Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2006-2008Evanston Environment Board January 11, 2006 QUORUM Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Bill Gallagher, Elizabeth Kinney, Iry Levinson, Steve Lupton, Gwen Burton Poole, Eli Port, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Mardi Klevs, Vicky McKinley Staff present: Linda Lutz The Board welcomed new members Eli Port and Bill Gallagher. Minutes: December 14, 2Q06 Supplemental reports to the minutes will be Kept by Ms. Lutz in a central file. Correction to December 14 minutes: 4 Northwestem students are working on a report to run shuttles on fryer grease. Ms. Kinney moved seconded by Mr. Lupton to approve the minutes as amended. The Board approved the minutes. Zoning Text Amendment Mr. Sciarra reported he has not heard from the City regarding the next meeting to discuss the language for the text amendment. Draft Green Building Ordinance There is a website on the Green Building Ordinance. The Board reviewed LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design ) - a set of requirements which receive points based on energy, water, site selection, recycling of materials, storm water management, and transportation of materials. LEED does not deal with the ongoing operation of the building. The point scale is: 29 certified, 36 silver, 46 gold, 60 points platinum. Total possible points is 69. LEED is becoming a consensus standard. 2% - 5% of the buildings being built in the US are being built to LEED standards. LEED is not a building code; it's a voluntary standard. Standards are spread over different areas. Compliance is established as a Td party protocol. Architects verify procedures and send papers to a 3td party that reviews compliance with standards. The Network for Evanston's Future came to the Board and wanted buildings in Evanston to comply with a certain level. Does the Board need to go to the City Council with a recommendation regarding the level a building should achieve? Mr. Sciarra thinks the LEED standard is a good one. The question Is whether all buildings or just municipal buildings should be covered in any potential code. Ordinance language could be developed with a section for City buildings and another for all commercial buildings. The argument forces the issue of residential/commercial building. Mr. Sciarra will send out the website address for the code which has a compilation of information. Green Team The Board reviewed some ideas for establishing a process for what the City's Green Team is doing and what the Environment Board can do to further environmental initiatives. Ms. Kinney and Mr. Sciarra are working on the draft ordinance. They need information on other cities that have LEED certification requirements. The Green Team is working on this and will supply information to the Board's Green Building Ordinance committee. TIF financed construction should be LEED certified. Additionally zoning variances should have considerations of energy efficiency. The City Code should be revised for sustainability. The Green Team should ask that City departments review each part of the code for what can made more environmental. Archaic codes should be removed. Sustainability ethics should be the overriding attitude for governmental policy. The Environment Board could speak to the Council and Committees on a vision to meet the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The Board can finish the ordinance and code and then the Environment Board should take a comprehensive view with the Green Team to look at the statues. The Board discussed how light bulb replacement can be a giant step forward reducing Co2 emissions by 10 — 20,000 tons a year. The City and ComEd (the distributor) would need to work together. Payback would be a period of months. The City could promote the sale of compact fluorescent bulbs. Small changes like setting thermostats down 1 degree accomplish a lot with little repercussion. (the Ecology Center does this). Wal-Mart has a plan to self 1 million compact fluorescents and is running into problems because unions etc. are opposed to a perceived lack of jobs. The City could set a standard by purchasing these. Ms. Bryer noted that is important to have a plan that should include a recycling end user (bulbs). The City recycles fluorescents: residential recycling is not required. Northwestern reflxtured its lights at the downtown campus for a considerable cost savings. Two areas to investigate are recycling electronic devices and light bulbs. The Environment Board could recommend an environmentally sound protocol. The Board agreed that they should talk to the City Council to determine the interest in this. Common practices like buying recycled paper and using soy based ink should be standard for the City. Establishing a baseline, getting departments to report N current and future actions, and adopting green practices is a great start. Education is a key component covering both individual actions and job related responsibilities. The next step for the Green Team should be the development of an action plan. Determination of baseline data for electricity is a first step. Mr. Sciarra, Ms. Kinney and Ms. Bryer volunteered to work on an action plan. Ideas include • 6 month public relations effort to make Citizens aware of passing Kyoto protocol; include a facilitated public meeting • Look for some incentives for people to participate • Monthly lectures on sustainable practices, simple things to do. • Look for a gimmick, like bringing in a light bulb • Hold a series of meetings with key City officials, regarding environmental practices (A member of the Board could attend) • Start a public education column (Mr. Port will write a light bulb article) ■ Every meeting the Board could invite a Department head to come to the meeting and discuss environmental practices. Set a schedule ahead of time • The City has to lead by example Permeable pavers Mr. Sciarra has written 2 memos on pavers and strategies that could be implemented. Memos were sent to David Jennings and John Burke. Driveways are open for discussion. The code conforms to regulations set forth by public works. Driveways must be concrete or asphalt. The Board wants to change this to promote surface water infiltration. The Board will discuss asking for regulations to add new language and providing an option for permeable pavers. In repaving or building a new house etc. permeable pavers could be used instead of concrete. Currently you would need concrete or asphalt as those 2 materials are required. Permeable pavers should be required with concrete or asphalt as a variance. This would be required for new driveways. The City might be interested in doing permeable curb cuts. This would be a good example and could be replaced as is done with roads and curbing. Costs may be up to 20% higher. The Board would like to eliminate pavers as a barrier. It would be easy to put in a sentence that adds permeable pavers. The Board recommends that pavers be the first one listed: interlocking pavers, concrete, asphalt. Mr. Sclarra reviewed alley resurfacing. The cost may be 15% more. He noted .that the City was not interested. The City needs designers who could do the sub 3 ;[':' , __ y - �. ,. - .. � _ � • Jaf;,.T, ��.a s�b�/fr�'�_�tyGw,"Sel�` FA surface design. Mr. Sciarra reminded the Board that he had sent a memo on this subject to public works. Good planning is important. The focus needs to be with the future in mind. Costs today can be saved in the future. Can we spend less to get more? Yes it's going to cost more, but maybe we can get it for less. The City looks at saving money and how can it generate the most money. A more long range view that looks at the costs of having to support more of the building and infrastructure is equally important. Cost of living should additionally be taken into consideration. Evanston's Global Warming Initiative Ms Bryer announced that the event is April 29"�' 2:00 PM — 5:00 PM at Beth Emmet. The Environment Board is a co-sponsor. Sponsors are being asked to make a commitment to something that reduces global warming. The committee is trying to engage sectors of the community including hospitals, congregations etc. Lakefront planning Ideas that were covered in the Lakefront meeting included public transportation, desire for a nature landscape, and planning for lifestyle changes like walking and bicycling. The Board noted that it is important to push people to action. Environmental Stewardship awards. The Board is eager to pursue awards for 2007 and approved the process for 2007. Nominations should be sent to Ms. Lutz. Press releases will be sent. The presentation will be in April, close to Earth Day. Energy Commission The Board approved sending a letter to the Energy Commission commending them for their work on the franchise agreement. Ms. Bryer will draft for the Board's approval. Next Meetinq The next meeting of the Evanston Environment Board will be on Thursday, March 8, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the Ecology Center. 4 Evanston Environment Board DRAFT January 12, 2006 QUORUM PRESENT Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Mardi Klevs, Irwin Levinson, Steve Lupton, Gwen Burton Poole. Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Tom Carey, Janice Loughlin, Vicky McKinley Visitors Present Elizabeth Kinney Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center October 2005 meeting minutes Mr. Levinson moved, seconded by Mr. Dankert to approve the October 2005 meeting minutes. The Board approved the October 2005 minutes. Plannina and Develooment meeting Mr. Sclarra reported that the IEEC issue was not talked about at the P and D meeting on January 9 due to the extensive discussion on the Mather project. The IEEC issue is on the agenda for Monday, January 23 under the discussion section of the agenda. The Board is not able to attend on January 23rd and requested that the item be placed on the February 13th P & D agenda. Mr. Lupton moved, seconded by Ms. Freeman that Mr. Sciarra speak for the Environment Board at the P & D meeting on February 13th. The Board approved the motion. Mr. Sciarra and Ms. Bryer will send their information on the IEEC to be included in the minutes. Lovelace Park Update Mr. Lupton reviewed with the Board the discussion regarding Lovelace Park testing and the issues that ensued with Sarah Silins regarding the soil test results at Lovelace Park. The Board agreed that the City needs a standard protocol for construction such as took place at Lovelace Park. The Board noted that the City will be doing some additional work in the spring. The Board asked for a synopsis of the construction planned for the spring from the Parks/Forestry Department for the next meeting. See previous minutes for information that was requested. Draft Pr000sal for Policv on Park Develooment with Reaard to Environmental Site Assessment The Board reviewed the proposed policy on environmental site assessment. Ms. Freeman noted that Iiabilities are associated with construction such as what was done at Lovelace Park. The proposed guidelines could serve as an outline for the Parks/Forestry and Recreation Department to apply to upcoming projects. The Board agreed that Ms. Freeman produced a thorough document that should be of assistance I In future projects. The City should have a plan that they can present to contractors as part of the project specifications to ensure that the City reduces their liability. Several changes will be incorporated and Ms. Freeman will add the Boards recommendations. Mr. Lupton moved, seconded by Mr. Sciarra that Ms. Freeman revise the document with tonight s input. The Board unanimously approved the motion. Ms. Lutz will foreword to Mr. Gaynor as requested. Mr. Levinson suggested that documents from the Board be numbered in a logical manner for easy retrieval suggesting that perhaps a numerical order would be helpful. Lake IMichioan Ecosystem Partnership Mr. Lupton announced that the new Board of the LMEP will be meeting at the Evanston Ecology Center on January 17th. He noted that the grant cycle is open and encouraged submission of grants. Grant proposals can be geared to lakefront planning or perhaps bacterial counts at the beach (could be done through the Health Department). Mr. Lupton will have more of an idea after the LMEP Board meeting on projects likely to receive funding. The Board suggested making sure that all Departments in the City that might have projects meeting the goals of the LMEP be aware of the upcoming grant cycle. Mr. Lupton will contact the City Manager and Assistant City Manager and Ms. Lutz will contact the Health Department. Lown Mowor ReWe Program The City of Evanston Health Department is sponsoring a lawn mower rebate and gas can exchange for Saturday, May 200' at the Recycling Center from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM for Evanston residents. Gas powered lawn mower will be drained of oil and gas and properly disposed of in exchange for a $75 rebate on a push or electric mower. The Board suggested the following as ways to publicize the exchange: • Article in the Evanston Review and the Roundtable (could interview Mr. Lupton or Mr. Sciarra as part of the Environment Board, Mr. Lupton has a push mower) • Arts and Recreation Magazine (listed in the Ecology Center section) • Notify the District #65 PTA's to put in their newsletters • Notify the District #202 PTA's to put in their newsletters • Farmer's Market flyer • Put on the City Web • Put flyer in the local nurseries, Chalet, Anton's etc., Home Depot Enerav Commission Mr. Levinson reported that the Energy Commission discussed putting green standards in place for the City of Evanston. Mr. Levinson suggested that the Energy Commission speak with Mr. Sciarra who could provide background information on codes as well as green initiatives. K The Energy Commission also discussed power prices and cooperatives as well as other "futures" in home energy consumption. The situation is very fluid. Additional discussion focused on coal and future energy requirements. Providers will be local, regional, and national. Over the last few years Evanston has had fewer overloads on Evanston power lines resulting in less than maximum use and fewer power outages. New lines are planned to provide energy to new developments. The Board asked that Mr. Levinson to suggest to the Energy Commission that they recruit a Board member from NU, SEED, or other student organizations focusing on energy. Zoning Text Amendment No action Cltv of Evanston Stratealc Plan The Board reviewed the draft proposal of the City of Evanston Strategic Plan. Environmental issues are listed under goal #5 of the plan: To protect and optimize the ClWs natural resources with the Cltv leading by example -- a green Citv with green behaviors. The City of Evanston will have a public hearing on the strategic plan on Tuesday, January 24th at 7: 00 PM at the auditorium at Evanston Hospital on Ridge Avenue. Ms. Bryer noted that Evanston Energy Futures group is planning a coordinated presentation at the meeting. Mr. Lupton moved, seconded by Mr. Sciarra that Ms. Klevs read prepared remarks by the Environment Board. The Board approved the motion. The Board noted that the Comprehensive General Plan in 2000 had many environmental considerations that are good environmental guidelines. They questioned what would take precedence the Comprehensive General Plan or the City's Strategic Plan. EB communications with City Council. Boards & Commissions The Board agreed that they should make an appearance at the Human Services Committee meeting on an annual or semi-annual basis to keep the Committee Informed. Evanston Community Foundation Community Works Forum Ms. Bryer reported on the public meeting sponsored by the Evanston Community Foundation. She noted that the group was divided into three components: housing, environmental, and development. Ms. Bryer participated in the environmental group and reported that many ideas that the Board would approve of were presented. One goal was to get information out to the public to help produce an environmentally literate citizenry. The Board had several suggestions regarding environmental initiatives: The City should take a lead on conservation 3 • • A Sustainable Evanston vision needs to be developed • All City actions should be coordinated on conservation and sustainability There will be a wrap-up meeting on February 8t' for the Community Work initiative. Ms. Kinney reported that the Evanston Community Foundation received a challenge grant from the Grand Victoria Foundation. The goal is for the Evanston Community Foundation to give out local grants in areas and for concerns that represent the concerns of the community. New business Permeable driveways Ms. Bryer recalled the issue of permeable surfaces, especially as related to individual driveways as suggested by Debra Shore. Ms. Bryer and Mr. Sciarra researched the Evanston ordinances regarding driveways; there is no ordinance against a permeable driveway surface in the code but there is in the regulations. The issue is further complicated by zoning considerations. Ground water recharge is at the heart of the issue for promoting permeable surfaces. Ms. Bryer suggested that the Board take a position on this issue. Evanston Futures network is also considering taking on this issue. Increasing concern surrounds ground water recharging, More permeable surfaces will help to reduce surface run off. Ms. Bryer suggested that the Board write an amendment to the City's regulations on driveways. The Board requested that this item be on the February 2006 agenda. Clear air concerns at childcare sites Mr. Levinson noted that at a particular childcare location drop off and pick are confined to a small area leading to traffic congestion and air pollution concerns. Mr. Levinson is concerned that the environmental pollution problem caused by idling motors is a health concern especially for young children who are the most vulnerable. He suggested that the Board consider the issue. Plan Commission The Board expressed interest in finding out what the design guidelines are that were voted on for approval on the January 9, 2006 City Council meeting. The Board asked Ms. Lutz to request the guidelines for the Board. Mr. Sciarra was unable to find the guidelines on the City website. Next meeting The next meeting of the Evanston Environment Board will be Thursday, February 9, 2006 at 7:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center. 4 Evanston Environment Board February 9,'2006 NO QUORUM PRESENT Board Members Present: Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Janice Loughlin, Steve Lupton, Vicky McKinley, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Gladys Bryer, Torn Carey, Mardi Ktevs, Irwin Levinson, '. Gwen Burton Poole Visitors Present Joel Greenberg, Energy Commission Sara Goodman, Medill Journalism School Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Doug Gaynor, Director Parks/Forestry & Recreation (left 8:35 PM) P & D Committee Meetinq The P & D Committee meeting on Monday, February 27, 2006 has the IECC on its agenda.. " Successful passage out of Committee would mean that the IECC will be on the City Council's agenda on February 27, 2006 for introduction: provided approval is received the IECC will be on the City Council's agenda for approval on March 13, 2006. Board members can attend the P & D meeting which is currently slated to start at 6 PM on February 27, 2006. Clean Air Counts Board discussed the Lawn Mower Rebate program. The Board discussed the purpose of the Clean Air Counts program and the City's Health Department program. The Board's suggestion was for the Health Department to have a media blitz in early May. The Board suggested that the Health Department formulate a text -based flyer on the program that the City, Board and ' others can easily e-mail to environmental groups such as Evanston's Energy Futures. Using personal e-mail lists should distribute the information to a large number of interested residents. IECC Mr. Gaynor told the Board that the IECC will be on the P&D agenda for February 27, 2006. If the IECC passes out of the P&D committee it will be on the City Council's agenda for introduction. Board members are encouraged to attend the P&D meeting on February 27ttt: Mr. Greenberg noted that Jim Wolinski came to the recent Energy Commission meeting and told the group that the City staff had changed their opinion on the IECC. Mr. Wolinski said that the City is in support of the IECC. Mr. Wolinski had indicated that architecture firms will be self. certified regarding of compliance. Mr. Greenberg also noted that the City will be adopting the IECC 2003 which puts Evanston ahead of the state adoption of the IECC. Mr. Sciarra noted that Chicago has self certification. Mr. Sciarra also noted that the 2003 residential code has already been adopted by the City, Training programs that address the IECC can help firms through the self -certification process. Implementation and design guidelines need to be followed. Mr. Sciarra noted that self certification depends on the integrity of the architecture firm. The self -certification was generally believed to be a compromise to get the IECC passed at the state level as well as in 1 Cltv of Evanston Strategic Plan Mr. Lupton noted that he had received a letter from the City Manager to have the Board comment on the City of Evanston's strategic plan. Ms. McKinley noted the lack of attention to green space. The City should act to limit the lose of green space. It appears that there is no comprehensive way to tabulate how much green space is in Evanston. It would be important to track green space in an effort not to lose any more. Suggestions for the strategic plan can be directed to Mr. Lupton who will compile and review. The Board agreed that the City should have an organized approach to having the City adopt sustainable practices. The City could begin to survey itself to determine environmentally friendly practices done by each Department. With this kind of assessment the City could determine the current level of green practices and prepare a plan. The Board suggested that the City of Evanston look at other progressive environmental clues and learn how they are organized to meet environmental standards and sustainability goals. The Board agreed that they will submit at least three comments to Mr. Lupton. Drafts will be submitted to all Board members. Environmental Site Assessment The Board discussed the draft recommendation that the Board will be submitting to Mr. Gaynor. The document targets landfill sites that are currently City parks. The Board agreed that other departments would also need to follow the protocol. The Board suggested that Mr. Gaynor add. a list of the locations to the policy. Impervious Surface Mr. Sciarra noted that this reference goes back to the issue of CSO's. If less water ends up In the storm water sewage system a greater percentage of water will be reabsorbed and become part of the natural water table. The issue of ground water runoff over non -permeable surfaces adds more water volume to treatment systems; making surfaces more permeable would be . better for the environment. Mr. Sciarra noted that current regulations require non -permeable surfaces. The Board thought people should be encouraged to have permeable driveways. Alleys could be venues for permeable surfaces. The City could promote permeable surfaces. The City's civil engineers may be trained in green practices that result in reducing ground water run off. Desion Guidelines Mr. Sciarra told the Board that the Plan Commission recommended that guidelines for planned developments be adopted. Mr. Sciarra added that the document is comprehensive and addresses a number of issues. Mr. Sciarra has discussed the guidelines with the Planning Division. He offered to make comments and will send them to Tracey Norfleet. School Environmental issues Mr. Sciarra read that good design for schools promotes increased learning. Both Districts 65 and 202 are not doing a lot of new construction but perhaps articles like these would plant ideas with the school districts. Reports such as these could be sent to the superintendents and school board presidents, 3 Chicago. The P&D.committee is made up of all Aldermen. Mr. Sciarra will contact Alderman through e- mail regarding promoting the adoption of the IECC 2003. &ir. Greenberg offered the assistance of the Energy Commission. Mr. Sciarra will contact the chairman of the Energy Commission to do a joint communication. Lake Mlchioan Ecosystem Partnershio Mr. Gaynor reported that the COE is not ready to more forward with a grant initiative through LMEP at this time. The COE should be ready next year to apply within the time framework. Mr. Lupton reported that proposals have been received from Highland Park (ravines, and Rosewood Beach), Lake County Forest Preserve District, Alliance for the Great Lakes, and a plan for doing an ecosystem at Montrose Harbor. LMEP wants to push to be the representative for the CZM program. With Tammy Kwiatkoski leaving the program, the program has lost an advocate and the Alliance for the Great Lakes is moving to become the entity that will administer the CZM proposal process. Lovelace Park Mr. Gaynor told the group the only work to be done at Lovelace Park is planting. He noted that staff had met with the City Manager and Sara Silins regarding the Park. The matter is complete at this point. Mr. Gaynor will review the Environment Board's proposal for Park Development with Regard to Environmental Site Assessment. Ms. Freeman noted that the document Is targeted for the Parks/Forestry Division. Ms. Freeman thought that the policy would be beneficial for other departments. Mr. Gaynor noted that many of the Board's environmental issues are incorporated In the plan: He noted that there is not a consistent environmental strand through the Strategic Plan. Zonlna Text Amendment Arlova Jackson conveyed that the Zoning Text Amendment is on the agenda for the Plan Commission. The draft language was circulated to the Board is the same language the Board' submitted. Mr. Sciarra hesitated to say that there should be regulation of the amount of solar panels to be put on the roof. The current code limits the percentage of roof space that solar collectors can take up. Currently there is a limitation. The residence is question that sparked the debate on solar collectors is not particularly aesthetic. The Board indicated hesitancy to make specific limitations because housing stock is so different and each situation has unique characteristics. The Board wants to promote the use of solar collectors and reduce the barriers to green technology. Mr. Sciarra will be presenting this to the Plan Commission on Wednesday, February 151h. He' researched objections and found that the major complaint was how much of the collectors "poked" above the roof. The Board wants to give as much flexibility as possible to the homeowner.. 2 ,, Mr. Sciarra will research and send the complete summary to the Board. The Board can decide whether or not to act on this in March. New Business Environment Board awards Ms. Lutz will send out the press releases on the Environment Board's Environmental Stewardship Aviard nominations. The goal Is to have the awards presented around Earth Day (April 22). Specification of New Traffic Lights Mr, Sciarra requested the standard specifications on traffic lights. He was especially interested in the types of bulbs used in the traffic lights. Ms. Lutz will request the specifications. The Board assumes that the cost of initial purchase versus life time costs is a consideration in bulb choice. An LED signal lasts 7 years. Increase in recycling fees The Board discussed whether there is a proposed increase in recycling fees. The City should perhaps promote recycling by having no cost for recycling and a fee for garbage. The fee should be on garbage collection. The recycling fee is listed on the water bill. Most likely the GROOT fee is going up. If the cost was on garbage there would be more of a direct incentive to recycle. Health and Human Services Committee The Board requested that staff set up a meeting with the HHS committee to keep the committee informed of the current initiatives of the Board. _. Next meeting err., : t3 The next meeting of the Environment Board will be Thursday, March 9, 2006 at-7:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center. 4 Evanston Environment Board March 9, 2006 NO QUORUM PRESENT Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, iry Levinson, Janice Loughlin, Vicky McKinley, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Tom Carey. Judy Freeman, Mardi Kievs, Steve Lupton, Gwen Burton Poole Visitors Present Elizabeth Kinney Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Carl Caneva, Environmental Health Division Doug Gaynor, Director Parks/Forestry & Recreation (left 8:30 PM) Paul D'Agostino, Superintendent of Parks/Forestry (left 8:30 PM) Minutes Aaaroval Minutes from January 2006 and discussion from February 2006 were held until the April 2006 meeting due to a lack of quorum. Clean Air Counts Carl Caneva from the Environmental Health Division of the Health Department gave a presentation on the Clean Air Counts program which is a program for municipalities geared to reducing air pollution. The Health Department is trying to broaden interest throughout the City In Clean Air Counts initiatives. The City of Evanston is a bronze level member of the program and would like to work towards a higher level of recognition. As part of the program the Department will sponsor a Lawnmower rebate program on May 21, 2006 at the Evanston Recycling Center. There old gas cans will be exchanged for a new environmentaliy-friendly gas can that minimizes emission losses. In addition the lawn mower rebate program will allow you to turn in an old gas powered lawn mower for which you will receive $150 in rebates from Clean Air Counts and the USEPA. New mowers must be electric or push mower; the purchase of a new gas mower does not qualify for the rebate. Cleaner air quality is the goal of the program and can be achieved by removing older more polluting lawn mowers off the market. This is a one day event. Future issues the Health Department would like to work on include development of a City wide policy. Some grants are available for a diesel retrofit program. Currently, the City applies for a grant to run the program through Clean Air Counts, Clean Air Counts has governmental and private partners that provide funding including USEPA region 5 and the iL EPA. Mr. Caneva said there doesn't seem to be an incentive for companies with lots of mowers (cities, lawn care companies) to change their technology. No rebate programs are available for other gas powered lawn care appliances. The City is working with the guidelines of the Clean Air Counts program; the program is not a program generated through the City of Evanston. Mr. Caneva noted that public transportation companies can be approached in the future to work on clean fuel and ethanol, as well as electric buses. The Board discussed the uncertainty of fuel sources for the future; It's hard to know which alternative fuel source will experience the most z growth. Mr. Sciarra discussed Energy Star program components. He noted that appliances as well as home construction can qualify for Energy Star rating. Mr. Levinson questioned whether Evanston has baseline data on clean air. Mr. Levinson noted that it's important to see the effects of long term data. Mr. Caneva said his division (Environmental Health) has 3 people and does not do air quality monitoring at this point. Evanston's Air quality is determined by the 3 surrounding communities as well as prevailing winds that can bring pollutants from considerable distance. Mr. Sciarra offered the Board's help with any initiatives that the Environmental Health Division would like the Board's help. The Board thanked Mr. Caneva for his presentation. Enemv Conservation Code Joel Freeman and Mr. Sciarra went to the P & D meeting. Most aldermen were supportive. Alderman Moran asked for more information. Mr. Sciarra helped Community Development write the Council data sheet for the code. The issue is on the consent agenda of the City Council on March 13, 2006. The Board thanked Mr. Sciarra for his years of hard work. The Energy Commission has also provided support for the IECC. Zoning Text Amendment Mr. Sciarra met with Zoning Committee of the Plan Commission. They are still concerned about the aesthetics of solar panels. Mr. Sciarra will rework some of the language. The issue is the aesthetics as well as the amount of roof covered with solar panels. There is a lot of concern that the panels do not go above the roof ridge line. Mr. Sciarra says you have to have enough panels to have a reasonable buy-back period. In new construction with integrated solar panels there are no objections. House orientations can affect the placement of solar panels. strategic plan Mr. Lupton gathered the Board's comments and synthesized the comments Into a letter sent to the City Manager. The Board was pleased with the letter and thought it addressed the main issues of concern. Environmental Considerations with Park Oevelooment The COE response to the Environment Board's proposed guidelines was sent electronically to all Board members prior to the meeting. Mr. Gaynor reviewed the staff response. Mr. D'Agostino noted that neighborhood meetings were held significantly in advance of the park re -developments. Differences noted in the COE response were quite minor. Neighborhoods do receive mailings as part of the process. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the park development meetings. Discussion focused on these points (numbers refer to the COE response from the 2 . � '. r � ,- . r - . '-i.•--,.s'x,5e Yl;y!W;,t�k'r�' ,� ,y'.y.=.i,�'y,= Parks/Forestry Division) 11. Clay cap disturbances must follow the approved protocol. 14. Staff to follow protocol. Excavated material will be covered or removed when the cap is disturbed. 17. Mr. D'Agostino noted that communication is sent out early in the process. COE staff responded that there is no way to assess and thought it should be struck from the policy. 18. Information materials are housed in the Parks Department; information is available when requested by the public. Generally requests will be filled within 7 days. The public will be informed at the public meetings that this information is available. The Parks/Forestry Division will be working at the Robert Crown Center and .tames Park In the future and the guidelines should be useful in those cases. Mr. D'Agostino brought copies of the James Park Phase one plan; a copy will be forwarded to Ms. Freeman. Mr. Gaynor expressed thanks the Environment Board for the development of the guidelines and appreciated the Board's work. The Board expressed thanks to Ms. Freeman for all her work as well as thanks to Mr. Gaynor and Mr. D'Agostino for their timely action on the guidelines. Permeable Surfaces Mr. Sciarra is working on getting text in the body of the City code that will allow permeable pavers. The Ecology Center driveway will have permeable pavers. The pavers are not permeable; they are set with distance between bricks that allows for water absorption and recharging of water table. Dutch Elm Dlsaasf (QED) The Board asked several questions on the DED. 1800 trees were injected last year; only perceived healthy trees were injected. It will be interesting to see what the survival rates are this summer especially as the summer of 2005 experienced severe drought. In 2006 another 500 trees, larger than 10 inches in diameter, will be injected (this Includes signature and significant trees). Mr. D'Agostino will be watching and gathering data over the next two years to determine the health of the American Elm tree population. (Mr. Gaynor and Mr. D'Agostina left the meeting) Doolon Guldollnes No Report Green jehool Report Mr. Sclarra asked who should receive the letter regarding green schools; the letter would be sent to both school districts as well as Board of Education presidents. 3 i Documents suggest that green schools provide financial benefits as well as environmental and educational. Mr. Sciarra will draft a letter and the Board will discuss at the April meeting EB Environmental Awards The Board discussed the award due date. The Board will discuss the nominees at the April 13t' Board meeting. The Board asked that the award presentation be at the first Council meeting in May. Traffic liaht specifications LED is what is specified now in all COE traffic lights. New installations of LED traffic lights are at Dodge and Church as well as Dodge and Main. HSC April 3nd is the scheduled meeting for the EB to meet with the Human Services Committee. Ms. Lutz will confirm the date and get that information out to the Board. The meeting is to keep the HSC informed of the Board's work. New Business Network for Evanston's Future Ms. Bryer highlighted Creatinu a Sustainable Evanston forum on April 2, 2006. The group is bringing in Steve Cohen of the Portland Office of Sustainable Development. Ms. Bryer encouraged the Board to attend. Deslan Evanston Design Evanston has asked Mr. Sciarra to bring back the lecture on planned environmental communities which highlights a city in Brazil. Mr. Sciarra will work on the event which will in all likelihood be held at the Evanston Public Library. Garbage Pickup Fees Ms. McKinley related an article on a City which, in order to reduce garbage, weighs the garbage using a scanner. Garbage costs are based on weight. The Board thought this was an interesting idea to follow. Automobiles: Mercury Switch The Board noted recent articles which highlighted the recycling of a mercury switch. Now the Illinois legislature has mandated that the switch should be taken out before vehicles are crushed. Next meeting The next meeting of the Evanston Environment Board will be Thursday, April 13, 2006 at 7:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center, 4 Evanston Environmental Association Monday, April 3, 2006 7:30 PM Members Present: Jean Esch Gordon Guth Dave Kaiser Liz O'Connor QUORUM! rl<>i!t_j•.7.,l1 _tl. Members Absent: Jan Weeks, Zane Robbins, Marti Bjornson Visitors Present Paul Friesema, Northminster Church Peter Sawers, Executive Service Corps Jessie Feldman, Executive Service Corps Bob Vanden Bosch, Executive Service Corps Staff Present: tanda Lutz, Ecology Center Bird Sanctuary Develooment The Board acknowledged the gift of Dr. Patricia Frank and family for the restoration of the Ladd Arboretum's Bird Sanctuary area. The donation was made to the EEA. Mr. Guth noted that the run of the water feature is not as• long as the previous water feature., Mr. Guth noted that a longer run might have resulted in more "water noise". Mr. Guth discussed ideas and plans with Mr. Smith prior to the start of the redevelopment process. A project budget has been submitted. Disbursements will be made though a process of invoices presented to the EEA, not to exceed the budget and contract as presented by Ms. Frank and Mr. Smith. Mr. Kaiser moved, seconded by Ms. Esch to accept the donation from the Patricia Frank family for the redevelopment of the Bird Sanctuary. The Board approved the motion expressing their thanks and appreciation to the Frank family. Bv-laws The Board reviewed the proposed EEA by-laws going over each section for accuracy and intent. A copy of the revised by-laws is attached to these minutes. Mr. Guth moved to approve the by-laws as amended. Ms. O'Connor seconded the motion. The Board approved the motion to approve the by-laws as amended. Ms. Feldman volunteered to make the designated changes and will distribute those to the Board at the end of the month. oraanization President Complying with the new by-laws Mr. Kaiser nominated Ms. O'Connor as president of the EEA. The motion was seconded by Mr. Guth and the Board approved the motion unanimously. The Board thanked Ms. O'Connor for her willingness to serve as EEA president. Membershlo SurVeX No report Update an possible software for the EEA, jAkmbefshlo, omanization, financial Mr. Kaiser will continue to investigate Restricted Funds No report -J Tax areparation 2005 — 2006, . for tax I filing I ling and financial'au i audit. Ms. Lutz will check on several possible preparers Additionally she will check on the Annual Report filed with the State. Next Meetina of the EEA, The EEA will have a short meeting as part of the LAC meeting scheduled for May 1 (but will be moved to May 8) at 8:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center. ii;-. :fj= v, i I�j I!tf; I T-il ri -I P. f-I F q k'-I i f h pu�? i i i� J;IVI-I ov Evanston Environment Board April 18, 2006 NO QUORUM PRESENT Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Judy Freeman. Iry Levinson, - = Vicky McKinley, Len Sciarra Boars! Members Absent: Tom Carey, Dave Dankert, Mardi Klevs, Janice Loughlin. Steve Lupton.,., Gwen Burton Poole t . Visitors Present Elizabeth Kinney Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center .. ' Minutes Anaroval Minutes from January 2006 and discussion from February 2006 and March 2006 were held until the May 2006 meeting due to a lack of quorum. Lawn Mower Rebate Proaram The Board received publicity cards for the Lawn Mower Rebate program. The program is open to anyone (as required when federal funds are used). Rebates will be given on all gas powered lawn equipment including leaf blowers. Gas cans may be exchanged . for more environmentally sound gas cans. Rebate coupons require that a gas powered piece of lawn equipment be turned in. Human Services Committee Mr. Sclarra reported that Mr. Lupton talked with HSC about the work of"the Environment. Board. The HSC is interested in continued updates from the Board Zonina Text Amendment Mr. Sciarra met with the zoning subcommittee of the Plan Commission. The languageY was reworked however, the zoning committee Is still not satisfied with the proposed' " language for the solar panel text amendment. The sub -committee is definitely worried_ about aesthetics. Mr. Sciarra wrestles with how firm a stance should be taken as aesthetics are in the 'eye of the beholder'. Mr. Levinson suggested that efficiency and aesthetics need to be balanced. To be a valid energy producer, there would need to be a reasonable square footage of solar panels. The houses that are a problem are the ones that do not face south. Homes in this situation generally need to have raised panels that face south and are more visible. Ms. Bryer suggested that promoting solar panels and their use is the environmentally responsible thing to do. Perhaps determining a minimum amount of generated _`. electricity would be a better measure. Evanston has the most solar panels of a City in IllinolS: Most are out of compliance with the current code. Mr. Sciarra believes that by. attempting to reduce the amount of solar panels based on an aesthetic component may result in less use and a reduction in the alternate power source. OL For any given building you should be allowed to have panels equal to running the ' building minimally. Then aesthetic standards could come into the play for energy production beyond minimal building energy requirements. You should be legally allowed to build panels that allow you to recover your costs. The Board believes that the City would like to encourage alternative sources. And this regulation could be an incentive to encourage alternative sources of energy. This is a benefit to the community as it reduces draw on the power grid. Currently solar panels are marginally cost effective. Generally the payback will be achieved after 5 years. Mr. Sclarra will continue to work on the Board's behalf with the zoning subcommittee of the Plan Commission. Restrictive zoning will have the effect of reducing interest in alternative energy systems. Zoning code deals with aesthetics and this is the current area of discussion. COE Strateaic Plan The Board discussed the newly adopted COE strategic plan. They duly noted the environment goals and discussed ways the Board could participate in the process. The Board agreed that they would be able to review initiatives, be involved in evaluation and prioritization of ideas, as well as promoting education on environmental practices. The Board suggested that department directors should be talking to experts in their fields such as energy, transportation, parks practices, conservation, health services. public works, water and sewer, sanitation and the like. Research could be done on applicable best practices. The Board agreed that in order for the environmental plans to succeed that employees would need to be educated on how their work practices affect environmental goals. Buy -in is necessary for employees to maintain good green practices. For instance, the lakefront plan should be environmentally positive. The Board cited natural areas along Montrose. harbor that provide quality green space. The Board set up a sub -committee to work on the environmental components of the strategic plan (Ms. Bryer, Ms. Freeman, Ms. Kinney, and Ms. McKinley). Orive*av Pavia Materials Mr. Sclama reviewed with the Board a draft memorandum to Public Works Director David Jennings regarding permeable pavers for driveways. The Board finalized the draft and agreed to send it on to Mr. Jennings. Green Schools Initiative The Board reviewed the draft letters to District #65 and #202 regarding green schools initiatives. The Board agreed that the letters should be sent. Ms. Lutz will forward the letters: 2 ,,. r9 �4: � l ��•y Environmental Awards The Board reviewed and discussed names and organizations submitted for the 2006 Environmental Awards given by the Environment Board. The Board agreed on the following 6 recipients: Debbie Hillman: Network for Evanston's Future Steve Gravabic: ETHS alternative energy initiatives Steve Perkins: Network for Evanston's Future Richard Seaman: Local activist, Sierra Club, Friends by Nature Linda Lutz: City of Evanston Green Sanctuary Committee of the Unitarian Church: Sustainability initiatives The Board would like to present the awards at the City Council meeting on Monday, May 22. Ms. Lutz will confirm the date. An article for the Roundtable should highlight the awardees! Residential eeekeeoinq The Board discussed hobbyist beekeeping in Evanston. The issue stems from a 9' grader who would like to have a beehive in his backyard. A neighbor does not want it and the issue of a possible ordinance against private beekeeping will be discussed at the Human Services Committee meeting on May 1. The Environment Board did not have a quorum; although all felt that there should not be an ordinance against beekeeping on private property noting that bees provide the important environmental function of pollination. The Board understands that beekeepers must be registered with the state and are periodically inspected. Board members may try to attend the HSC meeting. At this point the Environment Board has no objection and looks at beekeeping favorably for a number of environmental reasons. Next MeetInq The next meeting of the Environment Board will be Thursday, May 18, 2006 at 7:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center. 3 r+ls,. •ia_ .,. ,• , ,ins;. S— . _ .., .�.. Evanston Environment Board May 11, 2006 NO QUORUM PRESENT Board Members Present: Judy Freeman, Elizabetn Kinney, Mardi Klevs, Steve Lupton, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Gladys Bryer, Tom Carey. Dave Dankert, Iry Levinson, Janice Loughlin, Vicky McKinley, Gwen Burton Poole Visitors Present Mary Gavin, Andrea Orcutt Staff present: Julia Carroll, City Manager Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Doug Gaynor, ParkslForestry and Recreation Dave Cook, Asst Director Facilities Management 4th Grade class at SL Athanasius: Ellie Sweeney, Lizzy Caan, Samantha Maltezos, Emily Flood, Claire Glavin, Emily Boylan, Hick Dowdle, Paul Phillbrick, Sam Bordo, Daire Dolan, Jake Casati, Michaela Flanagan, Angel Toledo, Hang Rune!, Paul Lucchesi, Teddy Keenan, Michael McCareins, Michael Consol. Parents and Teachers; Marya Flood, Cheryl Lucchesi, Sam Toledo Julia Bordo, Channius Philbrick, Lori Keenan, Mark McCareins, Ms. Leeds (Principal at St. Athanasisus) reen Roofs Stuu;inia in a 4th grade class at St. Athanasius have been researching green roofs under the direction of parent Lori Keenan and scheduled a presentation to the Environment Board as part of tonight's meeting. Students were accompanied by Ms. Leeds, the principal at St. Athanasius, as well as by a number of parents. Students researched green roofs making posters, reports, and models.. Students took turns reading from their research. The students encouraged the Board to have the City build more green roofs. They would like the community to be sustainable and follow environmental practices. They would like to keep Evanston "going and growing" and as well as be a nice place to live. Mr. Lupton noted that the students had highlighted all the good points of green roofs. The economy, the environmental savings, and clean air quality are all benefits of green roofs, Mr. Lupton said the Environment Board is an advisory Board. The Board can give recommendations to the Evanston City Council. Mr. Sciarra noted he is working on a national energy code and he would like to use part of the class's presentation as he works on this policy. He said that green roofs are part of a LEER system. If a building has a green roof, they get a lot of credit for a green roof, which translates into tax savings. Mr. Sciarra noted that green roofs last longer generally because of the protected roof membrane. Green roofs generally last twice as long as an average roof which is a substantial savings. The initial cost, however, is generally more. a Mr. Sclarra asked whether the group knew the difference between an intensive (very deep and have plants with longer roofs) and extensive (are shallower and the plants must have shallower roots). The students answered correctly! In green roofs soil does need to be watered. Some systems have watering systems built in. Plant materials that are drought tolerant are well suited to green roofs; sedum is a good green roof plant. Green roofs can reduce the ambient temperature substantially. The average cost range is about $20 a square foot. Mr. Lupton thanked the students for their research and input. Environment Board Minutes Minutes of the meetings and discussions from January 2006 — April 2006 will be held until the June meeting due to lack of a quorum Alternative fuels and fuel efficienev Ethan Chatfield could not attend tonight's meeting and the issue will be on the agenda for June 2006. Currently the City uses bio-diesel in their fleet. Kvoto Protocol (U.S. Mavor's Climate Protection Aareementj City Manager, Julia Carroll reported to the Board that the City is doing a survey of green practices currently followed in City departments and services. This information will be reported to the public after it's compiled. City Manager, Julia Carroll, stated that she had come to ask the Board for their help in evaluating whether the City of Evanston should adopt the Kyoto protocol. The Kyoto protocol is set up for countries; in the US principles of the Kyoto protocol are outlined in the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement which 227 US cities have signed. Ms. Carroll would like the Environment Board to quantify the reasons the City should pursue. Questions to be addressed in the discussion include how long would it take to meet the compliance requirements and would compliance be possible. Mr. Lupton noted that in the US Mayor's climate protection agreement one of the first things is to do is a survey. The Board noted there are 5 cities in Illinois that have signed on: Chicago, Carol Stream, Highland Park, Schaumburg, and Waukegan. Mr. Sciarra noted that a lot of the City's strategic plan covers the kind of issues that are covered in Kyoto protocol. There is no penalty for non-compliance. Periodic evaluation would be a process of self -monitoring. Ms. Klevs noted that in addition to the compliance goals and plan political acceptance needs to accompany compliance measures to be effective. Ms. Klevs noted that some work has been done. P) The Board is excited about moving forward with environmental initiatives. The Board determined two initiatives: 1. Support the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement by recommending it to the City Council -----the Council will need information to understand the implications of the agreement. 2. Help with interpreting what needs to be done, how factors are quantified, self -monitoring, and compliance measures. The Board 'thanked the City Manager for her environmental leadership and the opportunity to evaluate the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The Board began discussion on the Climate Protection Agreement. Andrea Orcutt, chair of the Global Warming subcommittee of Evanston's Energy Future, noted that the 1990 emission level is the national level. Compliance means 7% reduction below the 1990 levels which is really 23% reduced from today's levels. The Board supports the initiative and the item will have to be placed on the June agenda as there is not a quorum tonight. Ms. Carroll noted that Representative Julie Hamos coordinated a $75,000 one lime grant to develop an office of sustainability. Ms. Carroll would like to work In house with the City's green team currently headed by Dave Cook. Ms. Carroll noted that these measures need to be done in conjunction with the City's strategic plan. The Board agreed that this is the right thing to do at this time and would like to have the City keep thinking of ways to include green practices. The McCormick Boulevard project recycled concrete and asphalt consequently saving the City about $250,000. City of Chicago has done a self analysis and Ms. Klevs encouraged the COE to speak with the Department of the Environment. Enemv Emissions Grant There is an energy emissions grant due on June 9th that will divide about $600,000 to 5 or 6 communities. The focus of the grant is on how the community is going to move ahead to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Cook will work with Ms. Orcutt to draft a proposal. Additionally the Board suggested calling the IEPA to research the grant possibility further: the goal would be to increase the City's chances to get the EPA grant. Mr. Cook is involved in an environmental project management program where he had prepared an environmental project that will be working on the "Evanston Protocol from Greenhouse Gas Emissions". Segments of the human environment, greenhouse gases, and transportation will have an effect on ki i.�°j ;'"•:::" _ .. ... —. _..s .�. -' ,. .�.-1 �: ..c R... iw:i'Y'��.J =`T.�� ���iW sustainable practices. The Board reviewed the outline for possible effects that were not listed on the preliminary outline. Actions that reduce greenhouse gases and correlate into using less energy include the areas of: 1. Air Quality 2. Green Houses gases including Industrial 3. Transportation: different forms, hybrid vehicles, bikes, etc. 4. Looking at vehicle sticker information 34,500. Population is up a little due to condos. 5. Energy ---domestic uses, Electricity use. First base line use has to be established. CATS (Chicago Area Transportation Study/survey) has transportation numbers. Electricity figures can be determined from the tax that Com Ed has to pay on kilowatt hours used. Natural gas figures could be determined in the same way. The Energy Commission may have numbers and calculations already. Local bulk users include Northwestern, ETHS, the hospitals, and Presbyterian Home. The City of Portland's Global Warming action plan has a lot of useful information. This was distributed to the Board. It has multipliers etc. for calculations that may be useful in determining base line data. Mr. Cook told the Board that City staff working on environmental elements of the strategic plan (the Green Team) can be reached through GreenTeam a@cityofevanston .org. Currently they are conducting a survey on the City's green practices. Other information that the group will survey will include what departments would like to do as well as what are the obstacles they encounter. Ms. Orcutt's subcommittee on Global Warming will work with Mr. Cook on the grant application. Clean Air Counts The COE is sponsoring a lawn mower/equipment rebate program on Saturday, May 21 at the Recycling Center. Impervious Surface draft ordinance Mr. Sciarra will collect the attachments that should accompany the memo to Public Works and Ms. Lutz will send it off. It is apparent to the Board that the ordinance prohibits permeable driveways. Green Schools Mr. Sciarra will send a letter to both school districts which will include the executive summary of the data on Green Schools along with the website. Starting a dialogue with the schools is important. Additionally Ms. Klevs will send the USEPA healthy schools program for school packet. 4 yy"r.F�, , ate"_ _','t,'.. c - .i' f'' '. ' '-n•Ji.- •.r 1�� Environment Board Awards Ms. Freeman made an additional nomination of Louis Willis who is the oldest living member of the Traveler's Garden Club at 101 years old. Ms. Willis has been very singular in her support of Evanston beautification The Board agreed Ms. Willis should be recognized. New Business Green Roofs Ms. Kinney suggested following up on the student's presentation. Mr. Lupton will send a letter to Mary Gavin at the Roundtable complementing the students Global Warmina sub committee Ms. Freeman moved to accept the Kyoto Protocol and create a subgroup to work with the City to implement. Goals of the committee would be: I. Adoption and implementation of Kyoto Protocol principles: U. S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement 2. Work on setting up Implementation ZoninaText Amendment Mr. Sciarra reported that the group will be meeting again to work on language. Hobbvist Beekeenina The Board discussed the recent issue of hobbyist beekeeping in Evanston. There was some discussion on beekeeping in public places, best management practices. Some communities have regulation which include that hives 25 feet from property lines, others have hives in public spaces. Next Meetinq The next meeting of the Environment Board will be on Thursday, June 8 at 7:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Boulevard. 5 .a'. �`�5.. it j.;F�. '1.� �. I-.. ri- ♦ .- .. � - _ �. .. , � � � .{' ... ly jlfr4�. [lye � ' S fTir R��{. Evanston Environmental Association QUORUM Monday, June 5, 2006 8:15 PM Members Present: Gordon Guth, Dave Kaiser, Liz O'Connor, Zane Robbins Charles Smith Members Absent: Marti Bjornson, Jean Esch Visitors Present Paul Friesema, Northminster Church Sally McFall Elizabeth Kinney Sarah Breen Peter Sawers, Executive Service Corps Jessie Feldman, Executive Service Corps Bob Vanden Bosch, Executive Service Corps Staff Present: Karen Taira, Ecology Center The Board and visitors introduced themselves and were treated to a tour, given by Charles Smith, of the redesigned Bird Sanctuary. Presentations were made on the EEA and its mission and operation as well as the Ecology Center and its programs, classes and events. Mav 2006 Minutes Mr. Guth moved, seconded by Mr. Robbins to approve the May 2006 minutes. The Board approved the motion. Executive Service Corps Final Report Mr. Guth thanked the ESC for their efforts to organize the EEA into a more effective organization. ESC members noted that it is important to measure outcomes of projects. Appendix A of the report sets 13 standards that can be used. The ESC concluded that for the most part the EEA is meeting those standards. The ESC also noted that the standards should be acceptable to the City of Evanston. Mr. Guth noted that the by-laws now reflect a distinction between the EEA and the City of Evanston. Ms. O'Connor thanked the ESC for their help to the EEA noting that now benchmarks were in place for going forward. The Board was extremely appreciative of Ms. Feldman's efforts and help especially with her work on the by-laws. The Board will review the report and prepare to discuss at the next meeting. Ms. Bjornson, Mr. Smith and Ms. Esch will be mailed copies of the report. Next 11+Meetina The next meeting of the EEA will be on Monday, August 3rd at 7:00 PM at the Ecology Center Evanston Environment Board June 8, 2006 QUORUM PRESENT Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Elizabeth Kinney, Mardi Klevs, Iry Levinson, Steve Lupton, Vicky McKinley, Board Members Absent: Torn Carey, Judy Freeman, Janice Loughlin. Gwen Burton Poole, Len Sciarra Visitors Present Ethan Chatfield, USEPA Jennifer Dunn, USEPA Hal Sprague Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Dave Cook, Asst. Director Facilities Management Diesel Emission Reduction Program The Board welcomed Jennifer Dunn, Environmental Engineer in the Air and Radiation Division of Region 5 EPA. Ms. Dunn's presentation focused on diesel emissions. The EPA is concemed with particulate matter (PM 2.5) in emissions that can penetrate into the lungs as well as the formation of ozone. Region 5 is a non -attainment area in both. EPA programs focus on reduction in diesel emissions which can reduce air pollutants The Chicago area has a network of monitors for air pollution which monitor levels. If the EPA can make a voluntary reduction in diesel emissions, the EPA believes air quality would be improved. Sources of Diesel emissions include; 35% Is heavy duty trucks, 27% locomotives, 11 % construction, 12% agriculture equipment (not in non -attainment areas), 8% marine vessels, 4% autos, and 3% school & transit buses. From a regulatory point, standards have been tightened. Heavy duty trucks need cleaner fuel; diesel fuel will have new standards regarding sulfur levels. New fuel will have 97% less sulfur levels. Sulfur is one of the main components of particulate matter (PM). Ultra low sulfur diesel will hit the market in October 2006. Diesel engines are long lasting and turn over is generally about 30 years. Midwest diesel initiatives take a look at fleets and helps reduce emission. The USEPA has spent $25 million to implement projects. EPA is looking for private public partnerships to help reduce diesel emissions. Cities like Evanston should focus on their municipal fleet. Three options are: 1. After market treatment devices (solutions vary from S1000 - $10,000) Filters have to be replaced; some have to be used with low sulfur fuel. Grants are available. Chicago has used grants to retro fit refuse trucks (4 with filters, 76 with catalysts?) 2. Refueling (bio diesel, compressed natural gas, etc., Evanston has 20% blo-diesel) 3. Replacement/Retirement of older fleet Another avenue is to add construction contract language that has fuel requirements such as clean fuel usage, retrofit device installation, idling restrictions and the like. Retrofit requirements would include filters and catalysts. Policy implementation would include anti -idling ordinances (lower fuels costs, limit idling to less that 5 min in a 60 min period, exceptions for emergency vehicles, weather, traffic), anti idling for private fleets, as well as school and transit buses. Other programs include Smart Way Transport Partnership, voluntary partnership with freight industry as well as trucking, carriers and shippers. Identifying companies that might want to consider voluntary participation is an additional issue. Generally the incentive is fuel reduction with emission reduction as a sideline. Funding opportunities for diesel emission reduction include Clean Air Counts, DOT congestion mitigation funds which has a new emphasis on diesel projects, and money to retrofit municipal fleets. Mr. Cook stated that the City has half of the fleet running on bio diesel. The fleet manager has a no idling policy; enforcement is self regulating. There is a need a need to educate drivers. Initiatives could include tallying gallons or fuel used and see if there Is an incentive to reduce. The city is tracking overall usage, at this time it's unsure if it's being tracked back to mileage. The fueling station operation may be able to do some tracking. A positive approach to drivers should yield better results. The Environment Board could go to the Council with policy regulations suggestions. The Board thanked Ms. Dunn and Mr. Chatfield for the presentation and information on diesel emissions. Environment Board Minutes Ms. Klevs moved, seconded by Mr. Levinson to approve the Environment Board meeting minutes from January 2006, February 2006, March 2006, April 2006, and May 2006. The Board approved the motion. 0 of J uiv Parade Ms. Klevs discussed the idea that environmental groups could march in the Evanston of July Parade. The Environment Board could invite other environmental groups and there could be an environmental section in the parade. The Board could promote the US Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement. The Board agreed that it would be good to see if there was a response from other environmental groups. Ms. Klevs, moved, seconded by Ms. Bryer to invite environmental groups to participate in the 41" of July parade The Board approved the motion. The Ecology Center can help make a banner Ms. Klevs will invite environmental groups and we'll see what the response is. .Preservation Awards Mr. Levinson suggested that the preservation awards should include a green building Initiative. N Kyoto Protocol/ US Mavor's Climate Protection Agreement Mr. Cook presented to the Board the `Policy Environmental Impact Statement for Evanston Illinois' as developed by Mr. Cook and a student resource group from Northwestem. The goal was to look at the different aspects of Evanston signing on to the US Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement; 227 US cities have signed on. The group produced a document which the Board reviewed as a power point presentation. The Board agreed that when presented to the City Council the Council needs to know that the Environment Board has adequately researched the pros and cons of the Climate Protection Agreement requirements. The Mayor's agreement adopts all the principles of Kyoto which is designed for countries (163 countries have signed on). Some data was difficult to determine. ICLEI (Intemational Council for Local Environmental Initiatives) has software that helps project data backwards and forwards. The City's kilowatt hours and natural gas costs are being tracked now by the City Clerk. Mr. Cook is looking into how gasoline fuel can be tracked within the municipal operations. Electricity usage numbers were not readily available from ComEd; this could be part of the franchise agreement. The situation is somewhat adversarial. It's hard to know exactly what the data numbers were in 1990. If more time was spent (a lot might be required) the numbers could be narrowed. For this analysis national data was used. Global warming potentials (gases hold heat at different levels) consider a number of different gases. The general data reports carbon equivalents for all gases. Taking no action according to the Mr. Cook's analysis would result in continued increases over time. In order to reduce emissions, the City must determine what action is appropriate. Reductions can come from transportation, residential, waste management and the commercial sectors. 178 industrialized nations have signed the Kyoto Protocol, 2 refused. The US accounts for 25% of the worlds greenhouse gases. Kyoto will press forward without US support, eventually waiting to decrease emission now will make it more painful later. Air quality can only get better with commitment to greenhouse gas reduction. Vehicle Emissions Vehicles account for 80% of all air pollution. As the largest contributor, this should be one of the first things addressed. Alternative fuels may be a way to begin to affect emission levels. Data for Chicago should be fairly accurate for Evanston. Health effects Cleaner air should reduce air related health issues. This is a side benefit: have a beneficial reduction in air related illnesses. Global warming has seen changes in the ecology of diseases; e.g. warmer climates are more conducive to new disease cycles (west Nile, etc.). In terms of acid rain: a side effect of reducing greenhouse gases will reduce acid rain. Reduction in acid rain will reduce deterioration of our building, and improve the qualities of our surface water. Economic Imeacts Economic impacts of clean air initiatives Include affecting the short term costs of consumer decisions like e.g. retrofits, solar panels, and hybrid vehicles. Long term cost 3 y ..w ifs _ r. — — _, , .t .. •rt •X savings include reduction in energy costs due to increased energy efficiency as well as increases in new job markets. Voluntary guidelines for individuals could be developed for citizens including information on windows and other retrofits. Once life cycle costs are considered the economic benefits become clear. Short term costs will be higher due to the implementation of new technology. This implementation will have long term cost benefits. Conclusions Mr. Cook said the goal of the presentation is to present the issues so the City Coundl can evaluate the pros and cons of signing on to the US Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement. The groups identified both pros and cons and concluded that the trade offs were positive. It has taken150 years of Industrial Revolution to get where we are today. No one knows how long it will take to reverse the climatic trends that we are seeing today. It is clear however, that no matter how long it will take, the No Action alternative will take longer. .In the Board's discussion with the City Manager, it was agreed that the Board would submit a written document in August to the City Manager discussing whether or not to sign on to the US Mayor's Climate Protection agreement prior to a Council meeting in September. The City received a grant through State Representative Julie Hamos for $75,000 to be used to establish an office of Sustainability Mr. Cook additionally reported that Hal Sprague and Andrea Orcutt helped with USEPA Diesel Emissions grant which was sent off June 7, 2006. Mr. Cook also noted that Evanston should investigate being a Sierra Club Cool City. Ms. Kinney and Ms. McKinley will meet with Mr. Cook and Ms. Lutz to determine an outline for the presentation including the benefits of signing on. Mr. Lupton will work on the presentation and be the spokesperson at the Council meeting. Ms. Klevs agreed to find supportive documents. Next Meetina: Thursday. Julv 13.2006 The next meeting of the Environment Board will meet on Thursday, July 13 at 7:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Boulevard. 4 A'YT' o ST TL _ ?�F. T•rt- f .• _{,r_, I tom+ _ ' I, - �,. iv? E �:Ia -;3 - - 7.}?t aT.^` 'P_.."RiP'I �' •.. • Iz,, r: n,,; : _ :�.'�: :+•N._ _��....;t. Evanston Environmental Association (QUORUM Monday, July 10, 2006 8:00 PM Members Present Jean Esch Members Absent: Visitors Present Staff Present: Dave Kaiser Liz O'Connor Zane Robbins Gordon Guth Paul Friesema, Northminster Church Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Potential Board members The Board discussed potential Board members as well as the types of skills that the Board needs to move forward as an organization. The Board agreed to extend an offer of membership to Sarah Breen. Mt. Kaiser will contact Ms. Breen. Next Meetinq The next meeting of the LAC will be on Monday, August 7th at 7:00 PM at the Ecology Center. Evanston Environment Board July 13, 2006 QUORUM PRESENT Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Elizabeth Kinney, Mardi Klevs, Iry Levinson, Vicky McKinley, Gwen Burton Poole Board Members Absent: Janice Loughlin, Steve Lupton, Len Sciarra Visitors Present Hat Sprague Staff present: Karen Taira, Ecology Center Dave Cook, Asst. Director Facilities Management Doug Gaynor, Parks/Forestry & Recreation June 2006 Minutes Mr. Levinson moved, seconded by Ms. Bryer to approve the minutes of the June 2006 The Board approved the minutes. US Mavors Climate Protection Aareement The Board spent considerable time reviewing the draft of the presentation that will be done before City Council to support the position that the City of Evanston should sign on to the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The Board discussed the amount of information that should be given in a power point type presentation versus the amount of Information that the City Council should have to make a well informed decision. The Board generally agreed that a shorter, concise verbal presentation would be ideal and voted 6 — 3 to present a shortened version. A hard copy of the presentation In its current form could be given as an enhanced document. The Board reviewed the document page by page and proposed changes such as: • Providing references on data slides • Present bullets and less text • Review "Evanston directly affected" section; add increasing cost/decreasing availability (board voted 4 to 2 to add) • Consider environmental backgrounds that are non-descript City of Evanston Green Team Mr. Cook discussed the City of Evanston's Green Team. The employee group is currently doing a survey of the City's environmental practices, working on creating a citizen's group to do a survey of the City's green spaces, working on a job description for a newly created office of sustainability, preparing a preliminary job description as well as soliciting slogans similar to "all green all the time" as part of the City's initiatives. A quarterly report is due to the City Manager mid -August. Ms. McKinley suggested having the person responsible for the green space Inventory come to a Board meeting before moving forward. ;;.��cy�t ��:.'..-, __d _ -. �� ... . • -y 'l�. _ �!f�' .. '!': •. t. '•a__�.�r-f,�..E��,,;t e.,.a s..r ti; .M ♦15_ .. �. "'''�=�R'� �. t fr`•L�, Old Business The emissions grant proposal was submitted in early June. No response has been received. Auoust Meetinq Ms. McKinley moved, and the motion was seconded cancel the Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 10"' clue to tacit of a quorum. The Board approved the meeting cancellation. Ms. Bryer moved, seconded by Ms. Freeman, that any interested and available Board members meet on August 24`" at 7:30 PM to work on the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement presentation. The Board approved the motion. Next Meeting: Thursday. September 14. 2006 The next meeting of the Environment Board will meet on Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 7:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Boulevard. 2 I Evanston Environment Board September 14, 2006 PRESENT Board Members Present: Board Members Absent: Visitors Present Staff present: NO QUORUM Gladys Bryer, Elizabeth Kinney, Mardi Klevs, Vicky McKinley, Steve Lupton, Len Sciarra Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Iry Levinson, Janice Loughlin, Gwen Burton Poole Nancy Wagner, Cameron Davis, have Ulrich, Jane Lupton Linda Lutz Ecology Center Doug Gaynor, Parks/Forestry & Recreation July 2006 Minutes Mr. Sciarra moved, seconded by Ms. Bryer to approve the minutes of the July 2006 meeting. The Board approved the minutes. North shore channel Mr. Gaynor discussed a short letter received from Alderman Jean -Baptiste to Julia Carroll asking about the possibility of aeration in the north shore channel. Alderman Jean -Baptiste noted the stagnation In the canal water and expressed concern. Mr. Gaynor referred the letter to the Environment Board. Mr. Gaynor will send the letter to the Board. Initially the Board noted that MWRD has jurisdiction for the canal. localized aerators may be ineffective and impede navigation. Ms. McKinley noted that the Board had discussed side stream aeration. The Board recalled that they had discussed aeration with Dick Lanyon of the MWRD and the conclusion was that water flow needed to be established first. The Board said that they could help draft a request to MWRD regarding the aeration issue now that the City has identified this as an issue. Mr. Lupton will prepare a draft for the October meeting. The Board noted that North Shore Channel discussions should include neighboring communities. Zoninu Text Amendment Mr. Gaynor asked the Board to comment on the zoning text amendment regarding solar panels. The Board was asked for their comments at a September 11, 2006 meeting. Comments were also solicited from the Energy Commission. The issue will be on the P & D agenda on October 23, 2006. Currently the issue revolves around aesthetics versus what might be necessary solar panel coverage for effective energy savings. The Council Is interested in hearing all sides of the issue. Generally the Board thought that any restriction on the square footage of panels that is less than the square footage of the roof has implications for sustainability. Mr. Sciarra will prepare a piece for presentation with some of Initial issues and observations. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Cameron Davis, executive director of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, introduced Dave Ulrich, who is the director of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. Mr. Ulrich gave a history of the organization which stemmed from an initiative of Mayor Richard Daley to organize cities that have a stake in the Great Lakes. Currently the organization has 29 cities as members and was funded by the Joyce Foundation through 2006. Now ;he $190,000 organization's budget will be funded through dues paid by member cities. The goal is to have 40 cities as members at the end of 2006 Membership for Evanston would be S4.000 per year if the City chose to become involved. The organization gives cities a voice in the Great Lakes, develops an exchange of best practices and advances Great Lakes protection, especially as a unified voice for the Great Lakes in Washington D. C. A number of organizations address water quality, water conservation and water accessibility. What is unique about the cities initiative is: • local elected officials and municipalities have a very pragmatic Great Lakes interest • they are In close proximity to the resource • they represent people who are most affected by the resource ■ they create a sense of urgency ■ they have an orientation to practical solution For Evanston the Initiative would offer an opportunity for Evanston to be part of the Great Lakes community, learn best practices from other Great Lakes cities, expand a national scope to the lakefront, as well as being part of a unified voice In National politics and policies. The Initiative works on funding opportunities for members. A City signs on to the initiative program through their mayor. Initial funding for the program came through The Nature Conservancy and the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Most cities use water department funds for their dues. Some communities have contributions from the cities that receive water from the City located on the Great Lakes. In our case this would mean a contribution from Skokie as Skokie receives Evanston water and has a vested Interest in a good water supply. Locally there is a North shore Great Lakes group that has a several meetings but is not formally organized at this point (through Steve Mandel, Highland Park City Council). Board members noted that Representative Julie Hamos is on the Great Lake Commission and may have something to contribute to the discussion. Managing the Lakes resources is beneficial to all communities along the Great Lakes. Mr. Ulrich will forward the business plan for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. General consensus is that global warming will result in tower take levels, less frequent but more intrusive events (rain, flooding, etc.), as well as increased evaporation of lake water. MWRD draft storm water management plan Ms. Bryer discussed the draft storm water management plan formulated by the MWRD. A link to the plan was sent via electronic mail to all Board members. Ms. Bryer would like to Board to comment on the plan U. S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement The Board discussed the presentation to the City Council on the U. S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. The Board reviewed the presentation Mr. Lupton and Mr. Sciarra will present the power point presentation at the meeting on September 23, 2006. General information on the Agreement as well as background information will be sent to the Council in their weekly packet. The evening of the presentation the Council will receive a hard copy of the presentation as well as a document that dovetails the City of Evanston's strategic plan with the Initiatives of the Climate Protection Agreement. 2 Next Meeting: Thursday, October 12, 2006 The next meeting of the Environment Board will meet on Thursday, October 12, 2006 at 7:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Boulevard. • 3 Evanston Environment Board October 12, 2006 QUORUM Board Members Present Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Elizabeth Kinney. Vicky McKinley, Steve Lupton, Len Sclarra Board Members Absent: Mardi Klevs, Iry Levinson, Janice Loughlin, Gwen Burton Poole Visitors Present Joel Freeman, Gary Peterson, Nicolas Scmousetoc (Evanston's Energy Future) Staff present: Dave Cook, Asst. Director Facilities Management Julv 2006 and September 2006 Minutes Ms. Kinney moved, seconded by Ms. McKinley to approve the minutes of the July 2006 and the September 2006 meeting. The Board approved the minutes. US Mayors Climate Protection Apreernent Mr. Cook reported to the Board that the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement is on the City Council's agenda for Monday, October 23, 2006. The Council will most likely pass a resolution to sign onto the agreement. Zonina Text Amendment Mr. Sclarra presented a power point presentation on the history and background of the text amendment and process. The Board reviewed. The general conclusion that the current language is • Too vague and leads to controversy • Does not allow for flexibility and improvement • Does not encourage more participation New text should be developed that reflects a sustainability point of view. Mr. Sclarra will make the presentation at a future Planning and Development Committee meeting. MWRD Storm Water Manaaem3nt Draft Plan for Cook Countv The Board discussed the proposed draft storm water management plan proposed by MWRD. A motion was made and seconded to approve a letter from the Environment Board thanking the MWD for consideration of the issues. The letter would be signed by Mr. Lupton. The Board approved the motion. North Shore Channel aeration tissue The Board discussed the letter they received in the Board packet discussing a possible aeration solution for the North Shore Channel. The proposed system in the letter would not be ideal for the North Shore Channel. Mr. Lupton is working on a response. Great Lakes St. Lawrence Cities Initiative The Board discussed last month's presentation on the possibility that Evanston join other Great Lakes cities as members of the Initiative. The Board will collect information. A strategic plan from the GLCI was forwarded through electronic mail to all members. Dues In the GLCI would be approximately S4,000 for Evanston. Evanston' Global Warming Initiative Ms. Bryer said the world has turned in Evanston and green initiatives are moving to the forefront. Currently the Environment Board has no representation on the Network for Evanston's Future except in the transportation group. The Board should be represented, City Manager Julia Carroll will be part of the Earth Month initiative. Ms. Bryer suggested that the Board co-sponsor the event. The next meeting will be at Lake St. Church on October 260' at 7:00 PM. Both Julia Carroll and Steve Perkins will be speaking on October 22 at the Climate Crisis summit to be held at Northwestern. Lake Michigan Ecosystem Partnership Ms. McKinley discussed the first meeting of the take Michigan Ecosystem Partnership held at the Ecology Center. Both Ms. McKinley and Ms. Lutz were elected to the Board. Ms. McKinley will serve on the grants committee and Ms. Lutz will be on the strategic planning committee. GIS database software will help prioritize resources. Last year was the first year grants were funded through the Partnership. Mr. Lupton asked for information on grants that were awarded to the Partnership during the last funding cycle. Attendees included USEPA, City of Chicago, Alliance for the Great Lakes, City of Highland Park, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Park Districts (Highland Park, Chicago), IDNR, and a number of other conservation agencies. New Business Bicycle Grants Ms. McKinley noted that the State of Illinois has put out grants for bicycle grants. The Board suggested contacting Representative Julie Hamos and have the City work with bicycle grants as a part of addressing transportation mandates. Composting Ms. Freeman suggested having foremost composting expert John Midole speak to the Board at the November 9, 2006 meeting. He will be in town. Ms. Freeman will make the arrangement. Draft Ordinance on Green buildings Representative from the Evanston Energy Futures presented to the Board a skeletal draft ordinance on Green Buildings. The proposal is organized around the LEED building rating system. The goal is of the Energy Futures is to have a presentation ready for the City Manager in January 2007. Mr. Sciarra and Mr. Dankert will investigate. Other information to collect included the percentage of fees generated by HVAC in residential re-habs. Next Meeting: Thursday. November 9, 2006 The next meeting of the Environment Board will meet on Thursday, October 12, 2006 at 7:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Boulevard. Important Dates Monday, November 13, 7:00 PM (approximately) Presentation on the Zoning Text Amendment to the P & D committee. 2 M Evanston Environment Board November 9, 2006 QUORUM Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Iry Levinson Elizabeth tGnney, Mardi Klevs. Vicky McKinley, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Janice Loughlin, Steve Lupton, Gwen Burton Poole Visitors Present John Madole, Biomass Energy Systems Doug Johnson, Environmental Intelligence, Minneapolis) Staff present: Linda Lutz, Doug Gaynor October 2006 Minutes Mr. Levinson moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Ms. fryer. The minutes were approved. Recordina Board Presentations In the minutes Ms. Lutz will keep a record of presentations, as well attachments, and suggested language for things like the text amendment with the minutes. Comnostina for 5ustainabltity Ms. Freeman introduced John Madole, and Doug Johnson, who are knowledgeable in the conversion of yard waste, urban tree waste, and other organic material into methane. The general premise is that there are opportunities to use several different kinds of conversion technology. Burning is not a conversion technology. Gasification takes heated material and turns It into a gas; typically methane and hydrogen that can be burned as a clean fuel. The process converts the material into a different form that can be stored. Anaerobic digestion results in methane gas. High and medium temperatures are required. Medium temperatures are the least costly in the anaerobic process, generally suited too low for solids. Pathogens in waste are not killed when burning occurs at 90 — 115 degrees Generally closed disposal systems have different kinds of digesting bugs than occur in aerobic decomposition. Sulfur compounds are released in air rich composting as there are few controls during gas release Thermophilic digestion is expensive, occurs at high temp, kills pathogens In waste, as well as makes a lot more bio-gas. As a comparison windrowing technology costs $15 - $46 and a comparable thermophilic digestion is (EcoGorp) $26 - $66. Landfills cost for the same amount are $13 - $27. Numbers are lifecycle costs per ton. The range is without by products. A mini digester processes 5- 10 tons per day which equals 1 packer truck. Linden Hills Minneapolis is piloting a program using the mini digester that uses energy to heat as well as decompose. A combined heat and power system digester costs around $150,000. Digestion requires using grass clippings, leaf and brush waste from urban tree waste. A source separated organic system would use kitchen waste, pet feces, food trays, etc. You do not always need to separate; separation of wastes may result in less smell. Minneapolis gets close to 90% compliance. What is important is organic material that is not recycled. Using a mini digester is a great way to increase recycling. School food scraps -great material for digestion. Bulk agents like wood debris and yard waste are great for composting after digestion. The resulting methane or steam can be used for heating. This biogas is used by hospitals in Sweden as well as fleet use. Food processing, sludge, yard waste are all usable. The problem is that you need a continuous supply on a continuing basis. High quality compost can recover nutrients for fertilizer as well as compressed natural gas. S4 billion per year of natural gas sales were marketed in the Chicago area in 2000 Conversion technologies provide the same amount of heating and steam for 20% less than natural gas. A continuous supply of materials is required to get that savings. Gasification The gasification process heats materials to 1500 - 2000 degrees. It produces synthetic gas (syn-gas), breaking it into smaller molecules like methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide. Syn-gas bums more cleanly than natural gas. It is not good for heavy metals and needs a large market. Electrical generation is only economical with a significant thermal (steam) market. Conversion Technology vendors will come to town, build the facility, install and operate it In exchange for a long term contract 10 plus years. The feasibility of making it work and figuring out the end market (heat, etc) are crucial, Most vendors want to develop a relationship with the community before the investors invest. A mini digester would fit Inside half of this room but would be 2 stories high. Cleaned gas would be sent to a pipeline, or near -by hospital gas boiler for heat or cooling. It can be pumped underground. Location Is Important. A district heating system is important and should be kept within a 4 - 5 block area for optimum performance. Things to determine are out the size, what would be the feedstocks (type of waste), and match feedstocks with power and demand. Less money is made selling "waste" as electricity. Selling the product as steam, hot water, etc. is 3 times more economically viable. Deciding where the energy is going to go and the amount of energy you need is paramount. As a single generation site, there Is less pollution etc. District heating is efficient; payback maybe longer, and in the long term cheaper, as well as more efficient A district heating system in Minneapolis is located near a science museum. This makes It easier sell to the community as the municipality helps with the infrastructure costs. It is Important to do a feasibility study and determine what would be effective for individual communities. A digester is like a living system and has to keep going. Evanston might consider suggestions for a new city hall that use alternative energy, 2 Indlviduals might get tipping fees by making the city have no haul zones. Generally it costs more to haul than to dispose of waste. Minneapolis discounts garbage fees for not hauling. The Board thanked Mr. Madole and Mr. Johnson for the informative presentation. Green team The Board suggested that the City's Green Team consider that the franchise agreement should have green source energy. The City should also install cost cutting measures. The Board asked it the minutes of the Green team could be sent to the Environment Board. The composting presentation could be shown to green team, Energy Commission, as well as Public Works. Issues with the franchise as well, alternatives to waste hauling in terms of digesters, should be available. A copy of the presentation was left with the Board. US Climate Protection Agreement Mr. Sciarra has a matrix of how Oak Park determined emissions. Ms. Lutz with copy and distribute to Dave Cook. The information may be helpful In determining how the City of Evanston will figure out their benchmark. Zoning tent Amendment Presentation to the Planning and Development Committee will be on Monday November 13'". Lake Mlchioan Ecosystem Partnershia Currently the group is working on strategic planning as well as developing guidelines for grant proposals for the 2007 grant cycle. North Shore Channel Ms. Bryer moved, seconded by Mr. Levinson to approve the draft letter by Mr. Lupton to Alderman Jean -Baptiste regarding the North Shore Channel. The Board approved the motion. Mr. Levinson noted that Northwestern environmental engineering have researched several projects that have looked at aeration ideas for the north shore channel. Dick Laynon, now General Superintendent of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District has also met with the Board several times regarding the North Shore channel. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLCI) Ms. Bryer moved, seconded by Mr. Levinson to recommend that the City of Evanston join the GLCI. The Board reviewed a list of research, looking at different organizations that focus on the Great Lakes. The Board additionally recommended that City of Evanston staff be involved in the GCLI in order to get the most out of membership. Mr. Gaynor will take the recommendation to the City Manager. Earth Month Ms. Bryer announced that there will be another April meeting on global warming Initiatives. Julia Carroll will discuss what has happened in the last year. Ms. Freeman moved, seconded by Mr. Sciarra that the Environment Board be a sponsor of the event. The Board approved the motion. Coastal Zone Management Ms. Lutz and Mr. Levinson will represent the City on this Initiative. Information will be forwarded on the status of the current proposals. The application for IL to be part of the Coastal Zone Program will most likely be completed in spring of 2007. Permeable pavers. The Board voted to recommend to Public Works director David Jennings that permeable pavers be a part of the City infrastructure. Portland Oregon's storm water management system makes use of permeable surfaces. Mr. Sciarra will copy the Green Team as well as send a pdf. Fuel emission grant Mr. Cook reported that the fuel emissions grant was rejected. Mr. Sciarra will continue to work on the school bus converter systems. The Chicago Public Schools announced in November that a portion of their school bus fleet is changing to ethanol fuel. Next Meetinq The next meeting of the Evanston Environment Board will be on Thursday, December 14 at 7:30 PM at the Ecology Center. 4 Evanston Environment Board December 14, 200E QUORUM Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Bill Gallagher, Iry Levinson Elizabeth Kinney, Mardi Klevs, Steve Lupton, Vicky McKinley, Gwen Burton Poole, Eli Port, Len aciarra Board Members Absent: Visitors Present: Staff present: Judy Freeman, Iry Levinson Liese Dallbauman Linda Lutz The Board welcomed 2 new members: Bill Gallagher and Eli Port. HMmber 200E Minutes Ms. Klevs moved, seconded by Ms. McKinney, to approve the minutes of the November 2006 meeting. The Board approved the minutes. Eyanftn Wager issues Liese Dallbauman addressed the Board as a member of the Water Committee of the Network for Evanston's future. Ms. Dallbauman and Gina Lettlere are moving on an agenda of water quality and native landscaping. The goal Is to save water resources. Ms. Dallbauman Is interested in the Board's past work as well as working with the Board on future initiatives. Issues include storm water management: possibly improving water quality In the North shore channel by having storm water runoff going into the channel and Improving the flow. The Board has presented plans to the City on this, The Board noted that the City has talked in the past on reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides on City properties. The Board thought that the City and school districts are using integrated pesticide management practices. Some schools are proactive on lawn care. The Board noted that former Board chair, Sharon Lieberman, was very active in getting a state law passed regarding pesticide use on school grounds, The Board discussed changing ordinances to encourage native landscaping. It may be an appropriate time to pursue the ordinance and policy changes. The City of Evanston sells water to approximately 12 communities at a low cost. There appears to be no Incentive for the suburbs that the Evanston sells water to, to conserve water. This should be examined to see what the situation is regarding water, Ms. Bryer noted that the ordinance regarding driveway surfaces calls for non - permeable surfaces. Ms. Bryer suggested that the current City ordinance should be amended to reflect a sustainable focus. Storm water is being sent to the sewer system; this water could naturally filter through the ground and be usable here versus being absorbed through the storm and sewer system which is processed and eventually heads down the Mississippi River. The goal would be to keep more water locally, saving clean water in the ground through more permeable surfaces, and rejuvenate the ground water system. Ms. Dallbauman thanked the Board for their time and will continue to investigate water issues and working with the Board. PeMeable Surface Process The Board suggested that the section of the City Code dealing with impermeable driveway surfaces has to be changed. Mr. Sciarra thought this did not need to be an ordinance and could addressed through guidelines that are determined by the City. The first step would be to investigate in the City where the language should be changed. Ms. Lutz will check with Public Works Director, David Jennings, where is the appropriate place to begin to work on this issue Green Team Process ReDart Ms McKinney reported on the Green Team reports. The Environment Board committee reviewed minutes and reports of the Green Team. In general the committee thought the organization of the goals and objectives might be more apparent if there were focus areas. The Green Team reports will be Included with the hard copy of the Board's minutes. The Board thought to be more understandable there needs to be a report focus. Also it would be helpful to broaden the scope of the report and make the reports a little more usable. Ms. Lutz will take the report to the Green Team. Ideas for the future should Include what divisions and departments are committing to do now that they are not doing currently. It would be good to set up a tracking system/matrix based on Kyoto guidelines. New initiatives should be established. The goal Is to figure out what has to be done. Initiatives that are being reported to the public should be more focused. Generally departments should report their use, initiatives, and accomplishments. The report could be formatted. Many departments are not reporting. With some redesign and requiring all departments to respond, a better idea of current practices as well as future focus areas would be evident. The focus should be on future sustainable practices. With the City signing on to the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, formats/matrices that show progress on sustainable goals are available. A baseline should be determined. As a part of the process the City's codes need to be looked at in terms of sustainability. The policy should be aligned with the goals of the Council. `a There are some issues that everyone could comply with now like recycling, double siding, use of recycled paper, soy based ink etc. Ms. Lutz will take the Boards suggestions to the Green Team. Mr. Sciarra moved, seconded by Mr. Lupton, to pass the Board's suggestions along to the Green Team. The Board approved the motion. Zoning Text Amendment Mr. Sdarra will be meeting with the Zoning Committee. The Council would like to have a more liberal policy. Mr. Sciarra and Mr. Lupton will renegotiate ideas With the Zoning Committee. A problem seems to be coordinating among the various committees and determining common issues and overlaps of jurisdiction. Draft Green Buildina Ordinance Evanston's Energy Future made a presentation at the October meeting. Ms. McKinney noted that the City of Chicago applies their ordinance only to City buildings. Chicago gives Incentives to builders/developers for green practices. The City of Chicago does require white or green colored roofs. LEED certification is not demanded by Chicago. The Board thought Evanston City buildings as well as new buildings should be LEED certified or meet the LEED standards. Normal, Illinois and Santa Monica CA, as well as other places require this. The bulk of the LEED certification requirements deal with energy efficiency measures. New energy codes are due out in 2007. Compliance with sustainable initiatives could result in fast track processing. Time can be money for larger development projects. The City's Community Development Department should be focusing on getting something in return. Mr. Sciarra, Mr. Dankert and Ms. Kinney will work on developing a proposal regarding incentives, Ms. Bryer moved, seconded by Ms. Klevs, that the proposal from the Board should be that City buildings should be LEED certified. The Board approved the motion (10 in favor, 1 opposed). Developments should be encouraged to be LEED certified, and propose energy efficient measures. JUorth Shore Channel The Board responded by letter to a request from Alderman Jean Baptiste on a possible aeration system for the channel. fiWt Lakes and St. t.gwrence Cities initiative A presentation was made to the City Manager by Dave Ullrich and a 9 representative from the Mayor's office in Chicago. The City was not convinced that Evanston should join at this time and will revisit the proposal In the budget deliberation process. 3 yQhA,Warmina xnitiativgI Ms. Bryer reported on the Evanston Future's April 2007 seminar. The first step Is looking for sponsorship by non profit organizations. The Mayor of Madison will be the keynote speaker. Evanston City Manager, Julia Carroll, will update what the City of Evanston Is doing. Ms. Bryer is looking for break out sessions that would be relative. The goal is to involve citizens, civic groups, non -profits, and school districts. The Board noted that District 65 just upgraded facilities dealing with boilers and lighting. The District has done some green initiatives. Northwestern's Engineers for Sustainability run shuttles on fryer grease. The Center for Neighborhood Technology has given grants to congregations for energy audits that might help with their heating bills. If District 65 and 202 came to the event there might be more interest by the school district in green practices. Mr. Sciarra noted that he had sent a report on green schools to the schools. Now Mr. Sciarra is working on bus fuel alternatives. Catalytic converters can be used in school buses effectively, but most buses are privately owned so it's a bit tricky to Impose requirements or incentives. A Green Team could be set up by schools. The impact on teaching kids sustainability has overwhelming educational value. How do you get the students involved? Figure out how to be active and figuring out how students can contribute is a challenge. Dewey School has a very strong environmental program with Pat Cleveland. Involving teachers/administrators is key. The Board suggests that there could be an organized environmental contingent for the 4t' of July parade. The proposal could be plugged at the Earth month event. Mw Business Mr. Sciarra will work on the alley paving memo. Next Meetinq The next meeting of the Evanston Environment Board will be on Thursday, January 11, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the Ecology Center. 4 Evanston Environment Board February 8, 2007 NOQUORUM Board Members Present: Dave Dankert, Bill Gallagher, Mardi Klevs, Steve Lupton, Eli Port, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Gladys Bryer, Judy Freeman, Elizabeth Kinney, Iry Levinson, Vicky McKinley, Gwen Burton Poole Visitors Present Rachael Patten, Tom sundertend NU's SEED co-chairs Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center John Burke, Transportabon Director COE Storm water mpnagement Ordinance The Board thanked John Burke, Evanston's Transportation Director, for coming to the meeting. Mr. Sciarra reviewed the Boards' history on alley paving including the Board of Local Improvements. Mr. Sciarra thought this was a good opportunity to introduce permeable pavers and began that effort in 2003. In 2005 the Board's interest was piqued again when an individual wanted to put In a driveway with permeable pavers and found regulations did not permit this. The Board suggested adding language that includes permeable pavers in the guidelines. Using permeable pavers in alleys is another question. Mr. Sicarra thought at least people should have the options. Mr. Burke noted that Public Works only regulates residential driveways In the public way not on private property. Previously aprons were concrete based on the fact that concrete is more cost effective than other materials. The City has a brick paver specification for use on driveway aprons and is looking at updating its specifications for permeable pavers as well. With regard to public alleys, the City is looking at permeable pavers as part of a ground stormwater management program to reduce stormwater impact on the City sewer system. Public Works is visiting the City of Chicago to see their permeable paver alley pilot projects in March. Mr. Burke suggested that there could be a menu of options including pavers, concrete, asphalt mixes, and others. The City is responsible for maintenance of the apron. The maintenance of permeable pavers may require special care. Currently alleys are a 50 / 50 homeowner/ city responsibility. The MWRD regulates stormwater management. The goal is to release less water directly into the sewer system and allow for more ground infiltration where possible. Currently the streets are designed to flood during heavy rain events so the sewers won't back up. The rate of release of stormwater as it enters the public system Is restricted. New regulations require long term maintenance of the stormwater system. Mr. Burke noted that some more sustainable stormwater control practices have been tried in Evanston. He noted that NU had implemented infiltration beds under some of their playing fields to absorb stormwater directly. He pointed out that the new building at 1800 Ridge has permeable parking areas. Mr. Burke additionally mentioned that Optima had installed green roofs in some of their buildings. Now developments are required to release at a rate of 0.15 cfslacre into the City systems, so developments have to have detention facilities. The City is looking at ensuring that these detention facilities are properly maintained so that they can continue to be effective. Mr. Port remembered that under the current storm water management plan water Is supposed to be curb to curb. The flooding in the street was a bit surprising as a lot of water collects but he noted that it dissipates relatively quickly. The Board noted that good ground water management practices might be helpful to maintaining lake levels over time. There is no ordinance that prohibits permeable pavers. Developers can satisfy the City's storm water detention policy by installing them in parking areas. Current ordinance/driveway regulations are limited to the aprons; the driveway regulations are for the public way. Pavers are allowed; there are brick paver specifications. The City realizes that people are interested in permeable systems and would like to develop the specifications that will accommodate this. Mr. Port talked about grass-crete. Mr. Burke said that this product seems to be best used best in drive areas and can get a bit slick with ice if it's in a public way/pedestrian walkway. Sand and salt may affect the filtering of permeable pavers. If the fines between the interlocking bricks gets filled with cigarette butts and the like, water has a harder time filtrating. This is the first layer between the interlocking pavers and the substrate (sand dirt, clay, mixture). There may be a problem with horizontal tree root growth and permeable pavers. Topsoil may have to be watered more frequently because it's so permeable. The Board was very encouraged by the ideas that Mr. Burke discussed. The MWRD is redoing their regulations to be more environmental, paving the way for communities to move forward on sustainable development. Generally it is believed that permeable pavers are more costly and maybe more costly to maintain. Future incentives might focus on the long term costs, e.g, like reducing water headed for sewers for treatment. _ - -_ .{rarer •- +s f NU has some filtration fields, some green roofs, and some permeable surfaces. The City can inspect as well as learn from these alternatives for future use as well as developing guidelines. The City can regulate private developments and public projects can be take advantage of new technologies. Stormwater management techniques require inspection which will come from the public works department. Shopping malls and new development may be able to incorporate blo swales, or some strategies that will keep water from the sewers. A new stormwater management ordinance is being considered to deal with these regulations. Some places are now putting in a retention area or tank in order for water to be released at the City approved rate. Other strategies might include other ground water management systems. Rain gardens, permeable paver parking lots, and retention areas are other alternatives. David Jennings is working with a consultant to develop the new stormwater ordinance that will be brought to the City Council this spring. Rubber sidewalk is another alternative that Is porous and adjusts well to tree roots. The ordinance is geared towards new development. This will filtrate down to residential. The Board thanked Mr. Burke and complimented him on the progress his department is making regarding environmental alternatives. Draft Green Building Ordinance Mr. Sciarra reported that the draft Green Building ordinance is not too far along. He's found some examples from other communities and created a website where these can be accessed. The SEED folks could help with this aspect. The goal is to pass a Green Building ordinance and the plan is to draft an ordinance that all new buildings have to be LEED certified. Priority right now is gathering ordinances from other communities. The first step is figuring out what other cities are doing and what should Evanston. The ordinance should cover future trends and note what might work, and what might not work. Ms. Patten and Mr. Sunderlend would be very interested in getting some SEED folks working on this. Payback periods with just LEED certified is equal to regular construction; with silver it may be a 6% additional cost. John Buck Corporations just did a LEED GOLD which sold out immediately; they made a huge profit. Why ? The trends are that large commercial buildings are leasing quicker with LEED certified. If LEED certified can be built with no additional costs then the City should require LEED certified. Especially if there is no cost to it, Mr. Sciarra has different cost data. This should be the next big push of the Environment Board. Zo in Text Amendment Mr. Sciarra thought that there maybe a meeting scheduled soon solar panels. 5ustainablllty Goals The Green Team is waiting on a Sustainability Action Plan. The Network for Evanston's Future organization continues to plan their big Earth Day event: Calculating baseline emissions is a priority. Mr. Port suggested checking electricity and gas as well as counting registered vehicles. The alternative would be to check a national model. Transportation might be harder to determine; especially public transportation vs. commuting long distances. The Board discussed the action plan developed by the Board's subcommittee (and submitted by Ms. Bryer) for the Green Team. Ms. Lutz will forward the Information to the Green Team. Enerav Commission The Board was delighted to hear about the new energy franchise agreement and that it included renewable energy credits as well as a 20% level for renewable resource generation. The Board appreciated the efforts of Dave Cook of the Facilities Management Department in securing the new contract. The Board agreed to send a short letter to the Energy Commission congratulating them on the franchise agreement. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative The Board was excited to hear that the City had signed on to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative. The Board will draft a letter to the City Manager regarding GLSLCI and the important step that the City has just taken. Coastal Management Plan Ms. Lutz reported that that at the recent meeting of the Lake Michigan Ecosystem Partnership, Frank Pisani, state coordinator for CMP, gave an update on the process. Papers on specific areas are being written and reviewed. The program is being modeled after the Indiana program. The paperwork will be submitted to the federal government late in 2007 or early 2008. Lake Mlchloan Ecosystem Partnership grants Pre -proposals were reviewed by the grant review committee. Evanston is not applying for a grant this year. Environmental Awards The Board will be presenting the 2006 environmental awards at the April 23`d meeting of the City Council. Press releases have gone out with proposals due back April 5`h. The Board will determine award winners at the April Board meeting. Diesel Next month the Board will discuss diesel fuel and school buses. Information is needed on reducing particulate emissions, the effectiveness of traps and retrofits. Ms. Klevs will research some information. Some problems are being resolved by cleaner fuels. Ms. Lutz will check and is when the bus contracts are due for District #65 and ##202. Water Devartment The Board expressed interest In meeting with Dave Stoneback of the Water and Sewer Division. Discussion will include GLCLCI and water protection. Stvrofoam The Board received and inquiry from Alderman Rainey on Styrofoam. Some cities have Instituted a ban on Styrofoam. Ms. Lutz has some Information and will provide a list of pros and cons for the Board to discuss at the March Board meeting. Next Meetinq The next meeting of the Evanston Environment Board will be on Thursday, March S, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the Ecology Center. all Evanston Environment Board March s, 2007 QUORUM Board Members Present: Dave Dankert. Bill Gallagher. Mardi Klevs, Iry Levinson, Steve Lupton, Vicky McKinley, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Gladys dryer. Judy Freeman, Elizabeth Kinney, Gwen Burton Poole, Eli Port Visitors Present Gemariah Borough, Liese Dallbauman Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Dave Stoneback, Superintendent of Water/Sewer Discussion with Dave Stoneback. Superintendent of Water/Sewer Mr. Sdarra and Mr. Lupton reviewed for the Board that they talked with a developer of the Belmont Steel site at a Plan Commission meeting. There did not appear to be environmentally friendly storm water management practices involved in the development. Mr. Sciarra and Mr. Lupton discussed this and noted that Evanston's policy now looks at flow rates through a storm water management ordinance. Would the City be interested in promoting: more natural areas and systems for storm water management, alleviating water from being discharged into the sewer system and looking at natural water recharging? Currently the City requires a certain release ratio into the system doesn't make any restrictions. Evanston doesn't have the acreage to develop more natural areas. Lots of areas are difficult because of high clay content. Economics is the big driver for the developers. The board suggested some kind of Incentive strategy could help. Mr. Stoneback said that the new storm water management ordinance will have the City being more restrictive than the MWRD. The water department dictates the rate of discharge. Regulations cover hooking up to the combined sewers. Permits, incentives, etc. are handled by different parts of the City, not the water and sewer department. Various options can be addressed by the developer. Green practices such green roofs and permeable pavers, result in credits to the developer regarding reducing the overall volume. Volume is determined by the amount of area that storm water is falling on, and the volume Is calculated. Different things like the permeable pavers and green roofs have a different rate of permeability. While the systems perform optimally at installation, the real issue is if these systems are maintained over time. Combined sewer discharge goes into the TARP. Storm water may discharge Into the northshore canal (mostly from the streets). If design features reduce storm water runoff accommodations are made. MWRD does not want to treat storm water because of the potentially large volume. Mr. Stoneback said that the City will begin to have someone inspect these features though the Water/Sewer division. This policy will be developed over time Inspection costs are: ■ $2.000 permit to review the developer's detention ■ S200 a year to inspect The goal is to filer water into the soil through a more natural process. In Evanston areas east of Ridge can drain better and accept the water better due to sandy soil. Areas west of Ridge have lots of clay and the issue is totally different. General drilling has to go down 60 feet to tunnel through it easily. The sewer discharge rate looks at impervious surfaces. Schools and churches tend to have the largest amounts. There is no way to meter discharge so the MWRD bills through the property tax. The City of Evanston has a different structure based on the calculated volume of water coming into the storm water system. The Board suggested looking for some incentive such as if the City is delivering less water to the MWRD to be processed then rates should be less. With a flat fee charged by MWRD it's hard to find an incentive. Long range sewer project The City of Evanston is locked into a $199 million sewer project. The City has to raised $12 million to pay down the debt through 2013. Most is done by selling water. Green communities need to go to the MWRD to look at incentives to reduce the amount of water going into combined sewers. Tax credits could be done for storm water management not based on land size but house size. Accommodations for permeable surfaces etc. could be built in. Street areas are more impermeable that residential areas according to Mr. Stoneback. If 50% of homeowners did something there would be tremendous Impact. Single family homes have to run down spouts to the ground which creates standing water which people don't want in their yard. Creating water savings such as rain barrels for use in watering your garden will result In less water use. If you save water you won't be paying as much. Storm water detention is required. Suggestions for reducing the amount of water released into the water treatment system include: Have some streets go into city created areas that are allowed to flood during a storm. For a day or two after a storm event, the water could be held to percolate slowly Into the ground. ■ Park design could be more environmental in their design 01 • Technology for pre -treating storm water and releasing it into the Lake Is available, especially combined with an artificial wetland. However people want to use the lakefront in a naturalized setting. Mr. Stoneback thought large projects would be expensive. The Water and Sewer Division has one more contract to award. The current sewer project will finish being funded in 2013. There may be other infrastructure projects that may be in need of capital improvement. The Board suggested that long term planning would be effective with a goal to get as much water as possible out of the combined sewer system and TARP. Perhaps the best way is to look at a long term plan and take baby steps towards reducing the amount as well as keeping up street maintenance. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities initiatives Mr. Lupton noted that one of the justifications of signing on to GLSTCI was to be able to lobby for funding that is good for Lake Michigan as well as combining conservation efforts. Regarding the long term strategic plan and iakefront plan, can storm water runoff measures be part of that plan? Mr. Stoneback noted that the lakefront has 3 storm sewers that discharge to the Lake at Lincoln, Roslynn, and Milford. Parking lot runoff goes into the combined sewers. Mr. Stoneback indicated that It is better not to take storm water to the lake, there would be lots of treatment facilities required to be able to discharge into the Lake. Ms. McKinley asked if there been any discussion on reducing the amount of road salt used. Some new salt spreaders reduce the use of salt noting that the speed of the truck determines how much salt is discharged. Ms. McKinley said that when it's really cold, salt is less effective. An additive can cause the salt to work at a bit lower temperatures. Mr. Stoneback replied that one year sand was used, due to a lack of salt, and that created problems for the drains. Lakefront Plan The Board would like Department Director Doug Gaynor to come to a meeting and discuss the Lakefront planning process and progress. Perhaps the current lagoon could be made more functional and permeable. City of Evanston Water production Water conservation goals include increasing the aquifers that go Into the Lake. Reducing the amount of water into the combined sewers can help. Soldier Field Is sending water to land percolation and eventually to the Lake. MWRD has Storm Water Councils that are supposed to help cities. The MWRD just legislated to be in charge of storm water management. This should provide a regional focus. Mr. Stoneback can bring this up at a MWRD Council meeting. He noted that the MWRD has been very successful at their primary task: maintaining clean 3 .. - � •{; _ __ < .,, i�. mr`FR't ;-;+`.vim 1 .�:...ixf�`�4u'i water in the lake. The locks have not been opened in 6 years; an accomplishment which MWRD is quite proud of. Mr. Stoneback said that there are 45 year contracts with the City's water consumers. A Northwest Municipal Conference Water Commission created an initial contract in 1985 which has been extended twice. The original contract has a calculation of depreciation: the reopened contract simplified the method of calculations. The original rate would be better for the City of Evanston. The Northwest Water Commission is paying the least amount; Skokie is paying a reasonable amount. Member communities of Northwest Water Commission are paying a higher water rate. On water bills, one quarter of the bill is the water rate and the rest Is the sewer. The sewer rate is what makes the water rate in Evanston higher. The City's treatment plant is rated at 108 million gallons a day. Currently the Evanston facility processes 45 million gallons a day. The allocation is from the IDNR; the allocation is adjusted based on usage. If the City of Evanston sold more water its allocation could be increased. The City is always looking for more customers to buy water. Most of the Great lakes cities are fighting to get less water taken from the Lake. Each community, for example Skokie, has its own allocation.. Operations at the City of Evanston water treatment plant use natural gas not electricity to fuel their operations. A water rate ordinance passed in summer 2006. Users are billed on their meter size; so you pay more if you use a larger size as businesses would. lowered rates cover single family homeowners. Businesses and commercial properties pay more. NU Is the largest user and largest contributor to the sewer plan. Evanston Northwest Healthcare drains to the channel. Mr. Sciarra will look into getting GIS to overlay topography over the sewer map. Public Education Initiatives Mr. Stoneback is required to have a sewer prevention plan which includes a public education plan. Battery recycling as well as other initiatives can be Included. Public education is an important component. The Environment Board could help by continuing to be advocates of good environmental practices. Public education can be channeled through the Ecology Center. Mr. Stoneback said the biggest problem facing the system is illegal dumping. Other important issues include bulk refuse collection, hazardous waste collection, putting inappropriate items in drains, litter and low recycling rates. Some communities have painted stencils on drains and created systems for dumping E f oil. Looking for incentives not to change the oil in the alleys is a priority. Cleaning up the litter around homes and reinforcing environmental habits all help with public education. Used computers are increasingly problematic. Chicago has a -permanent facility for electronics open one day a week. The Board thanked Mr. Stoneback and looks forward to working with him. 5tvrofoam ban The Board will review additional material relating to a small trend in some communities to ban Styrofoam as a segment of waste reduction. Next Meetinq The next meeting of the Evanston Environment Board will be on Thursday, April 12, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the Ecology Center 5 Evanston Environment Board April 12, 2007 QUORUM Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer. Dave Dankert, .Judy Freeman, Bill Gallagher, Elizabeth IGnney, Mardi Klevs, Iry Levinson, Eli Port Board Members Absent: Steve Lupton, Vicky McKinley, Len 5ciarra, Gwen Burton Poole Visitors Present Anna Frostic, American Lung Association Liese Dallbauman, Gina Lettiere Eleanor Revelle, George Varela (Evan. Comm. Foundation) Staff present: Linda Lutz. Ecology Center January 2007 minutes The Board approved the January 2007 Environment Board minutes. February 2007 minutes The Board held the February 2007 minutes to review in May. Ms. Lutz will e-mail copies of the minutes to Board members to review. March 2007 minutes The Board approved the March 2007 minutes noting that Mr. Port was present at the meeting. IL Campaign to Clean Up diesel Pollution Anna Frostic from the American Lung Association spoke on the Illinois campaign to Clean Up Diesel Pollution. Municipalities can look at the type of vehicles they own and apply for pollution control devices. The goal is to reduce pollution especially particulate matter emissions. The campaign is looking for the Board's support. The Board can look over the materials and consider signing on to the campaign. Initiatives include: Adopt comprehensive legislation to mandate diesel pollution reduction technologies and strategies • Support State funding matches for federal sources, including the Diesel Emissions Support for the Reduction Act of 2005 and the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program • Equipping CTA and Pace buses and other public diesel fleets with Diesel Particulate Filters that eliminate 90% of diesel pollution The Board said they had tried to work with the local school boards. Ms. Frostic can provide information to the Board on this issue. Ms. Klevs will contact Ms. Frostic regarding school bus initiatives. Similar measures could be done for the buses that the City operates. Green Communities Fund Eleanor Revelle explained the Green Communities Fund of the Evanston Community Foundation. The Fund was established to strengthen environmental efforts throughout the community. They wanted to discuss with the Board what they consider to be important environmental issues and challenges. Ms. Kinney discussed policy issues including a green building ordinance and appropriate text amendment changes regarding solar panels. Energy issues would include under -developed energy sources such as geothermal and perhaps wind. Ms. Freeman mentioned anaerobic composting and digestion in terms of solid waste as well as the long term project revitalizing the Northshore channel. Environmental goals should stimulate action by individuals, non -profits, as well as the City of Evanston. Climate change initiatives at the high school provide another area to explore. Some funds could be leveraged in this area. Current initiatives that the City has endorsed include the US Mayor's Climate protection agreement and the Constellation New Energy agreement to provide power to the City. Organizations will have to be a 501 c3 to receive funding from the Green Communities Fund. Compact Fluorescents Mr. Port explained that he supports small projects that are achievable with good payoffs. Mr. Port thinks compact fluorescents fit those criteria. Lighting Statistics for Evanston • ComEd reports 808 KW hours per month with no electric heating • Lighting is a major consumer of electricity. • Evanston lighting consumption is 207 million kWhrs • Compact fluorescents use about 25% of the power of an incandescent • Converting to half of Evanston residential lights could reduce carbon consumption by about 8200 tons and eliminate 28,000 tons of greenhouse gases Compact fluorescents eliminate carbon emissions and Cot; cost is about $2 a bulb and saves S46 per lamp per lifetime of the bulb. Mercury content is also a consideration: a single compact fluorescent saves 10 regular bulbs and a single CF has approximately half the mercury content of a single incandescent bulb. Mercury recycling should be considered. 2 CF Subcommittee formation Mr. Levinson, Mr. Gallagher, Ms. Kinney and Mr. Port will form a subcommittee to work on this initiative for Evanston. Mr. Port will chair and the goal of the program will be to promote the use of CF bulbs. Mr. Levinson notes that in a conversation with City Manager Julia Carroll funds may be available to for Committee/Board work. To access these funds a Board/Committee chair should request funds. Water conservation and quality subcommittee Ms. Lettiere spoke about how she and Ms. Dallbauman have worked with water quality issues. They would like to propose to the Board that the Board consider forming a water sub -committee. Current City of Evanston initiatives include a storm water management ordinance which is great news. The ordinance provides reduction in retention rates when storm water management adaptations are made. Encouraging permeable surfaces is a positive action. Other water related issues include illegal dumping and promotion of natural habitats. Ms. Lettiere and Ms. Dallbauman would like to participate in the outreach efforts. If a water sub -committee was created they would help with the public education component. The Board will check with Mr. Lupton and Mr. Sciarra for their interest. Ms. Bryer moved, seconded by Ms. Klevs to form a water conservation and quality subcommittee. The Board approved the motion. The subcommittee will need a chair. Styrofoam The Board discussed a referral for a local Styrofoam ban. Mr. Levinson will review. Mr. Levinson related some history on Styrofoam Ms. Freeman said that Styrofoam comes in so many types and colors; it's hard to recycle, takes up a lot of space in the landfill, and is not ground up as waste. Ms. Lettiere added that Styrofoam comprises a large part of the litter collected on litter drives. Litter issue probably prompted the complaint. Mr. Gallagher will find out information on new recycling initiatives that involve Styrofoam. Mr. Levinson thinks that Styrofoam is not harmful to the environment and can be ground up. Today's product can be used for inert filler, not releasing dangerous fluorinated gas, poisonous byproducts or subsequently methane. Styrofoam will bum and therefore there is no reason to restrict its presence in normal home waste. Global Warming Forum Ms. Bryer discussed the forum on Global Warming sponsored by the Network for Evanston's Future on Sunday April 29 from 1:45 — 5:00 PM. Ms. Bryer reminded 3 17, the Board that each cosponsor was supposed to make a commitment to reduce greenhouse gases in the coming year. Mr. Lupton will be leading a break out session on the Northshore channel for the forum. Energy Commission Mr. Levinson reviewed the Energy Commission's new direction in terms of conservation. He reported that the Energy Commission will contact the Environment Board about a role in collaborative responses to environmental issues. A potential issue in nn energy policy. Sustainability Coordinator The Board expressed interest in meeting with Assistant City Manager Rolanda Russell and the new Sustainable Coordinator. The Board would like to discuss suggestions that the Board developed previously as well as look at new goals. Contact list Mr. Dankert suggested keeping lists of board visitors so the Board would have contact information. Ms. Lutz will set up a file. Next Meetinq The next meeting of the Evanston Environment Board will be on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the Ecology Center Attachments to Minutes: Eli Port, Compact Florescent Lamp Program for Evanston 4 Evanston Environment Board May 10, 2007 QUORUM Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Bill Gallagher, Elizabeth Kinney, Steve Lupton, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Mardi Klevs, Iry Levinson, Vicky McKinley, Gwen Burton Poole, Eli Port Visitors Present Walter Kihm, Cyrus Development Gina Lettiere Gemariah Borough Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Carolyn Collopy, Sustainability Coordinator Doug Gaynor P!F & R Director February 2007 minutes The Board approved the February 2007 Environment Board minutes. April 2007 minutes The Board approved the April 2007 Environment Board minutes, Cyrus Development Corps Church Street Development Walt Kihm, President of Cyrus Development Corps, relayed that Cyrus Is developing 20 town homes on the former Hines Lumber site. The development is using geo thermal heating and cooling; one of the first in the area that uses geothermal. Cyrus has teamed up with Constellation Energy who Is putting in geothermal wells. The project is currently In the infra -structure phase. A vault has been completed which will be used for storage of run off, Capturing the water and letting the water slowly release into the sewer system Some of the run off may be used for landscaping. Permeable pavers are being used. In the geo-thermal construction 400 foot wells provide a closed system for air conditioning and supplement hot water heating. Anything that could be recycled has been, and some is being re -used as well. Non-VQC paint and carpeting are being used. Residential stoves will use natural gas. This project is close to Completion. Nothing has been hauled off the site. Panelized construction has reduced the amount of material waste. Almost 50% of the units are sold at this point. Mr. Kihm was questioned about the value of green in the real estate market. He replied that Cyrus has advertised the green aspect, others developers are just learning and are getting excited about it. Costs are a bit higher but the long term saving can easily be shown. Part of the marketing aspect is to look at the area as a neighborhood with a very good mix of people, young, older, and empty nesters. Employment initiatives were advertised in the Roundtable. As a result the project is using a lot of local kids, all young men coming off the streets, who are learning to work on the drilling rigs. Cyrus Is very proud of using a local workforce. ,. .. � � It � .� ... - {,- - � �'i.'�� .. - ..- � .i.-m�- was.;- �,.t.;•�l _a+in� The next project for Cyrus is a 140 unit development across from Fleetwood Jourdain. Mr. Kihm would be interested in ideas from the Board for this new development. Plans are for 20 three unit buildings. 40% will be classified as affordable housing with units priced at $160,000. This housing will be on site. They will not be paying for a variance. Cyrus would like to stay green and be affordable. Affordability comes with density. Townhouses and 6 flat units are not a risk. The goal is developing a market for green affordable housing west of Green Bay Road. Units would have 5 stories on Emerson and 3 stories on the rest of the site. The site should change the neighborhood and create a presence that is safe and saleable. Cyrus is looking at supplemental geothermal heat; use of solar would depend on the direction of the houses. For passive solar, you would need specific sighting. I17dy Energy has been subsidizing the insulation costs. Costs are about 2 %: times the amount of money to install. The installer discounts and unit owners will finance it for 3 years, For first 4 years unit owners pay S100 a month, which will be the cost of the subsidy. This rate still runs below utility rates. This is a no cost to the developer. Landscaping is planned with native vegetation. Church Street has a berm that separates units from the transfer station at Church. Some green space is planned and with a park like area in the plaza. Mr. Kihm will let the Board know when interesting environmental work is going on at the site. Ms. Lutz can coordinate possible tours of the installation. The Board applauds Cyrus's efforts at green development. The Board Is interested in having more green development in the private sector. The market alone won't push the green train along. The Board wondered if the City has impediments or can offer incentives to foster green building. The Board has worked with the City to pass energy codes. Mr. Kihm thinks education is the way to go. Right now the schools could use alternative forms of energy. Popular culture has to catch up with the public initlatives. Buitdina Process The Board discussed the process for new construction noting that SPAARC reviews. It is hard to fast track. Mr. Kihm thought the process works fine (especially over the last 6 months) up to public input phase. The public process is a long one. Their 40 unit project took 2 years. Other communities provide incentives. Perhaps green development should be paired with some incentives. In Chicago green development gets fast tracked. The building department works hard. It is important to publicize that Evanston is looking at Green; perhaps in some regional magazines. The aura of green has marketability. The community could endorse how the appropriate develop is an advantage to the City would include less infrastructure and a message that includes economic advantages. Other ideas include publicizing the cost difference in regular utilities vs. geothermal. The Energy Commission is worried about future energy needs. They could be involved in putting together a packet of incentives to entice developers. The City could provide some support for developers through out the process including the public meetings. The Board could go into SPARCC when a builder is doing something great. 2 The Board commended the Cyrus project and thanked Mr. Kihm for attending. They appreciated developing a relationship with the development community. Livable, high density urbanization is very positive environmentally. Sustainablllty Coordinator Carolyn Collopy, Sustainability Coordinator for the City, spoke about her background. Most recently she was with Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. She spent 8 years In Portland the last 4 with the Office of Sustainability. Carolyn worked with the energy office, green building program, waste reduction, lots of education and outreach, and some weatherizalion programs. Carolyn is looking forward to using her experience to create a sustainability program here in Evanston. Lakefront master plan Mr. Gaynor reviewed the visioning stage of the lakefront master plan. The lakefront plan will address capital improvements for the future. Mr. Gaynor noted the a few years ago a strategic plan of the park system throughout Evanston was completed with an eye to the CIP program. For the last 8 years pubic park system needs have been addressed, now plans are turning to the lakefront. A master plan for the Ladd Arboretum is being developed. The lakefront visioning process produced a document that is on-line. Visioning Identifies what should be considered in the master plan. Varied groups and individuals participated in the process. Public transportation to the lakefront was a concern. City Council will approve a master plan consultant on May 14. The contract will also be for a bike path along the lake with funding coming from IDOT. The lakefront plan will be for all of Evanston's lakefront from Lighthouse Beach to South Boulevard. There is a question of whether private lakefront owners can build along their property without regulation. The IEPA, IDNR, and international treaties stipulate that you can't build Into the Lake. The Board suggested that grants be sought for funding various aspects along the lakefront. The lake front master plan will take approximately 15 year process. Mr. Sciarra asked how a City like Evanston goes about getting more livable space for cities. With increasing density, significant public open space is necessary. Evanston Is landlocked creating a problem. The national average has10 acres per thousand people, Evanston has 4 acres per thousand. The City is in a position where they can not afford to lose any. Space can be large and small. Some of green space has gone away because people didn't want density height; as a result lower height buildings are built which take up a larger footprint. Adding more people but not adding more parks does not improve a community's quality of life. Forum Ms. Bryer reported on the Global Warming Forum where almost 240 adults 30 kids attended. The Mayor of Madison volunteered to speak and did an excellent presentation. Their first step was to green city government; community outreach followed later. In Evanston citizens have brought up a lot of environmental initiatives. Julia Carroll gave a report on the progress of the City has made environmentally. Break out sessions on environmental topics included Mr. Lupton's session on the North Shore channel which Debra Shore attended. The MWRD is still evaluating the water quality of the canal. 3 The Network is determining what should be done next year. Perhaps they should look at accomplishing more things and focusing on what the groups did versus a forum structure. Ideas included Representative Julie Hamos, Dewey school environmental program, local LEED certified building, and beekeepers. Styrofoam Mr. Sciarra suggested looking at lots of alternatives for Styrofoam. Storage cubbles for personal dishes, cleaning areas, no disposable products, and composting food waste can help. Ms. Freeman noted that Styrofoam is difficult to recycle. The larger is solid waste disposal. Ms. Freeman agreed to draft a letter for the Board to review at the .tune meeting regarding Styrofoam. Industrial Ecoloov Mr. Sciarra noted that if the west side is being developed there would be concerns about developing residential areas and allowing for industry. Industries could synergize with other business. A vibrant community is not all residential. Evanston should think in bigger terms about creating business synergy. Industrial environmental parks could be established where industries use each other products. The Community could use environmental economic development. These practices are very well established in Europe. Ms. Freeman will report next month on issues associated with the MWRD sludge, digesters and composters. ILCarnmian to Clean-uo Diesel Pollution The Board agreed to develop a letter of support for the IL campaign to Clean-up Diesel Pollution. The Board will review the letter and after approval in June, will forward the letter to the City Council. Mr. Lupton will send a letter to the school district to sign on also. Mr. Sciarra suggested sending the letter to the City Manager to sign on with the approval of the City Council. Green Building Ordinance Ms. Kinney will do some follow upon the proposed ordinance. The Board agreed that a clear, straight forward approach would be best. All buildings should match LEED certified silver level. Chicago has an ordinance. Work will need to be done on how to market and sell the program. Developing a series of checklists can be helpful. Next meeting The next meeting of the Evanston Environment Board will be on Thursday, June 14 at 7:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center. 4 ti Evanston Environment Board June 14, 2007 Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Bill Gallagher, Elizabeth Kinney, Mardi Klevs, Iry Levinson, Vicky McKinley, Ell Port, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Judy Freeman, Steve Lupton, Gwen Burton Poole Visitors Present Jim Corirossi, Aspen Green engineering firm Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Carolyn Collopy, Sustainability Coordinator Dave Cook, Facilities Management Minutes Mav 2007 Ms. Kinney moved, seconded by Mr. Dankert to approve the May 2007 minutes. Motion passed. Clean uo Diesel Pollutions camoaian The Board discussed the letter of support was discussed. Mr. Sciarra will find the material and draft letter ready for next meeting in July. Mr. Port spoke with Ms. Frostic of the American Lung Association. Currently who thought that there is no affordable effective technology available (such as $1000 a vehicle for trucks and buses for a retrofitting). Newer vehicles are not a problem; they already have lower gas and particulate emissions. Ms. Klevs cited an EPA program to retro fit garbage trucks in Chicago for $1000 a vehicle. Ms. Klevs thinks school buses should be retro fitted with these devices to reduce health risks to school children. in Evanston the two school districts do not own their busses; they contract out their bussing and the school districts would not qualify for grants that would help the cost of subsidizing vehicles. Ms. Klevs will provide more information which could be presented to the school districts as part of their contractual agreements with bussing companies. Alternative fuels Bio-diesel at the gas pump Is not coming from cooking oil; it's coming from manufactured companies. Ms. Kelvs will look into the costs as well as production costs. The Board suggested inviting a representative from Fleet Services to talk about changes that City could make in fuels. Allev Paving Program The Board would like to encourage the City to increase the use of interlocking pavement. Mr. Sciarra drafted a memo to David Jennings in Public Works to encourage the City to consider new surfaces. The memo includes information on pavers as well at the City of Chicago's Green Alley program. Ms. Collopy related that the Board of Local Improvements, chaired by David Jennings is considering these issues. The Board of Local Improvements is looking at concrete, permeable pavers, and at how they can redo the alleys with paving. The 50150 program is not as successful as was anticipated. Public works has looked at Chicago's program of Green Alleys. Green alleys are stamped In the apron of the alley (great publicity); there are 9 green alleys so far. Ms. Klevs moved, seconded by Ms. Kinney in supporting efforts to have Evanston pursue green alley initiatives. The Board approved the motion. The Board memo and informational material on permeable surfaces and green alleys will be sent to David Jennings and Julia Carroll. Green Buildina Ordinance Ms. Kinney reviewed the Board's history with the green building ordinance. The Board discussed 2 proposals: one for municipal construction and one aimed at all construction. Incentives for green developers at City of Chicago include fast tracking of the project. One person is identified as the Green Building person and processes all permits. Last year they did 60. This year they hope to do 100. Chicago is looking at a surcharge per square foot that goes to support green building projects from all projects that are not considered green. This could be considered tax abatement or a way to subsidizing LEED fees. The Board discussed whether the requirement should be LEED certified or LEED certifiable. Ms. Collopy met with Walter Hallen who's involved with the permitting process at the City. Chicago has a self certification process where the architect is responsible. It's mandated that the project be LEED certifiable not necessarily LEED certified. This alternative is a less expensive way to verify and is voluntary. The City will demonstrate (through Fire Station 5) that the City supports building a LEED certified building. At least 3 new projects are proposed as LEED certified. The Green Building ordinance would cover buildings over 3000 square feet. The Washington DC and Boston ordinances cover buildings 50000 square feet and over. Ms. Bryer suggested presenting the green building ordinance at the Downtown city planning meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 21. The Board liked this idea and will check to see if they can make a presentation at the meeting. Most cities are not doing an ordinance. Ms. Collopy met with the green building person In Chicago. Early research looked at barriers to green buildings. The ordinance would most likely pass easily if it was for City buildings only (not including the private sector at this point). Perhaps the Board should take some time to look and see if there are any barriers to building green buildings. Another aspect is to look at the education of contractors in the area. The City Manager is in support of having the staff look into green building issues. Ms. Bryer referred to last months' Environment Board meeting Cyrus Development where discussed their use of green development (geo thermal) in their residential project. The question is how to encourage green development in Evanston. An incremental approach may be effective with the City building its first LEED certifiable building. The Board discussed the building code, residential building code, single family, 2 level, 3 level, and multi level dwellings. Perhaps the best way is to start with the downtown planning and encourage green building. OA The Board thought it's time to begin the education process on green buildings and look at new building projects coming into town. The next step would be an ordinance. It seems like it's a good time to take advantage of the competition for building. A series of letters promoting green building could be produced for the Roundtable. Articles could point out the advantages of green buildings. Developers may be able to calculate a percentage of saving based on partial green building design (for example, you may be able to calculate a 50% savings using a formula that considers partial measures). Saving energy is saving money; spending money on green building is good. People can work on convincing builders that it's in their best interest to have green buildings (developers may argue that green building costs more; however a developer can use green in their favor). A suggestion maybe that each real estate transfer be required to have an energy audit. In this way energy use and expenses are a part of the sales disclosure. Awareness among the general public is increasing, and there is some institutionalized support for environmental initiatives. Generally realtors are not looking to sell green features. Education could include a series of programs regarding green development. The Board expressed appreciation for Ms. Kinney's work in developing green building ordinance proposals. Downtown Planninq meetings The Board discussed the June 21 Downtown planning meeting. The Board agreed that as many members as possible should attend. Ms. Klevs suggested that perhaps the Board could make a presentation on green buildings. Ms. Klevs will check on that possibility as will Ms. Collopy. The Board thought issued such as how to promote green initiatives in the City is consistent with the Strategic Plan. Mr. Sciarra already has a PowerPoint presentation on the subject. Mr. Gallagher attended a green building workshop and reported on the workshop. Mr. Levinson and Mr. Sciarra will attempt to attend the economic development meetings as well as Chamber of Commerce to promote green building initiatives. Energy Policy Mr. Levinson discussed the latest from the Energy Commission. There is significant discussion on the franchise agreement. Mr. Sciarra and Mr. Freeman of the Energy Commission are reviewing a new resolution regarding anew Energy Policy. The Board compared the old (1995) policy with the proposed policy of April 2007. New issues include conservation, working with energy coops, research, and City commitment to energy conservation and renewable sources. The Board noted that there was no reference to the Environment Board in the new resolution 2007. (From the 1995 ordinance, "Whereas the Energy Commission, Environment Board, and other Boards and Commissions develop a City Energy Policy") 3 r The Board suggested adding another whereas in the proposed policy, that includes the Environment Board as an advocate for energy issues. Mr. Sciarra moved, seconded by Ms. McKinley to incorporate the Environment Board in the proposed policy. The Board approved the motion. Mr. Sciarra will forward the new language to the Mr. Freeman. Styrofoam Mr. Levinson talked with Alderman Rainey regarding response to a proposed ban on Styrofoam. Mr. Levinson also discussed Ms. Freeman's draft response to Alderman Rainey. The Board discussed the complexity of the situation and tabled the discussion. Ms. Lutz will resend the draft of Ms. Freeman's draft letter. Meeting date change The Board agreed to change the July meeting date from July 12 to Thursday, July 26. Ms. Lutz will send out the required notices. New Business Ms. Bryer spoke about the crisis in public transportation In Illinois. Ms. Bryer encouraged everyone to write letters of support to their legislators. She noted that with global warming the single most important thing that can be done is building an infrastructure that that can help reduce emissions. The current bill sponsored by Representative Julie Hamos proposes power to given to the RTA to coordinate transportation agencies. Next Meeting: Thursday, July 26 at 7:30 PM at the Ecology Center 2 W Evanston Environment Board NO Quorum July 26, 2007 Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Bill Gallagher, Elizabeth Kinney, Steve Lupton, Len Sclarra Board Members Absent: Judy Freeman, Mardi Klevs, Iry Levinson, Vicky McKinley, Gwen Burton Poole, Eli Port Visitors Present Michael Brod, Paul Frelsma, Susan Lannion, Lenora Jane Estes, Gemariah Borough, Joel Freeman, Drina Nicola, Andrew Irwin, Nicolas Schomber. Alex Sproul, Elliot Zashin Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Carolyn Collopy, Sustainability Coordinator Northshore Channel Michael Brod, Paul Freisma, and Susan Lannion talked about their interest in the Northshore Channel. Mr. Freisma informed the Board about a student study looking at the 8 mile biological corridor of the North Shore Channel with the goal of looking at how to improve the management of the channel focusing on the formal authority of the political entities that are responsible for the care of the channel. The premise is that the corridor should be richer in biological life, birds, and have more wetland diversity. Part of the research is to determine the problems and issues confronting the authorities responsible along the canal lands from Wilmette Harbor to Chicago. The Northwestern Institute for Social Policy will investigate the Channel lands as a case study. An additional partner is the US Forest Service who's programs deal largely with natural values for urban populations. The preliminary report is due sometime in mid -September. Michael Brod is the student project researcher. Mr. Freisma noted that 3 cases, the Dammrich Rowing Center, the Talking Farm, and Vineyard Church have had contact with the MWRD regarding their locations along the Northshore Channel. It is important to try to figure out what needs to happen regarding land use. The MWRD is the lead agency and the one that has a real interest in the canal properties. The MWRD has been enthusiastic about The Farm and is leasing the land to Evanston. Researchers have been investigating how the rowing center was constructed and what partnerships were formed. Sue Lannion reported that she is doing her thesis at North Park College. She thanked the Board for their work on the 2004 document on the Northshore Channel. Ms. Lannion referred to programs, the UAA, as well as disinfection in the canal lands area. She noted that several groups are coming together to ask MWRD to disinfect at all 3 major water facilities, The Clean Water Act goals of fishable and swimable should be the standard. More people are being drawn to the channel as a recreation resource, natural corridor, and place of relaxation. Water quality has improved and is supportive of aquatic life forms. Ms. Lannion is interested in how people become involved in the watershed. The MWRD has contracted with UIC to do an epidemiological study of the Chicago River watershed to determine if people are at risk with contact with the water. The MWRD is looking at options on whether to disinfection. The channel is man-made and not a natural system which may or many not determine if the MWRD would have to clean up in the channel under the Clean Water Act. The MWRD placed signs along the Channel that say the water is not safe and at the same time promotes water activities. Mr. Lupton noted that the main canal use is the rowing and canoeing. There is direct contact with water and kids. The messages from MWRD are inconsistent. Secondary contact is the current standard and the water does not meet this standard. Mr. Lupton noted that the Board did put together a series of responses during the UAA process. Mr. Lupton will be glad to supply that information to the Board. He noted that the UAA is scheduled be released on July 31; check the UAA website. The Board is interested in having the canal water quality upgraded --- this could be an economic engine and should be included In urban planning. A number of cities have river walks that are amenities. The Board can help the City Council view the Channel as adding to the quality of life in Evanston. How compatible is wildlife with human activity? Border cities may want to coordinate grants to eliminate invasive species and similar kind of endeavors. Mr. Freisma mentioned that there are lots of lease holders along the canal. Some split jurisdictions occur like the Skokie Park District and the Village of Skokie. Mr. Lupton mentioned that one of the concerns is very little flow. Some flow is from effluent discharged at Touhy. Now Lake Michigan water is valuable and the canal can't be flushed into Lake Michigan on a regular basis. Moving the MWRD facility from Touhy to the locks would be a good idea. Two MWRD ommissioners are interested in doing that. The MWRD is finishing the TARP right now and then moving on to other projects. The proposed Coastal Zone Program boundary does include the Canal as part of the project area. This designation could result in the definition that is the channel part of the Great Lakes. . Green Building Ordinance Ms. Kinney discussed the 2 versions of the ordinance. Version 1 applies to the City downtown development area. Version 2 applies to the City as well as buildings over so many square feet (10,000 square feet perhaps). This would Imply that commercial buildings would have to be LEED certified. 2 There is a PUD code within the City's ordinance noting importance of sustainable design. The Board discussed reducing the 10,000 sq. ft. guideline down to 5,000 sq. ft. then it's very simple to manage in an ordinance. There is some discussion that LEED can get expensive for small buildings; generally it's more expensive for smaller buildings than larger buildings. If the ordinance says 20,000 square feet, the problem is avoiding a big project being split into 2 buildings both less than the 20,000. Because Evanston is so built up that the LEED site selection category is hard achieve as the area is land locked. Most properties built in Evanston will be near public transportation. Urban sites get urban density points. Some attention should focus on the building's life cycle costs. Costs for LEED are paperwork and certification fees. The alternative analysis is life cycle operational cost reductions. Any green building code should be integrated into the COE codes. Planned developments can incorporate sustainable practices. if going for a LEED certifiable rating it's not that hard to achieve LEED silver. The City has no ordinance with teeth; LEED certified would be a great benefit. Mr. Freeman suggested a skeletal ordinance for COE buildings; first looking at Fire station 5, then Robert Crown, and the Civic Center. There is language In the City literature that espouses the benefits of green development. Planned development has been a nightmare. Mr. Freeman encouraged LEED for all buildings. He suggested looking at the thresholds on square footage which has been done in other cities. Big city development generally goes for PUD so certain requirements are waived. Generally you can't nickel and dime LEED certification costs when a PUD is negotiated. There is a PUD with green components under construction on Church Street and another planned. Generally over time smaller size buildings will be built than massive buildings. A comprehensive approach is what is important. So far Evanston is not a leader In this area. By selecting a 10,000 square feet minimum you won't have a PUD less than 10,000 square feet. Planned Unit Developments are excluded from lots of requirements (zoning, parking, loading). For clarification square footage requirements might be the easiest way to proceed. The goal should be for City of Evanston, commercial buildings and everything but single family homes. It was noted that Northwestern's policy is that every new building at Northwestern will be LEED certified. Alex Sproul suggested that the City Council will ask how much this will cost as well as what are the benefits. There will be the argument that there could be an Increase in initial capital vs. the life cycle costs of building. These questions should be researched before going to Council. Considering good design in the process could actually save costs during construction leaving funds available at 3 the end for the certification generally considered to be 1 -- 2 %. Evanston does have a series of considerations including affordable housing, sprinkler systems, and minority/Evanston business components. Some fear that the additional requirement of LEED may cut off development. Others noted that Evanston is built up and development is leveling off regardless of any new regulations. The argument for LEED is one of long term sustainability for Evanston and fits within the strategic plan. A Green Building ordinance proposal would need to start with the Human Services Committee. City staff would want an opportunity to take a look at some information on how municipalities evaluate whether standards are met. Ms. Collopy can initiate the process; the City of Evanston will need to take some time to evaluate and discuss the proposed ordinance. She will set up an internal meeting with staff. Threes questions to consider include: • Cost • How to achieve certification • What do you do if you don't have certification LEED training would be needed for city project managers. Currently a 2 hour course in sustainable building is provided by the city. Ms. Kinney will refine Version 2 based on the discussion. Meeting Schedule The Green Building Ordinance working group will meet if necessary. The next Environment Board meeting is September 6: there is no August meeting Energy Policy Mr. Sciarra will send revisions to Mr. Freeman, chair of the Energy Commission. Diesel Pollution Initiative Mr. Sciarra will draft a letter that Ms. Lutz will forward to the Council. Currently the City fleet does use some B20 fuel product. Ms. Collopy will find the person at the City of Evanston who knows the most about alternative fuels and give the information to Mr. Sciarra. Strategic Plan The Board discussed the annual review of the City's Strategic Plan A new quarterly report is due soon Goals 4, 5 6 have environmental initiatives. Elliot Zashin told that Board that he supervised intems who walked though homes in the 50' Ward. These students explained how the residents can save money with energy efficiency modifications. The students offered to do home energy audits. One suggestion is to get people to trade CFL bulbs for Incandescent bulbs 4 I M SP dumping in Lake Michigan Ms. Collopy discussed BP Amoco's proposal to increase their dumping of pollutants into Lake Michigan from their Indiana location. The City of Evanston is writing BP Amoco, the USEPA and the Govemor of Indiana indicating that the City of Evanston is not in support of the dumping. The City Council is voting on a resolution at their August 13'' meeting and will send it to Mayor Daley. The City of Chicago has taken the same stance that the City of Evanston is proposing. Commercial Recycling Commercial business and condominium associations contract with private recyclers. The City of Evanston is proposing to contract with one waste hauler. In this way the City of Evanston can monitor and do more work encouraging recycling. SWANCC has been doing with lots of cities many of which are doing the blue bag program. The goal would be to do "real recycling" with separation in addition to garbage collection. There is some concern that the recycling end of "garbage" pick up would cost too much. The City Council thinks that this might be too costly. The franchise for waste hauling might call for fewer emissions and costs may be reduced by banding together. SWANCC is helping cities in this area. Currently Street and Sanitation is writing an RFP for services. Current residential charge is $5 per month for recycling. Many people think it should be free. Evanston Green Living Festival Ms. Lutz announced that the first annual Evanston Green Living Festival will be held on Saturday October 60' from 9 AM — 3 PM. The event is sponsored by the Evanston Environmental Association and the City of Evanston and will be held at the Ecology Center. Ideas for speakers and venders should be sent to Ms. Lutz. Next Meeting: Thursday, September 6, 2007 7:30 PM Ecology Center Wd Evanston Environment Board September 6, 2007 QUORUM Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert. Judy Freeman, Bill Gallagher, Elizabeth Kinney, Mardi Klevs, Iry Levinson, Steve Lupton, Vicky McKinley, Len Sclarra Board Members Absent: Gwen Burton Poole, Eli Port Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Carolyn Collopy, Sustainability Coordinator Jim Wolinski, Community Development June 2007 and July 2007 minutes Mr. Levinson moved, seconded by Mr. Lupton to approve the June 2007, as well as the July 2007 minutes of the Environment Board. The Board approved both sets of minutes. The Board welcomed Mr. Wolinski and thanked him for coming to discuss the proposed Green Building Ordinance. Green Building Ordinance Ms. Collopy reported that the Green Team met and suggested that the proposed section IIi which would require all the City building to come up to LEED standards could create issues; 60% could be easily attainable, the rest would need research on cost. The Environment Board could be helpful in researching what complying with section III would entail. LEED silver would be the standard; it's uncertain if the City could achieve LEED gold. Mr. Wolinski suggested that on the commercial building side, it would be a good idea to get community input. Mr. Wolinski noted that in PUD's (Planned Unit Developments) one of the public benefits listed is LEED silver. Generally PUD's require some regulation variances. Mr. Wolinski passed out a copy from the COE ordinance. He noted that anything that is built in the City will go though his department. Anything that is over 25 units and anything occupying over 30,000 square feet is a planned unit development and must go through the Plan Commission, a public process and through the City Council. With a PUD the developer is usually asking for some kind of relieve from codes, guidelines or restrictions. There must be some public benefits if relieve is to be granted. In reviewing the ordinance 6-3-6-3 this includes (1) The substantial incorporation of generally recognized sustainable design practices and/or building materials to promote energy conservation and Improve environmental quality, such as levels silver or higher LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification (Ord. 96-0-06). A recent building project required a height variance and the developer agreed to do LEED certified building which the Plan Commission felt was a good benefit. Mr. Wolinski believes that the City should take the lead on City projects. The City should achieve LEED standards. He thanked the Board for their support of the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code). LEED compliance should be looked at favorably by the Council for City buildings. Mr. Wolinski is concerned about continuing to bring development into Evanston, He suggested that it's important to bring in developers and the development community into any ordinance conversation. Looking at energy efficient compliance is a short term goal that may be easier to achieve. Taking the step to achieve LEED certification is a large step that requires a thorough discussion. With LEED compliance then the City may be asked to do additional inspection. Self certification is the norm under the current compliance with the IECC. Two to three PUD's have been through the process under the new ordinance and are in construction. Northwestern's current internal policy is that all new buildings at Northwestern will be at least LEED silver. As energy cost savings are over the life of the building, the owner, and Northwestern, will benefit from the life cycle costs. The Cyrus Homes building development on the west side is proposing geo-thermal. Mr. Wolinski noted that this is a good thing. Mr. Sciarra noted that buildings originally constructed cheaply and are now trying to convert to energy efficient building can be problematic as well as costly. Mr. Wolinski noted that re-habs of City buildings may be difficult for exactly that reason. Mr. Wolinski would like to see more conversations on the effects of requiring LEED certification. Ms. McKinley agreed, but noted that the City needs to have a long term vision of what development encompasses. It's really a long term capital benefit for the citizens not entirely the profit margin for the developers that should be a consideration. Slower paced development might be a good thing and may result in good infra -structure within the community. Hoard members agreed that right now there is no discemable difference in cost between general construction and a LEED certified Silver building. The design process can save money. It's hard to say that LEED certified costs more, especially for new current development. Mr. Wolinski could provide a list of developers to call regarding getting input from the development community on a proposed ordinance. The development community is beginning to embrace LEED; it's a marketing tool, as well as an environmental benefit. All agreed that Evanston is a good market even in bad times. Mr. Wolinski would need more information before reaching a decision. He noted that incentives make it much easier to meet the standards. The certification process is now on-line for LEED. There is more compliance based on heightened awareness, more trained contractors, previously hard to get environmental equipment is easier to get and is more mainstream as well as a more livable community is genuinely marketable. Mr. Wolinski noted that the information changes rapidly and it's hard to keep up with all the new research. Some current consideration is the immediate cost of LEED certification for City buildings. There did not appear to be a lack of development in Evanston based on the passage of the IECC. Mr. Wolinski thinks that there is a lack of information on what LEED is. The Board can help with education In this area. Mr. Wolinski noted that this is a Planning and Development Committee issue. I Mr. Sclarra noted that every building is a custom building and frequently it's hard to provide comparative information. Ms. Bryer noted that LEED is an idea whose time has come. She noted that a 1,000 people signed a petition as the Farmer's Market for the IEEC several years ago. Now the City of Evanston should take some leadership on this issue; perhaps this should come internally from the Community Development Department. The Environment Board can work as a team with the Community Development Department. Mr. Wolinski enforces policy; he does not create it. Part of the education process is to educate the City of Evanston staff and leadership. The Environment Board can be the lead on this issue. The Environment Board can be one of the most important Boards in the City. Ms. Kinney reported speaking with the City Manager who was very supportive of the leadership role of the City of Evanston in this area. Practical leadership would require some cost analysis. Ms. Freeman suggested having a meeting and inviting the community as well as developers to determine what the pulse of the community is. LEED for existina buildings Existing buildings would require different enforcement. The implications of enforcement of the green building code on existing buildings are unknown. Currently compliance is voluntary. LEED provides its own certification and relieves the City from providing enforcement. Chicago has a construction waste demolition ordinance that affects occupancy. LEED has a delay in certification; it may take up to a year or so which makes it difficult if the certifications depends on occupancy. Another way is to take a deposit at the beginning of the process. Creating an incentive such as when the certification is achieved the deposit could be reduced and perhaps put into a sustainable buildings fund which might be an option similar to a performance bond. An ordinance would set the bar for the future and would be a level playing field. Currently Evanston requires so many meetings that are quite costly In terms of consultant costs. Adding further regulations may affect Evanston's competitiveness with other communities. Mr. Wolinski thinks that developing the idea of a forum is important. The forum could include the Plan Commission, Aldermen, and other affected Boards and Commissions. The perceived cost issue will need to be addressed. Mr. Wolinski added that the City Manager's support would be critical. Mr. Wolinski could get the development community to come consisting of approximately 20 developers plus their staff. Evening would be the optimal time to do the meeting. Meeting attendance would be projected to be 50 — 60 people which would make an open discussion difficult. A possibility may be smaller groups acting as working committees. In the end the policy should be a balance. The place to start maybe with City staff in an education forum focusing on green building and regulations. In this way City government is informed 3 from the City Manager, to facilities, to Community Development personnel. Mr. Sciarra could do the training. A public meeting could follow with the same kind of education. Mr. Sciarra and Mr. Dankert and others will work on a presentation for the next Board meeting. The Board can review the presentation and then set a time to review the presentation with the City Manager, perhaps at a Board meeting as was done with the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Ms. Bryer moved, seconded by Mr. Sciarra to have the Board review the presentation at the October 4' Board meeting. The Board approved the motion. The Board invited Mr. Wolinski to attend the meeting. The Board suggested that perhaps by mid October the Board could meet with the City Manager and relevant staff. The Board thanked Mr. Wolinski for attending and discussing the proposed Green Building ordinance. Ordinance considerations The Board agreed to take out section III from the proposed ordinance; this section requires City compliance with building renovation in 4 years. Ms. Bryer moved, seconded by Mr. Sciarra to withdraw Section III. The Board approved the motion. Eno v Policy Mr. Levinson will talk to Joel Freeman about the Energy Policy. The next step in the process is for Mr. Freeman to consolidate the Environment Board suggestions and consolidate with the Energy Commission's. Green Team Ms. Collopy reported that the Green Team has been discussing the type of policies the City should be studying. Green cleaners are being integrates as part of the language for cleaning contracts. Also being studied is the internal recycling program with Streets and Sanitation in an effort to have all City buildings recycling the same way. Ms. Collopy is applying for a grant that will help promote internal recycling including Images and signage. Phase 2 will be working on events and parks. Ms. Collopy has been working on collecting greenhouse gas emission data base. She Is working on her methodology and will do a presentation on the data for the City; the numbers will be made public. She received help from Portland and is targeting1990 emissions and forecasting forward. One of her next big projects is to begin a climate action plan for the City. Also important is compliance with initiatives in strategic plan; she will focus on a few departments that are easy to work with and move on from there. Mr. Levinson offered to review the data. The Environment Board complimented Ms. Collopy on her work. Stvrofoam Mr. Levinson reported that Alderman Rainey received the Board's response and reported she has no questions. Next Meetinq The Board's next meeting will be be no meeting on October 1 I'h. Thursday, October 4th. There will 4 Evanston Environment Board October 4, 2007 QUORUM Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Judy Freemen. Bill Gallagher, Elizabeth Kinney, Iry Levinson. Steve Lupton, Len SGarra Board Members Absent: Mardi Klevs, Vicky McKinley, Gwen Burton Poole, Eli Port Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center September 2007 minutes The Board reviewed the minutes of the September 2007 meeting and clarified the minutes. Mr. Levinson moved, seconded by Mr. Lupton to approve the minutes. The Board approved the motion. Green Building Ordinance presentation The Board discussed Ms. Kinney's proposed ordinance document and the questions associated with the Green Building Ordinance. The fact sheet Is 2 pages and has the most frequently asked questions. Ms. Kinney's idea was to give people information so they could understand the issues associated with a Green Building Ordinance. The second document gives strategies. The Board suggested several questions including; What is LEED? What us USGBC? The Board agreed that the goal is to simplify and make it easier to understand. Discussing such things as how much energy can be saved and the average number of kilowatt hours used/saved (LEED has to have expected energy savings of at least 17% better than the average house, e.g. energy and operating cost savings). LEED is more than just energy efficiency. Materials, site selection, recycled materials, etc. are included In a LEED certified project. Comparable studies are hard to find. Talking points for City Council The City Council should be aware of cost savings for developers versus the actual utility costs that are paid by the home owner or renter. The City Council should be aware of the long term interests of the tenants and homeowners, versus the up front cost savings for the developer who has no real incentive to incur more costs that will save consumers money over the life of the building. The Community at large benefits from reduced energy costs. Additional benefits of green buildings include: reduction in the Community's carbon foot print, fewer toxins, as well as better air quality. Mr. Dankert, Mr. Sciarra and Ms. Kinney will revise. Ms. Kinney will cut and paste people's comments together. The Board would like to discuss the document with City Manager Carroll. The meeting would include handouts and a presentation. Next Meeting: date change The Board agreed to hold the November Board meeting on October 25 (this will be a regular Board meeting). On this schedule the Board could then meet with the City manager in November as a working session. Written materials will be prepared and given to the Manager prior to the meeting. Climate Action Plan The City of Evanston and the Network for Evanston's future will begin to work on a Climate Action Plan for the City. Sustainability Coordinator Carolyn Collopy is coordinating. The first general meeting will be held on November 13'" at the Civic Center In the evening. Mr. Dankert distributed a document to the Board on "The Cost of Green Revisited." Clean Up Diesel No report Energy Policy Status No update from the Energy Commission, Mr. Sciarra indicated that the proposed Energy Policy incorporated the Environment Board comments. The policy will be revised and then forwarded to the A&PW Committee, Evanston Green Living Festival Ms. Lutz reported that the first Evanston Green Living Festival will be held on Saturday, October 8'". There are over 30 vendors and 11 presentations. She encouraged everyone to attend. Strategic Plan Quarterly reports on the strategic plan are due and should be available for the November meeting. Zoning Text Amendment Mr. Sciarra met with Zoning Committee and went over the zoning text amendment regarding solar panels. He explained the problems of height restrictions that installers encounter when working on different types of panels. The issue is the height the panels extend above the roof line. There are 66 installations of solar panels in the City and all did very well In the latest storm. Pitched roofs need to be 5 feet, fiat roofs need to extend 10 feet for solar thermal panels. 57 degrees is the angle of the panel. This remains a work in progress. Ms. Bryer and Mr. Sciarra will work with the preservation folks. School bus emissions No report Next Meeting October 25, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the Ecology Center. 2- Evanston Environment Board October 25, 2007 QUORUM Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Bill Gallagher, Elizabeth Kinney, Mardi Klevs, Steve Lupton, Ell Port, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Judy Freeman, Iry Levinson, Vicky McKinley, Gwen Burton Poole Visitors present: Susan Kaplan Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Carolyn Collopy, Sustainability Coordinator Carlos Ruiz, Preservation Coordinator October d. 2007 meeting minutes The Board reviewed the minutes of the October 4, 2007 meeting and clarified the minutes. Mr. Levinson moved, seconded by Mr. Lupton to approve the minutes. The Board approved the motion. Intearated Pest Management The Board welcomed Susan Kaplan to discuss integrated pest management (IPM). Ms. Kaplan gave some history of the development of IPM. Routine pesticide applications led to studies that began to show a correlation between contact with pesticides and health issues like cancer, respiratory and asthma. In recent years iPM policies have become more common place. Studies have shown that IPM methods are better at controlling pests, are more effective and use common environmental practices like cutting grass and encouraging predators for pests. Ms. Kaplan also discussed ground water quality. She indicated that current practices In Evanston parks do not apply pesticides universally but do spot spraying along fence lines, structures, and sidewalks. Ms. Kaplan suggested that the City look into an IPM policy. She provided several model policies for the Board to review (Ms. Lutz will copy and send out to the Board). She noted that IPM policies are good for health, economical and effective. Ms. Kaplan noted there was a good presentation on environmental lawn care. Several issues Include delineation between herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides. The Board noted that lawn care services maybe the big pesticide users. Restrictions on pesticide application include licensing and certification. Pesticides are not always applied property. Generally in this area, pesticide use is aesthetic. Ms. Lutz will research previous work done by the Board on IPM. The Board will review the model policies and discuss at the December 13 meeting of the Board. The Board thanked Ms. Kaplan and will look forward to an IPM discussion at the next meeting. Green Building Ordinance Carlos Ruiz, preservation coordinator for the City discussed issues relating to historic preservation and the proposed Green Building Ordinance. The Preservation Commission generally reviews any changes in historic buildings and those In the historic district that have a proposed change that is in the public eye. Some may think that energy efficiency additions like solar panels or wind turbines may be In conflict with the preservation ordinance. The Plan Commission recently reviewed a solar panel project and reached consensus on the improvement. Solar panels should be looked at the same way as other structures on private property that are regulated like fences, satellite discs, etc. Mr. Ruiz thought it is Important to coordinate between the Environment Board and the Preservation Commission on the green building ordinance. Mr. Ruiz noted that the historic, preservation ordinance discusses issues like windows, solar panels, and wind turbines. Zero carbon footprint houses will not look like a historic house. There are about 2000 structures that are In the historic district. The most common request the Preservation Commission receives is for windows. A home owner may want to install double glass windows and window sales people convince the homeowner that they are not available. If the owners check with preservation construction contractors, their windows can be re -done and be efficient. Homeowners would be better served by increased education on energy efficiency in historic houses. The preservation community is talking to LEER regarding getting things qualified as restored vs. a requirement that only includes double glazed windows. The green building ordinance is proposed for commercial buildings. In reality not many current buildings in the historic district would be affected. Everyone agreed that the goal is to make it easier for solar panels or other energy efficient systems that reduce energy costs to be installed. The green building ordinance would be something with which builders will have to comply. Green Bulidina Ordinance presentation Mr. Sciarra reviewed the presentation. Topics included: why build green, what Is LEED, and how buildings consume resources such as waste. Currently a lot of building waste is shipped to different countries. The Green Building Ordinance (GBO) balances the energy side, as well as the social equity side. The Board noted that the GBO is about providing for the future. The knowledge is available on how to be smarter about how you do your processes in building and building design. One goal is to show consumption of fewer resources. This Is a key to reducing global warming. The presentation should make the green building global warming connection. The Board will look at places that have a green building ordinance and if it is for all commercial development. The Board helped revise the presentation. Several suggestions were made to include local buildings in Evanston as people would be able to relate to those more easily. The original PowerPoint presentation is on file with the minutes. Dates to Remember November 13 Climate Action Plan at 7 — 9 PM at the Evanston Civic Center. November 15, 2007 at 4 PM the Board will meet with Julia Carroll, Judy Aiello, Rolanda Russell, Carolyn Collopy, Jim Wolinski. Mr. Lupton, Mr. Sciarra, Ms. Kinney, Ms. Bryer and Mr. Gallagher will attend. Next Meeting The next Environment Board meeting is Dec 13, 2007 at 7:30 PM. a 2 Quorum present Environment Board meeting, Thursday, December 13, 2007 Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Bill Gallagher, Elizabeth Kinney, Steve Lupton, Eli Port, Len Sclarra Board Members Absent: Susan Beeson, Iry Levinson, Vicky McKinley, Visitors Present Susan Kaplan Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Carolyn Collopy, Sustainability Coordinator Actions items: • Approve minutes of October 25, 2007 minutes • February meeting date changed to February 21, 2008 • January meeting is January 10, 2008 Discussion • Discussed Integrated Pest Management with Susan Kaplan. The Board would like to talk with City staff in Health, Parking, and Parks/Forestry about pesticide policies, procedures and issues on City owned property • The Board would like to do the Green Building Ordinance presentation to City staff to fine tune the presentation before presenting to developers • Discussed Climate Action Plan meetings. Ms. Collopy presented information on a carbon footprint analysis product that would be specific to Evanston. The goal would be to have people track their carbon levels and see what they could do to reduce their personal carbon footprint. • The Board planned recognition for the January 10'hmeeting for former Board members Mardi Klevs and Gwen Burton Poole. Refreshment will be set up by 7 PM prior to the regularly scheduled Board meeting Next Meeting: Thursday, January 10, 2008 7:30 PM Ecology Center Evanston Environment Board Draft minutes of December 13, 2007 Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Bill Gallagher, Elizabeth Kinney, Steve Lupton, Eli Port, Len Sclarra Board Members Absent: Susan Besson, Iry Levinson, Vicky McKinley, Visitors present: Susan Kaplan Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Carolyn Collopy, Sustainability Coordinator October 25. 2007 meeting minutes The Board reviewed the minutes of the October 25, 2007 meeting. Ms. Kinney moved, seconded by Ms. Bryer to approve the minutes of the October 25, 2007 meeting. The Board approved the motion. Environment Board meeting dates The Broad discussed 2008 meeting dates. Changes in meeting dates will be distributed to the Board within a week after the meeting where the change was made so Board members not in attendance will be aware of the change. Ms. Lutz will send out a brief report of the meeting the day after the meeting. A draft form of the minutes will be distributed to the Board as promptly as possible Integrated Pest Management Ms. Lutz explained that there was no formal policy adopted by the Parks/Forestry division on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In 1995 the Division worked with the Environment Board to establish informal practices that followed IPM guidelines. Ms. Kaplan said schools are required to give 24 hour notice on outside pesticide use. Schools are required to follow IPM policies indoors. The Board discussed the possibility of proposing an IPM ordinance: The Board agreed that they should research City divisions that have responsibilities for lawn or public property that may have pesticide use as part of their operations. The Board discussed reviewing model policies as well as research what are best practices in the field. These Ideas could be discussed with City staff responsible for lawn and landscape areas. The Board discussed whether any city has totally banned pesticides. Ms. Kaplan noted that Toronto just adopted a policy that no pesticides use can be applied within the City. The policy is administered through the Board of Health in Toronto. Model policies sometimes include committees that review policies and have members from parks, health and other areas. From this information the City could develop objectives for use. The Board agreed to invite Parks, Health, and Parking staff to the February 21 meeting to discuss IPM as well as current pesticide use. Several questions included: what are the current practices of each group and is there a written policy or procedures for staff to follow. Several measures of pesticide use include the volume of pesticides ordered by the City. Questions to check: include: • What is the volume of pesticides ordered • What are the current policies practices • What is the objectives of current policy of the division District #65 is also looking at IPM as part of their Green Team. It may be a good time to integrate with both school districts on IPM policies February 2008 Meeting Chance The Board agreed to move the February 14 meeting to February 21. The Board discussed and approved the motion to change the February meeting to February 21, 2008. Green Buildina Ordinance Mr. Lupton discussed the 2 presentations given to the City manager and Assistant City managers on November 13. Ms. Carroll suggested giving a wider presentation to the City staff to gather ideas and then do some presentations to developers who do work in Evanston. Ms. Lutz will get a list of City staff names that should be included in the staff presentation. Several changes from the November 13 presentation were suggested including more pictures of Evanston buildings. Perhaps pictures of the Jewish Re constructionist Synagogue, Fire Station #5, the NU Ford building and 1800 Ridge the Winthrop development should be included. The ordinance would apply to commercial buildings. From the new presentation the Board could get reactions from City staff. Reactions from developers including their objections and their concerns can be discussed and addressed. The Board agreed that it would be good to involve Walt Kihm from Cyrus Development Corporation as well as a representative from Winthrop In the presentation to the developers. Mr. Sciarra will circulate the frequently asked questions and answers about the Green Building Ordinance. Mr. Sciarra reported that the new tower proposed for Evanston will be LEED silver. The proposal was approved by the Plan Commission at their meeting on December 12, 2007. Climate Action Plan Ms. Collopy reported that the City of Evanston Climate Action Plan has its first general meeting with 130 people attending. The carbon emissions inventory for Evanston was presented. Within the large structure there are 8 task forces set up with 2 community co-chairs and 1 city co-chair. Each task force is responsible for having and developing their objectives and plans. Most task force committees have met once. There will be procedural plans developed on each topic. Information on the Climate Action Plan is updated on the City website. 2 An on- line carbon footprint being developed that is specific to Evanston. This will be tool for Evanston residents, businesses, and organization to log on and calculate their specific emissions. The goal would then be to come up with a carton emissions reduction plan. The on-line product costs $5,000. The Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) is giving S1,000 to the project and the remaining $4,000 is being given by a local donor. The ECF is also interested in developing a local carbon offset fund where proceeds can be used for things like low income weatherization and other projects that reduce carbon emission. Ms. Bryer reported on the Education and engagement task force. Pat Cleveland from Dewey school is already working with District 65 and 202. The primary issue the group is focused on is how to get people to become engaged and actually change behavior. Six large organizations are responsible for a large percentage of emissions: the City of Evanston, School District # 65, School District #202, Northwestern University, St. Francis Hospital and Evanston Northwest Healthcare Hospital. Board vacancies The Board reviewed the member list and noted that in addition to 2 members whose terms were completed in November, 2 additional members are only on the Board until May 2008. This presents a situation where it would be beneficial to fill the current Board vacancies so new members can learn from seasoned Board members before their term expires. The Board noted that they knew of several people who have applied to be on the Environment Board. January 10 rneetina At the January 10, 2008 Board meeting the Board will thank Mardi Klevs and Gwen Burton Poole for their 8 years of service. A short celebration will be set up starting at 7:15 PM. Next Board Meetina The next meeting of the Environment Board meeting will be Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 7:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center. ki J _�. - _ - .. ,_ - ...� + ier.�?"#ri:1i pY�..(.�Xx�•'�k.�'a y�' yN•a Evanston Environment Board Draft minutes of January 10. 2008 QUORUM Board Members Present: Susan Besson, Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Bill Gallagher, Elizabeth Kinney, Steve Lupton, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Gladys Bryer, Iry Levinson, Vicky McKinley, Eli Port Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center December 2007 meetina minutes Mr. Lupton moved seconded by Ms. Kinney to approve the minutes of Dec 2007. The Board approved the motion. Green Buildinq Presentation to Clty staff The Board will present the Green Building Ordinance presentation to City staff at 4 PM January 24, 2008 at the Evanston Civic Center. After this presentation the Board would like to present the proposal to developers; perhaps in late February. The Board recalled that the City Manager suggested talking to City staff and then developers before making a presentation to the City Council. The Board has received a list of developers from Judy Aiello. The Board would like to get on the Human Services agenda regarding the Green Building Ordinance presentation. Ms. Lutz will request to have the Board put on the agenda. The Board also suggested that a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce might be important In getting out the message to the business community about green building, Mr. Sciarra will contact the current Chamber president, The current proposal sets10, 000 sq feet as the threshold for interior renovations. and includes all buildings over 10,000 sq feet and all City buildings Climate Action Plan Co chairs of all the sub -committees will review progress and develop a standard reporting format on February S. The plan will be released in May 2008 at the Earth Day forum sponsored by the Network For Evanston's Future. Intearated Pest Mananement The Board will discuss iPM on February 21. The discussion will include Paul D'Agostino from Park/Forestry and representatives of the Health Department Board vacancies Currently there are three vacancies on the Board with two more In May. It is important to rill the vacancies in a timely manner to continue the work of the Board, Recvcline Initiatives At the March 13'n meeting the Board would like to talk with Streets and Sanitation Superintendent Suzette Eggleston regarding the RFP for commercial recycling. The Board would like to look at the RFP so they can prepare for the discussion. COE Strateoic Plan Current quarterly reports from the City on the strategic plan are focused on what City departments are currently doing. Reports are compiled by Sustainability Coordinator Carolyn Collopy. Many of the people involved in the Green Team are involved with the Climate Action plan. The Green Team wants to review the Climate Action Plan develop future plans based on the climate action plan. The Board would like an update on the entire strategic plan. School District busing The Board would like to discuss low sulfur fuel or blo diesel with both District 65 & District 202. Both Districts outsouree busing. Greenest Reason Cornnact of Metropolitan Chlcaao The Board discussed the Greenest Region Compact of Metropolitan Chicago which is being placed before City Council. The Compact focuses on conservation of resources including water resources such as reducing water use levels 20% below the 2000 year levels. The Board was very encouraged by the initiative and would encourage the City of Evanston to sign on to the Greenest Region Compact of Metropolitan Chicago. Next Meetinq The next meeting of the Evanston Environment Board Is Thursday, March 13, at 7:45 PM Evanston Environment Board (quorum) Draft minutes ofFebruary 2f. 2008 Board Members Present: Susan Besson, Gladys Bryer, Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Bill Gallagher, Elizabeth Kinney, Vicky McKinley, Eli Port, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Iry Levinson, Steve Lupton Visitors Present: Susan Kaplan Staff present: Linda Lutz, Carolyn Collopy, Paul D'Agostino January 10, 2008 meeting minutes Ms. Freeman moved, seconded by Mr. Dankert to approve the minutes of January 10, 200B. The Board approved the motion. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Ms. Kaplan summarized the Board's discussion of the past few meetings. Ms. Kaplan explained her involvement in IPM and indicated she had teamed that the city was applying some pesticides in various parks and areas where children play. She noted that some cities have adopted an IPM ordinance. Basically these ordinances use pesticides as a last resort, first trying natural products/procedures and traditional methods. increasingly there are more natural products available. It's now understood that pesticides are associated with diseases such as asthma, cancers, etc. Ms. Kaplan provided several examples of municipal policies. The research indicates support for the philosophy that pesticides are a health and an environmental issue. A goal is to get municipalities to discuss the issues and determine an appropriate course of action. If pesticide application is the end result then there are notifications made. IPM has generally found to be less expensive. San Francisco has an ordinance (Mayor and City Council). Marblehead Massachusetts's policy was initiated by the Board of Health; they brought in people from various levels of government and spent over a year coming up with a policy that was agreeable to the community. The San Francisco ordinance seems pretty straight forward. Marblehead Is not as defined. Mr. D'Agostino said there is no written IPM policy. He noted that pesticide use has gone down. Mr. D'Agostino will check within the City structure to see which would be the most effective for Evanston; an ordinance or a policy. Parks/Forestry is the biggest user of pesticides; the Health Department would also be affected, as would Parking. The IPM issue seems to be more local that regional (as indicated in storm water management ordinances). There may be other opportunities to tie in to programs: LEED standards may be credited. Wilmette used to have some kind of regulation where pesticide use was eliminated except for the golf courses. The Board suggested researching to see what the City of Chicago is doing in this area. A policy could be developed with the Health Department and Parks/Forestry Division. it might be a good idea to work with Carl Caneva of the Health Department as he Is the environmental health specialist. Mr. D'Agostino provided the Board with a list of the products that are used in Parks/Forestry; all products are herbicides and fungicides (cost Is approximately $1800 annually). He included on the list Arbortect which was injected into 1700 American Elms this year. Two thirds of the American Elm population in town k] was injected. Climate variations affect the effectiveness of Arbortech; results in Evanston are good. The Board noted that it's important to have the City philosophically agree with an IPM program. The goal is to change behavior versus specifying what can be used and what can not be used. A policy would cover city and city owned facilities, around buildings, and parks. The school districts, Northwestern University, and local hospitals would not be covered. Ms. Kaplan indicated that no place seems to have totally banned pesticide use. Ms. Kaplan will investigate what other towns are doing. Ms. Besson will work with Ms. Kaplan. The Board noted that it is important to have school district support, especially District 65, as they are caretakers for a large school population. It would be important to have a representative from District 65 involved. Chicago public schools just adopted a clean school policy which may become a state wide policy. Mr. Port will invite a member of the ad hoc green committee of the school district to the March 13 meeting when IPM will be on the agenda. The Board thanked both Ms. Kaplan and Mr. D'Agostino for their input and participation. Climate Action Plan Ms. Collopy reported that individual task forces have until March 31 to get all their strategies together. Ms. Collopy and the community co-chairs will have a month to pull the information together. The first draft of the Climate Action Plan will be presented on May a at the Network for Evanston's Future Earth Day event. Green Building Ordinance Presentation Mr. Sciarra reviewed the green building ordinance presentation that was presented to City staff in the Community Development Department. Some community development people received a very early draft of the ordinance which caused some confusion over just what the Board was proposing. Ms. Lutz will meet with Judy Aiello and set up a meeting with developers where the Board can make the green building ordinance presentation. After the presentation to developers the Board will revise the presentation and send it to Community Development for written comments. City staff will be invited to the meeting with the development community. The Board would like to involve the business community. Human services agenda The Board would like to get on the Human Services Committee agenda to discuss a green building ordinance. Ms. Lutz will submit a request through the Department Director. Commercial Recycling Suzette Eggleston, Superintendent of Streets and Sanitation, has agreed to come to the March 13 meeting of the Environment Board. Ms. Lutz will electronically send the RFP for commercial recycling to Board members. The Board noted that the RFP was issued prior to the community commitment to work on a Climate Action Plan for the City. The RFP may not reflect current thinking. Ms. Freeman noted that an interview schedule and evaluation were also in the contract. 2 fr'}3.r1 Streets and Sanitation developed a pilot project where they used larger bins (65 and 90 gallon bins); the regular bins are 18 gallons. The pilot program was in both a high use and low use area. The results indicated an increase in recycling. The Board is interested in knowing whether Groot is really recycling what is put in recycling bins or are the contents of the recycling just put into a different type of landfill. Ms. Freeman noted that Groot has a reputation of being fairly reputable. Greenest Region Compact of Metropolitan Chicago The City Council passed the Greenest Region Compact at their meeting of 28 January 2008. The Compact focuses on conservation of resources including; reducing water use levels 20% below the 2000 year levels, encouraging electronic waste recycling and encouraging the use of cfl (compact fluorescent lamp) light bulbs. As a result of signing on the City of Evanston will receive a large number of cfl bulbs. Next Meetinq The next meeting of the Evanston Environment Board is Thursday, March 13, at 7:45 PM 3 i NO Quorum aresent Board Members Present: Board Members Absent: Community Members Present: Staff present: Actions Items: March 13, 2008 Dave Dankert, Jody freeman, Elizabeth Kinney, Vicky McKinley, Len Sciarra Susan Beeson, Gladys Bryer, Bill Gallagher, Iry Levinson, Steve Lupton, Eli Port Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Suzette Eggleston, Streets and Sanitation Carolyn Collopy, City Manager's Office • Set date for Green Building Ordinance presentation to developers on Monday, March 31 at 4 PM. • The Board would like to be on the Human Services Committee agenda In April Discussion • Discussed Green Building Ordinance presentation letter. Agreed that the letter should include the proposed ordinance. Letter will be sent out to the City list of developers along with the Chamber of Commerce personnel and Evmark, major hospitals, and Northwestern • Discussed Climate Action Plan. Committee reports are due to the Sustainability Coordinator by March 31, 2008, community presentation is May 4, 2008 • IPM to be discussed at the April 2008 meeting • Suzette Eggleston discussed the RFP for commercial waste collection. The Board is interested in promoting the best recycling program possible. Thanked Suzette for her efforts; they especially thought the pilot program increasing the size of the recycling container was a good idea. • Carolyn announced that through Greenest Region Compact of Metropolitan Chicago the City of Evanston will receive 18,000 compact fluorescent bulbs some time in April • The Ecology Center will be the site of a recycling initiative cell phones, ipods, cameras, etc. The project is the work of an ETHS senior studies student. Recycling will occur through May. Drop off boxes will be located in the Ecology Center foyer Next Meeting: Thursday, April 10, 2008 7:30 PM Ecology Center _ ,.yaw+..-r.j44�J.; .'•u'�:i'�''-._! r Evanston Environment Board (no quorum) Draft minutes of March 13. 2008 Board Members Present: Dave Danker% Judy Freeman, Elizabeth Kinney, Vicky McKinley, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Susan Beeson, Gladys Bryer, Bill Gallagher, Iry Levinson, Steve Lupton, Eli Port Community Members Present: Gemariah Borough Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecok>gy Center Suzette Eggleston, Streets and Sanitation Carolyn Collopy, City Managers Office February 21, 2008 meeting minutes The minutes were held until the April meeting due to lack of a quorum. RFP for Commercial Recycling The Board thanked Suzette Eggleston, Superintendent of Streets and Sanitation, for coming to talk with the Board. Ms. Eggleston clarified that the City has let an RFP for solid waste pick up In Evanston for businesses. Currently businesses use around 10 different contractors. Residential solid waste pick up will continue to be a City operation. Condos can also sign up to pay the same as residents however there are restrictions based on ownership. For example Sherman Plaza is not 75% owner occupied which means that It does not qualify until they reach owner occupied level. About 50% of the condos in town subscribe to the COE waste collection program. The condos pay $5 a month per unit which includes solid waste pickup and recycling. Condos get twice a week pick up. Condo collection services charges $7.50 per unit. The residential charge will increase to $6.95 starting May 1, 2008. The COE does not pick up from apartment units larger than 4 units. A commercial franchise would pick up apartments over 4 units, businesses, and condo units that are not picked up by the City. Skokie has had a solid waste franchise for some time. The current costs to small businesses are quite high. This franchise should be a benefit to small businesses. The franchise would include recycling. About 2% of local businesses bring their products to the recycling center. Currently the capacity of the drop off recycling has doubled. It is uncertain if the franchise will go forward. Northwestern University as well as the major hospitals do not want to be part of the franchise. They are reluctant to turn over their waste hauling to the City to administer. They would like to be in control of their own contracts. The City Council has asked for more research. Surveys were sent to over 2000 businesses with only 176 respondents; there is not enough of a response rate at this point. The COE would like to know what businesses think about the franchise. On March 24 Ms. Eggleston will give a presentation on the franchise proposal. It Is unclear whether the franchise agreement will go through. Some smaller businesses currently have a lower rate and are not interested. dj SWANCC indicated that about 2% of the businesses will continue to pay lower costs with a new franchise agreement. This information was sent to the Chamber of Commerce and EVMARK. Ms. Eggleston said, in reality, about 75% of the businesses will be paying less for service. According to Ms. Eggleston 25% of businesses would be paying more with a municipal waste franchise. A lot of businesses are served by a management company and don't contract themselves for waste services. The City Council has to make a decision in March as prices guaranteed in the RFP's are only good through the end of March 2008. Ms. Eggleston wanted more than a blue bag program; only one contractor had a different solution. School District #65 would pay $4,000 less a month if there was a franchise service. The COE provides free recycling to both school districts. Northwestern University does their own recycling; it is unknown what is recycled through the hospitals. Ms. Eggleston indicated that if you have an active recycling program, garbage service can be reduced (in times per week). You do have to pay for recycling pickups. A blue bag program costs less but separation in collection Is a better recycling program. GROOT does a good job with recycling; separated recycling Is marketable as long as there is a viable market for recycled goods. Recycling companies frequently charge less as they collect materials that can be re -sold. Recyclables are a variable market; It can also be risky business. A significant cost of waste collection is fuel. When you run 2 trucks, one for garbage and one for recycling the fuel costs are significant. In summary the issue is unresolved. The Board would like the best recycling program the City can get. A blue bag program is not the best for actual recycling. The COE would like to integrate the waste hauling services. Several issues need to be addressed: Is there a way to evaluate how recycling is going? How can you evaluate if recycling is increasing. The contractor would have to survey residents about recycling pick up; any recycling program for residents also applies to businesses. Some grants can provide education programs that are designed to encourage recycling. Evanston does well as compared to Skokie (Evanston has little bins, Skokie has 95 gallon roll out carts). A pilot program in Evanston using 65 gallon carts recorded an Increase of 30% in high recycling areas and an increase of 20% in low recycling areas. It seems like a larger capacity container does encourage more recycling. The goal is to have less solid waste that requires hauling to landfills. The Board expressed their thanks to Ms. Eggleston and appreciates her efforts. The Board would like to see recycling available to commercial businesses. 2 Climate Action Plan (CAP) Ms. Collopy reported that a meeting of the task force co-chairs was held to confirm the reporting format for the Climate Action Plan. Individual task force reports are due at the end of March. Information will be consolidated during April with the official CAP released on May 4, 2008. Ms. McKinley noted that one of the recommendations from the Forest, Prairie, and Carbon off -sets task force is the inclusion of a tree ordinance. A graduate student of Ms. McKinley's will be working on data including calculating the number of residential trees. They have been working with the City's GIS division. The goal is to get data on why people should have trees. Information is there to determine tree size and type as well as carbon sequestration. Greenest Region Compact Ms. Collopy reported that as a result of signing on to the Greenest Region Compact the City of Evanston will receive 18,550 CFL's. The CFLs will be distributed through the City's CFL recycling program sites, City programs and partners that serve Evanston's low-income communities and City sponsored events. Seven City staff members (4 from Water and 3 from Facilities Management) are participating in the Building Operator Certification (BOC), starting at the Civic Center this spring. BOC is a nationally recognized training for building operators that provides tools and techniques for substantially lowering building energy use. There Is still room for participants. Ms. Collopy will continue to send out information on the program The Sustainability Coordinator position is funded in the 2008 — 2009 budget. Green Building presentation to Developers Mr. Sciarra revised the presentation in preparation for the meeting on March 31 at 4 PM at the Civic Center. Ms. Kinney drafted a letter which will be added to the proposed ordinance and sent to local developers. Human Services Committee agenda Ms. Lutz has requested that Mr. Gaynor schedule the Environment Board to meet with the Human Service Committee regarding the Green Building Ordinance to discuss the Issue. No date has been set. Environment Board vacancies Three new board members will be introduced as potential Environment Board members at the March 24`' meeting of the City Council. Recycling coming to Ecology Center An ETHS student will be collecting iPods, cell phones, printer cartridges, and digital cameras through the end of May. A drop off bin Is located at the Ecology Center. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Environment Board is Thursday, April 13, 2008 at 7:30 PM at the Ecology Center. 3 Environment Board Meeting of April 10, 2008 Board Members Present: Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Bill Gallagher, Susan Kaplan, Vicky McKinley. Eli Port, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Susan Beeson, Gladys Bryer, Elizabeth Kinney, Paige Knutson, Karen Maxwell Community Members Present: Steve Lupton Staff present: Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Paul D'Agostino, ParklForestry Carolyn Collopy. Sustainability Coordinator Actions Items: Approved minutes of February 2008 and March 2008 meeting Discussion • Discussed Green Building Ordinance presentation to developers. Developers at the meeting were generally favorable but wanted something in return such as Increased FAR %, higher permit fees for non-LEED buildings, fine based on non- compliance with specific number of LEED points similar to Seattle model. Next step to discuss the proposed ordinance with the City manager. • Discussed Climate Action Plan. Ms. Collopy is integrating the task force reports and will be sending a draft back to each task force. Presentation of the CAP will be May 4ft. • Susan Kaplan reviewed the IPM document she researched and highlighted the addition of organic pest management systems. Mr. D'Agostino thought that the City could achieve the organic standards over a period of time. • Environment Board awards; will continue to solicit and present awards at the Green Living Festival as well as a presentation at a City Council meeting. Nominations can continue to come In. • Discussed solar panel text amendment; Ms. Lutz will follow up and see what has happened on the issue • Discussed better environmental presence on the COE website. New information can be highlighted on the Sustainability pages. Ms. Collopy can add information • Discussed trying to attract green businesses to Evanston. Will place on the June 2008 agenda with input from businesses and Chamber. • Steve Lupton has elected not to take on a second term on the Board due to his extensive travel schedule; his expertise and great presentation skills will be sorely missed! Next Meeting: Thursday, May 8, 2008 7:30 PM Ecology Center Evanston Environment Board April 10, 2DO8 Quorum present Board Members Present: Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman, Bill Gallagher. Susan Kaplan, Vicky McKinley, Eli Port, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Susan Beeson, Gladys Bryer, Elizabeth Kinney, Paige Knutson. Karen Maxwell Community Members Present: Steve Lupton Staff present: Unda Lutz, Ecology Center, Paul D'Agmbno, ParklForestry Carolyn Coliopy, Sustainability Coordinator Board minutes February 2008 and March 2008 The Board reviewed the minutes of the March 13, 2008 and the February 21, 2008 meeting. Mr. Sciarra moved, seconded by Mr. Dankert to approve the minutes from both meetings. The Board approved the minutes. Integrated Pest Management IPIN Ms. Kaplan reviewed the 2 models of IPM from San Francisco and Marblehead. Ms. Kaplan reported on the costs associated with the different kinds of IPM. Under model lawn turf policies is an organic turf model. Chip Osbome, from Marblehead, is well known for developing workshops for organic lawn care; he has given some in Illinois. The OPM (organic pest management) is more labor intensive with fees generally 15% higher, although after 2 — 3 years the cost evens out, and then is generally cheaper. Non organic products are frequently petroleum based and their cost is increasing. Organic products will generally cost less In relation to traditional IPM. OPM methods may further reduce pollution as well as reduce costs over time. OPM could be a sustainable practice if done well. It is unclear if OPM practices have a connection to climate change. Lawn care equipment, particularly gas powdered lawn mowers and leaf blowers, can be quite polluting such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers. Mr. D'Agostino indicated that he would be interested in leaming more about OPM. If the process is costly it might be something that Mr. D'Agostino would have to introduce it over time, but he thought that the City could eventually get to an OPM model. Ms McKinley suggested getting a hold of the lists of products used in OPM and IPM. She would be willing to review the list that Ms. Kaplan develops. The Board assumes organic fertilizers and organic pest control products would make up the majority of the products. San Francisco includes IPM education for contractors. Mr. Port wondered if the use of organic fertilizers would contribute to run off which would be problematic. Organic compounds usually bind to soil particles more easily and stay In the soil versus being part of the run off which usually happens with non -organic fertilizers. Organic products are more easily taken up by the plants. Non organic compounds contained in run off may be a problem for waste water treatment plants. The use of native plants can be included in both IPM and OPM models. Mr. Port noted that some areas In town could be problematic. Parkways and private homes should be 1 .r l"` ._ . - - - .. ... .-- �1e__ tr. :a. arc.:. gq'`•:;l'r. able to be planted with native vegetation. A green city should be able to incorporate native plantings into policies and ordinances. Without policy support for such practices environmental objectives are inconsistent. The City should be able to promote native landscaping perhaps by using more examples in parks and public places. Generally these require less water and fewer pesticides. Parks can begin to convert low public use areas by planting with native plants. The Board agreed it was important to model appropriate landscape as well as have species lists available for residents who would be interested in using native plants. Web pages could highlight good practices, plant lists, and IPMIOPM practices. Ms. Collopy offered to add this section to the sustainability pages currently on the City website. Citv compost operation Regarding the City compost operation, Mr. D'Agostino said the leaves are hauled to a landfill where they are composted. He reported that some years during the City operation there was a significant amount of compost left and in other years there was none. The USEPA has regulations about how much material could be kept on site requiring that excess had to be removed. Parks/Forestry buys fertilizer and will now buy more fertilizer as compost is not readily available. Right now street debris goes to the transfer station and is then hauled somewhere in Illinois. it is assumed that the compost Is sold to businesses. The Board discussed whether it is more environmental to have a local compost operation or truck away the leaves to a composting operation. There should be some guidelines for the best environmental practices which could be publicized so residents would be aware of the most environmental solution. Mulching lawn mowers would help relieve some compost -able material. Mulching leaves into the lawn could also be a good thing. Perhaps if fewer raw materials were picked up by the City, then less compost would be produced by a City operation and the compost supply would probably all be used. Mr. D'Agostino guessed that 213 of compost was from street sweeping. Lawn care companies should be encouraged to use mulching lawnmowers, Public education that encouraged composting for home -owners would be Important; the Ecology Center offers some composing classes, Mr. D'Agostino stated that he would prefer starting with an IPMIOPM policy as it would be easier to implement. An ordinance would require enforcement and that adds a different level of management and Implementation. Green Buildina Ordinance Mr. Sciarra reported that the presentation to developers went well. An invitation was sent to over 30 developers as well as Community Development and other City staff. In general the attending developers were supportive but felt that they would like a "carrot". It is important to work with City staff to discuss and implement any ordinance. Meeting notes: March 31 GBO Presentation to Developers Attending: Len Sciarra, Linda Lutz, Elizabeth Kinney, Gladys Bryer, Carolyn Coltopy, Aaron Masilansky, Dick Whitaker, Justin Pelej, Alex Sproul, Andy Spatz, Matt Berry, David Coiling. The general consensus at the presentation was that LEED and energy efficiency standards are here to stay. Evanston's permitting process is not long {Chicago's is so 2 LEED certified projects are fast —tracked) so fast tracking is not an incentive. Also developers who have built here know and understand the process. Developers asked what is the benefit to them of proposing LEED certified buildings in Evanston. An issue to consider is tear -downs; LEED would help responsible disposal of tear downs for both residential and commercial. Costs for LEED certified can range from 0% - 2 % depending on design and construction processes. All agreed that LEED will happen nationally and that it is a good thing. Most felt municipal buildings needed to be Gold if Silver was the standard required for developments. Any incentives should be revenue neutral. Revisions suggested: ■ Eliminate the performance bond, it just ties up money • Determine a fine if a developer proposes a building with specified LEED points and does not achieve the total points specified (for example through the building/permitting process they say they will achieve 32 points and at the end of the project they achieve 28). Idea based on the Seattle model • Square foot bonus -- if LEED silver, then developer gets an additional 2% FAR; increased floor space ■ Permit fees: Require additional fee if the building project is not LEED certified • Permit fees: Lower permit fees if building project Is LEED certified ■ The permit questions should be evaluated in light of a projected downturn in building in general ■ If a projects is 1 point short of certification then there should be an appeal process. As LEED is controlled outside Evanston by an Independent firm it Is possible that a project could come up short. Generally developers will have a 2-4 point margin to avoid such situations • Having incentives around parking was not suggested The next step in the process is for the Board to meet with the City Manager and work towards developing a mutually agreeable language. Tentatively this meeting will occur at the next Board meeting on May 8"' If the date does not work with the City Manager's schedule Ms. Lutz will notify the Board. The Board thought LEED certified is "too easy" as a number of points are specific to urban areas and are readily attainable. Silver certification is recommended. The City should be 1 step above what Is required meaning achieving a gold level for new City buildings. The new bathroom for the lakefront is LEED silver. 3 Solar Text Amendment The Board requested information on the status of the solar text amendment Ms. Lutz will forward the information to the Board Ban on olastic bans The issue of recycling plastic bags has come up several times. Alderman Rainey referred a student group who will be coming to the Ecology Center's Earth Day event and showing a short video. Several businesses in town do not give out plastic bags; Lernoi Hardware, and Whole Foods will eliminate plastic bags as of April 22 2008. Climate Action Plan Ms. Collopy is reviewing the Climate Action Plans submitted from each of the 9 task forces. She will review and will get a draft back to the committees for their review prior to the May a, 2008 meeting.. LEED buildina dedication The Jewish Re constructionist Congregation will dedicate their new LEED synagogue on Sunday, April 13 at 2 PM. The public Is invited. Evanston Green Livina Festival The Evanston Environmental Association and the City of Evanston will again sponsor the 2n4 Evanston Green Living Festival on Saturday, October 4 from 9 AM — 4 PM. Environment Board Awards The Board discussed their annual Environmental Stewardship Award. Two written proposals have been received. The Board agreed to continue to submit names for the awards. Over the next few months the Board can make a decision with the awards being presented at the Evanston Green Living Festival as well as making the City Council aware of the awards. The Mayor could come and present the awards at the Green Festival. Atiractina Green Businesses to Evanston The Board discussed how to bring green businesses to Evanston. Recognizing current businesses (with a plaque or in other ways) that operate environmentally might be a way to promote green businesses. Staff in economic development might become involved. New businesses might be able to operate on a green principle of one business's waste is the raw materials for another's. What does the City do to attract businesses to Evanston; Cities like Portland actively recruit green businesses. Evanston would need to be a greener place to attract greener businesses. The Board will put this on the agenda for June. Chicago is working on attracting green businesses. It would be interesting to have strategic planning with NU and COE. An emphasis on green technologies would benefit both the City and NU. The goal would be towards a sustainable economy. Next Meetinq The Environment Board will meet on Thursday, May 8 at 7:30 PM at the Ecology Center. 4 Environment Board Quorum present Thursday, May 8, 2D08 Board Members Present: Gladys Bryer. Dave Dankert, Judy Freeman,13111 Gallagher, Susan Kaplan, Elizabeth Kinney, Paige Knutson, Karen Maxwell, Vlcky McKinley, Len Sciarra Board Members Absent: Susan Beeson, Ell Port Community Members Present: Nicolai5chousboe Staff present: Julia Carroll, City Manager Linda Lutz, Ecology Center Carolyn Collopy, Sustainability Coordinator ADr1l 10. 2008 Minutes Ms. Freeman moved, seconded by Mr. Gallagher to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2008 meeting. The Board voted and approved the minutes with Ms. Knutsen abstaining. Green Building Ordinance Mr. Sciarra reviewed the presentation that he gave to the development community. Six representatives of the development community attended along with Alex Sproul of the Chamber of Commerce. We have a list of who was sent notices as well as how they were notified (e-mail or letter). The list is on file. Ms. Carroll suggested that the City Council will have many questions and one will be who was invited and how did the Board reach out to the community. The Board discussed the difference between silver and gold LEED certification. How much more does it cost to have LEED gold certified? The point difference should be noted as well as the accompanying cost. The developers suggested that the City should be held to a higher standard; For example gold level for the City and silver for the developers. Currently the City has its first LEED silver building in fire station #5,. It Is being considered for the animal shelter as well as beach house. The ordinance would cover buildings over 10,000 square feet. There are residential as well as commercial codes. Town homes are treated as commercial under the code. If more than 2 homes are in a town home then it becomes commercial. IBC 2003 is the current commercial code, IRC is the residential code. The Board reviewed section V which deals with "Sustainable Sites Credit 7.2 Heat Island Effect: Roof. This section has been In the code. Re -roofing requirements would require compliance by 2025. Ms. Carroll suggested that this provision be discussed with Dave Cook of Facilities Management to make sure that he understands the implications of this section of the ordinance. Putting In such a mandate may create a problem. The next generation of codes will require compliance with this as It's very cost effective 1. . according to Mr. Sciarra. There is a net benefit for zone 5 which is where Evanston is located. The Board will continue to discuss. It seems as if roofs in general are considered likely to be replaced and are a cost effective measure. The Board agreed that it would be reasonable to take out the mandatory compliance date. It would seem better to require compliance at the time when it is necessary to do roof replacement. The Board will need to provide a lot of back up for the ordinance requirements. In general the developers liked the penalty concept when developers did not meet their proposed LEED points and certification. It might be appropriate to require developers to provide evidence of certification. The developers asked for a carrot. One idea was to improve the FAR ratio by 1 -- 3 %. The Board could put in a section that restates that the developers would like something in return. The developers felt that if compliance with a green building ordinance Is required then there should be something the developers receive in return. Ms. Carroll suggested that the Board just raise the issue to the Council so they are aware of it. Ms. Carroll stated that Evanston has the highest local building permit fees. There might be some reduction in fees if the building is LEED gold or above. Mr. Sciarra will check out current fees. Jill Chambers should be aware of current fees. Ms. Carroll suggested putting these issue in a cover memo not in the ordinance. Ms. Bryer discussed the density issue as well as a letter concerning reduction in open space. What do we want from downtown besides density? How do you have the City represent the ideas and values of the residents. Ms. Bryer indicated this letter is directed to the City Council addressing the density issue. Mr. Dankert noted that a sustainable urban fabric includes design guidelines that reflect both the unique features of community as well environmental issues. The next step is to revise the ordinance and do a presentation before the Human Services Committee. The Board suggested looking for money for training as it relates to green building and green design. State money can be available for design fees for sustainable construction. Design fees for the Fire Station #5 were jut over 5100,000. District #65 has some sustainable initiatives. NPO's and the faith community are also Involved in sustainable initiatives. The concept was to have the penalty money (section IV) go into a fund that supported a sustainable fund. If Council approves this then the Law Department would come back with an ordinance that would address the Sustainable Evanston Fund. A similar fund in the City is the Affordable Housing Fund; Ken Cox is the contact in the City's legal department. The Board should be specific and focused in the green building ordinance. Note that the parking issue did come up although the Board and developers were divided on the value of tying up space for parking. Developers should build the number of parking spaces that are required. In some condos, residents have parking in the public garages at $85 a month, versus paying $35,000 for an additional parking space. One condo has 80 residents doing this. 2 The Board thanked Ms. Carroll for working with them on the Green Building Ordinance. Ms. Kinney and Mr. Sciarra will develop a cover memo as well as revise the ordinance based on the discussion. Mr. Sciarra will add language on the roof — section that takes into reflectance and remittance. A green roof may negate the language of the roof. Several ideas for generating support for the Green Building Ordinance include talking to the Energy Commission, the Preservation Commission and perhaps the Affordable Housing Commission. Mr. Sciarra will talk about fee reduction with Jill Chambers as well as preservation with Carol Ruiz. Ms. Kinney will talk to Ken Cox. Ms. Knutson will call Dave Cook regarding the roof issue and if that conflicts with maintenance goals. The Human Services Committee meets on first Monday of the month. The Board can prepare a communication that can go in mid -June. The HSC meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 7". Intearated Pest Management Ms. Kaplan reported that the Board has had several discussions on IPM. Pesticide use by the City as determined from a list supplied by Paul D'Agostino as well as Carl Caneva of the Health Department indicates low pesticide use and some use of organic materials. Ms. Kaplan mentioned the 2 model policies from both Marblehead and San Francisco. The Board noted that the Parks/Forestry Department preferred a policy over an ordinance. Ms. Kaplan found information on organic products which was circulated to the Board. Information and outreach should be circulated to Paul D'Agostino to see what he can use who indicated that organic materials may have to be integrated over time depending on the cost. A Safer Pest Control Project has Evanston involved as a pilot city for working to develop a municipal IPM policy. The pilot will be assisting 3 towns, Evanston, Northbrook, and one more. Carl Caneva is the City representative. Ms. Kaplan will be the liaison between the Board, and the City staff. Generally if this were a policy then it may or may not require City Cclmcil approval. Ms. Kaplan will get in contact with Carl Caneva and A Safer Pest Control project. IPM is required by law for inside school buildings. IPM is not required for lawns and athletic fields. District 65, District 202, Northwestern University and Peter Jans Golf Course are the largest land owners. Ms. Collopy will find some contacts from the school's Green Committee whose meetings she has attended. Ms. Collopy will send some contact information to Susan Kaplan. Northwestern uses conventional products outside while dorms and buildings use IPM. The City is using far fewer chemicals that residents. The Board thanked Ms. Kaplan for researching and developing a great document. Climate Action Plan Ms. Collopy reported that over 300 people attended the meeting on May 4th where draft recommendations of the Climate Action Plan were presented. The full plan is on line and Ms. Collopy is taking feedback on the plan. A community meeting will be held on May 27 at the Ecology Center for community members who are interested in helping with implementation. The draft will be revised over the summer and may be presented to the City Council in late summer. The zero footprint Evanston on-line calculator Is live. A proposal was sent to the Grand Victoria Foundation requesting funding for climate change initiatives. Solar Text Amendment The solar text amendment ordinance is attached to the minutes. The Board thanked Mr. Sciarra for his work over the last several years on the amendment. Sanitation Commercial Waste contract There is an upcoming public meeting to discuss the proposed commercial waste franchise. This is to solicit comments from the business community. The Sanitation Division sent out a survey and the response was low. Sanitation is seeking further comments before any decision on the franchise contract would be considered. Generally the franchise agreement would benefit large companies and the cost would be higher for smaller businesses. Coinoact Fluorescent Liahts The City received 18,000 CFL's as a result of signing on to the Greenest Region Compact. Ms. Coilopy is responsible for distributing the bulbs to the community. Deoartina Reception For Board members The Board acknowledged and thanked Ms. Bryer and Ms. Freeman for their 8 years of service on the Environment Board. The Board will plan a short celebration to acknowledge the contributions of Iry Levinson, Steve Lupton, Gladys Bryer and Judy Freeman. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting of the Evanston Environment Board will be Thursday, July 10, at 7*30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center. 0 r Environment Board Thursday, June 12, 2008 Board Members Present: Board Members Absent: Quorum present Susan Beeson, Dave Dankert, Bill Gallagher, Susan Kaplan, Elizabeth Kinney. Eli Port, Len Sclarra Paige Knutson, Karen Maxwell, Community Members Present: Celia Mitchner, Elliott Zashin, Ed Domingo, Djedah Pates Staff present: Unda Lutz, Ecology Center Minutes Mai 2008 Mr. Gallagher moved, seconded by Ms. Kinney to approve the minutes of the May 2008 meeting. The Board approved the minutes. Green Building ordinance Ms. Kinney reported that she talked with proponents of affordable housing regarding the provision in the proposed ordinance that sets up a sustainable fund based on fee schedules and non-compliance fees. This fund could ideally fund affordable housing green initiatives. The Board would like to review the proposed ordinance with the Human Services Committee; the Board is on the Human Services Agenda for Monday, July 7. The proposed ordinance is attached to the minutes of this meeting. Ms. Kinney reported that after the May 10, 2008 Board meeting there was just one minor change made to the proposed green building ordinance. Board members reviewed the cover memo as well. Mr. Sciarra will talk to the Energy Commission on July 11 regarding the green building ordinance. Mr. Sciarra will also talk with the Preservation Commission. Intearated Pest Management Ms. Kaplan reported that she has talked with Carl Caneva of the Health Department. The Grand Victoria Foundation is funding, through A Safer Pest Control Project, the development of a pilot program that creates a municipal IPM policy. Evanston was one of 3 cities chosen to participate in the pilot project. Ms. Kaplan will follow the process. She noted that education is a significant part of IPM policies in cities that have adopted an IPM policy. The grant project focuses on lawn chemical use. Large landowners like the school districts, hospitals and Northwestern could be contacted. Ms. Kaplan suggested that it may be advantageous to review the Leaf Blower Ordinance as far as its impact on IPM. City use of leaf blowers could also be reviewed. The Environment Board can work with the City on developing an IPM policy. Residential buy -in for IPM is a different issue that will take a significant amount of public education. Several task forces of the Climate Action Plan could be targeted to help with education on IPM. Growing Green Business and Green Collar Jobs to Evanston Tom Rath from the Chamber of Commerce will be attending the July 10 meeting of the Environment Board. The idea is to develop ways to attract green businesses to Evanston. The Environment Board could help encourage green development. Additional issues could include green collar jobs, incentives for locating a business in town, and help to create a sustainable business community. Ms. Beeson discussed BASE, an NPO that is interested in providing sustainable jobs, job training, and creating a sustainable community. Ms. Beeson will contact BASE and see if a representative can attend the July meeting. Farmer's Market Elliott Zashin talked about creating a table for ECAP at several festivals as well as the Farmer's Market. The goal is to make people aware that public events can be produced with a reduced amount of waste and energy. Custer Street Fair and the Fountain Square Fair will provide space for ECAP. Several issues can include how to make public fairs and markets greener. The Environment Board could help to support the public education process regarding sustainable practices. Next Meetina: The next meeting of the Environment Board will be on Thursday, July 10 at 7:30 PM at the Evanston Ecology Center 2 f Evanston Environment Board Ouorurn present Thursday July 10, 2008 Board members present: Susan Besson, Dave Dankert, Bill Gallagher, Susan Kaplan, Paige Knutsen, Eli Port, Len Sciarra Board members absent: Community members present: Staff present: Elizabeth Kinney, Karen Maxwell (resigned) Richard Peach, Jonathan Netsky, Elliot Zashin Karen Taira, Ecology Center, Carolyn Co)lopy, Sustainability Coordinator Resignation Ms. Taira informed the board that Linda Lutz (former staff liaison) received notice from Karen Maxwell that she will be resigning from the board. Minutes June 2008 Mr. Sciarra moved to approve the minutes with the follow corrections: Susan Besson & Paige Knutsen. The last names of each were spelled incorrectly. Mr. Daakert seconded. The board approved the minutes. Green Building Ordinance Mr. Sciarra reported on the July 7 discussion of the Green Building Ordinance at the Human Services Committee meeting. Mr. Sciarra and Ms. Kinney attended the discussion. Aldermen Jean -Baptiste, Bernstein, Holmes, and Moran were part of the discussion. Mr. Sciana reported that Walter Hallen, of Community Development raised some questions regarding ordinance requirements. He put forth the idea of re-,7cwing the size of buildings included in the ordinance. The suggestion was 20,000, rather than 10,000 square feet. He also had a concern about the power given to the city to revoke occupancy certificate for noncompliance. Community member Andrew McGonigle also spoke at the discussion. He stated that the Green Building Ordinance should be considered with the Climate Action Plan, which contains development recommendations. There was also some discussion about how the requirements could be a potential job creator for Evanston, as businesses strive to meet them. The Human Scr%ice Committee requested that the Environment Board return to the Sept 8'' meeting after discussing these questions. The board discussed these items. One possibility is to require LEED certification for large development, but have a smaller list of requirements for smaller scale developments and renovations. The board recognizes that such regulations and requirements should be cost effective for smaller developments. The board will consider residential and remodeling projects, as well as smaller businesses. Ms. Knutsen was interested in finding out how many businesses fall between the 10,000 and 20, 000 square feet to get an idea of the impact of making the change. Ms. Collopy stated that as the Community Development records have only recently computerized, and the information was difficult to obtain. She suggested asking the GIS department to get the information which is available through county records. 'leis information may not Ex as specific, but may be helpful. Mr. Sciarra will take a closer look at the proposed Climate Action Plan in preparation for the September 8'h Human Services Committee meeting. fir. Sciarra asked his. Taira to check that the Environment Board is on the agenda for September and get back to the board. Mr. Dankert shared two newsletters that speak to green and sustainable building practices. Local Leaders in Sustainability (AIA) and Municipal./City/County Initiatives (US Green Building Council). Mr. Dankert will provide electronic versions for the board. Creating a Green Climate for Businesses Jonathan Netzky of BASE (Business Alliance for a Sustainable Evanston) spoke to the board about the mission for BASE. The focus is on smaller business owners that have similar or the same clientele, consumers who frequent businesses that are more environmental or provide environmentally friendly products and services. BASE puts its efforts into socially -minded actions and seeks to recognize organizations that are socially responsible. The organization is considering a certification program to acknowledge businesses that have green practices and encourage other businesses with interest but not expertise. The incentive to businesses is a marketing tool. This would help give the community the ability to access information on local sustainable business practices. Mr. Netzky stressed that BASE is interested only in the relevance for Evanston businesses, in an effort to support shopping locally. The board discussed clarifying "green collar" jobs. The current thinking nationally is that such job training tracks (eg. Changing large manufacturers to sustainable factories) are a path out of poverty. To others, any job that promotes sustainable practices (eg. Sustainable architecture) may be considered a green collar job. The board suggested defining the meaning in any publications, advertising, etc. There was discussion about how and if the Environment Board could assist BASE. Ms. Besson suggested the board might advocate for policies that encourage "greening" of businesses. Mr. Sciarra suggested that the board could read through the Climate Action Plan and assess recommendations it may consider. Ittgrated Pest Management his. Kaplan stated there was nothing new to report. Evanston Green Living Festival The board will be presenting the Environmental Service Award(s) at the Evanston Environmental Association's Green Living Festival on October 4, 2008. Mr. Sciarra asked for nominations to be sent to Ms. Taira via email. Nominations will be voted on at the meeting on September 11, 2008. Ms. Besson will contact the Evanston Roundtable to solicit nominations. Support for COE Purchasing Hvbrids Alderman Tisdahl has asked (via Linda Lutz) the board to help with research into how hybrids compare in performance to other cars the City purchases (like Crown Victoria's). The board my consider recommending hybrids for other City vehicles. The board will discuss at a future meeting. Next Meeting The next meeting of the Environment Board will be on Thursday September I 1 at 7:30pm at the Evanston Ecology Center. The October meeting will be changed from Oct 9 to Oct 16, as October 9`s falls on Yom Kippur. Evanston Environment Board Thursday September 11, 2008 No Quorum Board Members Present: David Dankert, William Gallagher, Susan Kaplan, Elizabeth Kinney, Leonard Sciarra, Gemariah Borough Board Members Absent: Paige Knutsen, Susan Besson, Vicky McKinley, Eli A. Port, Richard M. Kuntz, Edward J. McCall Community Members Present: Mr. Elliot Clark Staff Present: Carl Caneva HHS, Carolyn Collopy Sustainability Coordinator, Karen Taira Ecology Center Community Presentation Dr. Elliott addressed the committee with regard to noise pollution. He presented research about the effects of commercial lawncare on the wellbeing of Evanston residents, his presentation is attached. Dr. Elliott has taken multiple measurements of noise levels produced by leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and idling of the diesel trucks as they wait for work crews to finish a job. The noise levels produced are between 90-104 decibels(dB) and are not regulated by any means. Lawn care devices are exempted in IL Administrative Code Section 900, which deals directly with noise levels. Employees of lawncare companies are subjected to the noise produced by equipment and have little or no personal protective equipment (PPE), Action Requested Dr. Elliot requested the Environment Board consider legislation that would regulate the amount of noise that was produced by commercial and residential lawn care devices. His solutions to the issue included retrofitting a muffler onto the devices or establishing a catalog of devices that had lower noise emissions and would be acceptable. Dr. Elliott stated that City of Evanston devices should not be exempted from complying with this ordinance. Board Response Susan Kaplan agreed, commercial lawn equipment emits air and noise pollution. The board may need to revisit the leaf blower ordinance and research its enforcement. Ms. Kaplan commented on Greenwise lawncare as an alternative to traditional commercial lawncare companies and equipment that relies on combustion. Leonard Sciarra, stated that this topic had come up in the past and the board need to look into historical documents for research materials. Mr. Sciarra stated that a city department would have to issue and enforce this ordinance. Carolyn Coilopy, stated that Oak Park has a leaf blower ordinance mandating leaf blowers to have some level of EPA rating for them to be used. Oak Park utilizes a sticker to aid in enforcement. Elizabeth Kinney asked if the lawncare companies are licensed Carl Caneva answered yes they are licensed as a business Karen Taira stated the City of Evanston's ordinance specifies the times when leaf blowers can be used. Ms. Taira provided the board with flyers about the leaf blower ordinance (httr)://www.citvofevanston.orq/deoartments/oarks/Ddf/leaf blower reaulations.Dd D Leonard Sciarra stated their was no quorum so no vote could be made, but moving forward more research needs to be done Karen Tiara will ask Linda Lutz about the history of the ordinance Susan Kaplan will look at California State Law regarding lower emissions Environmental Awards The Board decided on the following to receive Environmental Awards at the Green Living Festival on October 4, 2008 at the Ecology Center at 1 0:00 a.m.: • Dave Grummond • Nichole Lovett of Harmony Haus • Greenwise Lawncare • MarkVend • Lemoi Hardware IPM and the Citv of Evanston Carl Caneva updated the board on the City of Evanston continued cooperative effort with Safer Pest Control (SPC). Carl Caneva (Health and Human Services), Paul D'Agostino (Parks and Recreation), and Dave Cook (Facilities Management) met with Steve Pincuspy and Rachel Rosenberg of Safer Pest Control. Safer Pest Control has asked for amounts of pesticides used in the past to establish a baseline level. SPC will use these levels to measure future reductions. The next meeting will be within the next month, Susan Kaplan and Carolyn Collopy will be invited. Green Buildinq Ordinance Leonard Sciarra, Elizabeth Kinney,Cart Caneva, and Carolyn Collopy will attend the Human Services Committee meeting on September 15, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Mr. Sciarra will bring the costing report and will present a response to Walter Hallen's memo. He will also introduce the idea of an escalating fine. Announcement Carolyn Collopy announced that the City of Evanston is now a Platinum member of Clean Air Counts. The city was also presented with an Environmental Stewardship Award from the Northwest Municipal Conference, Ms. Collopy also stated the 2007 waste numbers have been reported. In 2007 our waste diversion rate was 37% and it is now at a rate of 42%. The city has received funding for roll cart conversion, One route will be changed over next year. The basis for choosing the route will be the results of the Cans for Cash event. Groot was awarded the Commercial Solid Waste Contract, they are providing commercial businesses with one 95 gallon recycling cart and recycling will be a lesser fee than waste. Next Meetinq October 16, 2008 Ecology Center 7:30p.m. Evanston Environment Board Quorum Present Thursday October 16, 2008 Board Members Present: William Gallagher, Susan Besson, , Leonard Sciarra, Geremiah Borough, Edward McCall, Richard Kuntz, Elizabeth Kinney Board Members Absent: David Dankert, Susan Kaplan, Paige Knutsen, Vicky McKinley, Ell Port, Community Members Present: Beth Ulion Northwestern University Staff Present: Carl Caneva HHS, Carolyn Collopy Sustainabiiity Coordinator I. Approval of Minutes for September 11, 2008 • Elizabeth Kinney moved to approve the minutes and William Gallager seconded. II. Green Building Ordinance • Chairman Sciarra gave an overview of activities of the Board's activities with regard to the Green Building Ordinance. The Green Building Ordinance has been in the works for over a year. C. Carolyn Collopy stated that the cost of the JRC was only 3-5% higher than normal construction. Members discussed the merit of presenting the ordinance to include buildings of 20,000 square feet or 10,000 square feet, members decided to include 10,000 square feet in their presentation to the Human Services Committee October 20, 2008. C. Collopy stated there may be issues with affordable housing and the Green Building Ordinance. Chair Sciarra had conversation with Carlos Ruiz concerning the issue of the Green Building Ordinance and preservation there did not seem to be any issues. Chair Sciarra and E. Kinney will present at Monday's HSC meeting. 111. Old Business • Chair Sciarra is interested In presenting the Environment Awards in front of the City Council and requested a date. • C. Caneva will get a date for the presentation to council • E. Kinney will send paragraphs describing the efforts of the award winners to C. Caneva. IV. New Business • S. Beson gave a brief description of Evanston Climate Action Plan activities. The main thrust of this effort is to reduce expected 2012 emissions by 13%. • S. Beeson suggested the Coordination of Environment Groups (Keep Evanston Beautiful, Network for Evanston's future etc.) as well as other Environmental Groups of note acting without the knowledge of the other groups. • Committee discussed Further researching the Oak Park noise ordinance. Chair Sciarra asked for where to go from this point. Committee will address the issue with Susan Kaplan at the next meeting. • Energy Commission help to write PR piece on energy conservation, G. Borough volunteered to help with this initiative. • Chair Sciarra asked about the existence of the City's Green Team and where it is headed. C. Collopy and C. Caneva stated the Green Team's numbers have lessened due to the City of Evanston's Early Retirement Initiative (ERI) and the group would need to be revisited. • Members discussed inviting City of Evanston staff to speak to how departments are meeting their sustainabilityl green goals. Chair Sciarra indicated he would like the Economic Development Coordinator to speak to the group. C. Caneva indicated he will contact the Economic Development Office for availability. • Noise and Emission Ordinance — Vehicle Idling Ordinance update R. Kuntz- would like an update. Car dealers on Chicago Ave. How many violations. Is it complaint generated? What about the Leaf Blower ordinance. Why aren't citations being written? C. Caneva will research. E. Kinney moved the meeting be adjourned at 8:46 PM seconded by R. Kuntz. Evanston Environment Board Thursday November 13, 2008 Board Members Present: Board Members Absent: Quorum Present William Gallagher, Susan Besson, Leonard Sciarra, Gemeriah Borough, Edward McCall, Richard Kuntz, Elizabeth Kinney, Paige Finnegan, David Dankert Susan Kaplan, Eli Port, Vicky McKinley Staff Present: Carl Caneva HHS, Karen Taira Ecology Center, Morris Robinson Economic Development Planner I. Approval of Minutes for October 16, 2008 • E. Kinney motioned to approve the October 16, 2008 minutes, E. McCall seconded the motion If. City of Evanston Economic Development Coordinator Morris Robinson • Chair Sciarra introduced Morris Robinson Economic Development Planner (EDP) for the City of Evanston. Mr. Robinson has been the EDP for the past 11 years with the City of Evanston (COE). • Mr. Robinson gave a brief history of the development of the City stating there are some limitations as it is landlocked and 40% or greater is not for profit due to Northwestern University and religious institutions. Historically, Evanston industry was located along the Mayfair Rail Line, and was responsible for land pollution. Now there are few industrial manufacturers left in the city. This declining industrial base has presented new opportunities for COE; new owners had to clean up the polluted land resulting in a cleansing of Evanston. The area near Dempster and Dodge is a good example as there was a massive remediation project due to being located on a former manufacturing site. The cleanup improved the environment of the city. In the1980s there was a large demand for a research park, the City of Evanston and NU partnered into a research park which failed. One building was built another renovated no scientists on board.Desperate for tax dollars the COE created a TIF District, these were the first steps to Evanston's renewal. • Mr. Robinson stated large developments are not the way of the future. Developer's perceptions have changed now home buyers want green strategies as part of their home • The Board was invited to attend Site Plan And Review Commission (SPARC) to get an idea of the processes that goes into how sites get approved. At SPARC projects are questioned regarding potential ground pollution and building design and materials are reviewed. Evanston's first consideration for review is the Zoning Map, which defines what types of developments can happen and where. The COE uses Formed Based Zoning getting input from city staff and residents to set requirements on the character for a neighborhood or development area. • Mr. Robinson stated the goal is keep Evanston livable as a "City". In order to assist in the development of downtown and several other areas the City established 6 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts. Chair Sciarra asked how the TIF funds are managed. Mr. Robinson stated the TIF will have a life of 23 years. The TIFs are used to pay off debt, to further development. All taxing bodies have to approve of the TIF. The biggest participant is the School District. The tax on the property is frozen at the 1`t year amount until the 23 d year. The oldest TIF is the down town TIF that will be due next year. 2010 will bring economic boons to the school district • Mr. Robinson thanked the board for the opportunity to speak and offered to visit the group from time to time to give updates on new developments. • S. Besson asked how the process of economic development works. Mr. Robinson stated the city has a retention and attraction program. He works with residents to determine wants and needs in an area. A marketing profile is then created. He works closely with the Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce to develop 11 business districts. The city has incentives for Business Districts that work together (3 or more band together). He keeps a list of every vacant commercial building in the city, and receives calls asking for space. • Chair Sclarra asked has the city interviewed current businesses to find out what they needed and pair them with another business that supplies the tools they need. Mr. Robinson stated the City of Evanston has a catalog of what is produced and what services are offered by businesses. • E. McCall asked what the City of Evanston tries to accomplish on the macro level. Mr. Robinson has stated that the city is involved with Commonwealth Edison, and is looking to revisit the Civic Center. • S. Besson: Does the City of Evanston work with other municipalities or Not For Profits (NFPs) to develop regional plans? Mr. Robinson stated the other suburbs north of Chicago have begun to meet monthly to exchange ideas. 8-10 years ago the Evanston Visitor and Convention Bureau began, in cooperation with NU. This has become Chicago Northshore Visitor and Convention Bureau. Chair Sclarra stated that green may also mean being able to walk to places rather than using some form of transportation. • Mr. Robinson stated his job was to determine how to get more green, in a financial sense, into Evanston • Mr. Robinson made reference to several developers that were stepping up to address the issue of green • Chair Sciarra asked how many jobs were in Evanston. Mr. Robinson stated that he didn't have that information but could aet the Board employment statistics per employee. 17 Employers make up 60-70% of the employment • Chair Sciarra asked what the bulk of Mr. Robinson's calls are regarding, he stated it was mostly retail. • E. McCall stated the downtown area was built on an idea from 20 years ago is there any way that the City of Evanston would look into a plan for the channel. Mr. Robinson stated the channel is owned by the metropolitan water reclamation district making it difficult to plan development in the area. • The Board thanked Mr. Robinson for his presentation Ill. Green Building Ordinance • Chair Sciarra reviewed the Human Services Committee meeting in October. Board members are looking into how to address the Issue of enforcement. The building department stated the problem with holding the certificate of occupancy; the city has issued a TCO for any existing issues. The City of Evanston seems to be leaning more toward a performance bond. The Board will also look at an escalating dollar amount. E. Kinney is questioning how much a bond would cost and what that cost would add to the project. R. Kuntz mentioned a surety bond to be set at a premium; this money could be kept by the City of Evanston. C. Caneva stated the Green Building Issue is on the agenda for the Dec. 1, 2008 HSC meeting. Jill Chambers will look into how many projects this will effect. Several ideas were discussed, blacklisting developers, raising permit fees, charging performance fees. E. Kinney stated the city adopted the Evanston Climate Action Plan and its adoption may be a good indicator for the Green Building Ordinanr,e. She further stated the City of Evanston wanted to start at Silver. While the board wanted to pursue Gold for City of Evanston buildings it was amenable to Silver. Board will look into training for inspectors and energy officials. • Board still needs clarity regarding developers C. Caneva stated he will follow-up IV. City's stance on Geothermal Wells • C. Caneva gave a brief update informing members the city is meeting with contractors, members of the Illinois Groundwater Professionals, and attending courses regarding the installation and regulation of Geothermal Wells. Though, there are no current ordinances in the municipal code the city is researching how to regulate these wells. qo: V. Old Business a. Noise Ordinance b. Idling and Leaf Blower Citations • Chair Sciarra requested volunteers to follow-up with research. He requested time for the next agenda to address the issue. C. Caneva will send information to group about Oak Park's regulations VI. New Business • S. Besson stated she met with several other Evanston environmental groups (Evanston Environmental Assn., Keep Evanston Beautiful, Citizens for a Greener Evanston) concerning mission statements and goals, in an effort to coordinate efforts and minimize redundancies. All groups reflected there exists a need for more Information about political candidates for local office, Group members also voiced a need to establish a communication network. • P. Finnegan offered to provide a matrix of activities, and to assist developing a strategic plan for the Environment Board. P. Finnegan made a motion to adjourn at 9:30pm seconded by S. Beeson Evanston Environment Board Thursday December 11, 2008 Board Members Present: Board Members Absent: Quorum Present William Gallagher, Susan Kaplan, Leonard Sciarra, Gemeriah Borough, Eli A. Port, Elizabeth Kinney, Paige Finnegan David Dankert, Eddie McCall, Richard Kuntz, Susan Besson, Vicky McKinley Staff Present: Cad Caneva HHS. Carolyn Collopy Sustainability Coordinator, Karen Taira Ecology Center 1. Approval of November 13, 2008 minutes William Gallagher motioned to approve the minutes, Paige Finnegan seconded, the minutes were approved. II. Green Building Ordinance • Chair Sciarra briefly described the events of the Human Services Meeting, the next meeting will be held on February 16, 2008. An article from the Pioneer Press was circulated among the group. The members are awaiting a memo from Walter Hallen of the City of Evanston's Community Development Department regarding the issue of a performance bond. C. Caneva stated that it was important for the group to bring a recommendation to the Human Services Committee Meeting rather than leave the particulars of the bond to the City Manager or the Committee. Chair Sciarra stated the performance bond will be reviewed and a decision will be made once the members receive Mr. Hallen's memo. 111. Co -Chair Discussion • Co -Chair Discussion was held until the next meeting (January 8, 2008). C. Caneva will research members and give updated list for the January meeting. IV. Old Business a. Noise Ordinance o S. Kaplan asked whether the presentation focused on noise or air pollution. Chair Sciarra stated the presentation focused on noise rather than pollution. S. Kaplan has found reports from California Air Resources Board addressing noise, air emission, and dust reuptake, and asked if is there a way to address the noise and the pollution. E. Port suggested that we look at numerical values for noise, specify the noise weighting, the distance from the source. G. Burrough will research the pollution and emissions resulting from the use of leaf blowers and other similar equipment. o Idling and Leaf Blower Citations, • Members suggested inviting a representative from the Police Department to speak about the idling and leaf blower complaints and investigations. b. Environmental Stewardship Awards o C. Caneva will research announcing awards at city council V. New Business • P. Finnegan requested a listsery for the Board to make communication more efficient. C. Caneva will research • E. Kinney, Chair Sclanra, P. Finnegan requested that members pick three projects they are interested in working on and email them to C. Caneva (ccaneva(@,citvofevanston.orq) . • S. Kaplan requested that each member submit a bio to introduce themselves to each other. • P. Finnegan requested a history of the Environment Board to look toward the future. Chair Sciarra stated he would research this issue. P. Finnegan motioned to adjourn William Gallagher seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m.