City of Elgin Sustainability Commission met April 13.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
1. Call to Order: 6:05pm
2. Recognize Persons Present: In-Person: Tom Armstrong, Chris Flaherty, Dylan Mooney, Jordan Hill, Graham and Paul Stocksdale, MaryAlice Masonick, Dan Brosier, Joe Masonick, Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, Deni Mathews, Robin Migalla, Vivienne Bailey, Peggy McClanahan, Keven Zaldvar, Cesar Menedez, Susan Swing, Kathy Hayes, Sandy Kaptain. Virtual: Deb McMullen, Jeff Biss, Curt Mette, Dokovia Livingston.
3. Welcome New Commissioners.
4. Approval of March 9, 2021 Meeting Minutes; Commissioner Biss motioned to approve, Second by McMullen; Motion passed.
5. Presentations:
∙ Graham Stocksdale, Eagle Scout Project Promoting Tree Planting- Graham proposed promoting the City’s current Tree Bank Program and planting Oak Trees planting with use of social media or flyers. Comm. Flaherty wanted to know what the specific ask was of commission. Suggested that he speak with Greg Hulke, Supt. of Park and Facilities on the best location of planting Oak trees and if is supports flyers. Comm. McMullen wanted to know the type of promotion of the planting of the trees? It was suggested Graham seek out Elgin350 to promote it on their Facebook page.
∙ Citizens Climate Lobby, Carbon Free and Dividend Act- Peggy McClanahan and Deni Mathews of Citizens Climate Lobby explained the Energy Innovation and Carbon Free Act’s goal of carbon pollution reduction of 30% and netzero by 2050. The Act puts a fee on fossil fuel pollution, which creates a level playing field for clean energy. The money collected from fossil fuel companies would be returned to taxpayer in the form a monthly dividend so everyone could afford transitioning to renewable energy. CCL was asking if the Commission would endorse the Act and make recommendation to City Council to support a Resolution urging the United States Congress to enact the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2021 (H.R.2307). Comm. McMullen needs more time to review the Act before voting on it. Student Rep. Hill wanted to know which IL representatives support it. Jan Schakowsky, Mike Quigley, Danny Davis was noted as supporting it. CLL could send commission articles form Daily Herald for reference. Robin Migalla asked if this would be on a future agenda item. Chair Armstrong asked how the pricing of programs would be border adjusted. Comm. Mooney and Flaherty needed more time to review the specifics on the Act. Chair Armstrong told the representatives of CLL they would table this to a future Commission meeting.
∙ Elgin Area CAN (Climate Action Now), Municipal Electricity Aggregation- Vivienne Bailey and Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford of Climate Action Now made a proposal and rationale for the City of Elgin staff make 100% renewable electricity aggregation an immediate and urgent priority and negotiate such a contract on behalf of the city. They wish for the Sustainability Commission to create outreach campaign to promote the 100% renewable electricity aggregation to residents. To include the explanation of the urgent need due to climate change, explain the benefits of it and explain an-opt out option. They gave up to 9 other cities who have 100% renewable electricity aggregation. The 100% Renewable Electric Aggregation program needs to include all residential and small-business properties within city limits be provided with 100% renewable electricity via aggregation contracted with a provider of solar and/or wind power. It was pointed out the last aggregation program the City of Elgin had ended in 2017. CAN asked how this could be started. Staff said the Commission would need draft a memo and approve it making a recommendation to City Council on giving directive to City Staff on investigating and seeking proposals on 100% renewable electricity aggregation program for the City. A comment from the public was brought up how it make negatively affect those who currently have solar panels and how would they be able to opt out. Another public comment was there needs to be options for residents and businesses. Chair Armstrong suggested that a memo to the City Manager’s Office recommending such a program would be our first step.
∙ Rob Vandermollen, Great Tree Search and Overstory Project-Presented to Commission proposing the planting of 47 Catalpa trees to be planted in a City Park creating a tree sculpture such as a council ring. They would provide a beautiful attraction for residents in our Parks. Suggested location was Wing Park, Foundry Park, Channing School and North of Library. Witness Tree is a campaign to document trees that have a historical meaning with pictures and why. In hopes of encouraging more planting of trees for future generations. Maybe this campaign could be promoted on Facebook. Comm. Flaherty commented that the term Witness Trees were for historical Oak trees used by land surveyors as landmarks when making geographical maps. Maybe a different term would be better. Chair Armstrong suggested using the term Champion Trees instead. Chair Armstrong asked that staff send these 2 proposals onto Maria Cumpata, and Greg Hulke of Parks and Recreation Department for consideration.
6. Work Group Reports and Task Related Updates
∙ Work Group Refocus- Chair Armstrong gave an overview to Commission on his proposal that the Commission consider refocusing work group areas. He listed the new 6 work group areas as 1. Renewable Energy, 2. Building Efficiency, 3. Zero Waste, 4. Transportation and Mobility, 5. Urban Ecology, and 6. Outreach, Education and Behavioral Change. He asked that the Commissioners take time to think about the new focus areas and discuss it at next meeting.
∙ Earth Month 2021- Comm. Flaherty discussed how busy he was with Earth Month videos, editing, and posting. He also agreed to accept the Earth Month Proclamation at next City Council meeting.
7. New Business
8. Old Business
∙ Update on Sustainability & Climate Analyst-Staff reported that first round of interviews will include 5 candidates and be held the week of April 12th and second round will be week of April 19th.
∙ Update on Sustainability Grant Program Rubric- Chair Armstrong noted on the rubric google document that there were a lot of comments on #5. Comm. McMullen wants to hear back comments on #2. She would ask you please look through it and send in comments. Chair Armstrong suggested reaching out to Grand Victoria for examples of their grant scoring rubric for grant equity application.
9. Announcements- Robin Migalla suggested that people should watch the YouTube Circulatory Gap Report 2021 Forum Circle on Virtual Circle Economy.
10. Adjournment-8:26pm Comm. Flaherty motion to adjourn, second by Comm. Biss. Motion passed.
https://www.cityofelgin.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/7352
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