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ESC_2021_10_20 PACKETENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING Wednesday, October 20 – 5:00 P.M. REMOTE ACCESS MEETING AGENDA Please be advised that all of the Environmental Sustainability Committee members will be remotely attending this Committee meeting by electronic means, in compliance with Governor’s Executive Order 2020-39, issued on May 29, 2020, that extended the suspension of certain Open Meetings Act provisions relating to in-person attendance by members of a public body. Specifically, the Governor’s Order: (1) suspends the requirement in Section 2.01 that “members of a public body must be physically present;” and (2) suspends the limitations in Section 7 on when remote participation is allowed. This Executive Order is effective the duration of the current Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation. 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. Public audience link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82252061339?pwd=eklJVWVsNEpOZE9yMm5VSUgrZVhOQT09 Or dial by phone at: 312-626-6799 Webinar ID: 822 5206 1339 Passcode: 1861 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL _____ Ald. Melanie Rummel, Chairman _____ Ald. Jim Preschlack _____ Ald. Eileen Looby Weber II. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS (:05 – :15 per item) a. UPDATE ON LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE BUCKTHORN CAMPAIGN – Brandon Hayes, Bold Bison Communications & Consulting b. RECAP OF SUMMER CURBSIDE RECYCLING AUDITS – Dan Martin, Superintendent of Public Works III. ACTION ITEMS (:10 - :15 per item) a. APPROVAL OF AUGUST 18, 2021 MEETING MINUTES b. REVIEW AND RECOMMEND APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL SUSTAINABILITY ENHANCEMENTS TO CIP PROJECTS FOR FY2023 – Introduced by Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS (:10 - :15 per item) a. UPDATES ON SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES & PRIORITIES – Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager V. PUBLIC COMMENT VI. NEXT MEETING DATE(S) VII. ADJOURNMENT Advocating for Buckthorn Eradication in the Middlefork Savanna Area Campaign Purpose •Pilot program to test ability to eradicate buckthorn in proximity to local natural areas •Engage landowners in the immediate goal of removal and long- term goal of monitoring to ensure eradication •Develop strategic communications plan to encourage public to advocate for buckthorn eradication and act to remove buckthorn from their property 0 2,000 4,0001,000 Feet Legend Forest Preserve Boundary Other Protected Open Space County Parcels Probable Buckthorn Locations Pilot Project Boundary LAKE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVES BUCKTHORN ERADICATION PILOT PROJECT MIDDLEFORK SAVANNA AND SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE Campaign Background Campaign Background Campaign Background Campaign Background What We Know •The public generally understands that buckthorn is a harmful invasive species and supports removing invasive species including buckthorn •We already possess many helpful tools, tactics, and messages for supporting private landowners in removing buckthorn from their property Before/After Before/After What We (Also) Know •There is an interest-action gap among some landowners: many express support for invasive species removal broadly – including buckthorn – while expressing limited willingness to remove it from their own property (i.e. value privacy screening) •Residents are proud of their property, including their landscaping; they are environmentally-minded; they want to retain agency in decision-making when it comes to their property •Social dynamics of communities in the project area are influenced by people, word of mouth communication, and social networks •There are barriers, real and perceived, to removing buckthorn Barriers: Real and Perceived •All green is good, even the invasive poisonous kind •Time intensive; long-term maintenance; costly •Buckthorn knows no boundaries •Buckthorn = privacy •Fewer recognized examples of native alternatives •Many assume there must be some red tape Where We Are Going? •It is important for government agencies/conservation groups to do their part and set a good example for homeowners, landowners, and the public. •Removal has already been widely discussed in some of your communities and social circles. •This campaign hinges on changing the culture around the removal of buckthorn •Those new social norms will be best created by voices from within the community Strategies: Start with the Choir, Take a Backseat •Develop a network among audiences who have already expressed their support for buckthorn removal and who may have already taken action to remove it from their property •Focus on developing champions from this “most-primed” audience who can help spread the message publicly and help create social norms around removal of invasive •Amplify resources of partners/public institutions for assisting homeowners with ecological challenges like buckthorn removal Strategies: Keep it Local •There’s no “one size fits all approach” •Need to identify hyper-local champions •Need for buckthorn removal to be recognized at the neighborhood level (i.e. yard signs) Contact Information •Brandon Hayes
 brandon@boldbison.com
 312-945-8416 •Brett Peto
 bpeto@LCFPC.org
 847-968-3151 ©2021 Bold Bison, LLC ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING 1 Wednesday, August 18, 2021 – 7:00 P.M. 2 Municipal Services, 800 North Field Drive 3 4 ROLL CALL/CALL TO ORDER 5 6 Chairman Melanie Rummel called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. Aldermen 7 Jim Preschlack and Eileen Weber were present. 8 9 Staff in attendance included Mike Strong, Assistant City Manager; Jim Lockefeer, 10 Assistant to the Public Works Director, and Layla Werner, Management Analyst. 11 12 There were no members of the public in attendance. 13 14 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 15 16 I. STATUS REPORT ON FY2022 BUDGET INITIATIVES – Jim Lockefeer, 17 Assistant to the Public Works Director 18 19 Assistant to the Public Works Director gave a brief update 20 regarding FY2022 budget initiatives. Mr. Lockefeer provided 21 background on specific projects including Ringwood road, Old Elm 22 and Sheridan parking lot enhancements, and the seminary ravine 23 and storm sewer study, and the Fire Department SUV replacement., 24 forest park bluff stabilization design, forest park beach evaluation 25 and maintenance, natural areas assessment, south park bioswale. 26 27 The Committee had lengthy discussion regarding the capital 28 improvement plan and how it relates to sustainability. Additionally, 29 the Committee had discussion on the prioritization of specific 30 sustainable initiatives. 31 32 The Committee asked clarifying questions regarding the 33 completion of the various projects presented. 34 35 II. UPDATE ON MUNICIPAL AGGREGATION PROGRAM MAILINGS – Mike 36 Strong, Assistant City Manage 37 38 Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong provided a verbal update to 39 the Committee regarding the recent mailings that were sent by MC 40 squared to Lake Forest residents regarding Electricity Aggregation. 41 42 The Committee asked clarifying questions regarding residents 43 already engaged in community solar subscriptions. 44 45 46 47 Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 18, 2021 III. RECAP OF NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER WATERSHED 48 WORKGROUP MEETING – Layla Werner, Management Analyst 49 50 Management Analyst, Layla Werner provided a brief update 51 regarding the most recent North Branch Watershed Workgroup 52 meeting. Ms. Werner further explained the topics discussed at the 53 meeting including nutrient assessment, the Illinois watershed, and 54 coal tar-based sealants. 55 56 The Committee asked clarifying questions regarding usage of coal 57 tar-based sealants in the City. 58 59 ACTION ITEMS 60 61 I. APPROVAL OF JUNE 16, 2021 MEETING MINUTES 62 Alderman Preschlack moved to approve the June 16, 2021 63 Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting minutes. 64 Alderman Weber seconded the motion. Motion carried 65 unanimously by voice vote. 66 67 ADDITIONAL ITEMS 68 69 I. INTRODUCTION AND DISCUSSION ON SUSTAINABILITY 70 COMMUNICATIONS PLAN – Layla Werner, Management Analyst 71 72 Management Analyst, Layla Werner displayed a sustainability 73 communications plan to the Committee. The draft included the 74 different forms of communication the City currently uses, 75 opportunities to expand how the City communicates with residents, 76 and a draft communications strategy, targeting specific 77 campaigns. 78 79 The Committee had lengthy discussion regarding specific 80 campaigns and priorities. 81 82 II. UPDATES ON SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES & PRIORITIES – Mike Strong, 83 Assistant City Manager 84 85 Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong presented information on 86 initiatives and priorities identified by the Committee. His 87 presentation included solar facilities on municipal buildings, 88 greenhouse gas emission inventory and the ravine management 89 program. Mr. Strong provided an in depth analysis of potential 90 ways to move forward with the mentioned projects, and facilitated 91 discussion to obtain feedback from the Committee members. 92 93 The Committee had lengthy discussion providing direction to staff 94 to move forward with specific priorities. 95 Environmental Sustainability Committee Minutes Wednesday, August 18, 2021 96 PUBLIC COMMENT 97 98 Chairman Rummel asked if there were any public comments on any non-99 agenda items. 100 101 Seeing none, Chairman Rummel moved to the next agenda item. 102 103 NEXT MEETING DATE(S) 104 105 The Committee unanimously agreed on holding the next meeting on October 106 20, 2021. Assistant City Manager, Mike Strong stated he would send out a poll at 107 a later date to set a time. 108 109 ADJOURNMENT 110 111 Alderman Preschlack moved to adjourn the meeting of the Environmental 112 Sustainability Committee at 8:32 P.M. seconded by Weber. The motion carried 113 unanimously by voice vote. 114 115 Respectfully Submitted, 116 117 Layla Werner 118 Management Analyst 119 120 121 Reviewed by, 122 123 Mike Strong 124 Assistant City Manager 125 Environmental Sustainability Capital Projects DRAFT - FY2023-FY2027 Capital Improvement Program Budget Project Name Project # Baseline Sustainability Enhancements FY2024 FY2025 FY2026 FY2027 Projects & Initiatives - Priority 1 (Funded) *Capital Equipment - "Green Fleet" Initiative PW-CEQ-01-09 40,000$ 6,000$ Rockefeller / McCormick / Loch Storm Sewer Ravine Design PW-RAV-01-21 140,000$ 2,000$ E. Westminster Ravine Outfall Repair PW-RAV-03-23 -$ -$ 2,000$ -$ Seminary Ravine Improvements Design PW-RAV-04-22 300,000$ 5,000$ N. Mayflower Ravine Improvements Design PW-RAV-07-23 -$ -$ 2,000$ Gas Light LED Conversions PW-RDB-02-19 85,000$ -$ -$ -$ -$ Off-Street: Forest Ave Parking Lot Resurfacing PW-RDB-04-14 250,000$ 105,000$ Off-Street: South Commuter (Bus Lot) Parking Lot PW-RDB-06-23 -$ -$ 80,000$ Total Cost Estimate $ 815,000 $ 118,000 $ 2,000 $ 80,000 $ 2,000 $ - Additional Capital Project Opportunities Forest Park Bluff Slope Stabilization PW-01-22 3,400,000$ 100,000$ Forest Park Beach Restoration & Native Vegetation Planting PK-PRK-02-23 325,000$ 77,000$ 77,000$ 15,000$ 15,000$ Off-Street: Waveland Park Resurfacing and Expansion PK-PRK-02-13 146,000$ 10,000$ Off-Street: South Park Athletic Field Parking Lot PK-PRK-02-12 60,000$ Total Cost Estimate $ 3,871,000 $ 187,000 $ 77,000 $ 15,000 $ 75,000 $ - *Denotes a recurring/annual CIP program and expenditure FY2024 - FY2027 Costs (Sustainability Enhancements)FY2023 Costs REVIEW OF SUSTAINABILITY ENHANCEMENTS TO CIP PROJECTS FOR FY2023 Environmental Sustainability Committee Wednesday, October 20, 2021 Base Budget -$40,000 Sustainability Component Incremental Cost Increase -$6,000 •The base budget is for the direct replacement of a Fire Department mid-size SUV •City staff identified this vehicle replacement as a potential opportunity for a hybrid vehicle replacement •On-board electrical equipment can be powered using the lithium-ion hybrid battery, allowing the gasoline engine to shut off (runs only intermittently to charge the battery) •Significant improvements in fuel economy and reduced engine idle time FIRE DEPARTMENT MID -SIZE SUV REPLACEMENT Base Design Budget -$140,000 Sustainability Component Incremental Cost Increase -$2,000 •Base design will address failing City storm sewer outfalls that convey roadway stormwater to ravines •Projects have been combined due to their close proximity and similar repair work •By nature ravine project designs feature sustainability components •Native plant material for project construction / slope stabilization & stormwater flow dissipation •If additional funds are allocated, the City can work with the design contracting firm to identify additional sustainable components to incorporate into the project plans and construction •Current construction estimate = $1,500,000; any additional components identified will increase the construction cost ROCKEFELLER / MCCORMICK / LOCH STORM SEWER RAVINE DESIGN 2. McCormick1. Rockefeller 3. Loch #1 #2 #3 Base Budget -$300,000 Sustainability Component Incremental Cost Increase -$5,000 •Completed Study of the exposed City sanitary sewer / failing storm sewer outfalls in the ravine system adjacent to the college •Study identified various public outfall repairs and ravine segments / reaches restorations and reconstruction •Design will allow staff to seek grant funding for repair/reconstruction/restoration efforts •By nature ravine project designs feature sustainability components •Native plant material for project construction / slope stabilization & stormwater flow dissipation •If additional funds are allocated, the City can work with the contracting firm to identify additional sustainable components to incorporate into the project plans SEMINARY RAVINE DESIGN Base Budget -$250,000 Sustainability Component Incremental Cost Increase -$105,000 •Water Quality Structure & Additional Storm Sewer -$40,000 •EV Charging Stations (Two) & Related Electrical Infrastructure -$60,000 •Design -$5,000 •The base budget is for the resurfacing of the parking lot •Water quality structure replaces existing storm sewer structure immediately downstream of the parking lot; structure removes hydrocarbons & sediment prior to flowing into existing storm sewer system •EV charging station similar to the stations at the City Hall and Old Elm & Sheridan parking lots •Two stations recommended due to size and overall usage of the parking lot FOREST AVE PARKING LOT ADDITIONAL PROJECTS Base Budget -$3,400,000 Sustainability Component Incremental Cost Increase -$100,000 •The base budget is for the stabilization of the middle areas of the Forest Park Bluff •Additional sustainability funds requested for native bioswales at the bottom of the bluff for stormwater drainage purposes FOREST PARK BLUFF SLOPE STABILIZATION Base Budget -$325,000 Sustainability Component Incremental Cost Increase -$77,000 •The base budget is for the restoration of the beach system based on completion of recent study in FY2021. Restoration includes sand nourishment, groin enhancement and breakwater improvements •Additional sustainability funds requested to establish native planting areas, such as native dune grasses, away from the active wash zone at the water’s edge to assist with stabilizing the back-of-beach area FOREST PARK BEACH RESTORATION & NATIVE VEGETATION PLANTING Base Budget -$146,000 Sustainability Component Incremental Cost Increase -$10,000 •The base budget is for the resurfacing of the existing west parking lot and expansion to double its current parking capacity •Additional sustainability funds requested to incorporate native landscaping and plants, and install a bioswale adjacent to the parking lot to collect surface runoff WAVELAND PARK RESURFACING & EXPANSION •Motion to recommend approval to City Council the incorporation of the identified Project sustainability components into the Capital Improvement Program ACTION REQUESTED UPDATES ON SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES & PRIORITIES Environmental Sustainability Committee October 20, 2021 CURRENT PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED AND STATUS Project/Initiative September October November December January Communications/Marketing Plan Rooftop Solar Investigation Ravine Management Campaign Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis Initiating Planning Recommendation Target Implementation COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING PLAN •Current Status: Implementation Phase •Project Scope: Develop and execute strategic communications and marketing campaign that promotes sustainability issues/topics and city projects/initiatives •Project Timeline: On Target (In Process) •Latest Update: •Launched #SustainabilitySunday social media campaign (Complete) •Partnered with North Shore Gas to host energy efficiency webinar (Complete) •Next Steps: •Website content development •LF Now Mobile Application module UPCOMING #SUSTAINABILITYSUNDAY POSTS • • October •Oct 24: Ravine Management Post – update on ravine management program with LFOLA •Oct 31: Zero waste Halloween activities/ Fall Composting •Pumpkin composting at the compost center November •Nov 7: Potential SWALCO events •Nov 14: Vehicle Idling •Nov 21: Ravine Management Post update •Nov 28: Sharing content from Bart the Cart December •Dec 5: Energy conservation in the Winter •Dec 12: Sharing content from Bart the Cart •Dec 19: Icing tactics to avoid using salt •Dec 26: Christmas Tree Pick-up/ recycling PREVIOUS #SUSTAINABILITYSUNDAY POSTS Hold for oak tree post Post scheduled for 10/17 2021/22 WINTER DIALOGUE CONTENT •Topics included in Winter Dialogue (How you can protect the environment in winter weather) •Leave your leaves alone! •Use Gasoline-alternative snow blowers and consider environmentally-friendly deicers and salts •Have a water efficient H2Oliday! •Close the recycling loop •Lower your thermostat & Save money SOLAR FACILITIES ON MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS •Current Status: Planning Phase •Project Scope: Explore the potential of installing solar panels on municipal facilities. Locations being investigated: Townline Park, Municipal Services, West Train Station, Fire Station 2, Public Safety Building •Project Timeline: On Target (Q4 2021 for Recommendation) •Latest Update: •Consultant review of 52 municipal electric accounts (Complete) •Site visit at College of Lake County (Complete) •Identification of Appropriate Facilities (Complete) •Next Steps: •Development of Procurement document (November 2021) •Solicitation Process (December –January 2022) Images of College of Lake County solar panel installation CURRENT ISSUES BEING INVESTIGATED •Prospective Sites & Locations •West Park & Townline Park Pavilions •Public Safety Buildings •West Train Station •Municipal Services Building •Water Plant •Behind the Meter vs. Community Solar •Procurement Process (RFP or Cooperative Purchase) •ComEd Franchise Agreement •Ordinance Accounts vs. Paid Accounts •Eligibility •State Permits & Approvals (IPA, ICC) •Installation Timelines MEASURE AND MONITOR LAKE FOREST’S GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) EMISSIONS •Current Status: Initiation Phase •Project Scope: Conduct an inventory analysis for community and municipal operation emissions and develop recommendations for emission reduction targets •Project Timeline: Target beginning of Q1 2022 for Recommendation & Implementation •Latest Update: •City Staff drafting RFP for GHG Emissions (Complete) •Met with Representatives from ICLEI (Complete) •Next Steps: •Allocation of GRCorps Member (January 2022) •Training with ICLEI (January/February 2022) Source: EPA DEVELOPMENT OF RAVINE INSPECTION/MONITORING PROGRAM •Current Status: Planning Phase •Project Scope: Explore opportunities to promote consultation services and communications regarding best practices in ravine maintenance. Potential scope includes: •Update of Ravine Maintenance brochure and informational resources •Coordination of community forum/workshop •Ongoing Partnership with Lake Forest Open Lands Association (LFOLA) •Project Timeline: Target Q1 2022 for Recommendation •Latest Update: •Internal Planning meeting with LFOLA (Complete) •Next Steps: •Exploring Grant opportunities for public education campaign •Public education and outreach (workshop) being planned QUESTIONS?