Kane County Reporter

Kane County Energy and Environmental Committee met July 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Call to Order

Chairman Bates called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m.

Attendee Name	Organization	Title	Status	Arrived
Mavis Bates	Kane County	Chairman	Present
Barbara Wojnicki	Kane County	Vice Chair	Present
Deborah Allan	Kane County	Board Member	Late	9:03 AM
Chris Kious	Kane County	Board Member	Present
Myrna Molina	Kane County	Board Member	Present
Cherryl Strathmann	Kane County	Board Member	Present
Todd Wallace	Kane County	Board Member	Late	9:13 AM
Corinne M. Pierog	Kane County	Ex-Officio County Board Chair	Late	9:02 AM
Kenneth C. Shepro	Kane County	Ex-Officio County Board Vice Chair	Absent

Also present; Environmental/Water Resources Dir. Wollnik & staff Klee, Ryan; ITD staff Peters; and members of the public.

2. Approval of Minutes: June 17, 2022

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Barbara Wojnicki, Vice Chair SECONDER: Chris Kious, Board Member AYES: Mavis Bates, Barbara Wojnicki, Chris Kious, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann ABSENT: Deborah Allan, Todd Wallace, Corinne M. Pierog, Kenneth C. Shepro

3. Public Comment

None.

4. Environmental (J.Wollnik)

1. Update on Illicit Discharge and Life Cycle Costing

Director Wollnik provided an update on the Lily Lake Village illicit discharge of gasoline at the intersection of Route 47 and Route 64. The Energy and Water Resource Department had a meeting with the Attorney General’s Office and obtained a copy of the 45-page report that was submitted to Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Staff is currently reviewing the report and plan to have a meeting with the residents of Lily Lake to discuss pending litigation. Wollnik stated they would be following up with the Health Department for future well testing. At the Committee meeting in August, Wollnik stated staff would provide updates on both of the items. Board Member Wojnicki inquired about the timeframe of the well testing. Wollnik noted they are waiting to hear from the Health Department on that matter and would update the Committee as soon as that information is available. Discussion ensued.

Wollnik spoke on the life cycle analysis and ways the County has been implementing processes to lower costs. She referred to the Life Cycle Costs presentation that was given at the May Energy & Environmental Committee meeting. The bids for the Judicial Center’s washer and dryer are anticipated to come in this week and be used as the County’s trial run on the life cycle analysis. Wollnik explained the recommendation to replace the emergency boiler in order to analyze data from both the old and proposed new boilers. She would like to utilize the life cycle analysis in order to see how the boilers run with natural gas compared to other possible options.

Wollnik provided updates on the four approved American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) projects with respect to the Water Supply Planning. They have been working with the State’s Attorney’s Office and Ernst & Young to prepare the necessary paperwork for the projects. The staff is currently working with Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant on the water conservation project and drafting the scope of work needed for the project. The project has met the criteria for ARPA and would be moving ahead on other projects. The other three projects are currently in the paperwork stage insuring that those projects are applicable to ARPA. In August, Wollnik and staff will be working with Illinois State Water Survey on the scope of those projects. She anticipates the proposal and agreement with CMAP and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant for the first project would be presented to the Committee in September and the other three in October.

Lastly, Wollnik mentioned the Finance Department sent out the budget report this morning. She informed the Committee that the Energy & Water Resources Department’s budget presentation would be given at the next Development Committee meeting. Chairman Bates requested a brief budget presentation be given to the Energy & Environmental Committee. However, Wollnik would like to be provided permission from the Finance Department in order to do so. She explained how the Committee structure works, in regards to the Energy & Water Resources Department. Wollnik addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

5. Recycling/Solid Waste (C. Ryan)

A. Introduction to Extended Producer Responsibility

Staff Ryan formerly introduced the Environmental and Water Resource Department's summer interns. Both interns are Environmental Science undergrads from surrounding universities. Ryan provided an update on the Recycling Extravaganza that took place last month. She stated the number of cars that came through the were back up to pre-Covid numbers with over 800 cars in attendance. They were able to collect 55 bicycles, which is a 75% increase to previous years. The charity, Working Bikes, takes these bikes and repairs them then to give them to families in need. There was over 600 gallons of latex paint and 3,000 pounds of batteries collected.

Ryan provided a presentation on the Introduction to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). EPR is an economic philosophy that states product manufacturers should bear the costs for end-of-life disposal of their products. The goal is to integrate the environmental externalities associated with mass-production of goods into corporate budgeting and decision-making. Ryan discussed two examples on how EPR is performed through the County. The two examples were Call2Recycle and TerraCycle Partnerships. She noted that EPR is likely to be the most effective and equitable in terms of access when enacted through legislation. She explained the value and benefits of EPR and the government, producers, retailers, and consumers roll in the process. She shared other common elements of EPR and the benefits of each. Ryan shared EPR legislation that helped develop recycling programs in Illinois. The most recent passed EPR act was the Drug Take-Back Act of 2022. This act stated manufacturers of covered drugs must individually or collectively organize and fund take-back programs for those drugs by January 1, 2024. Ryan provided additional details on the Drug Take Back Act. She acknowledged the work the Kane County Environmental and Water Resource Department has done in advancing EPR within the County. She mentioned there is work in various stages of progress to develop state EPR legislation for carpet, latex paint, paper, etc. Ryan addressed frequently asked questions regarding EPR. Ryan answered questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

6. Sustainability (I. Klee)

A. Resolution: Authorizing a Contract with paleBLUEdot LLC. for Professional Consulting Services Related to the Kane County Climate Action Implementation Plan

Staff Klee provided additional information on the resolution. She shared Kane County's Climate Action Implementation Plan timeline and the funding amount. Discussion ensued.

RESULT: MOVED FORWARD WITH ROLLCALL VOTE [UNANIMOUS] Next: 7/27/2022 9:00 AM TO: Finance and Budget Committee MOVER: Barbara Wojnicki, Vice Chair SECONDER: Chris Kious, Board Member AYES: Mavis Bates, Barbara Wojnicki, Deborah Allan, Chris Kious, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Todd Wallace ABSENT: Kenneth C. Shepro

B. Presentation: Sustainability Updates (attached)

Klee provided an update on the Kane County Sustainability Plan. She spoke on the Kane County Judicial Center Solar Project. The project is currently in the civil engineering stage. Onsite, trenching, and land configuration are being done. Electrical gear and transformers are expected to be delivered onsite soon. Klee shared pictures of the progress. She announced Kane County would be hosting a Solar Power Hour for the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and Citizens Utility Board Grow Solar Chicagoland 2022 Program. The event will be held at the Kane County Auditorium on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Klee requested the Committee share the event to anyone that would like to educate themselves on solar power. An e-mail will be sent to committee members with a link to R.S.V.P. to the event. Klee addressed questions and comments from the Committee. Discussion ensued.

7. New Business

None.

8. Chair's Comments

Chairman Bates thanked staff for their work on multiple countywide projects. She thanked the Committee for passing the resolution and looks forward to the impact the Climate Action Plan will have in the future.

9. Reports Placed on File

RESULT: APPROVED BY ROLL CALL VOTE [7 TO 0] MOVER: Deborah Allan, Board Member SECONDER: Barbara Wojnicki, Vice Chair AYES: Mavis Bates, Barbara Wojnicki, Deborah Allan, Chris Kious, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann ABSENT: Kenneth C. Shepro AWAY: Todd Wallace

10. Executive Session (If Needed)

None

11. Adjournment

RESULT: APPROVED WITH VOICE VOTE [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Barbara Wojnicki, Vice Chair SECONDER: Cherryl Strathmann, Board Member AYES: Mavis Bates, Barbara Wojnicki, Deborah Allan, Chris Kious, Myrna Molina, Cherryl Strathmann, Todd Wallace ABSENT: Kenneth C. Shepro

This meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m.

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