City of Batavia Environmental Commission met Oct. 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
1. Call to order/Member and Guest Introductions
Members present:
Carolyn Burnham, Emma Cole, Andrew Greenhagen, Anna Bakker, Alex Zelles
Volunteers/Special Guests present: Olivia Liebing, Chad Rigsby
Absent:
Andrea Podraza, Andrew Deitchman, John Kennedy, Michael Willuweit
2. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Approved with amendments- will be sent.
3. Green Night at the Movies: Carolyn
Date is set- March 21st. Movie selection still pending; Carolyn would like as many people as possible to watch the selections she sent and give feedback. Movie topic is being considered- renewable energy is a distinct possibility.
Request for financial support to be sent to the city.
4. Website Development: Carolyn
Carolyn is still looking for bios from members. She would also like blog posts to give people a better idea of what we are up to here on the BEC (for example: Anna’s restoration work, Michael’s work on EVs, Emma’s work with Green Ole).
5. Green Business Ole: Emma
An eBlast has been sent to the Batavia Chamber of Commerce’s database of 1,500 local business representatives, it has been in their email newsletter, and it has been advertised on Facebook. We have 3 applicants and will review them next month.
The Chamber sent us the link to register for the event, if we would like to attend:
https://www.bataviachamber.org/events/details/inspire-awards-2020-10547
6. IL Clean Energy Jobs Act: Andrew
Andrew met with Karina Villa to discuss this more. Her next meeting is November 12th in the St. Charles Municipal meeting. There may even be an actual bill by the time we have the Green Night Out at the Movies Event.
7. Coal Tar Sealant: Carolyn
Carolyn has been checking into companies asking what they use to seal driveways. Only one company of about 10 has responded with asphalt emulsion. They also gave her lots of information about it and why they chose it. Even though big box companies no longer sell coal tar sealants, many driveway sealing companies are still using it.
8. Plastic Bag Free: Carolyn
Oak Park put a 10 cent fee on bags- projected bag use went from 1.2 million to.2 million bags used each year. The money could be used, in part, to help with environmental initiatives. Carolyn is looking for people to work with her on this endeavor. Emma is interested in helping and Carolyn will bring more information on next steps to November’s meeting.
9. Commercial EV Charging Infrastructure: Carolyn & Michael
One idea is to look into an EV station at the library. Also, possibly businesses on Randall may be interested in working with Volta- a company that puts in free charging stations. The movie station on Randall and BEI might be businesses to contact.
We are hoping to get an ordinance for new residential buildings to have EV infrastructure.
10. Open Discussion:
Anna is planning to present to City Council about a Fox River restoration project she has in mind.
Mosquito Abatement topic may come back up.
Radon Event- possibly February 20th?
11. Adjournment:
https://www.cityofbatavia.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10092019-1448
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