2024 – 5:15 P.M. Lake Forest City Hall, 220 E. Deerpath I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chairman Eileen Weber called the meeting to order at 5:15 P.M. Aldermen John Powers and Nancy Novit were present. Staff in attendance included George Issakoo, Assistant City Manager and Melissa Laird, Management Analyst. Three members of the public were present. II. ACTION ITEMS a. APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 22, 2024, MEETING MINUTES Alderman Novit moved to approve the January 22, 2024, meeting minutes. Alderman Powers seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. III. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS a. UPDATE ON EARTH MONTH ACTIVITIES Melissa Laird, Management Analyst, provided an update on Earth Month Activities planned and in progress for the month of April, including the tree seedlings giveaway and a Lake Forest Love story highlighting WasteNot curbside compost collection services. The Committee reviewed several other events and activities being promoted on the City’s “Celebrate Earth Month” website page, and Chairman Weber noted she would include a brief presentation to the City Council during the next meeting. After a discussion on ways to maximize engagement for the activities through the City’s social media outlets, the Committee was pleased with the content being offered and looked forward to the final events at the end of the month. Chairman Weber asked if there were any additional questions or comments from members of the public. Seeing none, she moved to the next agenda item. IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS a. MOBILE WATER STATION Management Analyst Laird provided a PowerPoint presentation introducing the feasibility of a mobile water station, which was requested Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes Monday, April 8, 2024 Page 2 of 4 by a member of the public. Staff researched the City of Evanston’s water station, along with several other ideas that could reduce plastic water bottles at City events. After a comprehensive review weighing the pros/cons of each option, and input from Community Development, Building Maintenance and Parks/Forestry, City staff recommended installing bottle filling stations at public parks where necessary infrastructure is already in place via traditional drinking fountains. The estimated cost for converting a traditional drinking fountain into a bottle filling station is approximately $4,000 - $5,000, and the drinking station recently installed at Deerpath Community Park provides an outline for staff to replicate. This option would also guarantee ADA compliance, limit public health concerns, and provide the best tasting water. In addition, since staff is familiar with these types of bottle filling stations, maintenance and upkeep can be incorporated into processes and procedures already in place (such as winterizing, ordering/changing filters, repairs, etc.). Three locations for bottle filling stations were researched by City staff: the Boat Pavilion at Forest Park Beach, the restroom building at Townline Park, and indoor pavilion at Northcroft Park. Discussion ensued and the Committee asked clarifying questions regarding best practices, budget and funding sources, ongoing maintenance, and determining the most suitable locations and prioritizing. The Committee favored the initiative as a cost-effective solution that would benefit the entire community and yield great return on investment. The Committee discussed next steps and directed staff to obtain preliminary quotes from a plumber for presentation to the Committee on Wednesday, May 29th at 2:30 pm. Quotes for consideration shall include the following seven locations: Boat Pavilion at Forest Park Beach, Townline Park, Northcroft Park, West Park, South Park, West LF Train Station, and East LF Train Station. Once the Committee has a better understanding of the individual costs associated with each location based on the current infrastructure in place, prioritization and a formal project timeline can occur. b. SUBSIDIZED RAIN BARRELS SALE Management Analyst Laird presented research on subsidized rain barrels sales, which many neighboring communities have facilitated to promote green infrastructure and encourage property owners to collect runoff from their properties while conserving water. This initiative addresses Committee priority area #3: Stormwater Management and was also identified by the City Council as a focus idea in the 2023 sustainability survey. Ms. Laird highlighted RainBarrel.ca, who recently partnered with Cook County, IL and has coordinated over 500 truckload sales. In partnership with this program, a variety of rain barrel types and styles are available, and the subsidy amount can vary based on individual community needs and budgetary goals. Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes Monday, April 8, 2024 Page 3 of 4 Discussion ensued and the Committee agreed that a subsidy is not needed at this time. Staff was directed to research other rain barrel sale options through SWALCO and focus on a water education campaign to demonstrate grassroots stormwater best management practices through rain barrels and rain gardens. c. SINGLE USE PLASTICS Management Analyst Laird provided a brief overview of the research conducted in 2023 by Management Intern McLaughlin regarding Single Use Plastics in the North Shore and education campaigns vs. enforcement initiatives. Recent actions include a $0.10 tax on retail single use plastic bags in Evanston (effective August 2023) and a $0.10 tax on single use plastic bags in Northbrook (effective January 2024). The City of Waukegan is also considering a ban on plastic bags and polystyrene takeout containers (the item was continued by City Council in February 2024 and March 2024 due to time constraints). Other relevant enforcement actions include Illinois Senate Bill 58 which was signed by Governor Pritzker in August 2023 and bans the purchasing and distribution of polystyrene foam foodware in all state facilities and agencies effective January 1, 2025. Discussion ensued on plastic utensils vs. plastic bags vs. styrofoam foodware containers and the role of the Committee regarding policy guidance. There are several strategies the Committee can take; however, a measured approach in line with the City Council priorities identified in the sustainability survey is paramount. After a lengthy discussion on drycleaners, restaurants, grocery stores and the greater business community, the Committee agreed on an educational campaign focusing on foodware rather than any kind of enforcement program. Staff was directed to collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce on an outreach and engagement initiative that would encourage and highlight sustainable products used in food takeout service, including a “pulse” survey to get a better understanding of what the restaurants are using currently. d. SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES & PRIORITIES Assistant City Manager Issakoo discussed a reset of the Committee initiatives and priorities, based on the most recent City Council Survey and Community-Wide Survey. These surveys have historically been used to help assess level of interest in potential policies and initiatives and guide resource allocation. Based on previous discussions, staff intends to focus on green infrastructure and stormwater management. However alignment with the FY2025-2030 Strategic Plan is also critical, and the timing is ideal as the planning process ramps up over the coming months with a series of engagement opportunities. Staff intends to return to the Committee later this year after the Strategic Plan has been finalized for an in-depth discussion on priorities and goals over the next 2-3 years. Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes Monday, April 8, 2024 Page 4 of 4 V. PUBLIC COMMENT Several comments were made by members of the public present. Included in the comments was a request for bottle filling stations that include “green ticklers” whereby the number of bottles saved is displayed, expansion of recycling availability at the Fouth of July Celebration and Lake Forest Day with increased recycling containers and signage that provide instruction on proper recycling, and the need for aesthetically appealing and decorative rain barrels, should the City choose to coordinate a sale/subsidy in the future. VI. NEXT MEETING DATE(S) – MAY 29, 2024 The Committee confirmed the next meeting date for May 29, 2024, at 2:30 P.M. located at Lake Forest City Hall. The topic of this meeting will be to consider quotes on the bottle filling stations and determine project timeline and prioritization of locations. VII. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Weber moved to adjourn the meeting of the Environmental Sustainability Committee at 6:40 P.M. seconded by Alderman Powers. The motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Respectfully Submitted, Melissa Laird Management Analyst