===== PDF PAGE 3 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] Draft MEETING MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION May 15, 2025, 5:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order Establish a Quorum a. Dave Shah, Staff Liaison, called the meeting to order at 5:07 P.M. b. Members in attendance included Co-Chair Tom Cherrington, Commissioner Bob Blaus, Commissioner Victoria Burris, Commissioner Tyler Kesler, and Commissioner Allen Rodriguez. Chair Nazree Williams was absent. c. Aldermanic liaison present included Alderman Christopher Swiatek. d. Staff liaison present included Assistant Director of Public Works, Dave Shah. 2. Approval of Minutes a. Environmental Commission Meeting Minutes of April 16, 2025 i. Blaus made a motion, seconded by Cherrington, to approve the Meeting Minutes. 1. Voting Yea: Cherrington, Blaus, Burris, Kesler, Rodriguez 2. Voting Nay: None 3. Public Participation/Presentations a. None 4. Items for Consent a. None 5. Review and Discuss the Commission Priority List a. Current List i. Sustainability Plan – Subcommittee Update Discussion: Burris expressed concern about noise pollution from the train horns near Hawthorne Lane. Shah noted that staff have been working on a quiet zone, so they can see if this area is included. b. New Additions or Upcoming Events i. Blooming Fest – May 17, 2025, 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. 1. Location: Downtown West Chicago 2. Bareroot Prep 3. Staff Update: County partnership, booth set up by 8:30 A.M., promote: resident survey, Recycle Coach, shredding event, rain barrels Discussion: Shah discussed preparation for Blooming Fest. He noted that Recycle Coach is ready to go live and can be promoted at the Fest. Some County staff will be in attendance as well. eWorks was also confirmed to collect fabric at the Shredding Event, so that can be promoted too. Kesler suggested promoting the Commission vacancy as well; Alderman Swiatek shared that Mayor Bovey advised him he may have someone in mind, but they would like more information about the Commission. Shah noted that two tablets would be provided for attendees to take the resident survey, and a QR code will be provided if others want to take it on their phones. Page 1 of 2 ===== PDF PAGE 4 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ii. Paper Shredding Event & Rain Barrels Pick Up – June 7, 2025, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. 1. Location: West Chicago METRA Station Parking Lot 2. Staff Update: Rain barrel ordering is now open and advertised, flyer, location map, agreement in place for two shredders; rename the event? Discussion: Shah noted that seven rain barrel orders have been received so far; they are accepting orders through June 3rd. As options have expanded at the event, it was proposed that the name be changed to “Recycling Extravaganza”. Rodriguez made a motion, seconded by Blaus, to change the name. 1. Voting Yea: Cherrington, Blaus, Burris, Kesler, Rodriguez 2. Voting Nay: None 6. Other Business a. Recycle Coach – Promotion at the Blooming Fest Discussion: Shah advised that the app is live, and Commissioners are encouraged to download and try it out so they can be ready to promote it at Blooming Fest. b. Strategy to collaborate with City staff, elected officials, other City Commissions, and local environmental groups Discussion: Kesler requested that this be added to the agenda to reinvigorate efforts by the Commission to collaborate with others and asked Shah for input. He suggested starting with the Staff Liaison to get the Commission connected with the right individuals and an annual report to present to City Council annually to share what they have accomplished throughout the year. Setting up a meeting with the Mayor was also suggested by some Commissioners. c. Monarch Butterfly Action Items – Planter Design Discussion: Shah shared examples of planter designs for a planter bed at the METRA station parking lot. Planting is scheduled for May 21st at 10:00 A.M., and volunteers are needed. Two City staff members will be there to support the planting efforts. d. Landscaping Plans feedback for the proposed Community Park i. Feedback due by May 30, 2025, in writing to the Staff Liaison Discussion: Shah shared plans from the Community Development Department for the proposed Community Park and encouraged the Commissioners to review them and provide feedback by May 30th; comments can be emailed to him directly. e. Miscellaneous Discussion: Blaus inquired if Groot could attach stickers to residents’ recycling cans when they include plastic bags to notify them of why they cannot be collected for recycling to encourage compliance and spread awareness that plastic bags cannot be used for recycling or included in the curbside collection. 7. Adjournment a. At 5:50 P.M., Blaus made a motion to adjourn, and Cherrington seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote. Respectfully, Ashley Heidorn Public Works Administrative Assistant Page 2 of 2