City of Elgin Sustainability Commission met May 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
Call to Order: 6:04pm
Recognize Persons Present: In-person-Chair Armstrong, Staff Monell, Chris Flaherty, Jordon Hall, Robin Migalla, Deni Mathews, Vivienne Bailey, Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, Jaqueline Arevalo, Kevin Zaldivar, MaryAlice Masonick, Joe Masonick, Sandy, Kaptain, Rachel Starr, Alex Meyer. Video present: Deb McMullen, Carol Rauschenberger, Curt Mette, Dlyan Mooney, Jeff Biss, and Dovokia Livingston.
Approval of Minutes: April 13, 2021 Minutes; Comm. Flaherty motion to approve, motion passed 6-0; 2 absent- Kroiss and LIvingston.
Public Comment: Jaqueline Arevalo, Elgin Resident was asking the Commission to consider recommending to City Staff the installation of turtle crossing signs along Bode Rd. south of ponds of Lords Park in hopes it will alert motorists to slow down. She also feels more education or alerting residents about the turtles would be helpful as well as building turtle habits and areas at Lords Park ponds. Her request was on behalf of the residents who live in the condo complex along Bode Rd. They witness many turtles trying to cross Bode Rd. to the ponds at Lords Park and are killed. Comm. Flaherty recognizes the wildlife in and around Lords Park and knows of the turtles crossing the road. Chair Armstrong commented that it might not deter motorists from still hitting the turtles. Staff pointed out that it is not City policy to post multiple wildlife crossing signs due to fact it is ineffective method of decreasing roadkill. Flaherty made the motion to recommend the installation of turtle crossing signs on Bode Rd. across from Lords Park to Public Works Dept. Mette seconded motion; motion passed 6-0, 2 absent- Kroiss and Livingston.
Discussion Items:
Endorsing Carbon Free and Dividend Act Resolution: This was a tabled discussion item from the April meeting where Peggy McClanahan and Deni Mathews of Citizens Climate Lobby explained the Energy Innovation and Carbon Free Act’s goal of carbon pollution reduction of 30% and netzero by 2050. The money collected from fossil fuel companies would be returned to taxpayer in the form a monthly dividend so everyone could afford transitioning to renewable energy. CCL was asking if the Commission would endorse the Act and make recommendation to City Council to support a Resolution urging the United States Congress to enact the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2021 (H.R.2307). Comm. Flaherty has concerns about making a recommendation to Council and doesn’t feel it is the right time now to endorse something that makes the federal gov’t. larger. It doesn’t eliminate the current gov’t. subsidies to the fossil fuel industries but creates more regulations. Deni Mathews understands that the subsidies will help to decrease the cost of fossil industries costs from going up. The Act will help households to afford the rising costs. There would be an increasing fees overtime but can’t answer all of Flaherty concerns. Chair Armstrong commented that more people stay silent the less likely it is for change to happen, important for Congress to know what people want. McMullen asked if Act had bipartisan support yet in Congress. Deni- No. McMullen shares in Flaherty’s concerns over more regulation and larger gov’t. Feels there should be a carbon free tax but not if there is still subsidies going out. Biss doesn’t have an opinion. Rauschenberger asked if this resolution has support of west state representatives. Wanted to know where Underwood, Caston were on issue to help with influencing the City Council. MaryAlice Masonick commented that CCL wants Council to influence members of Congress with their support of resolution. Robin Migalla suggested supporting this is better than nothing and have to have a starting point. Sandy Kaptain says the Elgin Green Groups endorsed it and there were 90 sponsors. Peggy McClananhan commented that it’s not a either or situation, need to charge a tax to force fossil companies and country to carbon free choices. Kevin Zaldivar feels Commission should do less motioning and make renewable energy policies and wants ComEd out of the neighborhoods. Chair Armstrong asked for more Commissioner feedback from those who haven’t weighed in, none was given upon the request. He said since there is a hesitation on the part of the Commission right now to make and recommendation, to put it back on the agenda in June. Flaherty motioned to table discussion to June, second by McMullen passed 7-0, absent Kroiss.
Elgin Area CAN (Climate Action Now), Municipal Electricity Aggregation- A tabled discussion item from the April agenda on Elgin Area CAN Climate Action Now made a proposal and rationale for the City of Elgin staff make 100% renewable electricity aggregation an immediate and urgent priority and negotiate such a contract on behalf of the city. They wish for the Sustainability Commission to create outreach campaign to promote the 100% renewable electricity aggregation to residents. To include the explanation of the urgent need due to climate change, explain the benefits of it and explain an-opt out option. Chair Armstrong said the City has a consultant researching municipal electrical aggregation and wants to see these reports from the consultant and expects this consultant to seek the Commission’s approval and recommendation prior to going to Council. Wants this consultant to go through the Commission first before Council. McMullen asked what are we motioning to do? More exploration of electrical aggregation. Rauschenberger commented it is the consultant we used in 2016, Mark Pruitt possibly, not sure. Flaherty motioned for city to bring this electrical aggregation analysis findings to Commission for recommendation, McMullen seconded, motion passed 7-0, absent Kroiss. Rauschenberger thought the consultant was from 2016, maybe Mark Pruitt, not sure. Armstrong said we would want memo to staff asking for the findings to be shared with Commission before Council.
Elgin Great Tree Search- Armstrong said a draft on urban trees initiatives and highlighting notable trees of Elgin needs to be worked on first in work group before presenting to Commission. It could than be shared with Molly Gillespie and bring it back next month. McMullen liked the idea.
Work Group Reports and Task Related Updates- Chair Armstrong shared the draft of new work group focus areas and asked for input from Commission on what their 1st and 2nd choice would be for a Commissioner to lead each work group. They would lead the work group and volunteers with community groups in town. Need to reach out to community groups and tap into what they are already doing. McMullen likes the draft, feels Commission is just spinning its wheels right now with now direction or common message. Flaherty is not against focus groups moving to more of a climate change focus and having less work groups is better. Commissioners should give their top 2 choices to staff liaison so we can move forward. Wants to see more push of downtown business to recycling, urban waste moving forward. Armstrong thinks maybe retreat on the 29 Ideas of Climate Change with new Commissioners and updating action plan with focus areas.
New Business-None
Old Business-Update on Sustainability & Climate Analyst- Staff reported that position is still not filled and hiring process is continuing until right candidate is found.
Announcements- Rich Hirshburg is looking for any volunteer support for Midwest EV Car Show in Sept. McMullen said she is interested in helping out. Armstrong thanked Chris Flaherty and Deb McMullen for their time and work with Earth Month activities, calendar, and videos. Kane Co. Wild Ones Plant Sale is on May 22nd at HHNC. Library is hosting Climate Solutions 101 webinars at Gail Borden Library.
Adjournment: Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:31pm by McMullen, second Biss; motion passed 7-0, absent Kroiss.
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