Kane County Energy and Environmental Committee met March 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
Vice Chair Wojnicki called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
| Attendee Name | Organization | Title | Status | Arrived |
| Mavis Bates | Kane County | Chairman | Absent | |
| Barbara Wojnicki | Kane County | Vice Chair | Present | |
| Deborah Allan | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Chris Kious | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Myrna Molina | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Cherryl Strathmann | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Steve Weber | Kane County | Board Member | Present | |
| Corinne M. Pierog | Kane County | Ex-Officio County Board Chair | Absent | |
| Kenneth C. Shepro | Kane County | Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair | Present |
2. Approval of Minutes: February 19, 2021
| RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Chris Kious, Board Member SECONDER: Myrna Molina, Board Member AYES: Barbara Wojnicki, Deborah Allan, Chris Kious, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Steve Weber, Kenneth C. Shepro ABSENT: Mavis Bates |
A. Presentation by Arnold Schramel - Progressive Solutions
Environmental/Water Resource Dir. Wollnik introduced speaker Arnold Schramel from Progressive Solutions to discuss solar options. Schramel provided an update on the Future Energy Jobs Act which is legislation that was passed in 2016 to reduce energy consumption and increase power generation from renewable energy. He discussed the three components of the bill. Schramel spoke on the funding for renewable development, the expansion of energy efficiency programs, and the first legislatively mandated nuclear subsidies. He reported that the bill authorized ComEd to earn a rate of return on investment that use energy efficiency or they can inquire penalties. Schramel spoke of the goal that 25% of electricity come from a renewable source. He discussed grant funding and incentive opportunities. Schramel explained some solar options such as community solar fields, the adjustable block program, and the Illinois Solar for All program. He talked about the potential for community solar in Kane County Forest Preserve land. Schramel described some fields that have been selected by the Illinois Power Authority. He stated the fields require a large amount of land and high voltage hook ups into transmission lines. Schramel explained rules for solar energy projects and a new point system. He requested review of properties in Kane County that may be good candidates for solar energy. Schramel answered several questions from the committee. Much discussion ensued.
B. Resolution: Request Letter of Support for US Army Corp Fox River Connectivity & Habitat Study
Water Resource staff Rob Linke presented a brief overview of the Fox River Study Group program. He described the Fox River Watershed and the boundaries that are set in Kane County. He discussed water sampling and analysis, which is reported for water quality requirements in Illinois. Linke explained water monitoring is used to track quality standards and contain the impairment of excessive nutrients in the Fox River. He reported on the nutrient levels in the Fox River and that they need to be reduced further. Linke explained four scenarios to reduce nutrient loading and keep the integrity of the waterways. He introduced the resolution for a letter of support to the US Army Corps of Engineers to restart the Fox River Connectivity & Habitat Study.
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 4/7/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Chris Kious, Board Member SECONDER: Steve Weber, Board Member AYES: Barbara Wojnicki, Deborah Allan, Chris Kious, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Steve Weber, Kenneth C. Shepro ABSENT: Mavis Bates |
Environmental/Water Resource Dir. Wollnik reported on funding sources, interest rate and depletion of accounts. She discussed overhead and expenditures within the budget. Wollnik explained income sources which include an increase in hauler fees for recycling. She detailed several key expenses. Wollnik reiterated the benefits of reducing expenditures and movement of funding in order save on interest fees. She spoke briefly on the reduction of FY2021 programs due to the reduction in the Riverboat funding due to Covid.
4. Recycling/Solid Waste (J. Jarland)
A. Ordinance: Amending the Kane County Code, Chapter 11. Environmental Management, Article III. Rules of Procedure for New Pollution Control Facility Site Approval Application in Unincorporated Areas of Kane County
| RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 4/7/2021 9:00 AM TO: Executive Committee
MOVER: Myrna Molina, Board Member SECONDER: Deborah Allan, Board Member AYES: Barbara Wojnicki, Deborah Allan, Chris Kious, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Steve Weber, Kenneth C. Shepro ABSENT: Mavis Bates |
A. FREP April Noon Network
Staff Miller briefly discussed the Illinois Conservation Update with Jack Darin which is scheduled for April 14, 2021. She provided the email address foxriverecosystem.org for those interested in joining the update.
B. Presentation Public Outreach and Sustainability Events Update
Staff Klee provided an update on upcoming sustainability events. She announced the 10th Anniversary of the Annual One Earth Film Festival. She stated that KC Environmental Resources with the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership, will sponsor the film “Kiss the Ground” at the festival. She noted the Electrical Aggregation Contract is due to be renewed. Klee announced that Durling from the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative will speak on the renewal process at the next meeting. Klee discussed the energy savings program. She noted an increase in the energy rates at Com Ed, which showed the benefit of having the fixed rate with AEP Energy. Klee announced a “Countdown to Earth Day” series for the month of April to promote Earth Day within Kane County. She stated that Kane County Connects will have articles that cover different environmental and sustainability subjects.
6. New Business
A. Illinois Container Fee and Deposit Act HB 1799 (Bates)
| RESULT: TABLED [UNANIMOUS] Next: 4/16/2021 9:00 AM MOVER: Myrna Molina, Board Member
SECONDER: Chris Kious, Board Member AYES: Barbara Wojnicki, Deborah Allan, Chris Kious, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Steve Weber, Kenneth C. Shepro ABSENT: Mavis Bates |
None.
8. Reports Placed on File
| RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Deborah Allan, Board Member SECONDER: Steve Weber, Board Member AYES: Barbara Wojnicki, Deborah Allan, Chris Kious, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Steve Weber ABSENT: Mavis Bates |
10. Adjournment
http://kanecountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=2920&Inline=True
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