ESC_2023_10_10 MINUTESENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 – 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, Jim
Lockefeer, Assistant Director of Public Works.
II. ACTION ITEMS
a. APPROVAL OF THE JULY 17, 2023, MEETING MINUTES
Alderman Novit moved to approve the July 17, 2023, meeting minutes.
Alderman Powers seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously
by voice vote.
b. RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2025 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
Jim Lockefeer, Public Works provided an update on the CIP sustainability
enhancement and recommended sustainability elements to include in the
budget. This update was for three separate budgets that included requests
for additional funds for added projects.
The first fund is Public Works with a base budget of $575,000 and a
sustainability component incremental cost increase of $60,000. The base
budget to resurface the existing deteriorating Elawa parking lot as well as
a potential expansion to the north to increase parking space capacity.
Additional funding requested to install a bioswale located
adjacent/downstream of the parking lot to improve stormwater runoff
quality prior to entering the Middlefork Watershed & an electrical vehicle
charging station.
The second fund is Recreation Center with a Base Budget of $475,000 and
a sustainability component incremental cost increase of $140,000. The base
budget to resurface the existing deteriorating recreation center parking lot.
Additional funding requested to install two water quality storm structures &
two electrical vehicle charging stations.
The third fund is the Sheridan and Deerpath Ravine outfall repair project
with base budgets of $550,000 for the Sheridan Road Ravine Outfall Repair
and $800,000 for the Deerpath Ravine Outfall Repair. With a request of a
sustainability component incremental cost increase of $50,000. The base
Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Page 2 of 3
design will address failing City storm sewer outfalls that convey roadway
stormwater to ravines and native plant material for project construction /
slope stabilization and stormwater flow dissipation. Additional funding
requested to add additional stone in the ravine beds of these two project
areas ($25,000 for each project).
After an in-depth discussion regarding the electrical vehicle charging
stations as well as the additional stone in the ravine beds, Chairman Weber
asked for a motion to approve the three items. Alderman Powers moved to
approve. Alderman Novit seconded the motion. The motion carried
unanimously by voice vote.
III. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
a. LAKE FOREST COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE
Chairman Weber introduced Elaine Madansky and Marion Cartwright to
discuss the Lake Forest community gardens update. The project is currently
under bid to design the space. The expected timeline is between now and
January and then hopefully we have a bid after January for construction in
the spring. Discussion ensued.
b. CURBSIDE COMPOSITING INITIVE
There have been 150 sign ups. Sherridan Elementary School is currently
doing a lunchroom pilot program and Lake Forest Country Day School and
Deerpath Middle School are in talks to start a program. CROYA has opted
in as well. Looking to have the Deerpath Golf Course and Forest Park Beach
to be added. There is discussion to have composting at the community
garden as well. Alderman Novit request that we discuss with local
businesses to use recycling materials for take away.
IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. NEW SUSTAINABLILTY FUND AND BUDGETARY PROCESS
Chairman Weber introduced the new sustainability fund. With the power
supply agreement, the city receives a $90,000 grant for sustainability
initiatives and there has been a discussion to establish a fund to be able to
allocate and prioritize projects to be funded by the sustainability fund.
There is one more year of the grant, therefore, the ESC will meet and begin
prioritizing projects in the January meeting.
V. ADDITIONAL ITEMS
There was additional discussion about the need for expansion of recycling
opportunities and availability at City events and spaces, with the possibility
Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Page 3 of 3
for the City to provide recycling containers and signage that provide
greater instruction on proper recycling.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairman Weber asked if there were any public comments on any non-
agenda items.
Several comments were made by members of the public present. Included
in the comments were talk about the study of the north branch of the
Chicago river watershed and the Lake Michigan watershed and best
practices.
The Committee agreed that the study was important and would look into
the study further.
Seeing no further comments, Chairman Weber moved to the next agenda
item.
VII. NEXT MEETING DATE(S) – JANUARY 22, 2024
The Committee confirmed the next meeting date for January 22, 2024, at
5:15 P.M. located at Lake Forest City Hall.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Weber moved to adjourn the meeting of the Environmental
Sustainability Committee at 5:59 P.M. seconded by Alderman Powers. The
motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nina McCullough