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ESC_2022_01_19 PACKETENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday, January 19 – 5:15 P.M. 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/88475300931?pwd=VDBoN0Y4U0NTc3NtQnhocGRhU2Z3Zz09 Or dial by phone at: 312-626-6799 Webinar ID: 884 7530 0931 Passcode: 1861 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL II. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS (:05 – :15 per item) a. UPDATE ON GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR LAKE FRONT AT FOREST PARK BEACH – Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager b. UPDATE ON NEW SOLAR GENERATION FACILITIES PROJECT – Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager III. ACTION ITEMS (:10 - :15 per item) a. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 9, 2021 MEETING MINUTES IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS (:15 - :20 per item) a. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES & PRIORITIES – Alderman Rummel, Chairman V. PUBLIC COMMENT VI. NEXT MEETING DATE(S) – Wednesday, February 16, 2022 VII. ADJOURNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING 1 Thursday, December 9, 2021 – 5:30 P.M. 2 REMOTE ACCESS MEETING 3 4 ROLL CALL/CALL TO ORDER 5 6 Chairman Melanie Rummel called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. Aldermen 7 Jim Preschlack and Eileen Weber were present. 8 9 Staff in attendance included Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager; Cathy 10 Czerniak, Director of Community Development; Michael Thomas, Director of 11 Public Works; Chuck Myers, Superintendent of Parks and Forestry; Jim Lockefeer, 12 Assistant to the Director of Public Works; and Layla Werner, Management Analyst 13 14 Also in attendance was Mark Pruitt, Consultant. 15 16 There were no members of the public that attended the meeting remotely. 17 18 Chairman Rummel made the following statement as required by the Open 19 Meetings Act. In accordance with state statute, Chairman Rummel has made a 20 determination that it was not practical or prudent to schedule an in-person 21 Committee meeting because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why this 22 December 9, 2021, Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting is being held 23 remotely. 24 25 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 26 27 I. REVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS EFFORTS RELATED TO ENVIRONMENTAL 28 INITIATIVES – Layla Werner, Management Analyst 29 30 Management Analyst, Layla Werner, provided an update to the 31 communications campaign, which was launched in September of 2021. 32 Ms. Werner discussed the different platforms utilized for this campaign 33 including the dialogue, the website, and social media. She further 34 provided examples of each platform, including the Environmental 35 Sustainability page on the city website, the dedicated sustainability page 36 in the Dialogue, and the Sustainability Sunday social media campaign. 37 38 The Committee provided extensive feedback regarding the layout of the 39 webpage, future initiatives, and the overall goal of the campaign. 40 41 Chairman Rummel asked if there were any additional comments from the 42 Committee. 43 44 The Committee provided additional feedback regarding promoting 45 current recycling initiatives that are available to residents. 46 47 Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes Thursday, December 9, 2021 Additionally, there was discussion regarding the analytics of those 48 reached via the communications campaign. 49 50 Chairman Rummel asked if there were any additional questions or 51 comments from the Committee or members of the public. 52 53 Seeing none, she moved to the next agenda item. 54 55 II. UPDATE ON GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR LAKE FRONT AT FOREST PARK BEACH 56 – Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager 57 58 Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong, provided a brief update to the 59 Committee, regarding a water quality structure that would be placed at 60 Forest Park Beach, called a Marina Trash Skimmer (MTS). He further 61 explained where the MTS would be placed, and the environmental 62 benefits such as skimming oil sheen from the water, and other plastic and 63 debris in the water. MR. Strong stated that staff currently manually cleans 64 the water, however, the MTS would allow this to be a more seamless and 65 efficient process. 66 67 Chairman Rummel asked if there were any comments or questions from 68 the Committee. 69 70 Chairman Rummel asked if there were any questions or comments from 71 members of the public. 72 73 Seeing none, she moved to the next agenda item. 74 75 At this time, Chairman Rummel asked Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong 76 to provide an update on the EV charging station. 77 78 Mr. Strong provided a brief overview of the January – September 2021 79 data for the EV charging stations. He stated that since this report only 80 compiled data through September, it would not include information from 81 the new station at Old Elm. The report included, where the most usage is, 82 and how frequently a station is being utilized. 83 84 The Committee members asked clarifying questions regarding usage, and 85 where the user is from. Additionally, there were questions regarding the 86 rates of electricity, and incentives for residents with electric vehicles. 87 88 Chairman Rummel asked if there were any comments or questions from 89 the Committee. 90 91 Seeing none, she asked if there were any questions or comments from 92 members of the public. 93 94 Seeing none, she moved to the next agenda item. 95 Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes Thursday, December 9, 2021 ACTION ITEMS 96 97 I. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 20, 2021, MEETING MINUTES 98 Alderman Weber moved to approve the October 20, 2021, Environmental 99 Sustainability Committee meeting minutes subject to changes discussed 100 by the Committee. Alderman Preschlack seconded the motion. The 101 following voted “Aye”: Chairman Rummel, Aldermen Preschlack and 102 Weber. The following voted “Nay”: None. 3-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. 103 104 II. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING CALENDAR FOR 2022 105 106 Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong, explained the process for approving 107 the calendar, stating that, if necessary, meetings can be moved or 108 rescheduled when given proper notice. 109 110 The Committee discussed meeting dates, and what the frequency of the 111 dates should be. 112 113 Alderman Preschlack made a motion to approve the regular meeting 114 calendar for 2022, Alderman Weber seconded the motion. The following 115 voted “Aye”: Chairman Rummel, Aldermen Preschlack and Weber. The 116 following voted “Nay”: None. 3-Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. 117 118 DISCUSSION ITEMS 119 120 I. DISCUSSION ON NEW SOLAR GENERATION FACILITIES ON CITY FACILITIES – 121 Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager 122 123 Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong updated the Committee regarding 124 solar generation facilities. Mr. Strong explained the process including 125 analyzing feasibility, site selection, the solicitation process, franchise 126 accounts, and final contract approval. Mr. Strong provided an in depth 127 analysis of all of the identified locations, and the feasibility when choosing 128 which site to move forward with. 129 130 The Committee had lengthy discussion regarding the facilities identified, 131 and how this coincided with the capital budget. 132 133 Additionally, there was discussion regarding the strategic management of 134 upgrading equipment as necessary. 135 136 Chairman Rummel asked if there were any additional questions or 137 comments from the Committee or members of the public. 138 139 Seeing none, she moved to the next agenda item. 140 141 II. DISCUSSION ON SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES & PRIORITIES – Mike Strong, 142 Assistant City Manager 143 Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes Thursday, December 9, 2021 144 Chairman Rummel provided a brief background on this item, explaining 145 the Committee would have more in-depth discussions on this item at 146 future committee dates. 147 148 The Committee had lengthy discussion regarding specific initiatives that 149 were prioritized by the group. This list included greenhouse gas emissions 150 and air quality, recycling initiatives, water quality, and natural land 151 management. 152 153 The Committee had additional discussion about capacity to manage and 154 complete project priorities. 155 156 Further director was provided to staff to investigate the priorities and 157 present findings later, regarding a timeline to project completion. 158 159 Chairman Rummel asked if there were any additional questions or 160 comments from the Committee or members of the public. 161 162 Seeing none, she moved to the next agenda item. 163 164 PUBLIC COMMENT 165 166 Chairman Rummel asked if there were any public comments on any non-167 agenda items. 168 169 Seeing none, Chairman Rummel moved to the next agenda item. 170 171 NEXT MEETING DATE(S) 172 173 Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong stated that the next meeting would be 174 scheduled for January 2022. 175 176 ADJOURNMENT 177 178 Alderman Preschlack moved to adjourn the meeting of the Environmental 179 Sustainability Committee at 6:52 P.M. seconded by Weber. The motion carried 180 unanimously by voice vote. 181 182 Respectfully Submitted, 183 184 Layla Werner 185 Management Analyst 186 187 Reviewed by, 188 189 Mike Strong 190 Assistant City Manager 191 MEMORANDUM THE CITY OF LAKE FOREST OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER Page 1 TO: Members of the Environmental Sustainability Committee FROM: Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager DATE: January 14, 2022 SUBJECT: Discussion on Future Sustainability Initiatives & Priorities Included in the agenda is a discussion item related to potential sustainability initiatives & priorities. This is a follow up item to the discussion that occurred during the Committee’s meeting in December 2021. The purpose of this discussion item is to review, identify and prioritize a subset of policy initiatives the Environmental Sustainability Committee may wish to consider in the upcoming year. To help facilitate the discussion, staff has included two documents for review by the Committee in advance of the meeting. This includes a copy of summary survey data that was collected in spring 2021, that compares initiative support between City Council and City staff. Second, a document that organizes these initiatives into themes, along with commentary and the status of each initiative. The intent of these documents and materials is to provide additional context that might help facilitate discussion and dialogue during the meeting on January 19. Staff has also reviewed the list of initiatives and has identified those that may be a good starting point for discussion that seem to have broad support. which include: 1. Seek ways to further educate riparian (ravine) owners regarding ravine and bluff maintenance; 2. Provide greater access to composting programs or services for residents and businesses by permitting private companies to provide curb-side composting material pick-up; 3. Investigate ways to promote the use of permeable pavers, rain gardens or other “green infrastructure” implements such as bioswales and wetlands to reduce stormwater entering sewers; and 4. Develop strategies to further reduce the City’s use and collection of single-use plastics. Next Steps and Action Requested Chairman Rummel will lead a discussion with Committee members regarding these documents and potential initiatives. Given limited staff resources, the Committee is asked to identify the most important priorities for City staff so that further research and a potential work plan for the year can be developed. City staff will be present to help answer questions or provide clarifications during the meeting. City of Lake Forest Sustainability Survey Summary Results Ascending List of Projects Based on Weighted Average (City Council) Council v. Staff Project/Initiative City Council City Staff Positive Neut./Neg.Score Diff. Continue to educate Lake Forest residents on recycling practices to reduce the City’s recycling contamination rate (i.e. Rethink Recycling Campaign)1.22 1.22 9 0 0 Communications and education campaign to make best practices in water conservation, outdoor irrigation and water reuse easily understandable to residents 1.33 1.67 9 0 -0.34 Seek ways to further educate riparian (ravine) owners regarding ravine and bluff maintenance 1.44 1.22 8 1 0.22 Increase access to open spaces through walking/bike trail connections throughout the City 1.56 1.67 8 1 -0.11 Develop strategies to further reduce the City’s use and collection of single-use plastics 1.67 1.78 8 1 -0.11 Develop programs to further reduce the City’s use and collection of Styrofoam and polystyrene products 1.67 1.89 8 1 -0.22 Identify special events, such as a bike festival and community bike ride, to showcase the City’s natural assets 1.78 2.11 8 1 -0.33 Investigate ways to promote the use of permeable pavers, rain gardens or other “green infrastructure” implements such as bioswales and wetlands to reduce stormwater entering sewers 1.89 1.89 6 3 0 Enroll municipal utility accounts in solar or renewable energy certificates (RECs)1.89 2.11 7 2 -0.22 Explore incentives to encourage the use of electric-powered landscape equipment, especially among the City’s licensed landscaping firms 2.00 2.22 5 4 -0.22 Discourage vehicle idling on City properties through communications, marketing, and signage campaign 2.00 2.44 6 3 -0.44 Encourage and expand rain barrel usage among residents 2.11 2.33 5 4 -0.22 Provide residents greater access to renewable energy credits (RECs) or renewable energy alternatives through bulk energy purchases by the City 2.11 1.78 6 3 0.33 Install solar facilities on municipal facilities 2.11 2.44 6 3 -0.33 Accelerate the conversion of City Fleet to gasoline-alternative fuel vehicles 2.11 2.67 6 3 -0.56 Discourage (and possibly license or ban) the use of Coal tar based sealants, which contribute to elevated levels of carcinogens found in local waterways 2.22 2.44 6 3 -0.22 Promote the installation and use of full-cutoff light fixtures that cast little or no light upward in public areas that are adjacent to environmentally sensitive open spaces (e.g. bluffs, parks, habitat areas, etc.)2.33 2.22 4 5 0.11 Provide greater access to Composting programs or services for residents and businesses by permitting private companies to provide curb-side composting material pick-up 2.33 2.22 6 3 0.11 Measure and monitor Lake Forest’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributing to global warming 2.33 2.67 5 4 -0.34 Create a Climate & Resilience plan to quantify associated risks and opportunities 2.33 2.44 6 3 -0.11 Expand access to local health foods by seeking partnerships to implement a community gardening program or initiative 2.44 2.56 5 4 -0.12 Discourage (potentially ban or assess fees) the use of single-use plastics (e.g. grocery bags, takeout containers), Styrofoam, and/or polystyrene containers in the City 2.44 2.78 5 4 -0.34 Encourage (and possibly require) periodic inspection of riparian (ravine) property to detect ecological or infrastructure threats to bluff and slope integrity 2.44 2 6 3 0.44 Offer rebates and incentives for residential and business solar opportunities 2.44 2.56 5 4 -0.12 Develop air quality standards and a plan to support the achievement of a greenhouse gas emission reduction target 2.44 2.89 5 4 -0.45 Encourage, incentivize or require EV Charging Stations for new construction of residential and/or commercial properties 2.56 2.67 5 4 -0.11 Seek opportunities to convert existing greenspaces (mowed lawn areas owned by the City) or incentivize residential and commercial owners to expand natural land areas and habitats on their property 2.67 2.33 4 5 0.34 Utilize sustainable landscaping practices such as natural fertilizers and weed control products while monitoring and controlling for invasive species in the City’s natural areas 2.67 2.33 4 5 0.34 Investigate alternatives to fund stormwater infrastructure improvements (i.e. potential stormwater utility fee)2.78 2.67 5 4 0.11 Explore incentive program for promoting the use of gasoline-alternative fuel electric (e.g. vehicle sticker cost reduction)2.89 2.89 3 6 0 Discourage (potentially ban) the use of gas-powered leaf blowers during the summer season from May to mid-October 2.89 3.33 5 4 -0.44 Require solar for new construction or major renovations of residential and/or commercial properties 3.78 4.00 0 9 -0.22 To p T i e r Th e " M i d d l e " Bo t t o m T i e r City Council SentimentWeighted Average Score 1 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Review of Initiatives for 2022 Adfasdfasdfas – Recommended Initiatives for Discussion as Provided by City Staff 1. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: For example, Measure and monitor Lake Forest’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions contributing to global warming which is an initiative already underway, would logically be followed by several other initiatives such as, Create a Climate & Resilience plan to quantify associated risks and opportunities, and Develop air quality standards and a plan to support the achievement of a greenhouse gas emission reduction target. INITIATIVES a. Install solar facilities on municipal facilities. Already underway b. Accelerate the conversion of City Fleet to gasoline-alternative fuel vehicles. In process; review of annual capital equipment to determine gasoline-alternative viability c. Offer rebates and incentives for residential and business solar opportunities. Already done? We implemented a new permit process that has reduced permit fees for solar, geo thermal and wind powered energy installations and for EV charging stations. These permits are processed through the established “fast track” permit process, three to five days once a completed application and plans are filed. d. Provide residents greater access to renewable or solar energy credits (SRECs) or renewable energy alternatives through bulk energy purchases by the City, Again already underway. Expand communications on this to promote subscriptions for Community Solar. e. Enroll municipal utility accounts in solar or renewable energy certificates (RECs). In process; underway for a small amount (~7 accounts); but we could explore all of the City’s ComEd accounts. f. Continue to educate Lake Forest residents on recycling practices to reduce the City’s recycling contamination rate (i.e. Rethink Recycling Campaign). Already underway g. Explore incentives to encourage the use of electric-powered landscape equipment, especially among the City’s licensed landscaping firms. Underway; Chuck Myers participating in Regional Working Group to explore the issue. h. Discourage (potentially ban) the use of gas-powered leaf blowers during the summer season from May to mid-October. Underway; See preceding item i. Explore incentive program for promoting the use of gasoline-alternative fuel electric (e.g. vehicle sticker cost reduction). 2 j. Create a Climate & Resilience plan to quantify associated risks and opportunities. k. Provide greater access to composting programs or services for residents and businesses by permitting private companies to provide curb-side composting material pick-up. l. Require solar for new construction or major renovations of residential and/or commercial properties. Thoughts on Green House Gas Emissions initiatives: In reviewing our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we see two of the initiatives as developing naturally out of the greenhouse gas emission study project currently underway - creating a climate resiliency plan (based on the Emissions Inventory) and developing priority greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies. While an emissions inventory will provide a better handle of our current emissions and opportunities to reduce them based on a gas emissions target, a Climate Resiliency/Action Plan facilitates an organization’s intentions, actions, policies and measures to reduce emissions, prepare for climate change, increase access to sustainable energy, and provide tracking progress and regular progress reporting. However, staff does not recommend pursuing a climate action plan until the results of the emissions inventory are understood. Assuming this scope will follow out of the greenhouse gas emissions study, that leaves only six remaining initiatives. Of those remaining six, two of them may be addressed coming out of the Regional Working Group on leaf blowers. So for now, that leaves composting, reduced price vehicle stickers for EVs and solar for new construction currently unaddressed. So of the twelve items falling under this category we are in some stage of addressing nine of them. The question we should address is whether we want to move ahead now with some of the unaddressed items realizing the greenhouse gas emissions inventory is underway and may have further recommendations. ***It should be noted the City is also installing EV charging stations as many parking lots are redone.*** 2. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT: In reviewing the City Council survey data along with informal discussions among staff, there seems to be high interest in addressing some of the initiatives related to storm water as we begin this next budget cycle. INITIATIVES a. Communications and education campaign to make best practices in water conservation, outdoor irrigation and water reuse easily understandable to residents. Already underway. b. Seek ways to further educate riparian (ravine) owners regarding ravine and bluff maintenance. In process; More to come - connected to 2.c c. Encourage (and possibly require) periodic inspection of riparian (ravine) property to detect ecological or infrastructure threats to bluff and slope integrity. Underway currently on a voluntary basis through our Public Works Department and Lake Forest Open Lands. Next step 3 would be to update the ravine brochure/communications materials (Collaborative for Environmental Education) and do a direct mailing to riparian property owners. Hold an informational meeting for riparian residents in conjunction with LFOLA and League of Women Voters (Planned for spring 2022). d. Seek opportunities to convert existing greenspaces (mowed lawn areas owned by the City) or incentivize residential and commercial owners to expand natural land areas and habitats on their property. Chuck Myers is engaged in an inventory of potential sites with the hope of coming up with a plan. He has been meeting with Lake Forest Open Lands as well. Part of the beach restoration plan includes converting some areas back to native plantings. e. Investigate ways to promote the use of permeable pavers, rain gardens or other “green infrastructure” implements such as bioswales and wetlands to reduce stormwater entering sewers. We could add rain barrels to this list. Should we be considering incentivizing this for residents? What form would it take? Budget implications? Staff has asked about this item in the past. The City has incorporated bioswales into new park projects (South Park and Waveland Park for example); perhaps development of a cost-share/grant opportunity for on-site flooding mitigation or water reduction measures (e.g. native plantings) that residents make to their property? f. Encourage and expand rain barrel usage among residents. See comment immediately above. g. Discourage (and possibly license or ban) the use of Coal tar based sealants, which contribute to elevated levels of carcinogens found in local waterways. Staff could contact Lake County Stormwater Management to determine the status of their study and make recommendations based thereon. h. Utilize sustainable landscaping practices such as natural fertilizers and weed control products while monitoring and controlling for invasive species in the City’s natural areas. A couple of things come to mind here that are currently underway. First, is the Lake County Forest Preserves buckthorn eradication initiative of which we already heard a presentation at a recent meeting and are awaiting next steps. Second, Chuck Myers is working with Midwest Grows Green and the Parks and Recreation Department on a pilot program at Everett Park to maintain the playing fields with the use of organic, natural fertilizers and without the use of pesticides. Meetings are upcoming and ongoing. There may be a possible special event planned to highlight the efficacy of pesticide free parks. i. Investigate alternatives to fund stormwater infrastructure improvements (i.e. potential stormwater utility fee). I believe Wilmette and either Vernon Hills, Gurnee and/or Grayslake have instituted these fees based on the impermeable surface of each business and home site. These initiatives in other communities could be investigated by staff for thoughts and recommendations. Thoughts and Conclusions on Stormwater Initiatives: Of the nine listed initiatives, really only the first two relating to ravines and possibly the one relating to converting City owned areas back to natural areas are currently underway, leaving this area open for 4 further prioritization. Staff have expressed an interest in possibly incentivizing rain barrels, bioswales and native plantings, etc. It should be noted in addition to the initiatives on this list, there have been many environmentally sensitive public works projects undertaken in the past couple of years. These include: • The use of Beat Heat for winter deicing • Improvements to the Rosemary Road Ravine and Ringwood Road South Ravine • The Installation of the stormwater quality structures at the new Old Elm parking lot and the Forest Avenue Parking Lot (planned summer 2022) • The Burr Oak stormwater project 3. SINGLE-USE PLASTIC REDUCTION: INITIATIVES a. Develop strategies to further reduce the City’s use and collection of single-use plastics. This initiative scored fairly high on the Council and staff survey. With the recent announcement that Lake County facilities will go plastic free, there could be support internally to explore this further. Strategies might include eliminating the use of plastics at the beach, the golf course, Parks and Rec sponsored events, like the Musical Festival, Festival and Fireworks event or Lake Forest Day, in addition to the use of plastics in City buildings. b. Develop programs to further reduce the City’s use and collection of Styrofoam and polystyrene products. Some of this has been incorporated into the City’s current communication campaign. Staff had identified a grant opportunity to assist with further collection and recycling of polystyrene at the Compost Center. Is there more we can do? c. Discourage (potentially ban or assess fees) the use of single-use plastics (e.g. grocery bags, takeout containers), Styrofoam, and/or polystyrene containers in the City. Should we consider banning some of these items. i.e. plastic grocery bags, straws? Should we see what other communities have done? What is the current state of the law? Thoughts and Conclusions on Plastic Reduction: This past year the City along with the League of Women Voters, Green Minds and Lake Forest Open Lands hosted a beach clean-up and education program which drew a lot of interest and was well attended. It also provided some great photos and was an awareness amplifier. Should we do another one of these this spring as part of “Earth Month”? Green Minds made bamboo straws available at a couple of locations throughout the City this past year. They also sold some bamboo utensils at the Pop- Up Station. Should these plastic replacement items be made more available at restaurants throughout the City? How could that be incentivized? 5 4. HEALTHY LIVING/WELLNESS: INITIATIVES a. Increase access to open spaces through walking/bike trail connections throughout the City. This initiative is underway with the construction of the Route 60 bike path which connects the Middlefork Preserve to Lake County Forest Preserves to the west and to the Des Plaines River Bike Trail and the rebuilding of the Illinois and Woodland Road Bridges. There are also many more paths throughout the hospital campus. Are there possible additional connections here? Should we be looking at ways to connect the sidewalks that currently exist, but are not properly connected, at certain intersections in Whispering Oaks? b. Identify special events, such as a bike festival and community bike ride, to showcase the City’s natural assets. Should we host a bike fest when the Route 60 (and Deerpath/Route 41 Pump Station Improvement Project) connection is completed? Could partner with Recreation Department to host a Go Lake Forest event, once these projects are completed next year. c. Promote the installation and use of full-cutoff light fixtures that cast little or no light upward in public areas that are adjacent to environmentally sensitive open spaces (e.g. bluffs, parks, habitat areas, etc.) This initiative came out of the Community Development Department. Should a policy or ordinance be established addressing this? d. Expand access to local health foods by seeking partnerships to implement a community gardening program or initiative. Should this be an initiative with one or more garden clubs? Or what role could Elawa Farm play in this? Should a community garden be established at the Senior Center campus? City staff has identified a grant opportunity to establish a garden but would need direction on whether a program should be pursued. Should it be part of the new senior housing development? Other areas? Who would administer? What has worked in other communities? e. Develop air quality standards and a plan to support the achievement of a greenhouse gas emission reduction target. Most likely could be a part of a Climate Action Plan (See Green House Gas Emissions) f. Discourage vehicle idling on City properties through communications, marketing, and signage campaign. Thoughts and Conclusions on Healthy Living/Wellness: There is a lot of work happening in the upcoming year related to pedestrian/bike paths – perhaps looking at improved access to those paths, wayfinding, or signage could be a good next step. What role might a complete street policy have in prioritizing safety, comfort, and access to all people who use the street/sidewalk/path? While discussions have occurred internally about a potential community garden, and programing to support it, there has not been much movement on the topic. Are there opportunities to partner with Elawa Farm to develop programing regarding sustainable gardening, food access, etc. With major projects related to bike/pedestrian infrastructure, is there an opportunity to promote bicycling beyond through a community-wide event.